Promotion
Extension for B.C.'s Meier

Extension for B.C.'s Meier

British Columbia native Rob Meier, who is replacing three-time Pro Bowl player Marcus Stroud in the starting lineup this season, has signed a four-year contract extension.

Meier told the Canadian Press that the new deal will pay more than the US$2.095 million he was due in the final year of his previous contract.

The 31-year-old Meier, now under contract through 2012, has been the team's most durable and versatile defensive lineman the last eight seasons.

Playing every position on the line and missing just five games, Meier has 262 tackles and 19 1/2 sacks since Jacksonville drafted him in the seventh round in 2000.

He spent most of his career playing behind Stroud and two-time Pro Bowl tackle John Henderson. But now the Jags are counting on him to contribute more.

"It's a great thing," Meier told CP. "It's always tough to lose someone like Marcus Stroud. He's a great friend and I wish him the best up in Buffalo. But I'm excited about it."

"He's been a solid, hardworking player," Del Rio said. "He's (improved) every year we've been here. He probably played his best football last year. He was very disruptive in the middle. He's got some sneakiness in the pass rush, he shows up around the quarterback quite a bit and he's been solid for us in the run game. We're happy with Rob."