Media Friday: Week of 4/28/14

  This week, similar to several other weeks in the NFL's off-season, was nearly devoid of any interesting news outside of Earl Thomas' contract extension. The NFL's media was filled with smokescreens from teams, rumors, and other useless information that will not impact the 2014 season in any way, shape or form. During the week of April 28th, 2014, the only two meaningful pieces of information were the handful of 5th-year extensions that were given out and the blockbuster deal between the Seattle Seahawks and Earl Thomas. Needless to say, this will not be a very extensive version of Media Friday.

Earl Thomas Signs Contract Extension
  On Monday morning, the Seattle Seahawks have decided to retain the best free safety in the NFL. On April 28th, 2014, Earl Thomas and the Seahawks struck a 4-year, $40 million contract extension that will keep Thomas in Seattle until the 2018 regular season. The contract extension includes over $27.5 million in guaranteed money, and the $10 million yearly salary will make Earl Thomas the highest paid safety in the NFL. Throughout his 4-year career, Earl Thomas has picked off fifteen passes, elected to three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams, made over 300 tackles, defended 31 passes, and has asserted himself as the best free safety in all of pro football.(To see some of Earl Thomas' highlights, click here). Needless to say, this is a deal that is beneficial to both Earl Thomas and the Seattle Seahawks, and the Legion of Boom's leader will be around for another four years.

Teams Continue to Pick Up 5th-Year Options
  As the deadline to pick up 5th-year options approaches, several teams quickly decided this week that they would extend the contracts of some of their young stars. In the NFL, it is required that first-round rookies are signed to a 4-year contract with an optional fifth year extension. Generally, first-round rookies that become prominent players in the NFL receive the optional fifth year, which acts almost like a franchise tag. Here is a list of the notable players to receive a 5th-year contract extension, along with their salaries for the 2015 season:

• Aldon Smith-Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers: $9.75 million 
• Ryan Kerrigan-Linebacker, Washington Redskins: $7.04 million
• Von Miller-Linebacker, Denver Broncos: $9.75 million
• Julio Jones-Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons: $10.18 million
• Mike Pouncey-Center, Miami Dolphins: $7.44 million
• Robert Quinn-Defensive End, St.Louis Rams: $6.97 million