:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45859474/usa-today-8079913.0.jpg)
The Jaguars signed tight end Julius Thomas on Tuesday to a five-year, $46 million deal with $24 million guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Thomas, 26, was considered a favorite to land with the Jaguars since the beginning of the three-day legal tampering period in the weekend prior to the beginning of free agency. The only reported competition for Thomas came from the Seattle Seahawks who instead addressed the tight end position by acquiring Jimmy Graham from the New Orleans Saints via trade on Tuesday.
After just one reception in his first two NFL seasons, Thomas earned Pro Bowl trips in 2013 and 2014 with 12 touchdowns in each season. In 27 games over the two-year span, Thomas accumulated 108 receptions for 1,277 yards and 24 touchdowns.
The contract signed by Thomas is one of the richest in NFL history for a tight end and eclipses the total money received by Graham last July when he was given a four-year, $40 million deal, although Graham received the higher average salary per year.