Miguel's UNOFFICIAL 2011 Patriots Salary Cap Footnotes and Documentation Page

Last updated on August 14, 2011 8:00 PM EDT

DISCLAIMER:

I will NOT pretend that this information will be 100% correct. The information on this site can ONLY be as accurate as the press reports that the information comes from.

I would like to thank Pats39, Peachhead, Jim S, Chris Matthews "CJ", Ian Logue, Andrew Brecher, Jocelyn Robichaud, Naren99, Ickster, Tom Sweeney, AdamJT13, Pats726, pats1, and Paul Dalrymple. Each of them have in their own way provided invaluable assistance and guidance. Please note that NONE of them are responsible for errors on this page.

Kyle Arrington -
November 15, 2009 update With his 11/8 elevation to the 53-man roster Arrington is scheduled to make $164,115 (the prorated portion of his rookie salary of $310,000). Arrington made $41,600 during his 8 weeks on the practice week. $164,115 + $41,800 = $205,715.
November 19, 2009 update ESPNBoston.Com's Mike Reiss blogged on 11/19 that "Arrington's deal does not include a signing bonus. It has base salaries of $310,000 in 2009 and $395,000 in 2010. There is a 2010 offseason workout bonus of $57,000, in addition to a $50,000 roster bonus in 2010."
March 5, 2011 On March 1st, 2011 the Boston Globe's Shalise Manza Young blogged that "Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington, an exclusive-rights free agent, has received his tender from the team. The one-year contract is worth $480,000.ERFA players have no more than two accrued seasons of service and unlike restricted free agents, they cannot get offer sheets from other teams, only their original team. Arrington still could come to a longer-term contract agreement with New England."
July 23, 2011 Arrington's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $525,000 as part of the new CBA.
July 29, 2011 ESPNBoston.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington has signed a two-year contract with a maximum value of $3.275 million, his agents Sean Stellato and Richard Kopelman of Klass Sports said tonight...Arrington will have base salaries of $525,000 in 2011 and $850,000 in 2012. He earned a signing bonus of $400,000."

Tom Brady - From CBS Sportsline's Signing status of AFC 2000 draft picks. Signing bonus: $110,000. Base salaries: $193,000 (2000); $275,000 (2001); $358,000 (2002). Total: three years, $864,400. While CBS Sportsline lists Brady's signing bonus as $110,000, ESPN.Com's Len Pasquarelli listed Brady's 2002 cap figure as $399,833, which would mean that his prorated signing bonus is $12,833 since it would be mean that his signing bonus was $38,400, which seems to be the more reasonable number for a 6th-round pick. I remembered recently in a Boston Globe article that Brady had earned about $70,000 in playing-time incentives this year.
May 9, 2002 update - AdamJT13 in a post to the Patriots NG wrote:"Brady's cap number is $432,873. He has a $375,000 base salary, a $12,833 prorated signing bonus, a $5,040 workout bonus and $40,000 in LTBE incentives (which formerly were NLTBE)."
August 29, 2002 update - From the Boston Globe - "Brady received $4 million of the bonus when he signed the contract, and that will be added to his $375,000 salary for the season. On the first day of the 2003 season, the Patriots have the right to exercise a $6 million option for the rest of the bonus. The contract runs through the 2006 season, and is structured similarly to Richard Seymour's. He signed a two-tiered bonus last year."
September 2 update - From the Boston Herald - "As part of his five-year, $30.52 million deal, Brady will earn $250,000 for every AFC championship and an additional $250,000 for every Super Bowl win he is the quarterback for. He won't receive any bonus money for making his second Pro Bowl, but every Pro Bowl selection thereafter will earn him $500,000. An NFL MVP award is also good for $500,000, while an NFL Offensive MVP award will net him $250,000. Brady received a two-tiered signing bonus worth a total of $9.5 million ($3.5 million this year and $6 million next March). He will keep his $375,000 base salary this year before his salary jumps to $3.1 million in 2003, $5.5 million in 2004, $5.5 million in 2005 and $6 million in 2006.Brady's cap number is only $1.075 million this season. His cap charge jumps to $5.3 million in 2003, $7.7 million in 2004, $7.7 million in 2005 and $8.7 million in 2006. The high cap numbers later in the deal will likely force a restructuring in a few years."
September 4, 2003 update From ESPN.Com's Len Pasquarelli - "The contract extension signed by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady last week is worth more than $30 million in so-called "new money" and keeps his salary cap number more than palatable for this season before escalating dramatically in cap value in its later years. According to NFL Players Association documents obtained by ESPN.com, the third-year veteran received a signing bonus of $3.5 million but kept his 2002 base salary at $375,000, the amount negotiated in his initial rookie contract in 2000. His salary cap value for 2002 is just $1.091 million. But after this year the value of Brady's contract, and the cap charges, spiral upward. Brady is due a $6 million option payment next March (March, 2003) to trigger the remainder of the contract. The base salaries for the four-year extension portion of the deal then become $3.125 million (2003), $5.5 million (2004), $5.5 million (2005) and $6 million (2006). The final season also includes $500,000 in incentives. There are workout bonuses of $5,600 each for 2003 and '04 and $6,160 each for '05 and '06. The total "new money" is $30.148 million. ...The future salary cap charges: $5.33 million ('03); $7.705 million ('04); $7.706 million ('05); and $8.706 million ('06). The term "new money" refers to the total value of the contract, minus what Brady was due under his original deal. The per-year average for the extension is a whopping $7.537 million."
March 26, 2003 update It appears that Brady restructured his contract sometime during late March. The Ickster posted on the KFFL forum that "the NFLPA website is now listing his (Brady) base salary at $450K, where it previously was listed at $3.125M. The $2.675M was probably guaranteed and treated as signing bonus, spread at $668.75K per season over the remaining 4 years of his deal. In short, the move clears $2,006,250 of room on the 2003 cap." I would like to thank the Ickster for pointing out Brady's restructure to the rest of the Patriots fan community.
March 27, 2003 update ESPN.Com's Len Pasquarelli reported that "the maneuver further increases Brady's already lofty cap values for the 2004-2006 seasons by about $670,000 each year. The new cap values for those years become roughly $8.374 million each for 2004-05 and $9.374 for 2006".
December 1, 2003 update Brady's 2003 cap number is $3,323,450 ($450,000 base salary, $2,868,750 signing bonus proration, $4,700 workout bonus) with an additional $500,000 in NLTBE incentives. Brady's 2004 cap number currently is $8,374,350 ($5.5 million base salary, $2,868,750 signing bonus proration and $5,600 workout bonus) with an additional $500,000 in NLTBE incentives. His cap numbers are $8,874,910 for 2005 and $9,374,910 for 2006.
September 10, 2004 update From the Boston Herald - "Sources confirmed last night that the Pats guaranteed Brady's $5.5 million base salary in 2004, a maneuver that saved the Pats around $3 million against this year's salary cap but pushed Brady's future cap numbers into Law's neighborhood." Brady's 2004 cap number is now $5,064,350.
October 17, 2004 update ESPN.Com 's Len Pasquarelli reported that "It is believed that Brady's cap charge for 2005 is now about $10.29 million and that his charge for the '06 season exceeds $14 million."
April 2, 2005 update Pete Prisco reported that Tom Brady "has a cap figure of $10.02 million this season and $14.02 million in 2006 (including a $3 million roster bonus)."
May 8, 2005 update ESPN.Com's Len Pasquarelli reported that "according to documents obtained by ESPN.com, the contract includes a $14.5 million signing bonus and a $12 million option bonus that is due next spring. The base salaries are $1 million (for 2005), $4 million ('06), $6 million ('07), $5 million ('08), $2.3 million ('09) and $3.5 million ('10). There are roster bonuses of $3 million each in the final three years of the contract. Brady will have a salary cap charge of $8.429 million for 2005, which is between $1.5 million and $2 million less than under his old contract. But his cap number for 2006 jumps to a prohibitive $14.423 million, meaning the contract will have to be revisited probably by converting the option bonus into a signing bonus, which can then be prorated. There are also guarantees, such as injury guarantees in the 2007 and '08 seasons, in the deal. Over the first three years of the contract, a measuring stick that is often used now by many agents and teams to gauge comparative value, the deal averages $13.111 million." Adamjt13 supplemented Pasquarelli's report with "Brady's entire $6 million salary in 2007 and $2 million of his salary in 2008 are guaranteed if he's injured" and "the option is only for 2010, so he would still be signed through 2009. But his 2006 salary would jump to $6.7 million, fully guaranteed if he gets injured, and his 2009 salary would jump to $5 million. My note: Brady's 2006 option bonus is already being prorated. I can't explain why Pasquarelli would write what he did but I do know that he was wrong.
June 14, 2005 update Nick Cafardo reported in the Boston Globe: "Some interesting tidbits from the 22-page contract of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, which was signed May 4:

Here is how the first line reads: ''TERM: This contract covers 5 football seasons and will begin on the date of execution or March 1, 2005 whichever is later and end Feb. 28 or 29, 2010 unless extended, terminated or renewed as specified elsewhere in this contract."
Brady received $5 million of his $14.5 million signing bonus May 4. He'll receive $5 million July 15 and the remaining $4.5 million March 31, 2006.
Brady gets $100,000 for completing at least 90 percent of the offseason workout program throughout the contract. He must repay the money if he performs less than 90 percent of the workouts. Brady gets an additional $440 per week if he completes 90 percent of the workouts in 2005 and $480 per week in 2006-10.
The Patriots have to give Brady written notice on or before the third day of the '06 season that they're picking up the $12 million option bonus for that season. Brady would receive $5.5 million on or before July 15, 2006, and the remaining $6.5 million on or before July 15, 2007.
Hard to imagine the ''Failure to Perform" clause will ever come into play, but it exists. Basically, if Brady has steroid, drug, or other off-field issues, he must return money based on the following schedule: 2005 -- 100 percent; '06 -- 83 percent; '07 -- 66.7 percent; '08 -- 50 percent; '09 -- 33.3 percent; '10 -- 16.7 percent.
Brady must agree to ''up to 10 promotional and charitable appearances." This has become a norm in Patriots contracts. The team, of course, ''assumes all travel and out-of-town expenses."
Brady also agrees to provide up to three hours a month to the ''club's internet website, radio production and/or television production."
''Player grants to the club exclusive rights to the use of digital images of player in uniform on the club's internet website."
Here's some interesting language: ''Club and Player agree that Player will exhaust all reasonable efforts to establish relationships exclusively with Club's sponsors and media partners. If after exhausting all reasonable effort to work exclusively with Club sponsors and media partners and the player is unable to enter into a commercially reasonable relationship then player has a right to establish a relationship with a non-club affiliated entity."
''Player agrees that he will not, without prior written consent of Club, appear as a regularly scheduled guest or host of a radio or television production related to professional football for any local media other than a Club sponsored radio or television network."
If the Patriots have picked up the '06 $12 million option, Brady -- providing he passes all physicals and is on the 80-man roster the first day of each league year -- will have $3 million bonuses awaiting him prior to the '08, '09, and '10 seasons, all payable on or before March 31.
In the unlikely scenario the team doesn't pick up the $12 million option, Brady is protected pretty well with the ''skill guarantee" portion of the contract. He would have to meet minimal performance standards for this season (too long to describe in this space), but once he does, he's guaranteed his '06 salary of $4 million, his '07 salary of $6 million, and $2 million of his '08 salary of $5 million, even if he's cut. In other words, Brady could play one year, receive his $14.5 million bonus, and then also have an extra $12 million guaranteed if he never plays another down for the Patriots.

August 7, 2005 updateYou can see how Brady's new deal compares to his old deal at tombrady.gif
September 7, 2005 update, A NFLPA.org research document indirectly shows that Brady earned $4,180 in offseason workout bonus money.
January 26, 2006 update On January 22nd the Boston Globe had in their written edition of the Boston Sunday Globe a chart listing the 2006 cap hits for all of the players signed for the 2006 season. Brady's 2006 cap hit was listed as $14.42 million.
July 17, 2006 update John Clayton reported in a ESPN.Com article that "Brady has a $15.67 million cap hit." In order for that to be true, Brady must have $1,750,000 LTBE incentive in his contract.
September 3, 2006 update Rick Gosselin reported in a Dallas Morning News that "Brady has a $13.83 million cap hit." In order for that to be true, Brady must not have $1,750,000 LTBE incentive in his contract and not earned his $100,000 offseason workout bonus money.
May 4, 2007 update According to Mike Reiss' blog - "The Patriots took Brady's $6 million base salary in 2007 and paid $5.28 million of it to Brady in the form of a signing bonus. That lowered Brady's base salary in 2007 to $720,000. By restructuring Brady's contract, the Patriots saved $3.96 million in cap space in 2007. As for the rest of the deal, Brady's base salary remained the same in 2008, at $5 million. His base salary increased to $5 million in 2009. He was previously scheduled to earn $2.3 million in base salary in 2009. Brady's base salary remained the same in 2010, at $3.5 million. Brady did not take a pay cut as part of the restructure."
November 3, 2007 update Adamjt13 reported on a Cowboys-related forum that Brady's 2007 cap number was 7,345,160 which most likely means that Brady "only" earned $5,160 in offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $106,720 that I previously had him earning.
November 6, 2008 update According to the USAToday salary database Brady earned $1,320 in offseason workout bonus money.
March 3, 2009 update Brady was paid a $3,000,000 roster bonus on February 27th.
September 14, 2010 update On September 14th ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss blogged that "the following are key details of quarterback Tom Brady's four-year contract extension from 2011-2014, according to a source who has viewed the deal:

Signing bonus - $16 million

Base salaries

2010: $7.5 million (increased from $3.5 million from existing deal)
2011: $5.75 million (guaranteed for injury and cap)
2012: $5.75 million
2013: $9.75 million
2014: $9.75 million

Roster bonuses

2011: $4 million
2012: $6 million
2013: $5 million
2014: $5 million

Workout bonuses

2011: $250,000
2012: $250,000
2013: $250,000
2014: $250,000

The below is my take on Brady's salary cap numbers bonuses

2010: $17,427,280
2011: $13,200,000
2012: $15,200,000
2013: $18,200,000
2014: $18,200,000

September 18, 2010 update On September 15th The Boston Herald's Ron Borges provided the most comprehensive background I have ever seen on a Patriots contract.

"Had 1 year left (2010) for a total of 6.5M ($ 3M bonus already received and $3.5M salary).Cash Earned increase this year is 20M in salary and new signing bonus.

Guarantees

$48.500 Guarantee at the time of signing
$28.3M is guaranteed for Skill, Injury & Salary Cap
$19.7M is guaranteed only for Injury & Salary Cap, meaning Brady could be cut for “skill” and that money would not be earned.

Averages Per Year

$72.M for the four-Year Extension
$18M annual average
$78.5M for the full five-year contract
$15.7M annual average

Cash Earned

$26.5M in 2010 (Y1): The original $ 6.5M in salary and old bonus, plus $ 4M in new money and $ 16M signing bonus.
$36.5M 2011 (Y2): This is his 2011 earning plus 2010.
$48.5M 2012 (Y3): Three-year total.
$63.6M 2013 (Y4): Four-year total
$78.5M 2014 (Y5): Total value of contract if he plays it out fully.

Details

$16M Signing Bonus ($10M is deferred until Aug. 2011, Brady’s own form of lockout insurance.
$7.5M 2010 (Y1) salary ($4M advanced from new deal. This is in addition to the $3M old bonus already earned, which makes a total of $10.5M).
$5.75M 2011 (Y2) - P5 Salary 5.75M for Injury + Salary Cap with 2.3M for Skill AND 5th Day 2011 League Year, all becomes guaranteed for Skill, Injury + Salary Cap
$5.75M 2012 (Y3) P5 Salary 5.75M guarantted for injury + Salary Cap AND Last 2011 Regular Season Game, all becomes guaranteed for Skill, Injury +Salary Cap.
$9.75M 2013 (Y4) P5 Salary Injury + Salary Cap AND 5th Day 2013 League Year, all becomes guaranteed for Skill, Injury + Salary Cap
$9.75M 2014 (Y5) P5 Salary Injury + Salary Cap AND Last 2013 Regular Season Game, all becomes guaranteed for Skill, Injury +Salary Cap.

ROSTER BONUS

$ 3M 2010 (Y1) Roster Bonus already earned
$ 4M 2011 (Y2) Roster Bonus 15 Day League Year * (Paid 2 weeks into Training Camp)
$ 6M 2012 (Y3) Roster Bonus 15 Day League Year * (Paid Feb 15 2013)
$ 5M 2013 (Y4) Roster Bonus Jun 15th * (Paid Feb 15 2014)
$ 5M 2014 (Y5) Roster Bonus Jun 15th * (Paid Feb 15 2015)

Offseason workout bonus

$ 250,000 2011 (Y2) Off-Season Workout
$ 250 2012 (Y3) Off-Season Workout
$ 250 2013 (Y4) - Off-Season Workout 5th Day of 2013 League Year becomes guaranteed for Injury and Salary Cap
$ 250 2014 (Y5) - Off-Season Workout Last 2013 Regular Season Game becomes guaranteed for Injury + Salary Cap"

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000145460/article/details-emerge-on-tom-bradys-contract-extension-with-patriots?campaign=Twitter_atl The upshot of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's new contract, which in effect turns his old agreement into a five-year, $57 million deal with the three new years tacked on, is in the guarantees. Offseason Forecast: Patriots With the offseason under way, Around The League examines what's next for all 32 teams. Gregg Rosenthal tackles the Patriots. More ... Brady gets a $30 million signing bonus as part of the deal, and that will be paid out between now and early 2015. In addition, his base salary of $1 million this year and $2 million next year are fully guaranteed. As of now, his $7 million base in 2015, $8 million base for 2016 and $9 million base for 2017 are guaranteed for injury only. However, if he's on the roster for the last game of 2014 season, the $24 million due from 2015 to 2017 becomes fully guaranteed.

Deion Branch - On October 5, 2010 ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss reported that "Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch agreed to take a pay cut for the final year of his contract as part of the deal that brought him back to New England from the Seattle Seahawks. The restructuring reduces Branch's 2011 base salary from $5.95 million and puts it closer in line with Wes Welker's base salary of $2.15 million in 2011, a source told ESPNBoston.com. Branch has a chance to earn an additional $2 million in the form of incentives."

Marcus Cannon - All 2011 draft picks were tendered a $375,000 salary.
August 3, 2011 updateOn August 3rd, 2011 the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard and Amalie Benjamin reported that "Marcus Cannon: $2,338,186 total, $200,500 signing bonus ($375,000, $481,281, $587,562, $693,843)."

Patrick Chung - Patrick Chung's salaries are $310,000 in 2009, $480,000 in 2010, $510,000 in 2011, and $600,000 in 2012.
December 21, 2009 update According to the USAToday salary database Chung received a $2,000,000 signing bonus and a $75,000 roster bonus.
July 23, 2011 Chung's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $525,000 as part of the new CBA.

Thomas Clayton With his release Thomas Clayton will count $5,580 (his offseason workout bonus) in dead money against the Patriots 2011 salary cap.

Landon Cohen - His 2011 salary is scheduled to be $600,000..
September 4, 2011 update With his release Landon Cohen will count 5,580 (his offseason workout bonus) in dead money against the Patriots 2011 salary cap.

Dan Connolly - According to the NFLPA.org website Connolly got an one-year deal that included a $370,000 salary.
October 20, 2008 update Connolly earned $152,348 during his time on the 53-man roster.
November 7, 2008 update According to the USAToday salary database Connolly earned $5,640 in offseason workout bonus money.
November 22, 2008 update Connolly was signed to the practice squad with 10 weeks left in the season. Connolly's practice squad salary is larger than the minimum, $150,000 versus $88,400. $150,000 / 17 * 10 = $88,235.
January 1, 2009 update When Connolly was elevated to the 2008 53-man roster on December 13th, 2008, he signed a two-year deal that had as his 2009 salary as $460,000.
December 26, 2009 update On December 23rd ESPNBoston.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "Connolly receives a $325,000 signing bonus as part of the new deal. His base salary will be $600,000 in 2010 and $725,000 in 2011. The deal includes workout bonuses of $50,000 in 2010 and 2011." As part of his salary Connolly's 2009 salary was increased to $743,333. $743,333/17 * 3 = $131,176. $460,000/17 * 14 = $378,824. $131, 176 + $378, 824 = $510,000.
June 26, 2010 update According to the performance-based program Connolly earned $6,890 in 2009 offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $7,280 that I previously had him earning.
March 5, 2011 update On February 28th ESPNBoston.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connolly, who started 13 games last season, reached incentives in his contract that will boost his pay in 2011. Connolly was scheduled to earn $725,000 next season, but that salary has been bumped up to $1.025 million. The incentives were included in Connolly's deal when the pact was renegotiated in December of 2009. "

Christian Cox The Boston Globe's Greg Bedard blogged on August 5th that "All of the undrafted free agents got three-year contracts."

Shawn Crable - Crable's contract is a four-year deal, with a $760,500 signing bonus. The base salaries are:

2008: $295,000
2009: $385,000
2010: $470,000
2011: $555,000

Going past Patriots rookie contracts the final year probably includes an escalator that could increase the value of the base salary based on playing time in the first three years of the deal.
February 20, 2010 update Since Crable spent the entire 2009 season on IR, it did not count as a credited season for him. Therefore, his 2010 salary will be the minimum for a player with one credited season - $395,000.
July 26, 2010 update With his release on July 28th Shawn Crable will count $197,405 (2010 signing bonus proration of $190,125 plus the $7,280 in offseason workout bonus money I am presuming that he earned) against the Patriots 2010 cap.
September 10, 2010 updatePractice squad players, like Shawn Crable, make $5,200 a week, or $88,400 for the 17-week season.
September 26, 2010 update Shawn Crable earned $10,400 while on the practice squad.
November 24, 2010 update Shawn Crable was on the 53-man roster for 8 weeks earning a total of $185,882 during his team on the 53-man roster.
March 5, 2011 update Shawn Crable will count $190,125 in dead money against the 2011 salary cap.

Jonathan Crompton - Jonathan Crompton will count $5,580 against the 2011 salary cap.

Alge Crumpler - On 3/26 the Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport blogged that "Crumpler has received a signing bonus of $1 million, I'm told, and he's slated to earn salaries of $1.4 million in 2010 and $2.4 million in 2011. In all, that gives him a two-year deal worth $4.8 million, not including escalators and incentive clauses." On 3/28 ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss blogged that "the two-year contract that tight end Alge Crumpler signed with the Patriots includes a $100,000 weight clause each season."
July 29, 2011 update With his release Alge Crumpler will count $508,120 against the 2011 Patriots cap.

Jermaine Cunningham - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
March 6, 2011 update Jermaine Cunningham received a $1.32 million signing bonus as part of his 4-year rookie deal.
July 23, 2011 update Cunningham's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.

Brandon Deaderick - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
March 6, 2011 update Brandon Deaderick received a $43,000 signing bonus as part of his 4-year rookie deal.
July 23, 2011 update Deaderick's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.

Ras-I Dowling - All 2011 draft picks were tendered a $375,000 salary.
August 2, 2011 updateAaron Wilson tweeted on August 2, 2011 that "Patriots second round cornerback Ras-I Dowling's deal is worth $5.3 million and includes a $2.3 million bonus
August 3, 2011 update On August 3th, 2011 the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard and Amalie Benjamin reported that "Dowling received a four-year contract worth a total of $5,304,098 that includes a signing bonus of $2,357,528. He will receive a workout bonus of $125,000 in 2013 and ’14. Dowling has base salaries of $375,000, $616,095, $732,190, and $973,285" and that "the Patriots guaranteed 2 1/2 years for Dowling, 1 1/2 for Vereen, and the first year for third-rounders Stevan Ridley and Mallett."

Julian Edelman - The Boston Globe's Christopher Gasper blogged on 7/17/2009 that "Edelman has signed a four-year deal with a $48,700 signing bonus."
July 23, 2011 update Edelman's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $525,000 as part of the new CBA.

Dane Fletcher - On May 20 ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss blogged that"Notre Dame safety Sergio Brown received the richest signing bonus among Patriots rookie free agents -- $12,500. Inside linebacker Dane Fletcher and cornerback Terrence Johnson were next at $10,000 apiece."
July 23, 2011 Fletcher's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.

Stephen Gostkowski- From Mike Reiss' blog - "Kicker Stephen Gostkowski's four-year deal includes a $425,000 signing bonus and incentives that could increase the base salary in the final year"
December 1, 2007 update According to the USAToday NFL player salary database Gostkowski earned $5,640 in offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $6,720 that I previously had him earning.
November 16, 2008 update According to the USAToday salary database Gostkowkski earned $5,640 in offseason workout bonus money.
December 31, 2008 update I am presuming that Gostkowski has done enough to earn his escalator which will boost his 2009 salary from $530,000 to $1,010,000 (the lowest RFA tender).
March 4, 2010 update The Patriots made Gostkowski a RFA tender offer that makes his 2010 salary of $1,729,000.
September 19, 2010 update On August 26th the Boston Globe's Christopher Gasper tweeted "NFLPA has posted base salaries on Gostkowski extension: 2011 -- $1.7m, '12 --$2.1m, '13 -- $2.5m, '14 -- $2.9.m.".On August 25th the Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport blogged that "I’ve learned that Gostkowski’s contract has a total value of almost $14 million or an average of nearly $3.5 million per year. There is $5 million in guaranteed money. He will earn a salary of $1.759 million on a one-year deal in 2010, a bargain for a Pro Bowler"
November 14, 2010 update On November 12th the Boston Herald's Ian Rapaport blogged that "According to a league source, Gostkowski received a $4 million signing bonus that is fully guaranteed. And $1.1 million of his $1.7 million salary for 2011 is guaranteed for injury. That means, if it all goes wrong and he can’t return, he’s earned $5.1 million."

Rob Gronkowski - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
July 26, 2010 update ProFootballTalk.Com's Mike Florio blogged that "Gronkowsi's deal pays a signing bonus of $1.76 million and a one-time incentive based on minimum playing time in the amount of $830,000. The contract includes minimum base salaries ($320,000 in 2010, $405,000 in 2011, $490,000 in 2012, and $575,00 in 2013). The 2013 base salary is fully guaranteed for skill and injury. Also, $255,000 of the 2012 salary is guaranteed. (Once the one-time incentive is earned, the base salaries become non-guaranteed.) In all, $2.59 million is guaranteed; the only question is whether it the $830,000 above and beyond the signing bonus comes from the one-timer or the guaranteed base salaries in 2012 and 2013. The deal also includes $30,000 in workout bonuses for the last two years, triggered if the one-time incentive is earned."
July 23, 2011 Gronkowski's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.

Aaron Hernandez - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
June 10, 2010 update The Boston Globe's Albert Breer blogged that "Hernandez received a $200,000 signing bonus, well short of the $508,000 bonus that Chicago's Corey Wootten, taken four picks ahead of Hernandez, reaped in his four-year deal.Hernandez makes up the money in a series of roster bonuses -- $76,000 in 2010, $90,000 in 2011, $104,000 in 2012 and $118,000 in 2013 -- which are each tied to Hernandez making the 53-man roster, meaning he has to get through each offseason clean to collect. There's also a $24,000 minimum play-time bonus due after this season, and if Hernandez hits that one (and only if he hits that one), he's eligible for workout bonuses of $110,000 (2011), $96,000 (2012) and $82,000 (2013).He has the standard base salary numbers: $320,000 (2010), $405,000 (2011), $490,000 (2012), $575,000 (2013). If you add up the workout and roster bonuses, then toss in the signing bonus, the total money comes to $700,000. So Hernandez can wind up making more than Wootten did, but he has to play out the deal."
July 23, 2011 update Hernandez's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.

Kyle Hix The Boston Globe's Greg Bedard blogged on August 5th that "•All of the undrafted free agents got three-year contracts."

Matt Katula - I am presuming that Katula's contract will qualify for the veteran minimum exemption. $460,000 divided by 17 weeks times 8 weeks = $216,471.
July 23, 2011 update Katula's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $685,000 as part of the new CBA.

Eric Kettani - According to the NFLPlayers salary database Kettani is signed through the 2009 season.
December 28, 2009 update According to the USAToday NFL salary database Kettani received a $2,000 signing bonus. I am presuming that the bonus will count against the Patriots 2009 cap even though Kettani's contract was tolled to the 2010 season.

Chris Koepplin The Boston Globe's Greg Bedard blogged on August 5th that "•All of the undrafted free agents got three-year contracts."

Dan Koppen - On 7/21 the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reported that the "Patriots also signed a four-year deal with fifth-round pick Dan Koppen, a center from Boston College, who received a $115,000 signing bonus to go with minimum salaries of $225,000, $305,000, $380,000, and $460,000. Koppen, the 164th player taken, also will have the opportunity to earn escalators in the first three years of the deal."
July 22, 2003 update From ESPN.Com - "Signing bonus: $116,000. Base salaries: $225,000 (2003); $305,000 (2004); $380,000 (2005); $460,000 (2006, includes escalator). Total: four years, $1,486,000. Cap charge: $254,000."
October 27, 2005 update USA Today reported that Koppen received a $35,000 roster bonus in 2004. I am presuming that he will receive the same amount in 2005. On 10/25/2005 the Boston Globe's Mike Reiss reported that Koppen's 2005 cap number was $448,620, which most likely means that Koppen earned $4,620 in offseason workout bonus money and not the maximum of $6,160.
January 26, 2006 update On January 22nd the Boston Globe had in their written edition of the Boston Sunday Globe a chart listing the 2006 cap hits for all of the players signed for the 2006 season. Koppen's cap hit was listed as $.050 or $500,000 so I am no longer including the $35,000 roster bonus in my calculations of Koppen's cap number.
March 2, 2006 update Koppen's 2006 salary used to be listed as $460,000 on the NFLPA site. It is now listed as $1,573,000 so it appears that he must have reached some of his escalators.
October 24, 2006 update Mike Reiss reported about Koppen's extension - "Center Dan Koppen's five-year contract extension -- which could be worth $20 million and includes a $7.5 million signing bonus -- puts him among the top-five-paid players at his position in average salary. Cleveland's LeCharles Bentley ($6 million per year) is the league's top-paid center, followed by the Vikings' Matt Birk ($4.25 million). Koppen, whose extension could average as much as $4 million per year with incentives, is part of the next group, with the Steelers' Jeff Hartings ($4 million) and the Bears' Olin Kreutz ($3.8 million). Part of Koppen's signing bonus will be paid now, the remainder in January. The $7.5 million bonus is the second-largest in league history for a center, behind Bentley ($8.25 million). In addition, Koppen will be paid $12.5 million in the first three years of the deal." Koppen's salaries are as follows - $1.573 million in 2006, $900,000 in 2007, $1,400,000 in 2008, $2,400,000 in 2009, $2,900,000 in 2010, and $2,900,000 in 2011. I am presuming that the $7. 5 million is being prorated over 5 years. Please note the contracts signed in the 2006 season can only be prorated over 5 years even if they run longer than 5 years.
October 25, 2006 update - Mike Reiss reported today in the Boston Globe - "The details of center Dan Koppen's five-year contract extension are in, and as expected, the Patriots used some of their salary cap surplus in 2006 with some creative accounting. Within the deal is a $1.927 million playing time incentive for special teams in 2006, which is classified as a likely-to-be-earned incentive. But the design is that Koppen won't earn that incentive, which will allow the Patriots to be credited $1.927 million on the 2007 salary cap. In short, it's a way for the Patriots to use some of their surplus this year, while at the same time, giving themselves future financial flexibility. With that special teams incentive, Koppen's salary cap hit for 2006 is $5.033 million. His previous salary cap hit was $1.6 million, so the Patriots are using about $3.4 million more of their salary cap space for 2006 as a result of Koppen's deal. The team now has approximately $7 million of cap space.Koppen's deal includes a $7.5 million signing bonus -- payable in two parts -- and base salaries of $1.573 million (2006), $900,000 (2007), $1.4 million (2008), $2.4 million (2009), $2.9 million (2010), and $2.9 million (2011). The deal includes workout bonuses of $107,000 in each year from 2007-2011, and roster bonuses of $500,000 in 2010 and 2011."

Ryan Mallett - All 2011 draft picks were tendered a $375,000 salary.
July 31, 2011 update Mac's Football Blog reported that "New England Patriots third-round picks Stevan Ridley and Ryan Mallett have had their 2011 base salaries ($375,000) fully guaranteed. Ridley received a $648,000 signing bonus, while Mallett, who was chosen directly after Ridley, signed for $646,876"
July 31, 2011 update On August 3rd the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard and Amalie Benjamin reported that "Mallett: $2,947,828 total, $646,876 signing bonus ($375,000, $508,992, $642,984, $776,976)."

Logan Mankins - Mike Reiss of the MetroWest Daily News reports the breakdown of the five-year, $6.4 million contract signed by New England Patriots first-round draft pick OT/OG Logan Mankins is as follows: Mankins' signing bonus was $2.25 million and he also will earn a 2005 roster bonus of $350,000. There is a 2006 option bonus worth $1.4 million, meaning his total bonus figure is $4 million. Mankins' base salaries are $230,000 (2005), $370,000 (2006), $500,000 (2007), $600,000 (2008 ) and $700,000 (2009). Those figures don't include an escalator in 2009 -- tied to playing time -- that could increase the base salary that year.
December 1, 2007 update According to the USAToday NFL player salary database Mankins earned $5,640 in offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $6,720 that I previously had him earning.
November 14, 2008 update According to the USAToday NFL player salary database Mankins earned $5,640 in offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $6,720 that I previously had him earning.
March 3, 2009 update According to the NFLPA.org site Mankins'2009 salary is now scheduled to be $1.4 million so it appeared that Mankins reached some escalators that caused his 2009 salary to increase by $700,000.
January 26, 2010 update According to the performance-based program Mankins earned $6,500 in 2009 offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $7,280 that I previously had him earning.
March 4, 2010 update The Patriots made Mankins a RFA tender offer that makes his 2010 salary of $3,268,000.
June 15, 2010 update The Patriots lowered Mankins' RFA tender to $1.54 million.
November 14, 2010 update Mankins will earn $815,924, the prorated portion of his RFA tender.
March 6, 2011 update Mankins' franchise tender is projected to be $10,116,000
August 11, 2011 update On August 11th, 2011 ESPN.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "Here are the details of Logan Mankins' contract extension, according to a source: The six-year, $51 million deal extends through 2016. Signing bonus - $20 million. Base salaries:

2011: $1.5 million
2012: $3 million
2013: $6 million
2014: $6.5 million
2015: $7 million
2016: $7 million

There are also workout bonuses of $250,000 for Mankins on a yearly basis, which if counted in the total value, ups it to $52.25 million. When looking solely at those numbers, the deal makes Mankins the highest paid interior offensive lineman in the NFL, with about an $8.5 million per year average.

Jerod Mayo - Drafted rookies are automatically considered to have been tendered the rookie minimum - $295,000.
December 31, 2008 update According to the USAToday NFL player salary database Mayo earned $1,505,000 as a roster bonus. Mayo's future salaries are as follows:

2009 - $2,250,000
2010 - $2,700,000
2011 - $3,150,000
2012 - $3,600,000

March 18, 2009 update Pats1 noticed that Mayo's salaries are now listed as:

2009 - $500,000
2010 - $550,000
2011 - $700,000
2012 - $850,000

I believe that in return for lowering his salaries by $9.1 million Mayo was given a $9,100,000 option bonus. I am also presuming that option bonus was prorated over 4 years. I think that his cap numbers are as follows:

2009 - $2,770,000
2010 - $2,825,000
2011 - $2,970,000
2012 - $3,125,000

June 16, 2010 update On May 20th ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss blogged that "in a minor move, the Patriots restructured the contract of inside linebacker Jerod Mayo earlier this year, redistributing money while keeping the length of the contract the same (Mayo is signed through 2012). Mayo benefitted because he received more up-front money. The Patriots benefitted because they used 2009 salary cap space and gave themselves future financial flexibility." I found out later that the amount of the signing bonus was around $6 million so that will be the figure that I will use on these pages.

February 24, 2013 update Mac's Football Blog reported on December 20, 2011 that Mayo's deal breaks down as:
Signing bonus: $6 million
2012 Option bonus: $12 million
Base salaries

2012: $750,000 (injury only guarantee)
2013: $1.25M (injury only guarantee)
2014: $3.25M (injury only guarantee)
2015: $6.25M (injury only guarantee; injury only guarantee reduces to $4.5 million if option exercised)
2016: $7.25M (injury only guarantee voids if option bonus exercised)
2017: $8.75M

Total base salary: $27.5 million, $26.75 million of which is considered "new" money.
In addition, Mayo has $500,000 in per game roster bonuses from 2013-17 ($2.5M total) and $250,000 workout bonuses from 2013-17 ($1.25M total). Combined with the signing/option bonuses and base salary, the amount of new money is $48.5 million, or $9.7 million per year...Mayo can also earn $300,000 in annual incentives tied to Pro Bowls from 2013-17, and next year's base salary can increase by up to $800,000 under his previous contract.

Devin McCourty - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
July 29, 2010 update The Boston Globe's Albert Breer blogged that "We've got the numbers for Devin McCourty's deal, per NFLPA documents, and as a practical matter, they look like this ...

SIGNING BONUS - $1.5 Million
ROSTER BONUS - 2010: $680,000
ONE-TIME PLAY-TIME INCENTIVE - $1.54 Million
OPTION BONUS - 2011: $3.38 Million

2010: $320,000
2011: $405,000
2012: $505,000
2013: $650,000
2014: $870,000

2012: $50,000
2013: $50,000
2014: $50,000

TOTAL: $10 Million. There's a $3.2 million escalator on the back end that brings you to the five-year max total of $13.2 million...As the contract reads right now, McCourty has salaries of $1.25 million, $1.5 million, $1.75 million and $870,000 from 2011-14 and they're all guaranteed. Once the Patriots pick up that option, the numbers revert to those above and only his 2011 salary is guaranteed
July 23, 2011 update McCourty's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.

Zoltan Mesko - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
June 16, 2010 update The Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport blogged that "OI’m told that Zoltan Mesko has agreed to a four-year deal with the Patriots...Mesko has received a signing bonus of more than $187,000. The rest of his deal, I believe, is standard, with escalators knocking up the tally in his final year.". For the purpose of my cap pages, I am going to presume that Mesko received a signing bonus of $187,500.

Rob Ninkovich - I am presuming that Ninkovich's deal is a one-year package and that his base salary is $535,000 - the minimum for a player with his experience. I am also presuming that he did not received a signing bonus as part of the deal. As such, his contract does NOT qualify for the veteran minimum benefit since he does not have 4 years of experience.
December 13, 2009 update ESPNBoston.Com's Mike Reiss blogged on 12/12/2009 that "Outside linebacker/defensive end Rob Ninkovich recently inked a new deal through 2011 which includes a $350,000 signing bonus. Ninkovich, who earns a base salary of $535,000 this season, is scheduled to earn $650,000 in 2010 and $650,000 in 2011. The new contract includes workout bonuses and playing time incentives in 2010 and 2011."
July 23, 2011 Ninkovich's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $685,000 as part of the new CBA.

Clay Nurse The Boston Globe's Greg Bedard blogged on August 5th that "•All of the undrafted free agents got three-year contracts."

Chad Ochocinco ESPN.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "In addition to his $1 million salary for 2011, he also has a $1.5 million prorated roster bonus, meaning his total pay this year is approximately $2.5 million...Ochocinco’s new deal extends through 2013. He is scheduled to earn base salaries of $3 million apiece in 2012 and 2013, and also has $1.5 million prorated roster bonuses in 2012 and 2013. So Ochocinco would be making approximately $4.5 million if he sticks in 2012 and 2013"
August 11, 2011 update On August 11th, 2011 ESPN.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "I got mixed up on one part of Ochocinco's deal that changes the context of analyzing it. Initially, it was my understanding that Ochocinco was to receive bonuses of about $1.5 million in 2011, 2012 and 2013, but that was a protated salary cap charge on his $4.5 million signing bonus. So Ochocinco gets $4.5 million up front, and then has base salaries of $1 million in 2011, $3 million in 2012 and $3 million in 2013. That makes his 2011 pay cut look a bit different -- from $6 million to $5.5 million."
August 14, 2011 update On August 14th ProFootballTalk.Com reported that "peanuts. Despite multiple reports that Ochocinco’s restructured contract has a non-guaranteed base salary of $1 million for 2011, multiple sources with knowledge of the contract advise PFT that Ochocinco received a signing bonus in the amount of $4.75 million and a workout bonus worth $250,000. (This year, due to the absence of an offseason workout program, workout bonuses were earned simply by reporting for work.) And so if the Patriots decide to cut Ochocinco, they will have sacrificed the draft picks (fifth-rounder in 2012 and sixth-rounder in 2013) that were sent to Cincinnati for his services, along with $5 million...In all, Ochocinco’s new three-year deal has a base value of $12.2 million. With incentives tied to receptions and Pro Bowl appearances, he can make another $5.3 million."

Rich Ohrnberger - Unsigned draft picks are automatically tendered a salary of $310,000.
September 6, 2010 update With his release on September 4th Rich Ohrnberger will count $345,530 (the remaining amortization of his signing bonus ($338,250 plus the $7,280 in offseason workout bonus money I am presuming that he earned) against the Patriots 2010 cap.
September 10, 2010 updatePractice squad players, like Rich Ohrnberger, make $5,200 a week, or $88,400 for the 17-week season.
September 14, 2010 update On September 14th ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss blogged that "in recent years, the Patriots have paid some practice squad players a higher salary than the norm. The sweetened deals have led some players to pass on the opportunity to join another team's active roster, or helped them pick the Patriots' practice squad over another team's practice squad. Four of the Patriots' eight practice squad players this year have contracts that fall into that category:

LB Tyrone McKenzie -- $150,000
OL Rich Ohrnberger -- $150,000
WR Darnell Jenkins -- $125,000
RB Javarris James -- $102,000

Quinn Ojinnaka - On September 15th ESPN.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "Ojinnaka had been scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.759 million. He will now earn a base salary of $640,000, with a chance to make up and possibly exceed his previous salary if he reaches incentives."

Pat Paschall - On June 24th ESPN.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that Paschall "received an $8,500 signing bonus as part of his two-year contract with the Patriots."
July 26, 2010 update With his release on June 24th Pat Paschall will count $8,500 (the remaining amortization of his signing bonus against the Patriots 2010 cap.

Taylor Price - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
May 25, 2010 update - On May 25th the Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport blogged that the "It’s a four-year deal worth $3.35 million. We now know the signing bonus is $704,600."
July 23, 2011 Price's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.

Myron Pryor - On July 14th, 2009 "Aaron Wilson of PFT reports that it's a four-year deal, including a $79,000 signing bonus and the minimum base salaries, along with a potential escalator in year four. The total base value is $1.829 million."
July 23, 2011 Richard's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $525,000 as part of the new CBA.

Darryl Richard - Weei.Com's Christopher Price blogged that "According to a league source, Richard signed a “pretty standard four-year deal. Nothing too out of the ordinary. No numbers were disclosed, but multiple sources indicate he received a signing bonus of roughly $48,000."
September 6, 2009 update With his release on September 5th Darryl Richard will count $48,000 (the remaining amortization of his signing bonus) against the Patriots 2009 cap.
September 9, 2009 update - According to the NFLPlayers salary database Darryl Richard is making $88,400 this season while on the practice squad.
December 20, 2009 update On 12/15 ESPNBoston.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "The Patriots are apparently pleased with Richard's progress, as they recently upped his salary from $150,000 to $310,000, paying him as if had a spot on the 53-man active roster". I am going to presume that Richard's salary was increased with 5 weeks left in the season. $5,200 * 9 = $46,800. $310.000/17 * 5 = $91,176. $46,800 + $91,176 = $137, 976.
August 31, 2010 update I am presuming that Richard's RFA tender offer included a split salary provision that kicked in once he was placed on Injured Reserve making his 2010 salary $225,000.
July 23, 2011 update Richard's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $375,000 as part of the new CBA.
September 3, 2011 update With his release Darryl Richard will count $5,580 against the Patriots 2011 cap.

Mike Richardson - On July 17, 2007 Mike Reiss reported in his blog that "the contract signed by sixth-round pick Mike Richardson (cornerback) is a four-year package with an $86,000 signing bonus. The base salaries are minimums of $285,000 in 2007; $370,000 in 2008; $460,000 in 2009; and $550,000 in 2010. The base salary in 2010 can escalate to the low restricted free agent tender." In 2010 the low restricted free agent tender will be $1.101 million.
September 5, 2008 update - According to the NFLPlayers salary database Richardson is making $150,000 this season while on the practice squad.
October 20, 2008 update Richardson earned $52,941 while on the practice squad for 6 weeks. He is scheduled to earn $190,882 during the 11 weeks of the regular season. $52,941 + $190,882 = $243,824.
January 10, 2009 update Richardson has a 2009 salary of $385,000 and a 2010 salary of $470,000.

Stevan Ridley - All 2011 draft picks were tendered a $375,000 salary.
July 31, 2011 update Mac's Football Blog reported that "New England Patriots third-round picks Stevan Ridley and Ryan Mallett have had their 2011 base salaries ($375,000) fully guaranteed. Ridley received a $648,000 signing bonus, while Mallett, who was chosen directly after Ridley, signed for $646,876"
August 3, 2011 On August 3rd, 2011 the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard and Amalie Benjamin reported that "Ridley: $2,953,500 total compensation, $648,000 signing bonus ($375,000, $509,250, $643,500, $777,750)."

Zac Robinson - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
July 26, 2010 update KTUL.Com reported that Zac Robinson's "contract has a total base value of $1.828 million which includes a signing bonus of around $38,000."
September 5, 2010 update Because of his release on September 4th I am calculating that Zac Robinson will count $38,835 (his signing bonus) against the 2010 Patriots cap.

Jeremy Ross The Boston Globe's Greg Bedard blogged on August 5th that "•All of the undrafted free agents got three-year contracts."

Bo Ruud - On July 16th Mike Reiss blogged - "Following up on the contract signed by Patriots sixth-round pick Bo Ruud, it is a four-year pact. The deal includes a signing bonus of $84,900 and minimum base salaries of $295,000 in 2008; $385,000 in 2009; $470,000 in 2010; and $555,000 in 2011."
August 30, 2008 update I am presuming that Ruud had a split contract lowering his salary to $200,000 if he was placed on IR.
December 31, 2008 update Because Bo did not earn a credited season in 2008, his 2009 salary will be $310,000 (the minimum for a player with no credited seasons) rather than $385,000 (the minimum for a player with one credited season).
April 29, 2009 update With his release on April 29th Bo Ruud will count $63,675 (the remaining amortization of his signing bonus) against the Patriots 2009 cap.

James Sanders - From Mike Reiss' blog- "Safety James Sanders, selected 133rd overall (fourth round), signed a four-year contract with a $380,000 signing bonus. Not including escalators, the pact is worth $1.76 million. The base salaries are the minimum in each year: $230,000 (2005), $310,000 (2006), $385,000 (2007), $460,000 (2008 ). There are escalators in the deal tied to the first three years that could increase the base salary in the fourth year."
March 4, 2008 update According to the NFLPA.org site Sanders' 2008 salary is now scheduled to be $927,000 so it appeared that Sanders did enough to have his escalators increase his 2008 salary to the low RFA tender level - $927,000.
November 22, 2008 update According to the USAToday NFL player salary database James Sanders earned $4,200 in offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $6,720 that I previously had him earning.
March 1, 2009 update Scout.Com reported that "the Patriots agreed to terms on a three-year worth $9 million. He'll make close to $4 million in the first year of the deal. ". Here's my 1st guess at the deal's parameters based on the above. A $2.25 million signing bonus with salaries of $1,750,000 in 2009;$2,275,000 in 2010;$2,725,000 in 2011 - ending up with cap numbers of $2,500,000 in 2009;$3,025,000 in 2010 and $3,475,000 in 2011.
March 7, 2009 update Sanders' actual salaries are $620,000 in 2009; $2,300,000 in 2010, and $2,800,000. I am now guessing that Sanders got a $2.25 million signing bonus and a $1,130,000 2009 roster bonus.
April 5, 2009 update The Boston Globe's Mike Reiss blogged today that "Sanders's three-year contract includes base salaries of $620,000 (2009), $2.3 million (2010) and $2.8 million (2011). He receives a signing bonus of $1.8 million, and a roster bonus of $1.2 million that was paid in mid-March. The deal also includes workout bonuses from $80,000-$100,000, depending on the year."
September 4, 2011 update With his release James Sanders will count $705,580 in dead money against the Patriots 2011 cap.

Lewis Sanders- On 3/8 Mike Reiss blogged that "CB Lewis Sanders signed a one-year contract with a base salary of $730,000. He received a $40,000 signing bonus. The contract qualifies for the veteran minimum benefit, meaning his salary cap charge is $491,000."
November 16, 2008 update According to the USAToday NFL player salary database Lewis Sanders earned $4,680 in offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $6,720 that I previously had him earning.

Alex Silvestro The Boston Globe's Greg Bedard blogged on August 5th that "•All of the undrafted free agents got three-year contracts."

Brian Simmons - I am going to presume that Simmons signed an one-year contract that includes a $320,000 salary.

Matt Slater - Mike Reiss reported in his blog that the "contract signed by fifth-round draft choice Matthew Slater" was "a four-year deal, with a $175,000 signing bonus. The base salaries are:

2008: $295,000
2009: $385,000
2010: $475,000
2011: $565,000

The final year includes an escalator that could increase the value of the base salary based on playing time in the first three years of the deal."
June 26, 2010 update According to the performance-based program Slater earned $6,890 in 2009 offseason workout bonus money, rather than the $7,280 that I previously had him earning.
July 23, 2011 Slater's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $600,000 as part of the new CBA.

Lee Smith - All 2011 draft picks were tendered a $375,000 salary.
July 28, 2011 update On July 27th Scout.Com's Aaron Wilson tweeted that Lee Smith received a $171, 480 signing bonus.
August 3, 2011 update On August 3rd the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard and Amalie Benjamin reported that "Lee Smith: $2,298,282 total, $171,480 signing bonus ($375,000, $479,467, $583,934, $688,401)."
August 3, 2011 update With his release Lee Smith will count $42,870 in dead money against the Patriots 2011 cap and $128,610 in dead money against the Patriots 2011 cap.

Nate Solder - All 2011 draft picks were tendered a $375,000 salary.
August 5, 2011 On August 4th the Boston Globe's Monique Walker tweeted that "A few details on Patriots rookie OL Nate Solder's deal: It's 4-year contract totaling $8.54 mil, includes $4.7 mil signing bonus."

Brandon Spikes - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
July 26, 2010 update On July 26th the Boston Herald's Karen Guregian blogged that " Brandon Spikes has just agreed to a four-year deal that will pay him $3.215 million. His signing bonus is $960,000. (Updated: the deal also includes a $450,000 one-time incentive)"
December 11, 2010 update On December 11th Mac's Football Blog reported that "Spikes will lose $75,295 in base salary during his suspension."
July 23, 2011 Spike's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.

Marcus Stroud - On March 7th ProFootballTalk.Com's Mike Florio blogged that "Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com reports, and we’ve confirmed, that Stroud’s new deal with the Patriots includes a $150,000 signing bonus. The deal also includes a $1.2 million base salary in 2011, and a base salary of $1.7 million in 2012. We’re also told that, for 2011, Stroud is in line for a $200,000 roster bonus. The date on which it’s payable isn’t known. He also can receive a workout bonus of more than $100,000, and he’s eligible for $450,000 in incentives. He has another $450,000 in incentives available in 2012, along with a workout bonus of more than $108,000."

Jeff Tarpinian The Boston Globe's Greg Bedard blogged on August 5th that "•All of the undrafted free agents got three-year contracts."
August 14, 2011 update On August 14th ESPN.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "in the competition for rookie free agents, the Patriots took the aggressive step of guaranteeing parts of base salaries for them. Linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (Iowa), defensive end/outside linebacker Aaron Lavarias (Idaho) and offensive lineman Mike Berry (Auburn) apparently fell into that category."

Brandon Tate - The Boston Globe's Christopher Gasper blogged on 7/16/2009 that Brandon Tate's deal "is for four years with a $755,000 signing bonus."
February 20, 2010 update Since Tate spent the entire 2009 season as an inactive player (first PUP, then on IR), it did not count as a credited season for him. Therefore, his 2010 salary will be the minimum for a player with zero credited seasons - $320,000.
July 23, 2011 update Tate's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $450,000 as part of the new CBA.
August 3, 2011 update With his release Brandon Tate will count $194,330 in dead money against the Patriots 2011 cap and $188,750 in dead money against the Patriots 2011 cap

Chris Taylor - - According to the NFLPlayers salary database Chris Taylor is making $460,000 this season. I am presuming that he is making $245,000 on a split contract because he was placed on the Injured Reserve list.
January 1, 2010 update According to the USAToday salary database Chris Taylor's 2010 cap number was $460,000 which means that he was not on a split contract.

Thad Turner - Practice squad players, like Thad Turner, make $5,200 a week, or $41,600 for the 8 weeks he is scheduled to be on the practice squad.
July 23, 2011 update Turner's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $375,000 as part of the new CBA.
August 6, 2011 update With his release on August 6th Turner will count $8,120 against the Patriots 2011 salary cap.

Ross Ventrone I am presuming that Ventrone will earn $5,200 per week while on the Patriots' practice squad.
July 23, 2011 update Ventrone's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $375,000 as part of the new CBA.
September 4, 2011 update With his release Ventrone will count $5,580 against the Patriots 2011 salary cap.

Shane Vereen - All 2011 draft picks were tendered a $375,000 salary.
July 23, 2011On August 3rd the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard and Amalien Benjamin reported that "the official numbers aren’t out on Vereen, but his four-year contract is worth $3,461,150, with a signing bonus of $1,017,200 and the Patriots guaranteed 2 1/2 years for Dowling, 1 1/2 for Vereen, and the first year for third-rounders Stevan Ridley and Mallett."

Sebastian Vollmer - ProFootballTalk.Com's Aaron Wilson reported that the "four-year contract that New England Patriots second-round offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer signed this week includes $1.76 million in guaranteed money, according to a league source. Including a fourth-year escalator clause, the contract carries a maximum value of $3.105 million. Vollmer is due to receive a $250,000 roster bonus on the second day of training camp this year. He's also scheduled to get a $915,000 option bonus next March. There's another $285,000 in guaranteed money in the second year of the deal with the first-year salary guaranteed as well."
July 18, 2009 update I am figuring that the $1.76 million in guaranteed money consists of the following: $250,000 2009 roster bonus, $310,000 2009 salary, $915,000 2010 option bonus, and $285,000 of his 2010 $395,000 salary. I am guesstimating that his 2011 salary is $535,000 and that his 2012 salary is $675,000 so that his deal perfectly tracks the 25% rule for rookie deals. With my presumption Vollmer's contract has a maximum value of $3.08 million excluding offseason bonuses.
July 27, 2009 update Vollmer's 2011 salary is actually $510,000 and his 2012 salary is actually $650,000.
April 7, 2010 update The Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport blogged on April 7th that "the NFL Players Association database has been updated, which means a few players have new base salaries for 2010. It seems four Patriots in all were affected, based on some escalators. Here is the rundown:...OT Sebastian Vollmer's salary went from $395K to $420K (raise of $25K)."
July 23, 2011 update Vollmer's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $525,000 as part of the new CBA.

Thomas Welch - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
June 13, 2010 update Mac's Football Blog reported that Welch received a $69,127 signing bonus. Thanks to Chris Price for first noticing that number.
September 5, 2010 update Because of his release on September 4th I am calculating that Thomas Welch will count $69,127 (his signing bonus) against the 2010 Patriots cap.

Wes Welker - A very reliable source reported that Wes Welker got a $5.5 million signing bonus and and that his protected option bonus is $3.5 million. The source also reported that Welker "has $250,000 roster bonuses each season after this one, plus workout bonuses each year after this one of $100,000 plus the standard amount".

Signing bonus: $5.5 million in 2007.
Option bonus: $3.5 million payable in 2008, applied for cap reasons in equal $875,000 increments in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Salaries: $550,000 in '07, $1,400,000 in '08, $1.65 million in '09, $1.9 million in '10 and $2.15 million in '11.
Workout bonuses: $56,720 in 2007, 106,720 annually starting in 2008 if he participates in the Patriots' offseason workout program in Foxboro.
Roster bonuses: $250,000 annually starting in 2008
Cap numbers: In succession, beginning this year, $1.7 million, $3.7 million, $4 million, $4.2 million, $4.5 million.

March 3, 2009 update Welker was paid a $250,000 roster bonus on March 3rd.

Ryan Wendell - On September 24, 2008 Wendell was signed to the practice squad with 14 weeks left in the season. $5,200 * 16 = $72,800.
January 10, 2009 update - According to the NFLPlayers salary database Ryan Wendell signed a three-year deal with salaries of $310,000 in 2009, $395,000 in 2010, and $480,000 in 2011.
October 21, 2009 update - On September 24, 2009 Wendell was signed to the practice squad with 14 weeks left in the season. His salary is $170,000 for the season or $10,000 per week. $10,000 * 14 = $140,000.
October 30, 2009 update - Wendell earned $54,706 during his 3 weeks on the 53-man roster.
December 20, 2009 update On 12/15 ESPNBoston.Com's Mike Reiss blogged that "the Patriots also upped the salary of practice squad offensive lineman Ryan Wendell to $310,000. I am going to presume that Wendell's salary was increased with 7 weeks left in the season. $10,000 * 7 = $70,000. $310.000/17 * 7 = $127,647. $70,000 + $91,176 = $197,647.
January 1, 2010 update - Wendell will have earned $252,353 in salary in 2009. $72,941 during his 4 weeks on the 53-man roster and $179,412 during his 13 weeks on the practice squad.

Kade Weston - Unsigned 2010 draft picks are automatically tendered the rookie salary of $320,000.
August 31, 2010 update I am presuming that Weston's rookie contract included a split salary provision that kicked in once he was placed on Injured Reserve making his 2010 salary $225,000.
July 23, 2011 update Weston's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $375,000 as part of the new CBA.

Terrence Wheatley - On July 23 the Boston Globe's Christopher Gasper reported that "According to an NFL source, Wheatley signed a four-year deal averaging $648,750 per season. He received an $890,000 signing bonus and will carry a $295,000 base salary for 2008."

Shun White - According to the NFLPlayers salary database White is signed through the 2009 season.
December 28, 2009 update According to the USAToday NFL salary database White received a $2,000 signing bonus. I am presuming that the bonus will count against the Patriots 2009 cap even though White's contract was tolled to the 2010 season.

Vince Wilfork - Mike Reiss of The MetroWest Daily News reported on 7/19 that "Patriots have reached a contract agreement with first-round pick Vince Wilfork today, signing him to a six-year contract that could be worth up to $18.05 million. The contract includes $5.825 million worth of bonus money -- $3 million coming in the form of a signing bonus and $2.5 million as part of an option bonus to be paid in the first week of 2005. The deal also includes a $325,000 roster bonus for 2004. The 2005 and 2006 base salaries are guaranteed, meaning the deal includes $6.575 million worth of guaranteed money." On 7/20 Reiss reported that "the total value of the contract could possibly be up to $18.05 million, with a $4 million "escalator" in the fifth year and a $5 million "escalator" in the sixth year. Wilfork's "escalators" start kicking in at 55 percent time, which puts him in the minority. Most 2003 draft picks started at 60 percent. The club retains an option on the final two years of the deal, which includes a $500,000 bonus if Wilfork makes the Pro Bowl in his fifth year and $400,000 bonus if he makes it in Year 6."
July 21, 2004 update - From ESPN.Com - "1a. DT Vince Wilfork (Miami/No. 21 selection overall). Signing bonus: $3,000,000. Base salaries: $325,000 (2004, plus $325,000 roster bonus); $810,000 (2005, plus $2,500,000 option bonus); $940,000 (2006); $1,100,000 (2007); $700,000 (2008); $800,000 (2009). Note: If option exercised, base salaries reduce to $310,000 (2005), $440,000 (2006), $600,000 (2007). Base salaries are guaranteed in both 2005-2006. Total: six years, $9 million, but could be worth as much as $18.05 million if all "escalators" are earned. Salary cap charge: $1,150,000.
March 10, 2005 update - It appears from the NFLPA site that the Patriots exercised their option paying Wilfork his $2.5 million bonus and lowering his future salaries.
April 7, 2005 update - From the CBA - "[A]ny multi-year Player Contract not unconditionally approved by the Commissioner as of the date hereof, other than any multi-year Player Contract executed in the last Capped Year of this Agreement, that extends from a Capped Year into any Uncapped Year (hereinafter “Subject Contract”). For purposes of determining Team Salary, if (i) the sum of the player’s Paragraph 5 Salary, roster bonuses that are based upon the player making any of the Club’s roster categories without limitation, and reporting bonuses during all Capped Years of the Subject Contract (but, if there are fewer than three remaining Capped Years, during the first three years of the Subject Contract) in the aggregate less than (ii) the portion of the Subject Contract’s signing bonus that would be allocated to those League Years if the signing bonus were prorated equally over the term of the Subject Contract, then: the difference between the amounts calculated pursuant to (ii) and (i) of this sentence, up to 50% of the portion of the signing bonus that would otherwise be allocated to the Uncapped Years (the “Difference”), shall be deducted in equal portions from those Uncapped Years and reallocated in equal portions over the Capped Years of the Subject Contract (or, if there are fewer than three Capped Years within the term of the Subject Contract, over the first three years of the Subject Contract).
In Wilfork's case, the combined salaries, roster bonuses and reporting bonuses for the 1st 3 years of his contract totaled out to $1,400,000. The combined prorated signing bonuses in the 1st 3 years of the contract (2004-2006) totaled out to be $2,500,000. That is a $1,100,000 difference. 1,100,000/2=550,000. 1,100,000/3=366,667. There will be a $550,000 charge added to Wilfork's cap numbers for the years 2005 and 2006 and then there will be a $366,667 credit subtracted from Wilfork's 2007, 2008 and 2009 cap numbers.
April 9, 2006 update On January 22nd the Boston Globe had in their written edition of the Boston Sunday Globe a chart listing the 2006 cap hits for all of the players signed for the 2006 season. Wilfork's cap hit was listed as $1.99 or $1,990,000 so I rechecked my Deion calculations and I now think that my prior method was incorrect. The shown calculations are the correct ones.
December 1, 2007 update According to the USAToday NFL player salary database Wilfork earned $5,160 in offseason workout bonus money, not the $6,720 that I had reported previously.
December 20, 2007 update According to NFLNetwork's Adam Schefter, Wilfork "had a Pro Bowl escalator in his contract that boosted next year’s base salary by $500,000." so his 2008 salary now listed as $700,000 will be at least $1,200,000.
March 4, 2008 update According to the NFLPA.org site Wilfork's 2008 salary is now scheduled to be $1.4 million so it appeared that Wilfork had earned $700,000 out of possible $4 million in escalators.
December 31, 2008 update I am presuming that when Wilfork reached the escalators for the 2008 season that they also increased his 2009 salary by at least the same amount.
March 3, 2009 update According to the NFLPA.org site Wilfork's 2009 salary is now scheduled to be $2.3 million so it appeared that Wilfork had earned $1,500,000 out of possible $5 million in escalators.
March 2, 2010 update The 2010 franchise tag number for a defensive tackle is $7,003,000.
March 5, 2010 update The Boston Globe's Albert Breer blogged that "Deal is for five years, $40 million. $25 million guaranteed. $18 million signing bonus."
March 10, 2010 update The Boston Globe's Albert Breer blogged that "So here it is, as reported to the NFLPA:

SIGNING BONUS - $18 million

BASE SALARIES ($20.015 Million)
2010: $750,000*
2011: $765,000*
2012: $4.5 Million*
2013: $6.5 Million
2014: $7.5 Million
* -- guaranteed

WEIGHT BONUSES ($1.185 Million)
2010: $150,000
2011: $135,000
2012: $300,000
2013: $300,000
2014: $300,000

WORKOUT BONUSES ($800,000)
2010: $100,000
2011: $100,000
2012: $200,000
2013: $200,000
2014: $200,000

Add it all up and it comes to $40 million, on the nose. No escalators or hard-to-reach incentives. Simply put, if Vince plays out this deal, makes weight, and shows up for the offseason program, he stands to earn every last penny on his new deal, which expires a little ways after his 33rd birthday."
July 23, 2011 update Wilfork's salary was at the minimum. Therefore, it was increased to $810,000 as part of the new CBA.

Malcolm Williams - All 2011 draft picks were tendered a $330,000 salary.
August 3, 2011 updateOn August 3rd the Boston Globe's Greg Bedard and Amalie Benjamin reported that "Malcolm Williams: $2,112,038 total, $24,000 signing bonus ($375,000, $475,827, $568,192, $660,557). Williams will receive an $8,462 roster bonus if he makes the team this year."
September 4, 2011 update With his release Williams will count $6,000 in dead money against the Patriots 2011 salary cap and $18,000 in dead money against the Patriots 2012 salary cap.

Danny Woodhead Woodhead's 2010 salary is $395,000. $395,000 divided by 17 times 16 weeks that Woodhead is scheduled to be on the Patriots 53-man roster.
March 11, 2011 update - The Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport blogged on November 25th that "Woodhead has signed a contract that keeps him in New England through 2012. It was finalized on Nov. 19. He received $425,000 as a signing bonus to go with his $395,000 in 2010 salary. He’s slated to earn $550,000 in 2011 and $700,000 in 2012, along with play-time incentives worth a possible $575,000 next year and a possible $600,000 in 2012"

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