Jackson extended, RB will be a Bill 3 more years

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It's typically a good idea to keep your best players around as long as possible, given they can still perform at the highest level. That's the situation with the Bills and running back Fred Jackson.

The Bills announced Monday they extended Jackson's contract, which had a year remaining on it, to three years total. He's now reportedly slated to make more than $10 million over the remainder of his contract in addition to a $3 million signing bonus, according to WGR 550 Buffalo.

"It's a big day for the Bills, and it's a big day for Fred Jackson and his family," Bills general manager Buddy Nix told reporters Monday.

Jackson was having an MVP-like season in 2011 before acquiring a season-ending knee injury in Week 11. Entering Week 11, Jackson was averaging 101.9 rushing yards a game, he had six touchdowns in the nine games and was gaining 43.6 yards a game via receptions.

Jackson had been very patient in awaiting the extension that Nix promised him midway through last year. He always said he believed in Nix's word, and his patience paid off.

"I think we're doing some tremendous things here," Jackson said. "I think we can get a lot accomplished in three years, and I wanted to be a part of it."

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