Before being traded by the Texans to the Raiders, quarterback Matt Schaub was due to earn a base salary of $10 million in 2014, with up to $1 million more available in per-game roster bonuses. After the trade, Schaub agreed to give up $3 million of that amount, but he can earn it all back via incentives.
Per a source with knowledge of the contract, Schaub will earn a fully-guaranteed base salary of $4.5 million in 2014, along with a guaranteed roster bonus of $3.5 million. That’s $8 million fully guaranteed.
The other $3 million comes with incentives that hinge on factors like a Pro Bowl appearance, playing time, playoffs, and a Super Bowl appearance and win.
In 2015, Schaub will earn a $5.5 million base salary. He also can earn another $3 million via the same incentive factors.
Schaub also had the last year of the prior contract wiped clean, making him a free agent in 2016.
So it’s a base amount of $13.5 million for two years, with another $6 million
Still, some are wondering why Schaub didn’t simply refuse to re-do his deal and force the Texans to cut him. He then could have tried to spark a bidding war between the Raiders and the Browns, and he possibly could have emerged with more money for 2014 and/or 2015.