Just hours before the beginning of their 2018 regular season, the Arizona Cardinals made a major move to secure their future at a key position.
The Cardinals announced Saturday night that they have signed star running back David Johnson to a contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2021. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the contract is a 3-year, $39 million deal that includes $30 million in guaranteed money and could be worth up to $45 million.
Glory to God for blessing my family and I with the opportunity of me playing for this amazing organization and fan base for more years! #Blessed #BirdGangImHereToStay pic.twitter.com/T2BWCc7nAK
— David Johnson (@DavidJohnson31) September 9, 2018
The 26-year-old Johnson was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2016 but missed most of the 2017 season with a wrist injury. He held out of the team's mandatory minicamp this summer amid contract negotiations. Johnson had been set to become a free agent after the 2018 season.
The Cardinals will host the Washington Redskins in their regular-season opener on Sunday at the newly-named State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
