Last Friday, the New England Patriots signed linebacker Tony Steward and long snapper Christian Yount to contracts, and the terms of those contracts weren't disclosed. The deals have since been processed, making that information available, and here is the breakdown:
STEWARD
Term: One year, $525,000
Signing bonus: 0
Split salary: $348,000
Salary-cap charge: $525,000
(Deal also includes an injury waiver)
YOUNT
Term: One year, $760,000
Signing bonus: $0
Split salary: $428,000
Salary-cap charge: $600,000
Yount's deal qualifies for the minimum salary benefit, which is when the cap charge is reduced from the base salary. This is designed to help mid- and late-career players land jobs when teams might be otherwise reluctant to sign them because of a larger cap charge. In both cases, the deals reflect players who didn't have much leverage and face longer odds to earn a roster spot, as there is no guaranteed money. The split salaries also protect the Patriots in the event of injury.
