Breaking down tight end Scott Chandler's contract with the New England Patriots:
Term: Two years
Maximum value: $5.3 million
Signing bonus: $2 million
2015 base salary: $1.2 million
2015 workout bonus: $50,000
2015 cap charge: $2.25 million
2016 base salary: $2 million
2016 workout bonus: $50,000
2016 cap charge: $3.050 million
This is a solid, straightforward deal for a soon-to-be 30-year-old pass-catching tight end who totaled 100 receptions over the last two seasons playing with quarterbacks EJ Manuel and Kyle Orton. Chandler didn't seem like a great need for the Patriots, as they already have Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui and Tim Wright on the depth chart, but he's a quality pass-catcher whose production could spike when playing with Tom Brady. His length in the red zone could also be valuable.
With Gronkowski and Chandler viewed as roster locks in 2015, it will be interesting to see how the club constructs its roster in terms of keeping three or four tight ends (assuming good health for all). For a comparison, Chandler's deal trumps the two-year, $2.4 million pact signed by Hoomanawanui last year.