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After two days, the actual numbers came to light over the JJ Watt deal with the Cardinals. As suspected, this is not a $ 31 million two-year deal.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media (who also works with Adam Schefter from ESPN told the world that it was a $ 31 million two-year deal), it is actually a $ 28 million two-year deal. Some may say that it is not a big difference. Others may say $ 3 million is still $ 3 million.
Per Rapoport, Watt gets $ 12 million to sign. The transaction has a base value of $ 14.5 million in 2021, with a base value of $ 28 million over two years.
To reach $ 31 million, Watt must have ten or more bags in 2021 and 2022. Watt has not had bags in consecutive seasons since 2014 and 2015.
It is believed that other teams were in the region of $ 12 million a year for Watt. The Cardinals paid him $ 14 million. Presumably no one offered Watt between $ 15 million and $ 16 million, despite an ESPN report from last week that used the numbers.
Rapoport does not provide any details regarding the amount fully guaranteed at the time of signing. Our guess is that the first year is fully guaranteed ($ 14.5 million) and that the remaining $ 8.5 million in “guaranteed” money is only guaranteed for the time being, with a probable conversion to a full guarantee on ‘ a stage in March 2021. allows the Cardinals to continue, which will make a $ 14.5 million one-year deal if Watt can pass a physical pass before the full guarantee rests next year.
That’s $ 3 million less than Watt would make in Houston this year. Some may say again that this is not a big difference. Others may say $ 3 million is still $ 3 million.