clarinews@clarinet.com (02/02/90)
WASHINGTON (UPI) -- Washington tackle Jim Lachey reportedly has signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract that makes him the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history. The Washington Post, quoting an unnamed source, reported the contract will pay Lachey $725,000 this season and $800,000 in 1991. In addition, Lachey could earn $225,000 each year in incentives, bringing the total potential value of the contract to more than $2 million. The team did not release terms of the agreement. Lachey, 26, came to the Redskins in a 1988 trade with the Los Angeles Raiders for quarterback Jay Schroeder. Lachey, who played collegiately at Ohio State, is considered by some the best left tackle in the NFL and was an All-NFC choice this season. Lachey allowed no sacks this season, despite one-on-one blocking assignments against Philadelphia defensive end Reggie White and some of the league's other top pass rushers. Even with his credentials, the 6-foot-6, 290-pound Lachey was not named to the NFC Pro Bowl team. Incentives in Lachey's contract include playing time, his ranking among the team's offensive linemen and whether the Redskins make the playoffs, the Post reported. The Redskins also signed defensive end Charles Mann to a new three-year agreement.