We know the drill by now. Initial reports of a new contract often look better than the deal itself reveals.
The latest example? Seahawks cornerback Antoine Winfield.
Six days ago, multiple media outlets reported that the one-year agreement is worth $3 million. They forgot to include “up to” in front of that.
Winfield’s deal, per a source with knowledge of the contract, has a base value of $2 million. Of that amount, $500,000 is tied to his presence each week on the active roster, at a rate of $31,250 per game.
Winfield also received a $500,000 signed bonus, and $500,000 of his $1 million base salary is guaranteed. Another $1 million is available in incentives, based on playing time and interceptions.
At the time the reports surfaced of the value of Winfield’s deal, some suggested that the Vikings had a similar offer on the table. If Minnesota were offering a base deal of $3 million and Winfield opted to take a contract with a base value of $2 million, that’s an eye opener.
Then again, it’s possible that Minnesota’s deal was worth “up to” $3 million, too.
