Lions give WR Johnson $53M guaranteed in extension
Published: March 14th, 2012 | Tags: 2012 free agency, Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
The Lions locked up WR Calvin Johnson on Wednesday with a seven-year extension worth $113.5 million, according to league source.
The contract includes an existing roster bonus of $4.5 million that was due in the final year of Johnson’s rookie contract. The bonus was due on the second day of the new league year, and the extension was not done in time to void the final year of his rookie contract. The full eight-year package is worth roughly $130 million.
The contract also includes $53 million guaranteed, with his $1.25 million base salary in 2012 as well as $36 million in signing and option bonuses guaranteed. There is $11.5 million in future salary guaranteed for injury only.
Johnson could void the deal after the sixth year, but the Lions could also buy those years back if they pay him $3.5 million and a guaranteed $7 million in future salary at the end of the contract.
It’s a complicated structure but it’s a deal that had to happen. Johnson was set to count for more than $20 million against the salary cap, and the Lions had to create relief.
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