The Football Educator doesn’t have the exact numbers but the following information is in the ballpark, or in this case Sports Authority Field.
It’s looking very much like a one year (tryout – health & age) NFL contract with Peyton Manning in Denver. The first year of his NFL contract appears guaranteed for the Base Salary (Paragraph 5) of $18.5 million. There’s a potential salary advance to get him the money upfront. No Signing Bonus appears as part of the NFL contract.
The Broncos will then have to make a decision next spring as to whether to go forward with years 2 and 3 of his NFL contract, which would then guarantee both seasons at $20 million each and salary advances included as well.
The final two years (2015 & 2016) would be decided at the start of each new League Year as to whether to guarantee the base salary or to release the player.
For all intents and purposes the NFL contract is a one year deal with an option for another two years at $40 million.
It’s evident that Manning and agent Tom Condon gave the Broncos a premium in contract negotiations for Year 1 to ensure his health and to most likely leave room for some other additions to the roster.
The Broncos did what any of the other 31 clubs would have done in protecting themselves should Manning not be able to overcome the neck surgery from 2011. Manning ensured that if he’s the long term answer at quarterback in Denver he gets what he was due in Indianapolis. Nothing real surprising but important for fans to know the give and take of contract negotiations.
Thanks for the “first look” Ted. We’ll just have to wait and see if Manning can produce with the Broncos. Only time will tell.