The Miami Dolphins have agreed to a three-year contract extension with offensive lineman Austin Jackson, locking in the former first-round pick until 2026. As reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and later confirmed by league sources, the Dolphins and Jackson have hammered out a three-year extension to the tune of up to $39 million, with nearly $21 million in guaranteed cash. 

With his original contract winding down and his fifth-year option passed over by the Dolphins, Jackson had to prove his worth this season on the field. And, stepping up to the challenge, he has played like the former 18th overall pick he is, starting every game and notably being the highest-rated right tackle in Week 13, according to WSVN.com. 

Miami's checkbook will continue to stare down a list of players anticipating free agency. Names like Robert Hunt, Connor Williams, Isaiah Wynn, and Kendall Lamm, and some hefty defensive talents, all loom large. And a long-term extension for Tagovailoa is only getting louder, despite the QB being under contract through 2024 with the fifth-year option available.

Jackson's staking his claim has been pivotal for the Fins, especially considering the 2020 draft class performance. "You take the opportunity to get better and you make something out of it," Jackson said in a statement obtained by WSVN.com. 

This very 2020 class—featuring Jackson, Tagovailoa, Hunt, Davis, Brandon Jones, and Blake Ferguson—is shaping up to be a foundation for the Dolphins, as per reports from Sports Illustrated.