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Rosenhaus Sports has stellar week in NFL free agency

Drew Rosenhaus is having a big year. The veteran NFL agent is representing more than one prospective first-round draft choice and Rosenhaus Sports Representation, the firm he owns with his brother, Jason Rosenhaus, negotiated $270 million worth of deals in the first week of free agency.

“It’s the most we’ve ever done in a week,” said Drew Rosenhaus, who has been an NFL agent since 1988.

The week culminated with a pair of landmark deals signed March 13: RSR client and former Patriot Trent Brown’s four-year agreement with the Raiders worth a maximum of $66 million, reportedly making him the highest-paid offensive tackle; and former Buccaneer Kwon Alexander, another RSR client, became the highest-paid linebacker with a four-year deal with the 49ers for a maximum value of $54 million.

Additionally, RSR represents wide receiver Antonio Brown, who the Steelers traded to the Raiders with three years left on his contract in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick in this year’s draft. Rosenhaus negotiated a new three-year deal with the Raiders that added $11 million in new money and guaranteed $30 million of the $54 million maximum value.

“We got the Raiders to do that,” Rosenhaus said, noting that head coach Jon Gruden is a fan of Brown, as is quarterback Derek Carr.

A new contract and team for Antonio Brown (left) added to Drew Rosenhaus’ successful 2019.ap images; getty images

Brown played for the Steelers for nine years but was in a much-publicized spat at the end of the season during which he demanded a trade. “I don’t think there was a chance of him staying with the Steelers,” Rosenhaus said, acknowledging the relationship had deteriorated. “There were things that were said — on both sides.”

RSR also has a strong class for this year’s NFL draft, headed up by Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor and Michigan linebacker Devin Bush.

“Taylor is in the running to be the first offensive lineman drafted in 2019,” said NFL Draft Scout analyst Rob Rang. He noted that Bush, who ran a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, put up one of the better workouts at the NFL combine. “Bush should also be selected in the first round, checking in as the No. 2 inside linebacker in this draft behind only LSU’s Devin White, the reigning Butkus Award winner,” he said.

RSR also signed Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love — who could be a high pick — as well as Ohio State offensive tackle Michael Jordan and University of Miami defensive backs Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine.

The Rosenhaus brothers, Robert Bailey and Ryan Matha are representing the players.

Known more for signing established players as opposed to top rookies, Drew Rosenhaus said that may change in the future.

“It is true, I have been known to spend more time on veterans,” Rosenhaus said, adding that he decided to spend more time this year signing rookies. “This will be the case moving forward. I want to have more of an impact on the draft.”

RSR, however, has signed some veterans recently, including Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker, Lions nose tackle Damon Harrison and Ravens running back Gus Edwards. Baker was formerly represented by Revolution Sports, Harrison had been repped by CAA Sports and Edwards was formerly represented by Malka Sports.

RSR also signed Steelers safety Sean Davis, who was formerly represented by NFL agent Eugene Lee, president of MBK Sports Management. In an email to Sports Business Journal, Lee said, “I stand by our impeccable track record of excellence in every matter we had ever undertaken for Sean Davis. We have always represented our clients with the utmost integrity, honesty and industry expertise. Let the record stand for itself.”

Liz Mullen can be reached at lmullen@sportsbusinessjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @SBJLizMullen.

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