5-years, $40M for Rolando McClain

SPN's Adam Schefter reports that the contract signed by Oakland Raiders first-round linebacker Rolando McClain is worth $40 million dollars over five seasons, and includes $23 million in guarantees.

$8 million dollars per season for a linebacker who hasn't played a down in the NFL will surely cause many shrieks and threats to jump out a window if a hard rookie wage scale isn't put in place, but it's hardly a first.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry's six-year, $60 million dollar contract as the fourth overall pick in 2009 has a base value of $48 million over six seasons. An additional $12 million in base salary escalators and incentives push the Curry contract to its $10M per year average.

Curry struggled during his rookie season, which he played for $2.725 million dollars in base salary and a training camp roster bonus. His salaries will increase throughout the contract, as will expectations that he'll produce at the Pro Bowl level he's being compensated at.

Remember, in the NFL, you are paid based on what you're going to do, not based upon what you've done.

We'll have to wait until the full details of McClain's contract are available to fairly gauge it's worth, but the reported values are a nearly 13% increase in total value, and a nearly 20% increase in guaranteed money, over what Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Eugene Monroe received as the eighth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

McClain's $8M annual average is on par with free agent deals signed by Karlos Dansby (5/$43M) and DeMeco Ryans (5/$40M), with McClain edging both in guaranteed money. (Dansby received $22M guaranteed; Ryans $21.75M)

0 points
 

Log in to comment and more!

Not a member yet? Join free.

If you have already commented on Cheesehead TV in the past, we've created an account for you. Just verify your email, set a password and you're golden.