KUSA - KUSA—Details of Jamaal Charles’ one-year contract with the Denver Broncos have been obtained by 9NEWS.
Some of the key new information: He gets a $250,000 bonus if he makes the Broncos’ season-opening 53-man roster.
He also gets a $78,125 bonus each time he dresses on the game-day, 46-man roster.
Previously reported by 9NEWS was Charles’ $100,000 workout bonus – the only guaranteed portion of his deal – and a 9-year veteran minimum $900,000 base salary.
To summarize:
*If Charles doesn’t make the Broncos’ roster because his surgically repaired knee doesn’t come around as hoped, he receives $100,000, not to mention peace of mind knowing he gave it everything he had.
*If he makes it to the Broncos’ season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, Sept. 11, he is assured of making $1,328,125. ($100,000 in workout bonus; $900,000 in salary; a one-time, $250,000 bonus for making the team; and a $78,125 game-day bonus).
*If he plays all 16 games, he will make $2.5 million. ($78,125 roster bonus times 16 for $1.25 million; $900,000 salary, $100,000 workout bonus; $250,000 bonus for making the 53.)
*Charles can also make an additional $1.25 million in incentives based on individual and team performances. His first incentive threshold is 500 all-purpose yards. His $1.25 million incentive package is maximized if he reaches 1,000 all-purpose yards and the Broncos make the playoffs.
That’s doable. So if all goes well for the Broncos and Charles this season, he will make $3.75 million.
This is what is known as a win-win deal. If Charles can stay healthy and contribute and the Broncos make the playoffs, he doesn’t have to be the superstar Jamaal Charles of 2012-14 to make $3.75 million.
If it’s determined Charles’ knee – which underwent surgeries to repair a meniscus tear last year and ACL tear in 2015 – won’t hold up to the strain of playing NFL running back, the Broncos are only out $100,000.
Better believe the Broncos are hoping to pay him $3.75 million.