NFL contracts can be downright confusing. Marshawn Lynch’s new deal with the Seattle Seahawks isn’t any different.
The veteran running back agreed to a new three-year, $31 million contract Seattle on Friday evening. The contract technically pays Lynch $12 million ($7.5 million signing bonus and $4.5 million base salary) for the 2015 season with nothing guaranteed after that. While paid upon the signing of this new deal, the $7.5 signing bonus is spread out over three years when it comes to the team’s cap. However, it’s being reported that Seattle wouldn’t ask Lynch to return the remaining $5 million should Lynch retire following this upcoming season.
As Pro Football Talk points out, this new deal pretty much gives Lynch a $5 million raise for the 2015 season. He was scheduled to make $7 million in base salary.
This also means that Seattle’s cap number for the 2015 campaign is not impacted by the new deal. If Lynch were to play beyond next season, he would earn $9 million in 2016 and $10 million in 2017.
Photo: USA Today