Players like job security as much as anyone, and especially when there isn't huge demand for them. Any young player good enough for the top 30 could sign a long contract, because the club knows they won't decline during that period, and the player knows his professional career will last at least that long. If a dude is a depth signing in his early 20s he'll probably still be at least that good in four years time. He doesn't have to be worth top dollar. Ogden signed a three year contract ffs, probably on close to minimum salary. He was good enough to be a backup at 25 and he still will be at 28. Makatoa and Rodwell also signed for as long.