Tag: Contract Details

Broncos added void years to Courtland Sutton’s restructured contract

The Broncos added three void years to Courtland Sutton’s contract. He will have a $7.125 million cap hit in 2026 even if he’s off the team.

Just before the 2024 NFL season started on Sept. 4, the Denver Broncos restructured wide receiver Courtland Sutton’s contract to get under the salary cap. By converting $11.875 million of Sutton’s $13 million salary into a bonus, Denver created $9.5 million in 2024 cap space.

Sutton has two years left on his contract — 2024 and 2025 — and the Broncos added on three void years to push his cap hits down the road. Sutton is now scheduled to have a $7.125 million cap hit in 2026 when his contract expires, according to OverTheCap.com.

Sutton will also have void years in 2027 and 2028, but they will not impact the team’s salary cap space. There’s no downside to the void years for Sutton — he’ll be paid the same amount regardless. The upside for Denver is instant cap relief, but the team will have to eat some of his cap hit in 2026 even if Sutton is no longer on the team.

Elsewhere on the contract front, fullback Michael Burton received a one-year, $1.21 million contract when he was promoted to the 53-man roster last week. Thanks to the NFL’s Veteran Salary Benefit rule, Burton’s cap hit this season will be $930,278.

The Broncos have about $6.85 million in remaining salary cap space.

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Tyron Smith’s Jets contract has Cowboys fans mad all over again

From @ToddBrock24f7: The 8x-Pro Bowler could earn up to $20M, but only through a lot of incentives he likely won’t reach. The Cowboys could have done that deal.

Most Cowboys fans were hopeful that the team would work a deal to bring longtime left tackle Tyron Smith back in 2024. Then they were disappointed at the news that Smith was heading east to play for the Jets. Then there was a small sigh of relief when it was revealed the oft-injured 33-year-old was signing a contract worth “up to $20 million.” That was followed by sadness when Smith posted a heartfelt farewell to Cowboys Nation.

But now that the actual terms of Smith’s deal have been revealed, the overriding emotion among the fanbase is anger– that the front office didn’t do more to keep the surefire Hall of Famer in the silver and blue.

Because it looks like Gang Green may have just gotten the bargain of the year in Smith.

Even the Jets “were surprised he took the offer,” according to ProFootballTalk.

As broken down by SI.com’s Albert Breer, Smith is fully guaranteed to earn just $6.5 million this season in New York. That’s practically pocket change for a surefire Hall of Famer who’s still performing at an All-Pro level. And it’s well within what the Dallas front office could have offered, with even the few bookkeeping moves they’ve made thus far.

By way of comparison, Brandin Cooks is set to make more in 2024. So is Terence Steele. And it’s just barely more than Donovan Wilson or Trey Lance.

That $6.5 million figure represents a slight dip from Smith’s 2023 total earnings of $7.3 million with the Cowboys, but the majority of that came from incentives. As it turns out, Smith’s Jets contract also offers plenty in the way of bonuses.

That’s where the $20 million max comes from. And while that makes for a nice round number for conversational purposes, it’s hard to imagine Smith actually cashes in on all of those financial mile markers.

For instance, if Smith sees the field on 68% of the Jets’ offensive snaps in 2024, he’ll pocket an extra $5.75 million.

In 2023, he was in on 71.54% of the Cowboys’ offensive snaps, but that was his highest snap count since 2019. (Despite his healthiest and most dominant season in a while, Smith still missed four games.) And his 2022 and 2020 snap counts wouldn’t even get him to the first threshold of bonuses in his current New York contract.

An even higher tier of snap count incentives could get Smith up to an additional $6.25 million (on top of the first bonus), but that figure is only if he plays on 98% or more of the offensive snaps. That’s a total the former first-round draft pick hasn’t reached since 2015, nearly a decade ago. Since he hasn’t surpassed 74% in the last four years, Smith tapping into that second bonus bracket at all feels like a serious roll of the dice.

And while it’s not unthinkable that Smith could claim another $500,000 for a ninth Pro Bowl nod this season, him counting on too many of those $250,000 bumps for Jets playoff wins also feels like a reach- even with a healthy Aaron Rodgers- in the stacked AFC.

How much Smith will ultimately take home in 2024 obviously depends primarily on how much he plays, which will be decided mostly by how healthy he can stay. And while he theoretically could amass $20 million in his first year in Gotham, the realistic odds are he’ll earn considerably less.

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Whatever Smith ends up making this season, the Cowboys likely could have scraped together (without too much trouble) the same amount to keep him in town.

To put it bluntly, they just didn’t want to.

The Cowboys would apparently rather start over at left tackle- Dak Prescott’s main protector- and take what will be a fifth-round compensatory draft pick in 2025 in exchange for a man they’ll probably put in their Ring of Honor one day.

And that will have the Cowboys’ fans in all kinds of feels for 2024.

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How Zaire Franklin’s new 3-year contract breaks down for Colts

Here’s how Zaire Franklin’s new contract breaks down.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker and defensive captain Zaire Franklin signed a three-year contract extension with the team just before the start of free agency.

Franklin is the only player thus far to sign an extension this offseason with a full year remaining on his deal. The Colts tacked on the three-year contract to his existing deal, meaning the contract runs through the 2027 season.

The three-year deal is worth $31.26 million, including $17.62 million guaranteed, and ranks eighth among linebacker contracts. Here’s how the deal breaks down after the 2024 season, according to Over The Cap:

Three years, $31.26 million

$5 million signing bonus

2025
– $5.74 million base salary (guaranteed)
– $30,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $7.5 million (2.3%)

2026
– $6.24 million base salary
– $45,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $8.255 million (2.9%)

2027
– $8.24 million base salary
– $45,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $10.255 million (3.3%)

Franklin doesn’t have any guaranteed money on the contract after the 2025 season, which is when he’ll be entering his age-30 campaign.

The Colts can save $5.755 million in cap space while incurring a $2.5 million dead cap hit if he’s released or traded during the 2026 offseason. They would save $9 million in cap space and incur $1.25 million in dead cap if he’s released or traded during the 2027 offseason.

Franklin has earned a new contract after being one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL over the last two seasons. He’s a team captain every season, and he gets a nice chunk of change upfront.

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How Kenny Moore’s 3-year contract with the Colts breaks down

Kenny Moore is once again the NFL’s highest-paid slot CB. Here’s how the contract breaks down.

The Indianapolis Colts re-signed cornerback Kenny Moore II to a three-year contract, keeping him in the Circle City through the 2026 season.

Though it wasn’t totally clear whether Moore would return, the two sides eventually got a deal done to secure the talented slot cornerback for the next three campaigns.

The three-year deal is worth $30 million with $16 million fully guaranteed at signing.

Here’s how his contract breaks down, according to Over The Cap:

Three years, $30 million

$6.75 million signing bonus (guaranteed)

2024
– $4.24 million base salary (guaranteed)
– $30,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $6.97 million (2.7%)

2025
– $7.99 million base salary ($5.01 million guaranteed)
– $30,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $10.75 million (4.1%)

2026
– $9.49 million base salary
– $30,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $12.25 million

With Anthony Richardson currently on his rookie contract, the Colts have had a clear theme of front-loading these three-year deals with guaranteed money during the first two seasons. This gives them an out if needed going into 2026.

If the Colts needed to cut or trade Moore going into the 2026 offseason, they would save $10 million in salary-cap space while incurring just a $2.25 million dead cap hit.

Moore returned to form as one of the best slot defenders in the NFL during the 2023 season. This came off the back of a poor season in the first year within Gus Bradley’s defense.

On this new deal, Moore is now the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL—the second time in his career he’s achieved the feat.

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Here are the details of Michael Pittman Jr.’s new contract with Colts

Here’s our breakdown of Michael Pittman Jr.’s contract extension.

The Indianapolis Colts and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. got a deal done on a new three-year contract that will keep him with the team through the  2026 season.

After using the franchise tag to extend their window of negotiation, both sides were able to get a deal completed in what should be a win-win for either party.

The three-year deal is worth $70 million and includes $41 million guaranteed at signing and up to $46 million guaranteed.

Here’s how the contract breaks down, according to Over The Cap:

Three years, $70 million

$15 million signing bonus

2024
– $8 million base salary (guaranteed)
– $5 million roster bonus (guaranteed)
– Cap Hit: $18 million (6.9%)

2025
– $18 million base salary ($13 million guaranteed)
– Remaining $5 million guaranteed if on roster fifth day of 2025 league year
– Cap Hit: $23 million (8.8%)

2026
– $22 million base salary
– $2 million roster bonus (fifth day of league year)
– Cap Hit: $29 million (10.2%)

Going with the theme of the other contracts the Colts have signed this offseason, this shapes up to be essentially a two-year deal with a team option in 2026.

The Colts can save $24 million in cap space while incurring a $5 million dead cap hit if they need to cut or trade Pittman after the 2025 season. It also gives them the opportunity to extend Pittman if things go well.

This is also a win for Pittman because he gets a market-level deal with a ton of guaranteed money upfront, and he potentially gets to hit the market again before the age of 30. That’s huge for a wide receiver of his caliber.

Overall, this is a solid contract for both sides. The Colts retain their WR1 for at least the next two years and can revisit the deal in any capacity if needed after 2025.

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Colts free agency: What are details of new Tyquan Lewis contract?

Here’s a look at the contract details for Tyquan Lewis’ new deal.

The Indianapolis Colts retained some vital depth along the defensive line by re-signing Tyquan Lewis to a two-year deal. We have the preliminary details of that contract.

After a career year, Lewis and the Colts agreed on a two-year deal worth $12 million with $7.7 million guaranteed, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.

That’s a solid deal for both sides. Lewis has had an extensive injury history, but he’s persevered at an incredible rate. He should be able to provide another solid season of working as the third or fourth pass rusher from the edge.

Lewis broke out in a big way after playing a full 17-game season. He tied a career-high with 4.0 sacks while he posted career-high marks in tackles for loss (nine), quarterback hits (13) and total pressures (44).

The Colts may still add to the edge rusher room in the draft, but the return of Lewis into the rotation is a key piece. And it’s a solid value for a productive No. 3/4 edge rusher.

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Colts’ Tyquan Lewis is one sack away from a $150K bonus

Tyquan Lewis can earn a $150,000 bonus with a sack against the Texans.

The stakes are extremely high for the Indianapolis Colts when they host the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night, and there will be plenty of motivation for both sides.

For defensive end Tyquan Lewis, though, there is a bit more motivation for him to make an impact with a sack in the regular-season finale.

According to Action Network, Lewis will receive a $150,000 bonus if he notches a sack against the Texans. This would give him 5.0 sacks on the season.

While Lewis may not be a household name or even a starter on the Colts defensive line, what he’s done for Indy’s defense should not be overlooked. The sheer ability to bounce back from consecutive torn patellar injuries (nearly on the same day) over the last two seasons is incredible in itself.

Despite playing just 36.9% of the defensive snaps this season, Lewis ranked third on the team with 40 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s also fourth on the team in tackles for loss (nine) and quarterback hits (12).

The edge rotation the Colts have featured this season has produced strong numbers, and Lewis is a big reason for that. He can earn a nice bonus with another strong game on Saturday night.

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Contract details for Chiefs DT Chris Jones revealed

Contract details for Chiefs DT Chris Jones revealed | From @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are rejoicing to have All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones returning to the team after an agreement was reached on Tuesday. The new one-year deal doesn’t solve the long-term holdup between both parties but does end the lengthy holdout.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 1-year deal is filled with incentives that helped Jones commit to the season. He revealed the new contract details on social media and the Chiefs’ options moving forward as the Pro Bowler is still set to become a free agent after this season.

“All-Pro Chris Jones will sign a 1-year deal worth up to $25M, sources say.” posted Rapoport, “The base of $19.5M remains the same, but he has the chance to make up the fines (and more) with his incentives package. He’ll be a free agent after the season, but KC also has the tag.”

Jones is expected to be back on the field for the Chiefs’ Week 2 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team looks to rebound after dropping the home opener.

 

What are Gardner Minshew’s contract incentives in 2023

Here’s a breakdown of Gardner Minshew’s contract incentives.

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While the Indianapolis Colts are excited about the future that includes Anthony Richardson, they made sure to bring in a proper mentor in the form of Gardner Minshew.

The Denim Shorts Don signed with the Colts during free agency on a one-year deal that included incentives. It was a pairing in free agency that simply made too much sense considering the history he has with new head coach Shane Steichen.

While Minshew’s contract is worth $3.5 million guaranteed in base salary, he also has $2 million worth of incentives. According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, we now know what those incentives are.

Here’s how those incentives break down:

Incentive Bonus Payout
30% of offensive snaps $500,000
40% of offensive snaps $1 million ($500,000 + original $500,000)
50% of offensive snaps $1.5 million ($500,000 + original $1 million)
60% of offensive snaps $2 million ($500,000 + original $1.5 million)

It seems like a pretty straightforward set of incentives solely based on playing time. While the Colts want Richardson to be the starter as soon as possible, it’s also nice to have a bridge option like Minshew to lean on.

Doing some arbitrary math, the Philadelphia Eagles ran 1,179 offensive plays in 2022 while the Colts ran 1,151 offensive plays. Based on those extremely arbitrary numbers, we’ll run with a generic 1,150 offensive plays as a 2023 projection.

And based on that amount of plays, the Colts would be projected to run 67.6 plays per game. With 30% of the total snaps being 345 plays, the math comes out to be roughly five games started for Minshew if he were to play every snap.

Again, these are essentially arbitrary numbers because it will be incredibly difficult to predict the number of plays the Colts will wind up with at the end of 2023. Considering the unknown factors between the pace of play and how efficient the offense will be, it’s difficult to know for sure.

But we’re just trying to give a basic outline of what it could look like.

With that said, it might be tough for Minshew to reach that first incentive tier unless Richardson either gets injured or is further behind in his development than we initially believe. We should have a better idea of the latter when we see him during training camp and the preseason.

The Colts want to start him sooner rather than later because he needs the live reps even if it means dealing with growing pains in the process.

Regardless, we now have something to track during the season in the case of Minshew’s incentives.

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Contract details for new Chiefs LT Donovan Smith revealed

The contract details for new #Chiefs LT Donovan Smith’s one-year deal have been revealed.

The contract details are officially in for new Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Donovan Smith and the deal is looking much more team-friendly than initially reported.

According to the folks at Over The Cap, the 30-year-old NFL veteran will earn a $1.98 million base salary in 2023, which is completely guaranteed at signing. He’s set to earn $1.02M in per-game roster bonus as well, which puts his 2023 salary cap number at $2.76M. That’ll put him at the 16th-ranked salary cap hit on the team in 2023 as things currently stand.

The 2023 cash payout to Smith totals $3M before incentives. The contract ranks at 35 of 110 possible left tackle contracts in Over The Cap’s database. And yes — Smith is set to play left tackle in Kansas City according to head coach Andy Reid. Things could certainly change as it’s only May, but for now, it appears he’ll be the starter.

Smith’s contract could reportedly earn “up to $9 million” with incentives. The details of those incentives aren’t currently known, but we can expect they’re not-likely-to-be-earned (NLTBE), which means they’ll count toward the 2024 salary cap for Kansas City.

The incentives will likely have to do with both playtime and the playoffs. Keep in mind that Smith didn’t miss a game during his first four seasons in the NFL and he’s appeared in seven career playoff games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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