Ex-Boise State center, Council High grad finds new NFL team for $9 million a year
From 8-man football to Boise State walk-on to an eight-figure contract.
Matt Paradis, a Council High graduate who played for Boise State from 2009 to 2013, was one of the most sought-after NFL free agents, and he reportedly has found a new landing place.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Paradis intends to sign with the Carolina Panthers for three years and $27 million. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports half of the deal, $13.5 million, is guaranteed. He can officially sign Wednesday.
Paradis had spent the first five years of his career with the Denver Broncos and made slightly more than $2.9 million last season. Per Spotrac, his $9 million annual salary makes him the seventh-highest-paid center in the NFL.
Recent reports had connected Paradis to the Jets, and said that even though the Broncos were initially hesitant to offer a big contract, they were still in the mix. Rapoport said the Panthers’ deal was “out of nowhere.” Carolina was in the market for a new center after five-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil retired following last season.
Paradis had played 3,850 consecutive snaps before breaking a leg Nov. 4 in a loss to the Texans. He’s started in all 57 games he’s played. Despite the season-ending injury, he finished the season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 3-ranked center. ESPN ranked him as the No. 11 available free agent.
This story was originally published March 12, 2019 at 3:23 PM with the headline "Ex-Boise State center, Council High grad finds new NFL team for $9 million a year."
