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In the build up to free agency in recent weeks, several fans of the Seattle Seahawks had dreamed of the team signing All Pro left guard Andrew Norwell who had played for the Carolina Panthers in 2017. His price tag was expected to be high, and Tuesday morning just how high became apparent when it was reported Norwell has agreed to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Former Panthers’ G Andrew Norwell intends to sign with the Jaguars on a 5-year deal for $66.5 million, including $30M fully guaranteed, source tells ESPN. He is going to become NFL’s highest paid guard - $13.3 million average.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Norwell is very good, but that $13.3M average per year (APY) makes him not just the highest paid guard in the NFL, the APY exceeds that of the contract former Seahawk Russell Okung signed in free agency last offseason with the Los Angeles Chargers. What that means is that Norwell is not just the highest paid guard, it means his contract carries the highest APY of any offensive lineman in the NFL. In addition, the $30M guaranteed ties the record for the most guaranteed money to any offensive lineman in NFL history.
Highest Average Annual Value - Current OL Contracts:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
G Andrew Norwell $13.3M
OT Russell Okung $13.25M
OT Trent Williams $13.2M
So, for fans who had dreamed of the Hawks adding Norwell to the lineup for new offensive line coach Mike Solari, those dreams have now been crushed. There are not a lot of impact free agent offensive linemen available during this free agency period, and with Norwell now off the market, the pickings are even slimmer.