By Joe Schiller
Young will ink a three-year, $25.8 million contract with a max value of $29 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That’s $8.6 million annually for the third-year corner, who was scheduled to hit free agency in 2020.
All in all, it’s a solid deal for both sides.
For Young, he earns a significant payday playing one of the league’s most premium defensive positions.
For the Ravens, they lock up one of their promising young players in the secondary at a good price.
When talking about salaries, it’s important note the title of a position’s “highest-paid player.” Every year, the salary cap increases, giving teams more financial flexibility. With that comes bigger contracts.
Last June, the Miami Dolphins made Bobby McCain the league’s highest-paid nickel cornerback, signing him to a four-year, $27 million deal. As the cycle goes, the money increases and it will past Young's deal.
Young was a key piece of the Ravens’ defense in 2018, a group that allowed an average of 210 passing yards per game. They also ranked 3rd in defensive DVOA, only behind the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills.
Young returned from a torn ACL in 2017 and finished with 37 tackles, five passes defended, three fumble recoveries and one interception in 15 games. He ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 75th best cornerback but battled through a groin injury for most of last season.
Avoiding Young’s impending free agency will help the Ravens financially. A 2020 free agent cornerback class with notable names like Marcus Peters, Trae Waynes, Kendall Fuller, Logan Ryan, Aqib Talib, Joe Haden and Chris Harris could warrant significant paydays.
Signing Young one year early helps the Ravens set the market, rather than compete with it.