Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Jags star Ramsey arrives at camp in armored truck
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.>> JalenRamsey crouched in the back of an armored truck, peered through a small window and waited for his introduction.
The two- time Pro Bowl cornerback then flung open both doors, revealing dozens of phony money bags and a huge smile.
Ramsey put on quite a show as the Jacksonville Jaguars reported for training campWednesday. The performance likely will serve as the start of a yearlong push for a new contract.
“It’s time to get this money, money,” the driver said into amegaphone as Ramsey exited the vehicle.
Ramsey is entering the final year of his $ 23.3 million rookie contract. The Jaguars exercised the fifth- year option in the deal, meaning he’s tied to the club for $ 13.7 million in 2020.
Ramsey is one of the top cornerbacks, if not the best, in the league. He has nine interceptions and 44 pass breakups in three seasonswhile typically shadowing each opponent’s No. 1 receiver.
The Jaguars want the former Florida State star to be a long- termpiece of their defense. But they’re unwilling to give him an extensionwith two years remaining and already told him so.
Still, Ramseymade it clearwith his grand entrance that he expects to get paid handsomely — sooner rather than later.
The driver dressed in all black and sporting an armored vest pulled up near the front gate and delivered a loud and glowing intro for teammates, fans and media.
“Y’all know what time it is?” the driver said. “This man’s coverage is so good he’s fixing to have his own cellphone service. The man’s so good they’re fixing to give him his own jail — called Jalen Towers — because these receivers are on 24- hour lockdown. If you check his pocket, he’s got eightMaster locks in his pocket. They’re on lockdown all season. The man, the myth, Jalen Ramsey.”
Jacksonville has a little more than $ 9 million in cap space available, but should be in better financial shape next year after getting rid of about $ 24 million in dead money already paid to quarterback Blake Bortles, defensive tackle Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson, tight end Austin Seferian- Jenkins and others.