Spoke to a few people who have been in contact with the new United Football League, and here’s what league reps are telling agents about possible compensation for the six-game schedule:

The league is currently offering one-year, $35,000 salaries across the board — at least that’s what they are telling agents of prospective players, with an additional $15,000 possible in playing-time incentives. There is also some wiggle room for starting quarterbacks to make a little more in incentives, but that’s it.

Previously, league reps told agents that they were toying with the idea of a three-tiered salary scale, and perhaps down the line they could still go with that, but the UFL may end up getting enough players to sign for the $35,000 deals (roughly $5,800 per game, before taxes) that it won’t have to offer more.

In this economy, it will be interesting to see how many guys make the leap. Football is a violent game, as we all know, and severe injuries are commonplace. It will also be interesting to see how the UFL handles injuries (will players who end up on some form of injured reserve be paid?) and what kinds of benefits they can expect. The league has four teams representing seven cities and is set to begin its inaugural season in October.

If former Falcons QB Michael Vick is unable to play in the NFL this season due to legal problems, some have suggested he could be among the more high-profile players in the UFL.

– Jason La Canfora