If I may…. I’ll share some information that I’ve had for about 4 months. It may or may not surprise you. This is what I tried to send you the other night but somehow screwed up.
These are the big signing bonuses the Colts have given out over the years when the players 2nd contract came around: this is from Spotrac.
Nelson: $31m
Leonard: $20m
Smith: $15m
Taylor: $10.24m
Stewart: $5m
BUT….. I also found this….
*** When Ballard signed Buckner to 4/84 his SB was 0.
*** When Ballard signed Kelly to 4/50 his signing bonus was 0.
*** When Ballard signed Moore to 4/33 his signing bonus was 0.
*** When Ballard signed MAC to 3/19 his SB was 0.
To be clear, no agent lets their client sign a deal like this out of the goodness of their heart to help the team. I think it stands to reason they get something in return. And I think it’s a higher amount of guaranteed money. That’s money the player would get even if the team cut the player before the contract was done. Guaranteeing a higher percentage of money doesn’t cost the Colts anything if the team is confident the player will be in the roster for the life of the contract.
I view this as a sign of a small market team. The Colts wanted to do this. It’s to their advantage. I’m not blaming the Colts for doing this, I think it’s smart business. But I think it’s a sign that from time to time, Irsay needs a little help so he doesn’t have to write a large check.
This is my view. I welcome input from all.
@w87r @Superman @GoColts8818