The Patriots recently came to terms on a two-year deal with defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, and a league source indicates that the deal carries a maximum value of $5 million.
The full breakdown of the contract is listed below.
Overall terms: Two years, maximum value of $5 million ($1 million in guaranteed money)
Signing bonus: $1 million
2013
Base salary: $950,000
Workout bonus: $50,000
Roster bonus: $31,250 per game that Kelly is active (maximum value of $500,000)
Cap charge: $2 million
2014
Base salary: $1.95 million
Workout bonus: $50,000
Roster bonus: $31,250 per game that Kelly is active (maximum value of $500,000)
Cap charge: $3 million
QUICK-HIT THOUGHTS: Though the deal includes just $1 million in guaranteed money, the maximum value of $5 million is a reflection that the team doesn't view Kelly as a player whose play has dramatically dropped off as he enters his 10th season in 2013. One of the factors that the team likely valued about Kelly is his consistency, as he played and started in every game for Oakland over the last five seasons. If he can stay healthy, his roster bonuses are achievable and would result in up to $1 million in additional money. The most recent salary cap space update indicated that the Patriots had roughly $10.2 million in leftover space, and Kelly's $2 million charge for 2013 leaves the team with additional room to work with.