Donovan McNabb‘s supposed $78 million contract extension in the wake of being benched for Rex Grossman shocked most fans and analysts — and for good reason. It wasn’t really true.
The deal, initially reported as being worth up to $88 million with $40 guaranteed, actually only ensures that McNabb will receive less than one tenth of that number. The actual guarantee is $3.5 million, according to Adam Schefter.
McNabb will be eligible to receive a $10 million option bonus this coming offseason, and if the Redskins don’t want to grant it, they’ll have to get rid of their franchise quarterback.
After that, McNabb will have non-guaranteed base salaries adding up to $55.5 million through 2015, with $8.5 million in roster bonuses if the often-injured quarterback stays healthy.
While McNabb would have preferred the hypothetical $40 million guaranteed deal, the actual contract that he signed was a relatively sensible one — at least as far as Skins owner Dan Snyder goes.
