Free agent defensive lineman Tony Hargrove received a one-year contract from the Green Bay Packers worth the NFL's veteran minimum of $825,000, according to Bob McGinn of JSOnline.

"Because of the league's minimum salary benefit program, Hargrove counts just $540,000 against the Packers' salary cap," writes McGinn.

Furthermore, McGinn reports that if Hargrove goes on injured reserve, his base salary would be reduced to $393,000. And he also had to sign an injury waiver that would further reduce his compensation if he were to sustain an injury to an area of his body where he had a pre-existing condition.

There's a good chance it was details like these that needed to be ironed out between the time Hargrove hinted on Twitter that he would be signing with the Packers and the time it took for the Packers actually announce his signing.

From all appearances, the Packers would seem to be protected if Hargrove is either injured or happens to be suspended by the NFL for taking part in the New Orleans Saints' bounty program when he was with them in 2009 and 2010.

With no bonus money included in Hargrove's contract, the Packers could cut Hargrove anytime between now and the start of the season and have very little negative impact on the team.

Of course, the Packers would like to know the discipline handed down to any players for their part in "Bountygate" before the start of the NFL season, and they invest a roster spot to a player like Hargrove.

With such a small contract it's also highly unlikely Hargrove will factor into the NFL's compensatory draft pick equation next year for teams losing more free agents than they gain.

By Hargrove signing a one-year contract, Mike Neal suspended for the first four games of the NFL season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, Howard Green still being a free agent and Ryan Pickett getting up in age, the long-term picture along the Packers defensive line is very unclear.