The Pittsburgh Steelers signed free agent tackle Ryan Harris to a two-year, $3.9 million contact on Tuesday and being as the team’s cap number decreased by $1,137,500, we can easily figure out what that deal looks like.
Harris was likely given a $675,000.00 signing bonus and base salaries of $1.325 million in 2016 and $1.9 million in 2017. This results in cap charges of $1.6625 million in 2016 and $2.2375 million in 2017.
This is a very good deal for the Steelers as Harris can easily be cut after just one season should the need arise. Such a move would only result in a dead money charge in 2017 of $337,500 and a cap savings of $1.9 million. Of course, the Steelers hope Harris plays out his full deal as the team’s swing tackle.
The NFLPA now has the Steelers at $2,629,520 under the salary cap. However, it should be noted that it doesn’t look like they are accounting for future workout bonuses for the team in addition to not counting a projected veteran cap credit payback payment.
The Steelers look as if they chose not to restructure the contracts of defensive end Cameron Heyward and center Maurkice Pouncey a few days ago when their roster bonuses were due.
Ryan Harris Contract Breakdown
| YEAR | BASE SALARY | PRORATED BONUS | ROSTER BONUS | CAP CHARGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $1,325,000.00 | $337,500.00 | $0 | $1,662,500.00 |
| 2017 | $1,900,000.00 | $337,500.00 | $0 | $2,237,500.00 |
