The Los Angeles Rams have signed Joe Cardone to a two-year contract, making him the third-highest-paid long snapper in the NFL with a salary of $1.725 million. This new deal represents a significant increase of over $300,000 from his previous earnings.
Long snappers are often overlooked in football, but they play a vital role on the team. Cardone's journey to the NFL was influenced by his father, a Navy veteran, who taught him the importance of specializing in a position to gain an advantage in football.
After attending the Naval Academy, where he honed his long snapping skills, Cardone was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. He had a successful ten-year career with the Patriots, participating in four Super Bowls, before a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins.
The Rams sought a dependable long snapper after issues with Alex Ward last season, and Cardone's experience and skills made him an ideal choice. In addition to his snapping duties, he has also contributed on coverage, recording five tackles and forcing a fumble in the last two seasons.
Head coach Sean McVay's decision to sign Cardone reflects the need for a long-term solution at the position, as they look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.