Recently, word emerged that the Eagles have inked second-round pick LeSean McCoy, a running back from Pitt on whom his new team will be relying to make an immediate impact, given the uncertain health of running back Brian Westbrook.
And the 53rd overall pick in the draft came away from the process with $1.72 million in guaranteed money.
Per a league source, McCoy received a signing bonus of $1.37 million, which represents a 10-percent increase over the signing bonus received by the 53rd overall pick a year ago, Jaguars defensive end Quentin Groves.
McCoy also will be eligible for a one-time incentive of $357,000, based on achieving playing time of 35 percent in his rookie year or 45 percent thereafter. (Other team and individual performance triggers apply.) The amount is guaranteed against skill and injury, via base salaries in the out years.
Though the $357,000 is not technically guaranteed, such payments are regarded as guarantees, especially when paid to a player who is expected to get plenty of reps and where the amount is guaranteed for skill and injury via future base salaries.
As to the base salaries, McCoy will earn the minimum amounts: $310,000 in 2009; $395,000 in 2010; $480,000 in 2011; and $565,000 in 2012.
So, in all, it’s a four-year, $3.47 million deal.
It’s hardly the pay day McCoy expected when he opted to leave Pitt with two years of eligibility remaining, but it’s a good deal and a good situation.
And from the perspective of an admitted WVU homer, I’m glad McCoy’s gone from the college game.