Vince Wilfork hit every incentive on his contract
During the offseason before the 2014 season, there was a real fear that Patriots defensive stalwart Vince Wilfork would be released due to coming off of a Achilles tear and a high cap hit. There was even reports that Wilfork had asked for his release and had ripped his nameplate from his locker due to being upset about the situation.
Luckily for both sides they were able to work out the contract problems. They did so by making his contract incentive laden. Now that the season is over, it looks like Wilfork was able to hit all the incentives and earn his whole salary.
Random contract note: Vince Wilfork nailed every incentive on his 2014 contract, which netted him $8M. Pats made him earn it. He did.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 9, 2015The incentives were as follows:
ESPN Boston
Signing bonus: $1.3 million
Base salary: $1.3 million (guaranteed)
Weight clause incentive: $300,000
Offseason workout bonus: $200,000
Per-game roster bonus 1: $500,000 for the first game on the 53-man roster
Per-game roster bonus 2: $87,500 for each game on the 46-man game day roster (up to $1.4 million)
Playing-time incentives:
If he plays 50 percent of the defensive snaps: $500,000
If he plays 60 percent of the defensive snaps: $1.25 million
If he plays 70 percent of the defensive snaps: $2 million
If he plays 70 percent of the defensive snaps and the team makes the divisional round of the playoffs, he makes $2.5 million
Defensive incentive: If Wilfork plays 70 percent of the defensive snaps and the team is top 10 in points allowed, he earns $500,000
Base total: $5 million
Incentives total: $3 million
Maximum value: $8 million ($2.6 guaranteed)
There will probably be more talk of Wilfork's status with the team this offseason but for now we can laud Wilfork for doing what most thought would be impossible for a 33 year old defensive tackle coming off a major injury could do.
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