After we discovered that the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had re-signed extensive receiver Mecole Hardman, it was solely reported that he had signed a one-year contract; no different info got here to mild.
However now, the salary-cap website OverThe Cap signifies that Hardman was signed to a non-guaranteed veteran wage profit (VSB) deal that pays him the league minimal for his 5 credited seasons ($1,125,000), however carries a cap hit of simply $985,000. That’s the identical as a participant with solely two credited seasons.
Below Kansas Metropolis basic supervisor Brett Veach, utilizing VSB contracts for veteran gamers has turn into normal working process. Hardman is the eighth Chiefs participant to be signed to a VSB deal for 2024.
The others are defensive ends Isiah Buggs and Matt Dickerson, defensive sort out Mike Pennel, tight finish Irv Smith Jr., security Deon Bush and lengthy snapper James Winchester.
Defensive sort out Tershawn Wharton has been signed to the “4-Yr Participant Qualifying Contract” model of a VSB contract. On this variant — obtainable solely to gamers who’ve been with the membership for the earlier 4 seasons — the staff will pay the participant as much as $1,450,000 greater than their minimal wage, however nonetheless carry a cap hit of simply $985,000.
Gamers with VSB contracts (which can solely final for one season) may be paid roster or signing bonuses. These are added to the lowered cap hit. In 2024, they could whole not more than $167,500 for every participant.
Hardman, Dickerson, Pennel and Bush weren’t paid any bonuses for 2024. Every carries the bottom doable VSB cap hit for the approaching season.
