Maurice Williams on a five-year contract extension with Jacksonville Jaguars

Looking to secure their future at right offensive tackle and to ensure that one of the NFL's emerging young lineman does not depart in free agency next spring, the Jacksonville Jaguars have reached agreement with Maurice Williams on a five-year contract extension. The extension is worth $21 million and includes $8 million in guaranteed money. Williams, 25, was entering the final season of the original four-year deal that he signed as a rookie in 2001. Without an extension, he would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2004 season, and likely would have been one of the top players in the pool of available veterans next spring.A starter in all three seasons when healthy, Williams stepped right into the first unit on the opening day of his initial training camp, and has become a fixture at right tackle. Williams played every offensive snap as a rookie then missed much of the 2002 season with a broken leg. He returned in 2003 and sat out just two snaps the entire year.Pro personnel men around the NFL regard Williams among the top right tackles in the league and, given his youth, he figures to keep getting better.Clearly, the Jaguars did not want there to be any chance they would lose him as a free agent, and the organization was proactive in seeking the extension. At 6-feet-5 and 310 pounds, the former University of Michigan star has rare athleticism.
Williams was a second-round draft choice, the 43rd player selected overall in 2001, and the fourth offensive tackle to go off the board.

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