Every year, only so much big money flows in free agency. Some players have to choose between a long-term deal with less-than-big money and a short-term deal with an opportunity to make big money again.
Former Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara chose the latter last week, and he now has a chance to parlay that into a big contract next March.
In accepting a one-year deal with the Jaguars, Amukamara will make $5 million plus up to another $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses and another $500,000 in incentives based on playing time.
It’s far from top-of-market money, but it gives Amukamara a chance to try to get there in 2017, if he plays well and if the Jaguars, who are putting together a strong defense to match a potent offense, make it to the postseason, giving Amukamara a chance to showcase his talents when 20 teams and counting are home watching the games.
Past players who have turned a one-year bet-on-himself deal into a much more valuable long-term contract include tight end Martellus Bennett. Other players who expected big deals but who haven’t gotten one yet may want to consider doing the same thing, quickly.