The Atlanta Falcons shocked some fans when they decided to re-sign Kroy Biermann to a one-year, $1.95 million contract. (The veteran minimum for Biermann would have been $870,000.) However, it's not like Biermann is expected to keep a starting role.
He'll provide depth as a backup, probably behind newly signed outside linebacker Brooks Reed. And special-teams coach Keith Armstrong probably presented Biermann as someone who could help enhance his unit. The previous coaching staff felt Biermann was tough-minded and smart and could thrive without coverage responsibilities.
Biermann made $3,050,000 last season and counted $4,083,334 against the cap in his return from an Achilles tear. He finished 2014 as the team leader in both sacks (4.5) and tackles for losses (eight) on the league's worst defense, statistically. Biermann played the fourth-most snaps on defense with 813, behind Paul Worrilow (1,034), Desmond Trufant (1,032) and Dwight Lowery (986).
Here is how Biermann's new one-year deal breaks down:
Base salary: $1,100,000 (non-guaranteed)
Signing bonus: $500,000
Roster bonus: $325,000 ($20,321.50 per game active)
Cap number: $1,950,000