Edelman gets league minimum base salary
Yesterday the 'mini-Welker' came to terms with the Patriots, and the two parties agreed on a one year deal. With this deal, WR Julian Edelman. Although he has won over the hearts of Patriots fans, it was highly unlikely for a role player like himself to get much money. According to ESPNBoston.com, Edelman's contract is for the five-year league minimum base salary of $715,000.
Although he will receive an additional $50,000 for offseason workout bonuses, there is a major team protection clause as well; there is a "split" incentive for the Patriots. What this means is that Edelman' contract will seriously be slashed if he winds up on the DL. In this case, the contract would be reduced to $383,000. Before your jaw drops, here are Edelman's production incentives as well:
Incentives
30 receptions: $30,000
40 receptions: $70,000
50 receptions: $120,000
60 receptions: $180,000
70 receptions: $250,000
30 receptions: $30,000
40 receptions: $70,000
50 receptions: $120,000
60 receptions: $180,000
70 receptions: $250,000
It is somewhat shocking that Edelman's contract is for such little money. However, clearly he did not draw much more interest from any teams besides the Patriots and the Giants. Edelman will surely not complain either, being a seventh round pick on top of a quarterback-turned-wide receiver. This contract is solely based on performance and how well (or how long) Edelman plays.
Anthony Aidonidis
@aidonidis18