"When is a $32 million contract not a $32 million contract? In the case of Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, it occurs when the final four years of his five-year deal can void after this season, and when the contract includes potential compensation of $11.5 million in 2011 if the void doesn't occur. In essence, the contract Atogwe signed two weeks ago is a one-year, $4.1 million deal with all the money now guaranteed this year. However, there are no other known guarantees included in the contract. Broken down year-by-year, the total value of the contract is $32.1 million. That figure does not include a $500,000 bonus for making the Pro Bowl in any of the five years, but it can be earned only once. The $32.1 million total also doesn't include up to $600,000 in yearly escalators, the triggers of which are not known. This year, Atogwe will be paid $2.1 million in guaranteed salary, and he received a roster bonus of $2 million on July 1. After this season is where things get interesting. The bottom line is that the remainder of the contract will likely void one day after the Feb. 6 Super Bowl, or he will be released later in the month before an $8 million roster bonus is due. If he were paid that roster bonus, then an additional $3.5 million in salary becomes guaranteed if he's on the roster on the 60th day of the league year, which would be at the beginning of May. The final three years of the contract include base salaries of $5.5 million in 2012 and 2013. In 2014, a $500,000 roster bonus is due on the third day of the league year, followed by $5 million in salary. It is not known what triggers the void of the final four years of the contract; whether it is automatic or whether the Rams and/or Atogwe have the option to void. There would be no reason for Atogwe to void the deal because that would give the Rams the ability to place a franchise tag on him unless that is prohibited within the terms of the contract. From his standpoint, it would be better to wait and see if the Rams pay him the roster bonus. If they don't, he becomes a free agent." http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comme...lly-only-oneyear-41-million-deal--385199.html
