The Patriots came to terms with both running back/kick returner Leon Washington and wide receiver Donald Jones on Friday, and the contract information for the deal signed by each player has been passed along and highlighted below, per a league source.
Leon Washington
Maximum value: One-year, $1.2 million
Signing bonus: $360,000
2013
Base salary: $840,000 (non-guaranteed)
Cap charge: $1.2 million
Quick-hit: The Patriots were able to land a potential starting kickoff returner and rotational running back at a reasonable price in this deal. Washington could be called upon to serve in a role similar to Danny Woodhead's from 2012 (Shane Vereen's playing time figures to spike as well next season), and he adds a veteran presence to the locker room.
Donald Jones
Maximum value: Three-years, $4.155 million
Signing bonus: 0
2013
Base salary: $630,000 (non-guaranteed)
Reporting bonus: $200,000
Roster bonus: $235,000
Incentives/other terms: $125,000
Cap charge: $1.19 million
2014
Base salary: $730,000 (non-guaranteed)
Reporting bonus: $200,000
Roster bonus: $235,000
Incentives/other terms: $250,000
Cap charge: $1.415 million
2015
Base salary: $745,000 (non-guaranteed)
Reporting bonus: $200,000
Roster bonus: $235,000
Incentives/other charges: $375,000
Cap charge: $1.55 million
Quick-hit: The most noteworthy aspect to Jones' deal is that it does not include any guaranteed money up front. He didn't have a signing bonus, and none of his base salaries are guaranteed. Why might this be the case? One thought is that Jones finished the 2012 season on injured reserve for an undisclosed illness. He told the Buffalo News that he learned of a minor kidney issue during the 2010 NFL scouting combine, while adding that the illness that landed him on IR is something he has been dealing with for many years (link HERE). We don't know for sure if his health played a part in the construction of his contract, but if so, the team has some protection based on the deal highlighted above.