Every year, agents negotiate new contracts and share the basic details with a select group of reporters. These reporters rush to be the first to share the numbers, often presenting them as absolute truths.
But as history shows, the reality often differs from the initial reports. Take the recent case of Bucs receiver Mike Evans, for example. Initially, it was reported as a two-year, $52 million deal with $35 million guaranteed. However, upon closer inspection, it’s actually a two-year, $41 million contract, with the remaining $11 million tied to incentives and escalators. Additionally, only $23 million is fully guaranteed for the upcoming season, with $6 million guaranteed for injury in the following year.
Two years, $41 million for Mike Evans, with $11 million in available incentives and escalators and $29 million fully guaranteed at signing. https://t.co/rrIoRcNPYd
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 5, 2024
In essence, it’s not the $26 million contract initially touted, but rather a $20.5 million deal with $29 million guaranteed at signing.
This scenario is not uncommon in the NFL. Overstated contract numbers are often leaked initially, only for the truth to emerge later on. While it may be disappointing, it’s important to accept it for what it is. Eventually, the accurate details will come to light.
