The Baker Mayfield dilemma refuses to go away, and as the NFL enters the one true "quiet phase" of their season, a story about an embattled QB and a team who just fully guaranteed $230M to another one - will only gain steam.

But who really holds the leverage in this particular scenario? It's easy to look at this from a contractual angle, and assume that the $18.8M fully guaranteed to Baker Mayfield gives him all of the power here. But a recent ESPN article, and subsequent response, brings to light an item that I've been reluctant to approach with this disagreement yet - the Personal Conduct clause.

In short, the rumors are starting to swirl that this situation may be approaching a point at which the Browns may be able to build a case to prove that Mayfield's "antics" are violating the conduct clause in his contract. Should this be adjudicated, the $18.8M guarantee on the contract could potentially be voided, offering Cleveland a free out (no dead cap or cash to release him outright). It's an ugly path to take, and frankly it seems a weak case to be made from the outside looking in as well - but it's not something that should be ignored completely.

What Haven't They Just Accepted a Low-Ball Deal?
Yes, the Browns are in a financial pinch here, with the league's highest cash payroll, and a whopping $71.2M cash currently allocated to their QB room (Watson, $46M; Mayfield, $18.8M; Brissett, $4.65M; Dobbs: $1M).

But it should also be assumed that Deshaun Watson stands to miss games in 2022 due to suspension. So while paying Mayfield $1.05M per week on the active roster is costly, it may provide Cleveland the best chance to win ballgames early on. 

Furthermore - and potentially offering even sooner relevance, the NFL unfortunately sees a few prominent players lost to injury in training camps each year. As we saw with Teddy Bridgewater/Sam Bradford just a few years ago, it only takes one team in panic mode to turn an awful situation into an easy sell. 

Where Does this Wind Up?
While the right move might be to hang on to Mayfield, both for Watson protection and to wait out the best possible trade opportunity, the social media/player empowerment age will likely not allow things to hold out that long. Now that the "conduct" clause has reared its head, Baker and his people need to tread lightly with their disdain for the situation, but Odell Beckham Jr. likely paved the path for how to get off this team - both from a stirring the pot and a financial compromise standpoint. 

OBJ agreed to forfeit $3M of his guarantee in order to gain his release from Cleveland at the trade deadline last year. He went unclaimed on waivers, signed an incentive loaded deal with the Rams, and moved on with his career. 

Will Baker choose the same path? Cleveland likely has a strong handle on what other teams are willing to pay Baker for 2022, based on trade & split salary discussions they've had this winter. Is the next step to simply ask Baker to chop off what he'll likely earn elsewhere, and outright release the 27 year old QB?

Possibly, but if he wants to start football games in 2022, mending fences with Cleveland, and using Deshaun Watson's suspension as a "final showcase" to the rest of the league may actually be his best career move.

The 2022 NFL draft saw nine QBs selected from pick #20 to the very last #262 slot. We breakdown the finances for each selection, and the surrounding QB situation for each of their respective teams.

Related Links:
2022 NFL Draft Tracker

Pittsburgh Steelers

Kenny Pickett unsurprisingly joins Pittsburgh at #20 overall and will get every opportunity to win the starting role out of the gate. He projects to sign a fully guaranteed 4 year, $14M contract in the coming weeks.

Pittsburgh signed Mitchell Trubisky to a 2 year, $14.285M this past March, and for all intents, he’s projected to be the Week 1 starter. The contract suggests a slightly overpaid backup QB however, with $6.285M of cash this year, and $8M non-guaranteed for 2023.

Mason Rudolph has been with the Steelers since 2018, and enters 2022 on a non-guaranteed $3M salary. There’s a chance Pittsburgh moves on here, freeing up that $3M of cap and cash.

Pittsburgh added Chris Oladokun with pick 241, a slot that comes with a projected 4 year, $3.7M contract, only $90,000 of which is guaranteed. He’s a camp body with a chance to make the practice squad.

Atlanta Falcons

Desmond Ridder was the second QB selected, going to Atlanta at #74 overall. The slot comes with a projected 4 year $5.3M deal with a $1.1M guarantee. Ridder will likely hold a clipboard for 2022, learning the ropes and the offensive system from Atlanta’s other new QB1, Marcus Mariota.

Atlanta signed Marcus Mariota away from Las Vegas this past March, to the tune of a 2 year, $18.75M contract. The deal includes $6.75M guaranteed, all in 2022, putting him on a 1 year showcase - with his likely replacement Ridder, now positioned behind him.

Felipe Franks was an undrafted signing last May, and should find himself on the practice squad for the 2022 campaign.

Tennessee Titans

If you had Malik Willis dropping deep into the 3rd round to the Titans on your board, you made a lucky guess. Most evaluators say Willis has the highest ceiling of this new QB group, and he’ll have all of 2022 to dig into Tennessee’s system, and work alongside Ryan Tannehill. The #86 slot comes with a projected 4 year, $5.1M contract, including $921,000 guaranteed.

Ryan Tannehill may be the next big name to leave Tennessee, following the release of WR Julio Jones, and trade of WR A.J. Brown in the past few weeks. Barring a trade, he’ll get the 2022 campaign to further his future case, but his 2 year, $56M contract offers no guarantees after this season, and Tennessee can free up $17.8M of cap to move on next March.

Logan Woodside latched on with Tennessee back in 2019, and has served in the backup role ever since. The selection of Willis puts his roster spot in jeopardy, though it’s perfectly possible that the Titans roster 3 QBs, or try to shelve Woodside on the practice squad. His 1 year, $895,000 contract is non-guaranteed.

Carolina Panthers

It wasn’t Malik Willis at #6. It wasn’t Baker Mayfield via trade. It wasn’t anything we expected. It was Matt Corral at the back end of the 3rd round. The #94 slot comes with a projected 4 year, $5M contract, $875,000 guaranteed, offering a pile of value if he can find his way onto the field for the Panthers.

Sam Darnold still projected to be the Week 1 starter for Carolina, as his fully guaranteed $18.8M (and the draft compensation the Panthers gave up to acquire him) make him a difficult player to move on from. Barring a resurgent season, Darnold is now on a 1-and-done pattern.

Phillip Walker joined the Panthers back in 2020, and has 9 games under his belt, including 2 starts. Though his 1 year, $895,000 contract is non-guaranteed, Carolina may be poised to keep all three of these QBs as their future with this position remains unsettled.

New England Patriots

The Patriots raised a few eyebrows with a 4th round selection of Bailey Zappe, one year after taking Mac Jones to be their next QB1 of the future. But all of the analysis leans to Zappe being a perfect complement to Jones for the next few years, with similar pocket presence, patience, and touch in the passing game. He’s likely been drafted to be the QB2 of their future, with Brian Hoyer on a short deal, and Stidham likely falling off of the roster. Zappe’s #137 slot comes with a projected 4 year, $4.3M contract, $650,000 guaranteed.

Mac Jones enters year 2 of a fully guaranteed $15.5M contract, with a 5th year option that keeps him under team control through 2025. His play leveled off a bit as the 2021 year progressed, but he appears to be the right player to develop in the Bill Belichick system.

Brian Hoyer was signed back to New England on a 2 year, $4M contract that includes $1.4M fully guaranteed in 2023. The 36-year-old’s roster spot will be as much about leading the QB room as it will be about acting as a potential veteran presence on the field as needed.

The Jarrett Stidham project appears to be nearing the finish line. The Patriots can free up $965,000 of cash/cap space by moving on from the final year of his rookie contract.

Washington Commanders

Washington brought in Sam Howell with the #144 overall selection this weekend, and will soon lock him into an estimated 4 year, $4M contract, $360,000 guaranteed. It’s a low-risk financial move, giving the Commanders an outside chance of grooming Howell into an NFL-ready product come 2023 or so.

Carson Wentz and his $28M+ salary were acquired from Indy this March, putting him in line to start for his 3rd team in 3 years. With no other viable starting options currently on the roster, it appears that Washington will be giving Wentz a chance to win this job for the long term. His contract carries 3 years, $81.705M remaining, and $9M of his 2023 compensation locks in on the 3rd league day of 2023.

Taylor Heinicke was bumped back to QB2 per the acquisition of Wentz, and his 1 year, $3.1M contract aligns with that role. There’s a good chance he’s competing for a starting job elsewhere in 2023.

Miami Dolphins

Skylar Thompson joins Miami at the #247 pick, a slot that carries a projected 4 year, $3.7M contract, $82,000 guaranteed. Thompson overachieved at Kansas State, and shows a lot of NFL-ready ability, but he’s almost certainly a practice squad candidate on this beefed up Miami roster.

Tua Tagovailoa enters the all-important year three of a rookie contract that now includes 2 years, $8M + a 5th year option remaining on it. With plenty of new toys and an upgraded offensive line, it’s a no-excuse situation for the 24 year old, especially as the Dolphins added Teddy Bridgewater to compete this summer.

Teddy Bridgewater signed a 1 year, $6.5M contract to join Miami this past March, and while all signs point to Tua keeping the QB1 reins out of the gate, it stands to reason that the Dolphins can keep him on a short leash this season, with Bridgewater certainly capable of stepping into a starting role at a moment’s notice.

Chris Streveler spent 2021 on the Ravens’ practice squad, and his $895,000 salary for 2022 is non-guaranteed in Miami. He’s a camp body until he’s not.

San Francisco 49ers

Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, projects to a 4 year, $3.7M contract, including $86,000 guaranteed. He joins a complicated QB situation (at least on the surface), with Trey Lance supposedly poised to take over the reins, and Jimmy Garoppolo too injured to trade currently.

Trey Lance enters year two of a rookie contract that now has 3 years, $11.28M fully guaranteed, plus a 5th-year option remaining on it. For all intents and purposes, he’s the QB1 entering camp, though Jimmy Garoppolo’s future, and Lance’s ability to settle into the role, all appear to be question marks as of now.

Jimmy Garoppolo enters the final year of his contract, with a chance to add $25.6M to his career earnings. An injury to his throwing shoulder kicked in a $7.5M guarantee on his 2022 salary, putting his ability to be moved on hold, either via trade or outright release. With Nate Sudfeld and now Brock Purdy on the roster, it appears as though the Niners’ plan is still to move on from Jimmy once he’s healthy, but stranger things have happened.

Nate Sudfeld signed a 1 year, $2M fully guaranteed contract to join San Francisco back in March, and projects to be the QB2 once Jimmy Garoppolo is moved on from.

The first round of the NFL Draft was highlighted by the wide receiver position - everywhere you looked. For the first time in history, 6 WRs were selected in the Top 20 of the draft, with all of them picked between #8 & #18 overall. Of the 6, 3 were traded up for to select:

• New Orleans jumped up 5 spots for Chris Olave
• Detroit jumped up 20 spots for Jameson Williams
• Tennessee added #18 for Treylon Burks

But the bigger news of night probably wasn't the 6 receivers who were drafted, but the two currently NFL wideouts who were traded amidst the selections.

The Cardinals acquired WR Marquise Brown from the Ravens with a 3rd round pick in exchange for the #23 overall pick last night. Brown reunites with college QB Kyler Murray, joining DeAndre Hopkins & A.J. Green to fortify a strong pass-catching arsenal in he desert. Arizona subsequently exercised Brown's 5th year option for 2023, locking him in at 2 years, $15.5M.

Not to be outdone, the Eagles soon after made an even bigger splash, acquiring WR A.J. Brown from the Titans for the #18 & #101 overall picks this year. Philly announced a 4 year, $100M extension for Brown shortly after, guaranteeing the 24 year old $57M according to initial reports. Tennessee used the #18 overall pick to select Treylon Burks out of Arkansas, who should come with a 4 year, $14.3M contract through 2025.

The run on WRs likely isn't done, as teams like Buffalo, Kansas City, Green Bay, & Baltimore should all be seeking another wideout Friday.

Best Available WRs (ESPN)

• Christian Watson, North Dakota State
• Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
• John Metchie, Alabama
• George Pickens, Georgia
• Alec Pierce, Cincinnati

Subsequently, the immediate futures of both DK Metcalf (SEA) & Deebo Samuel (SF) remain in question, as the former may not want to extend amidst a rebuild, while the latter has reportedly asked out of his role with the Niners.

Trade Compensation for Recently Traded WRs

A.J. Brown: 2022 1st, 2022 3rd (extending to $57M guaranteed)
Marquise Brown: With a 2022 3rd, for a 2022 1st (exercised $13.4M option)
DeVante Parker: With a 2022 5th, for a 2023 3rd (no financial change)
Tyreek Hill: 2022 1st, 2022 2nd, 2022 4th, 2023 4th, 2023 6th (extended to $72M guaranteed)
Robert Woods: 2023 6th (no financial change)
Davante Adams: 2022 1st, 2022 2nd (extended to $65M guaranteed)
Amari Cooper: With a 2022 6th, for a 2022 5th, 2022 6th (no financial change)

With the 2022 NFL Draft upon us, Spotrac researcher Scott Allen has uncovered the highest earning player in league history selected at each of the Top 32 picks, led by former Giants QB Eli Manning.

Related: All-Time NFL Career Earnings

Related:

All-Time NFL Career Earnings

Bradley Beal (SG, WSH)

The 2021-22 season was Bradley Beal’s 10th year in the NBA. That’s a milestone in terms of longevity and in terms of contract tiers. For Beal, he’s now eligible for the largest maximum deal possible. But it’s also an important marker for a player whose health concerns were once so real, it was fair to question if he’d make it this far. At any rate, one thing is certain: Bradley Beal will be a free agent this summer. With that in mind, here are the various contract options for the Wizards franchise player this summer. Read the Full Evaluation

Deandre Ayton (C, PHX)

When Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns couldn’t come to an agreement on a rookie scale contract extension, it was fair to question the commitment from one party to the other. While the breakdown seemed to be more about years than dollars, there was still a gap that couldn’t be overcome. Now, Ayton is wrapping up his best season, while the Suns have rampaged to the NBA’s best record. That begs a chicken/egg set of questions: Is Ayton good because of the Suns? Or are the Suns good because of Ayton? Read the Full Evaluation

Jalen Brunson (PG, DAL)

Despite having nearly $137 million committed to their 2022-23 roster, Cuban says the Mavericks intend to do “whatever we have to” to keep guard Jalen Brunson. Let’s examine what Brunson’s options for his next contract are. He’s got a handful of ways he can go, either before this season ends or this summer. Read the Full Evaluation

Jordan Poole (SG, GSW)

The Golden State Warriors face some decisions with Poole. This offseason, he’s extension-eligible for the first time. This season, Golden State will pay over $170 million luxury taxes and repeater penalties alone. That’s on top of over $175 million in salaries. That’s just shy of $350 million in salaries plus taxes for one season. That’s going to factor into a possible extension for Poole. Either with how much the team is willing to pay or with future roster decisions down the line. Read the Full Evaluation

Kyrie Irving (PG, BKN)

Irving has a $36.9 million player option for the 2022-23 season, as the final year of the four-year deal he signed with Brooklyn in the summer of 2019. The most likely course of action is that Irving will decline that option and become an unrestricted free agent. But whatever you think is most likely to happen and Kyrie Irving don’t always go hand in hand. Read the Full Evaluation

Tyler Herro (SG, MIA)

Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat is probably going to win Sixth Man of the Year. Actually, remove the probably. Herro will win Sixth Man of the Year. Herro has been dominant off the bench for Miami this season. He’s averaged 21 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for the Heat in his third season. In a somewhat odd twist, Herro has been far more effective as a reserve than as a starter. His efficiency drops considerably as a starter, which leads to fall-off in overall production. That begs the question: How much do you pay a sixth man? Read the Full Evaluation

Zach LaVine (SG, CHI)

Zach LaVine has stayed mostly healthy during this season’s surprise Bulls’ run. That has helped him garner back-to-back All-Star nods. In addition, LaVine has shown he’s not just a “good stats, bad team” guy, as he’s been a big part of Chicago’s turnaround. This summer, LaVine will again hit free agency. The difference is this time he’ll be an unrestricted free agent. And the Bulls won’t get him on any sort of under-market, team-friendly deal. LaVine is likely to get paid. Read the Full Evaluation

Zion Williamson (PF, NOP)

Zion Williamson has played in a grand total of 85 games over his first three seasons. 85 games. Or just three more games than one standard NBA season. And thus come the complications with Williamson’s next contract. All signs point to Williamson wanting a full max deal. The Pelicans may be reluctant to go there. Read the Full Evaluation

A visual look at the numbers behind Denzel Ward's historic extension with the Browns, including $74M through 2025, & $44.5M fully guaranteed at signing. View the Full Contract

From Matt Olson & Jose Ramirez to Wander Franco & Ke'Bryan Hayes, comprehensive financial breakdowns for 20+ MLB contract extensions signed this past offseason.

Related:

• MLB Contract Extension Tracker
• MLB Cash Payrolls
• MLB Tax Payrolls

Wander Franco (TB, SS)

11 years, $182,000,000 + one club option

Franco turned 70 games in 2021 into $182M last fall, an extraordinary feat for any player - but even more so as a member of the Rays organization. Franco’s $16.5M tax salary nearly equals the next two Rays’ average salaries combined ($8.9M, $8M), and ranks him 9th among MLB shortstops. The contract pays out $55M through his pre-arbitration and arbitration seasons, with a 5 year, $125M free agent contract added on from there. Even if the 3033 option is exercised, Franco will only be 32 when this deal expires.

• Deal Years: 2022-2033
• Age When the Deal Expires: 31 (32 with option)
• Tax Salary: $16,545,455 (17% of the ‘22 Rays)
• Signing Bonus: $5M
• Cash Salaries: $1M, $2M, $2M, $8M, $15M, $22M, $25M, $25M, $25M, $25M, $25M, $25M option

» View the Complete Contract

Matt Olson (ATL, 1B)

8 years, $168,000,000 + one club option

Freddie Freeman’s replacement cost Atlanta 4 prospects + a lot of dough, but many believe this to be a tremendous move for a club in the thick of contention. Olson had two more years of arbitration remaining, and was projected to earn $12M this season. This new extension ups that to $15M for 2022, and $21M in 2023. From there, a 6 year, $132M free agent contract with an option for one year further factors in. The $21M AAV makes Olson the 4th highest average paid 1st Baseman in baseball, behind only Freeman, Goldschmidt, & Votto.

• Deal Years: 2022-2030
• Age When the Deal Expires: 35 (36 with option)
• Tax Salary: $21,000,000
• Cash Salaries: $15M, $21M, $22M, $22M, $22M, $22M, $22M, $22M, $20M option

» View the Complete Contract

Jose Berrios (TOR, SP)

7 years, $131,000,000

Toronto sent two prospects to Minnesota last July to acquire Berrios, and then rewarded him a few months later with an $18.7M per year extension through 2028, making him a Top 20 average paid starting pitcher. Berrios gets some trade protection on the deal, and the ability to opt-out after 2026, when he’ll be approaching age 33.

• Deal Years: 2022-2028
• Age When the Deal Expires: 32 (34 without opt-out)
• Tax Salary: $18,714,286
• Signing Bonus: $5M
• Cash Salaries: $10M, $15M, $17M, $18M, $18M, $24M, $24M

» View the Complete Contract

Jose Ramirez (CLE, 3B)

5 years, $124,000,000

After much speculation about where Ramirez might be traded this offseason, Cleveland pulled a 180 and locked in their longtime MVP candidate to a notable extension. The deal includes a full no trade clause, adds $10M to Jose’s 2022 compensation, and carries a $20.1M tax salary - $14M more than any other Guardian. Everything about this contract makes it the largest in franchise history.

• Years of Deal: 2022-2028
• Age When the Deal Expires: 35
• Tax Salary: $20,142,857
• Cash Salaries: $22M, $14M, $17M, $19M, $21M, $23M, $25M

» View the Complete Contract

Byron Buxton (MIN, OF)

7 years, $100,000,000

It didn’t seem like this one was going to get done, but here we are. Buxton has seen action in just 187 games over the past three seasons, but his per-162-game data says he’s a 30 double, 25 HR, 20 stolen base player when the health gods are on his side. Minnesota bought out his final year of arbitration at $10M, then added $90M guaranteed through 2028. This is a franchise cornerstone contract - albeit a risky one.

• Deal Years: 2022-2028
• Age When the Deal Expires: 34
• $10M+ of annual incentives available
• Tax Salary: $14,285,714
• Signing Bonus: $1M
• Cash Salaries: $9M, $15M, $15M, $15M, $15M, $15M, $15M

» View the Complete Contract

Ketel Marte (ARI, 2B)

5 years, $76,000,000 + one club option

Marte has been one of the brighter spots on recently unsuccessful D-Backs squads, and was entering year 5 of a $24M extension that bought out his arbitration and then some. Arizona did right by him with a $76M base add-on, adding a $5M signing bonus to his 2022 compensation, and guaranteeing him through the 2027 season. There’s a few million more to be made each year if he can get himself back in the MVP conversation (4th in 2019). No other veteran Diamondback is signed past 2024.

• Deal Years: 2023-2028
• Age When the Deal Expires: 33 (34 with option)
• Tax Salary: $4.6M in 2022; $15.2M 2023-2027
• Signing Bonus: $5M
• Cash Salaries: $8M, $11M, $13M, $16M, $16M, $14M, $13M option

» View the Complete Contract

Ryan McMahon (COL, 3B)

6 years, $70,000,000

The 4th notable Rockies extension is the biggest, locking in their 3rd baseman to $70M guaranteed, including $14M over the next two seasons to buy out his remaining arbitration term. McMahon becomes the 4th $10M+ CBT salary for Colorado in 2022, keeping him under contract through 2027.

• Deal Years: 2022-2027
• Age When the Deal Expires: 32
• Tax Salary: $11,666,666
• Cash Salaries: $5M, $9M, $12M, $12M, $16M, $16M

» View the Complete Contract

Ke’Bryan Hayes (PIT, 3B)

8 years, $70,000,000 + one club option

Hayes reportedly turned down a contract offer last offseason, but the two sides were able to come to terms this April on a deal that buys out all of his team control, plus at least 3 years of free agency. His 2022 salary was set to come in around $750,000 this year, but that’s been escalated to $10M per the new contract. He’ll account for less than $9M of CBT salary through 2029, a huge win for Pittsburgh.

• Years of Deal: 2022-2030
• Age When the Deal Expires: 32 (33 with option)
• Tax Salary: $8,750,000
• Cash Salaries: $10M, $10M, $7M, $7M, $7M, $7M, $8M, $8M, $12M option

» View the Complete Contract

Sandy Alcantara (MIA, SP)

5 years, $56,000,000 + one club option

Alcantara struck out 201 batters in 205 innings pitched across 33 starts last season, prompting the Marlins to buy out his 3 years of arbitration, plus at least two years of free agency through 2026. The 26 year old will make $20M across his arb seasons (2022-2024), then $34M thereafter, providing strong financial value for small market team’s ace.

• Deal Years: 2022-2027
• Age When the Deal Expires: 30 (31 with option)
• Tax Salary: $11,200,000
• Signing Bonus: $1.5M
• Cash Salaries: $3.5M, $6M, $9M, $17M, $17M, $21M option

» View the Complete Contract

J.P. Crawford (SEA, SS)

5 years, $51,000,000 

The 27 year old had 3 more years of arbitration ahead of him. This new extension pays him $30M to cover those seasons, plus a 2 year, $21M contract to kick off his free agent eligibility. Crawford becomes just the second Mariner to carry a $10M+ tax salary on the roster (Robbie Ray, $23M).

• Deal Years: 2022-2026
• Age When the Deal Expires: 31
• Tax Salary: $10,200,000
• Signing Bonus: $5,000,000
• Cash Salaries: $5M, $10M, $10M, $10M, $11M

» View the Complete Contract

Antonio Senzatela (COL, SP)

5 years, $50,500,000 + one club option

After a $3M arbitration salary for 2021, Colorado bought out his final two seasons of control at a combined $14.5M, locking him in through 2026, with an option to go one year further. The 27 year old made a career high 28 starts last season, posting 105 strikeouts and a respectable 4.42 ERA for a Coors Field pitcher.

• Deal Years: 2022-2027
• Age When the Deal Expires: 31 (32 with option)
• Tax Salary: $10,100,000
• Cash Salaries: $7.25M, $7.25M, $12M, $12M, $12M, $14M option

» View the Complete Contract

Ryan Pressly (HOU, RP)

2 years, $30,000,000 + a vesting option

Unlike many of the relievers who tacked on new deals this offseason, Pressly comes in the veteran variety. He posted 21 saves for Houston last year, with numbers to indicate he was the right choice for the foreseeable future. His $15M average salary ranks 4th among current closers, providing him $14M salaries each of 2023/2024, with a chance at another $14M in 2025 if he makes 50 appearances in each of those seasons. His $10M salary for 2022 remained untouched.

• Deal Years: 2023-2025
• Age When the Deal Expires: 35 (36 with the vest)
• Tax Salary: $10M in 2022; $15M 2023-2024
• Cash Salaries: $10M, $14M, $14M, $14M option

» View the Complete Contract

Matt Chapman (TOR, 3B)

2 years, $25,000,000

Toronto made splashes every which way this offseason, including the acquisition and immediate extension of Chapman from Oakland once the lockout lifted. Instead of a projected $9.5M arbitration salary for 2022, the near 29 year old with earn $13M this year, $12M next before hitting free agency at 30.

• Deal Years: 2022-2023
• Age When the Deal Expires: 30
• Tax Salary: $12,500,000
• Signing Bonus: $1M
• Cash Salaries: $12M, $12M

» View the Complete Contract

Myles Straw (CLE, CF)

5 years, $25,000,000 + two club options

Acquired at the deadline from Houston last summer, Straw finished 2021 with 158 games played, 29 doubles, and 30 stolen bases, clearly enough production in his first full season to get Cleveland’s attention. Straw would have been eligible for arbitration this offseason, so this extension buys out all three years of arbitration, at least one year of free agency, and then two team options thereafter. It’s a 5 year, $25M deal in base value, but could be a 7 year, $39.75M contract if fully exercised.

• Deal Years: 2022-2028
• Age When the Deal Expires: 31 (33 with options)
• Tax Salary: $5,000,000
• Signing Bonus: $2M
• Cash Salaries: $1.25M, $2.5M, $4.5M, $6M, $7M, $8M option, $8.5M option

» View the Complete Contract

Emmanuel Clase (CLE, RP)

5 years, $20,000,000 + two club options

The first of a trio of extensions in Cleveland went to their bullpen closer. Clase’s $4M average salary ranks 13th among active closers, and fully guarantees him through 2026, buying out two more years of pre-arbitration, and all three arbitration years.

• Deal Years: 2022-2028
• Age When the Deal Expires: 28 (30 with options)
• Tax Salary: $4,000,000
• Signing bonus: $2M
• Cy Young/Award Bonuses Available
• Cash Salaries: $1.5M, $1.5M, $2.5M, $4.5M, $6M, $10M option, $10M option

» View the Complete Contract

Manuel Margot (TB, OF)

2 years, $19,000,000 + a mutual option

The 27 year old has shown flashes of 5-tool talent at times with the Padres and now Rays, and was set to play out his final year of arbitration on a $5.6M salary. That compensation remains locked in, but he’ll now see guaranteed raises to $7M & $10M through 2024, with a chance at $12M thereafter based on Tampa’s decision. The compensation aligns with the Rays’ unwritten “high-mark” for veteran salaries in recent years, meaning it’s safe to assume he’s in their plans, and not just a tradable asset (yet).

• Deal Years: 2023-2025
• Age When the Deal Expires: 29 (30 with the option)
• Tax Salary: $5.6M in 2022; $9.5M 2023-24
• Cash Salaries: $5.6M, $7M, $10M, $12M option

» View the Complete Contract

Garrett Whitlock (BOS, RP)

4 years, $18,750,000 + two club options

Boston locked in their setup man (and potential backup closer) for the next 5 seasons, factoring in a $1M signing bonus to sweeten this year’s pot, with increasing salaries through 2026, buying out another pre-arb season, and all three arbitration years. There’s potential for real value here if Whitlock’s role is increased over the next few seasons.

• Deal Years: 2023-2028
• Age When the Deal Expires: 30 (32 with options)
• Options can escalate $4M each based on production
• Tax Salary: $4,687,500 (2023-2026)
• Signing Bonus: $1M
• Cash Salaries: $1M, $3.25M, $5.25M, $7.25M, $8.25M option, $10.5M option

» View the Complete Contract

Merrill Kelly (ARI, SP)

2 years, $18,000,000 + one club option

When it became clear that Kelly was going to be used as a near top of the rotation starter this season, Arizona did right by the 33 year old, tacking a $1M signing bonus onto his $5.25M salary, and adding $17M guaranteed through 2024, with an option to go another year further.

• Deal Years: 2022-2025
• Age When the Deal Expires: 35 (36 with option)
• Tax Salary: $5,250,000 in 2022; $9M 2023-2024
• Signing Bonus: $1M
• Cash Salaries: $5.25M, $8M, $8M, $7M option

» View the Complete Contract

Max Stassi (LAA, C)

3 years, $17,500,000 + one club option

The 31 year old backstopper was heading into the final year of arbitration, set to earn $3M in 2022. The new deal adds another $14.5M through 2024, with the option for another year thereafter. He becomes the 10th CBT salary north of $5M for the Angels in 2022.

• Deal Years: 2022-2025
• Age When the Deal Expires: 33 (34 with option)
• Tax Salary: $5,833,333
• Cash Salaries: $3M, $7M, $7M, $7.5M option

» View the Complete Contract

C.J. Cron (COL, 1B)

2 years, $14,500,000

Cron was brought into Colorado on a minors contract last February, and rewarded the Rockies with 31 doubles, 28 homers, and 92 RBIs in 142 games. He’s now locked in through 2023 on a $7.25M average salary, 17th among 1st basemen.

• Deal Years: 2022-2023
• Age When the Deal Expires: 34
• Tax Salary: $7,250,000
• Cash Salaries: $7.25M, $7.25M

» View the Complete Contract

Elias Diaz (COL, C)

3 years, $14,500,000

The 31 year old backstopper was heading into the final year of arbitration, but now locks in at $4.8M per year through 2024, placing him 12th among catchers in terms of average pay.

• Deal Years: 2022-2024
• Age When the Deal Expires: 34
• Tax Salary: $4,833,333
• Cash Salaries: $3M, $5.5M, $6M

» View the Complete Contract

Harrison Bader (STL, CF)

2 years, $10,400,000

Bader was scheduled to earn around $3.75M from arbitration this year. Doubling that figure for next season would have meant around $11M over the next 2 seasons. His extension with St. Louis falls slightly short, but offers him a solid guarantee on his way to free agency around age 29.

• Deal Years: 2022-2023
• Age When the Deal Expires: 29
• Tax Salary: $5,200,000
• Signing Bonus: $1M
• Cash Salaries: $4.7M, $4.7M

» View the Complete Contract

Miguel Rojas (MIA, SS)

2 years, $10,000,000

The 33 year old infielder has been in the Miami organization since 2014, and was rewarded with a $10M guarantee to handle the starting shortstop duties for at least 2022. He signed a near identical extension back in 2019.

• Deal Years: 2022-2023
• Age When the Deal Expires: 34
• Tax Salary: $5,000,000
• Cash Salaries: $5.5M, $4.5M

» View the Complete Contract

The Bills made good on their promise to keep Josh Allen & Stefon Diggs linked up for the foreseeable future, locking in the WR to a 4 yr, $96M extension which includes $47M fully guaranteed at sign. Here's a visual look at how it all breaks down.

View the Full Contract here: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/stefon-diggs-16872/

Bobby Wagner's tumultuous exit from Seattle becomes the defending champion Los Angeles Rams' next prized possession. Our look at how his 5 year, $50M contract breaks down in terms of guarantee, cash flow, & available incentives.