NFL free agency opened this week, and with the salary cap rising, players around the league are signing life-changing contracts for increasingly large sums of money.

Former Alabama center and current Philadelphia Eagle Landon Dickerson is the latest to sign a four-year contract worth up to $87 million, with at least $50 million guaranteed.

The contract is the largest for a guard in NFL history.

Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Dickerson was converted to left guard and quickly developed into one of the best players in football. He was already a two-time Pro Bowler and was rated as the league's top interior lineman for his running play. Per ESPN run block win percentage He was fourth in the entire league in passing plays.

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Dickerson was the centerpiece of Alabama's record-setting 2020 offense that won the championship. rimington trophy He was rated as the best center in the nation and was unanimously selected to play on the All-American team.

Alabama's 2020 offensive line also won the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation's best unit.

Dickerson suffered a season-ending injury late in the 2020 season, but he still dressed up for the national championship game against Ohio State and took the final snap of the season, taking a knee and clinching Alabama's 18th title.

Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP