The Seattle Seahawks re-signed linebacker Mychal Kendricks to a new one-year deal last week, although there is a chance he might never see the cash. His entire contract must be earned, with no guaranteed money.
Kendricks pleaded guilty to insider trading last year and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for April. Facing significant jail time, there is a real likelihood Kendricks won’t be available this season – or seasons to come – if sentenced to prison.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Peliserro, Kendricks’ one-year, $4.5 million contract breaks down like this: $2 million base salary with up to $1 million in incentives, $250,000 for reporting to camp, $250,000 if on Week 1 roster, and $125,000 for each game active.
The Seahawks clearly protected themselves should Kendricks be unable to play this season. With no signing bonus included in the deal, Seattle risks nothing if Kendricks is ultimately unavailable.
Seattle re-signed starting linebacker K.J. Wright last week as well. His two-year contract provides security for the team, assuming Wright remains healthy.
