On Thursday, reports emerged that suggested the Baltimore Ravens and fourth-year slot cornerback, Tavon Young, reached a deal to extend his contract. Young was set to become a free agent after 2019, but the preemptive move will prevent that. According to ESPN’s NFL Insider, Adam Schefter, Young’s contract extension will add three additional years and reward the young pass defender with $25.8 million. The deal also includes incentives that can maximize the deal’s worth to $29 million. Contract extension in hand, Young is now the highest paid slot cornerback in the National Football League. The Ravens will confirm the extension in a press conference on Friday.

The Baltimore Ravens drafted Tavon Young in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. At the time, there was no assurance that the pick would work out for the Ravens. Young was a 5’9″ cornerback from Temple, and although he played well in college, a transition to the NFL seemed like it could be difficult. To Baltimore’s delight, Tavon Young developed at a very fast pace and became one of the heroes of the 2016 campaign. Young recorded two interceptions in his first year and returned a blocked kick for two points against the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore was very excited to see how Tavon Young would develop in year two, but Young was never given chance to play his sophomore season.

In the 2017 offseason, Tavon Young tore his ACL. The injury ended his season before it began. Young’s future was in doubt after the injury. ACL tears are notorious for derailing careers. Despite the setbacks, Young rebounded in 2018 and solidified himself among the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL. Young recorded 37 combined tackles, five pass deflections, three fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown), and one interception. The Ravens are beyond happy with Young’s performance in the early stages of his career.  To maintain this level of success, Young will need to keep his injury in the past and stay healthy.

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