In 2010, teams and agents have haggled over the timing of the option bonus to be paid in 2011 to first and second round picks. If there's a lockout, the player won't see the option bonus, at least until the labor situation is resolved.
The Pats and tight end Rob Gronkowski have found a way around the situation - he's getting no option bonus. But he's still getting paid.
Instead, per a league source, 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.
The future guarantees suggest that the Pats have no concerns about any long-term consequences arising from the back injury that knocked Gronkowski out for all of the 2009 season.
In all, $2.59 million is guaranteed. The one-time incentive, which some regard as guaranteed even though it isn't, pushed the number to $3.42 million.
The deal also includes $30,000 in workout bonuses for the last two years, triggered if the one-time incentive is earned.
Bottom line? These numbers suggest to us that the Pats believe they got a steal with the 42nd overall pick in the draft.
Fantasy Impact:
Gronkowski probably won't be an instant sensation (he's not even in our rankings at this point) but he's an intriguing prospect for keeper league owners to take a look at.
Patriots news
