FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Nick Mangold got the big deal he was looking for and a new label that might make Darrelle Revis envious.
The Jets’ two-time Pro Bowl center became the highest-paid player at his position Tuesday, signing a seven-year deal with the Jets that could be worth up to $55 million.
“To be able to say ‘the highest-paid center’ is very nice to hear,” Mangold said. “It worked out well for both sides.”
The deal includes more than $22 million in guarantees against injury.
“Signed, sealed and delivered,” a smiling Mangold said.
The all-pro center was scheduled to earn $3.3 million in the final year of his five-year rookie deal. The contract surpasses the one inked last year by St. Louis center Jason Brown, whose five-year contract was worth $37.5 million, including $20 million guaranteed.
“It wasn’t a sticking point, and I’m very fortunate that the Jets decided to go that route,” Mangold said of being the league’s highest-paid center. “I’m very appreciative and excited to have that. I’m sure next year some young gun will come along and blow me out of the water anyway, and that’s A-OK in my book.”
Meanwhile, Revis missed his 24th day since the team reported for training camp while in a bitter contract dispute.
• Quarterback Mark Sanchez said he will wear a protective brace on his surgically repaired left knee “probably forever” to guard against future injuries.
Sanchez said he will wear it during all future games and practices.
Vikings’ Rice out with hip injury.
Pro Bowl receiver Sidney Rice could miss the first half of the Vikings’ season — or more — after having hip surgery.
Coach Brad Childress said it was hard to give a specific timetable for Rice’s return, but he said typically it takes about eight weeks before a player can get back to football.
“I would think (it will take) probably at least eight weeks before we’re talking about doing anything,” Childress said.
It’s a huge blow for the Vikings, who have little depth at receiver. Percy Harvin has struggled with migraines during the preseason, and the team signed former Broncos receiver Javon Walker to help out.
Okung has ankle sprain.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Russell Okung, the sixth overall draft pick, has a high right ankle sprain, putting the key position of left tackle in flux for Seattle heading into the regular season.
Carroll said after practice that he is hoping the replacement for retired all-pro Walter Jones can play in the Sept. 12 opener against San Francisco.
NFL ad sales booming.
Ad sales for NFL games on CBS have recovered so strongly that the network is on pace to bring in record revenue this season.
CBS executive vice president John Bogusz said signs of the recession have all but disappeared — at least when it comes to advertising during pro football games. He said at the network’s NFL media day that “the market is extraordinarily strong.”
Footnotes.
A sprained ankle will keep quarterback Donovan McNabb on the sideline Friday night when the Redskins play the Jets. McNabb has been unable to practice since getting hurt in Saturday night’s preseason loss to the Ravens.
• Panthers backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen returned to practice after missing a day with a sore right big toe, an ailment the former Notre Dame star expects to linger throughout his rookie season.
• Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty, who has missed all of training camp with a bone bruise in his right knee, hopes to return to practice this week and intends to be ready for the season opener Sept. 12 at Tampa Bay.
The Associated Press
