GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Here’s one way to measure how important tight end has become to the Green Bay Packers: This year, they’re committing more than three times the cash and more than twice the salary-cap space to the position than they did last year.
By signing Martellus Bennett to a three-year, $21 million contract and Lance Kendricks for two years and $4 million, the Packers have devoted a wealth of resources to the position.
Bennett, Kendricks, Richard Rodgers and Beau Sandland (who finished last season on the practice squad) represent $12.728 million in cash commitments for this season. Last year, the Packers spent just $3.716 million on the position (most of which went to Jared Cook and Rodgers). The tight ends also account for $8.054 million in salary-cap space, a jump from $3.843 million for tight ends last season.
Below is a breakdown of Kendricks’ deal with the Packers (Bennett’s breakdown can be found here):
2017
Cash value: $2.375 million
Salary-cap charge: $1.775 million
Signing bonus: $1.2 million
Weekly roster bonus: Up to $300,000 ($18,750 per game active)
Workout bonus: $75,000
Base salary: $800,000
2018
Cash value: $1.625 million
Salary-cap charge: $2.225 million
Weekly roster bonus: Up to $300,000 ($18,750 per game active)
Workout bonus: $75,000
Base salary: $1.25 million
