St. Louis Rams: Janoris Jenkins Inks 4-Year Deal After Lengthy Dispute

The St. Louis Rams drafted cornerback Janoris Jenkins in the second round last April with the No. 39 overall pick, but a number of fans expressed concern due to Jenkins' off-the-field history. 

In the spring of 2011, coach Will Muschamp announced via Twitter that Jenkins was kicked off the Florida Gators for multiple arrests relating to marijuana possession, which was the first major sign of concern. 

And rather than entering the supplemental draft following his departure, Jenkins opted to stay in school and transfer to Division II North Alabama. 

The transfer seemed like the better move at the time, but leading up to the NFL draft last April, it was revealed that Jenkins' marijuana use continued during his time in Alabama (according the NFL.com).  

As if the drug use and legal problems were not enough, Jenkins was also widely criticized for fathering four children with three different women, which further solidified his reputation as an irresponsible person. 

Regardless of the issues, in an interview on ESPN NFL 32, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher made it clear (h/t ProFootballTalk)to the media that his staff underwent a tremendous amount of research on Jenkins' personality before drafting him. 

Fisher's word of reassurance settled the fanbase, but you can imagine the outcry that occurred once talk of a contract dispute began to surface. 

According to Michael Silver of Yahoo Sports, Fisher made an agreement with Jenkins' agent, Malik Shareef, prior to drafting him. The agreement stated that the Rams would draft Jenkins under the condition that he meets with a sports management and advisory firm in order to help him get his child support and other finances in order.  

But according to a report by Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports, the NFL Players Association strongly opposes such an agreement and states that it is in violation of the current CBA. 

Then, more turbulence was created when it was made public that the Rams wanted to gradually pay Jenkins' signing bonus over a four-year period (according to Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports).

But regardless of the standoff and reports of disagreement, the Rams have inked Jenkins to a four-year deal, according the Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Twitter. 

Jim Thomas‏@jthom1Following  

Rams agree to terms w/2nd round draft pick, cb janoris jenkins.

Later on, Thomas confirmed on Twitter that the deal is worth approximately $5 million with $3.1 million guaranteed, although the exact details are still unavailable. 

Jenkins missed the first day of rookie training camp but will be available for the Rams' first team-wide training camp practice on Sunday, July 29. 

It's possible that in an attempt to keep Jenkins out of trouble, the Rams purposely held off on his contract until the vacation period between minicamp and training camp ended. 

Trumaine Johnson, another Rams rookie with off-the-field issues, also had to wait until the verge of training camp before receiving a contract, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Twitter. 

But whatever the reason for the delay, both the fans and the Rams organization are pleased to have a premier talent like Jenkins in pads. 

If he cuts the nonsense and grows up, he has a shot at becoming an incredible football player.