JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Jaguars believe nose tackle DaVon Hamilton’s best season is just the beginning.
Hamilton signed a three-year contract extension Thursday, a clear indication how general manager Trent Baalke and coach Doug Pederson feel about the third-round pick entering his fourth season.
The extension is worth $34.5 million and includes $23 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side disclosed financial details.
“DaVon is an integral part of our team,” Baalke said. “Retaining our homegrown players is a key component to our organizational philosophy. … We are confident that his best football lies ahead. He is a great representative of the Jaguars both on and off the field, and we are excited for his future in Jacksonville.”
Hamilton, the 73rd overall pick in 2020 out of Ohio State, showed improvement in each of his first three years. It culminated with a career-high 56 tackles and 2 ½ sacks in 2022. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound defender helped the Jags rank seventh in the league last season in yards per carry (4.15) and 12th against the run (114.8 yards a game).
He’s the second member of Jacksonville’s defensive line to land a contract extension this offseason, following Roy Robertson-Harris. Robertson-Harris signed a three-year, $21.6 million extension in February that included $14.4 million guaranteed.
Now Hamilton, Robertson-Harris and 2022 No. 1 draft pick Travon Walker likely will be playing alongside each other for at least two more seasons, maybe longer.