Donald Penn has sat out the entire offseason in the hopes of landing a long-term contract from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Today, he just may have gotten a little closer to that deal.

According to reports, the New York Jets have given left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson a 6-year, $60 million dollar contract extension with over $34 million guaranteed. That is the most guaranteed money ever for an offensive lineman.

Both the Bucs and Penn have not budged this offseason in regards to a new contract. The Bucs' ownership does not want to do contract extensions currently with the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) mess going on. Not all teams are thinking that way though, and this news is sure to help Penn's stance on the subject of gaining a new contract. While he may not have to the same accolades as Ferguson - first round pick and pro-bowl selection - Penn is a solid left tackle and wants to be paid like one.

Penn, 6-foot-5, 325-pounds, has not signed his restricted free-agent tender offer, which is worth over $3 million, and he likely isn't going to as long as he and his agent are seeing contracts like this being negotiated. Penn is considering holding out of training camp.

Penn is the last restricted free agent that the Bucs have not been able to sign. Penn has started 44 straight games at left tackle for Tampa Bay after breaking into the lineup in 2007.