Tennessee Titans Hand Out Richest Contract in History for Offensive Lineman

Left tackle Taylor Lewan just inked a five-year, $80 million extension.

Taylor Lewan #77 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Taylor Lewan #77 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Getty Images

If you’ve never heard of Taylor Lewan, you’re not alone.

But he just got 80 million reasons not to be concerned about that fact — with 50 million of ’em guaranteed.

The Tennessee Titans made the powerful left tackle the top-paid offensive lineman in NFL history by inking him to a five-year, $80 million extension early Friday.

Before signing the contract, Lewan had skipped the team’s mandatory minicamp in June but he reportedly was planning on playing this season on his fifth-year option for $9.3 million.

With the new deal, 27-year-old Lewan is now averaging $16 million per year, eclipsing the $15.5 million per year left tackle Nate Solder is making after signing a four-year, $62 million deal with the New York Giants.

Lewan, who has started 47 straight games for the team, was selected No. 11 overall in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft after playing his college ball at Michigan.

“It is my obligation to sharpen my tools, and get ready for a really strong season,” Lewan said  on Thursday before inking the deal. “I want this team to be successful, and I want to do whatever can to be the best left tackle I can be.”

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