The Titans and wide receiver Rishard Matthews have agreed to an unusual extension. Matthews now has a team option tacked onto his deal for 2019 with a base value of $7.75MM, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. 
Matthews fired his agent and negotiated the deal himself, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. That would explain this arrangement, which is unusual to say the least. It’s not clear what the wide receiver is getting in exchange for giving up his right to enter the free agent market next year, especially since there is no guaranteed money in the deal.
Prior to the extension, Matthews was set to enter the final year of a three-year free agent deal signed in 2016. He’ll make $5MM in the final year of that original contract.
Matthews led all Titans receivers last season with 795 yards off of 53 receptions and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, he has been unable to practice this summer due to an undisclosed injury. If he can get back in time for the opener, he’ll be a part of an intriguing Titans receiving group.
Looks like a $3 million dollar pay raise for next year if he performs this season. If he doesn’t he’ll be cut and an FA.
So what’s the incentive for him?