Author: pgant

Titans’ Quinton Spain earns the most ‘Performance-Based Pay’ in 2017(Complete List)

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NFL Players will receive $134.16 million in “Performance-Based Pay” for their performance during the 2017 season, the NFL announced today. The Performance-Based Pay program is a collectively-bargained benefit that compensates all players, including rookies, based upon their playing time and salary levels.

Tennessee Titans’ guard Quinton Spain earned the highest amount of all NFL players, both in the Performance-Based Pay program, as well as the Veteran Pool. Under the combined pools, Spain will receive $489,782. Spain, a 2015 undrafted free agent out of West Virginia, played in 14 games for the Titans this season, starting all games in which he played. He played in 85.71% of Tennessee’s offensive plays, as well 13.08% of the Titans’ special teams plays, while earning the league minimum salary for a player with two credited seasons. See the tables below for the top 25 bonuses in each category.

Players have been paid nearly $1.4 billion cumulatively since the inception of the Performance-Based Pay program, which was implemented as part of the NFL’s 2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL Players Association, and continues as part of the parties’ current agreement.

The Veteran Pool is a component of the Rookie Redistribution Fund, which is a player benefit that was created under the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The NFL Players Association elected to fund the Veteran Pool for the first time in 2016 and extended the benefit for the 2017 season.

TOP 25 PERFORMANCE-BASED PAY DISTRIBUTIONS FOR 2017

 

PLAYER

  

CLUB

  

POS

  

COLLEGE

 ROOKIE

YEAR

 DRAFT

ROUND

  

DISTRIBUTION
1 Quinton Spain Tennessee G West Virginia 2015 UDFA $ 385,490.95
2 Wes Schweitzer Atlanta G San Jose State 2016 6 $ 376,698.80
3 Jalen Mills Philadelphia CB LSU 2016 7 $ 364,744.97
4 Anthony Brown Dallas CB Purdue 2016 6 $ 345,299.22
5 Keelan Cole Jacksonville WR Kentucky Wesleyan 2017 UDFA $ 344,998.87
6 Nicholas Morrow Oakland LB Greenville 2017 UDFA $ 337,312.82
7 Eddie Jackson Chicago S Alabama 2017 4 $ 334,782.65
8 John Wetzel Arizona T Boston College 2013 UDFA $ 333,603.68
9 Kevin Byard Tennessee S Middle Tennessee 2016 3 $ 333,066.93
10 Mike Hilton Pittsburgh CB Mississippi 2016 UDFA $ 327,377.67
11 Daryl Williams Carolina T Oklahoma 2015 4 $ 321,834.89
12 Jayon Brown Tennessee LB UCLA 2017 5 $ 321,425.69
13 Trevor Williams LA Chargers CB Penn State 2016 UDFA $ 316,820.42
14 Shaq Mason New England G Georgia Tech 2015 4 $ 314,837.80
15 Ricardo Allen Atlanta S Purdue 2014 5 $ 313,711.25
16 Dak Prescott Dallas QB Mississippi State 2016 4 $ 313,406.43
17 Trey Hopkins Cincinnati G Texas 2014 UDFA $ 310,435.00
18 Jesse Davis Miami G/T Idaho 2015 UDFA $ 308,989.36
19 Spencer Pulley LA Chargers C Vanderbilt 2016 UDFA $ 304,021.36
20 Tyler Larsen Carolina C Utah State 2014 UDFA $ 299,594.37
21 Joe Thuney New England G North Carolina State 2016 3 $ 296,620.57
22 Ken Crawley New Orleans CB Colorado 2016 UDFA $ 295,826.77
23 Jesse James Pittsburgh TE Penn State 2015 5 $ 293,971.07
24 Halapoulivaati Vaitai Philadelphia T TCU 2016 5 $ 293,132.51
25 Blake Martinez Green Bay LB Stanford 2016 4 $ 291,170.83

UDFA – Undrafted free agent

Report: Dion Lewis to Titans

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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Titans and RB Dion Lewis have agreed to a four-year contract.

Lewis, 27, rushed for 896 yards and six touchdowns last season with the Patriots.

The deal will not become official until Wednesday at 4 PM ET.

Lewis becomes the second former Patriots player to sign with the Titans as Tennessee agreed to terms with ex-Patriots corner Malcolm Butler earlier in the day.

Report: Titans sign Malcolm Butler

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According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Titans and former Patriots CB Malcolm Butler agreed to five-year, $61 million deal with $30 million plus guaranteed.

Butler, who spent four seasons with the Patriots, did not play in Super Bowl 52 after being benched for an unknown reason.

Patriots fans will forever remember Butler for his game-clinching interception against the Seahawks in Super Bowl 49.

The deal cannot be finalized until Wednesday at 4 PM ET when the free agent signing period begins.

Mikey Garcia: ‘I would love to get in the ring with him(Mayweather)’

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Mikey Garcia captured a world title in a fourth weight division, outpointing previously undefeated Sergey Lipinets to win the IBF junior welterweight title last Saturday night in San Antonio.

After his win over Lipinets, Garcia(38-0, 30 KOs) has options. Does he go back down to 135? Does he stick at 140, or does he go up to 147? We’ll wait to see.

But, if he could anybody, it would be the  great Floyd Mayweather.

“I would love to get in the ring with him(Mayweather),” Garcia told TMZ Sports before his fight with Lipinets. “Now, it’s a different time now. He’s older and I (saw) his age start to get to him just a little bit. Not enough where anybody can beat him.

“I can see a little bit of it when he fought (Marcos) Maidana, when he fought Berto. Just enough to give me a little bit of a chance.

“Earlier Floyd, great fighter, super fast, and talented. Now, toward the end, Maidana was able to land very good punches. That a couple (of) years behind you never would have touched Floyd with the jab, and Maidana had a bit of success because I think Floyd had started to decrease, just a little bit. So now, I think that gives me a chance. That would give me a good chance.”

At this point,  due to retirement, a fight against Mayweather becomes a mythical matchup for Garcia. Mayweather, 41, has slowed slightly, but he’s still great. Garcia is a solid fighter, but Mayweather is and still on another level!

Photo: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Report: Jimmy Graham to Packers

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According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers and TE Jimmy Graham have agreed to a three-year contract.

Graham, 31, had 57 catches for 520 yards and 10 touchdowns last season with the Seahawks. The nine-year veteran is an upgrade for the Packers at the tight end position.

The deal cannot be finalized until Wednesday at 4 PM ET when the free agent signing period begins.

 

Report: Vikings reached out to Drew Brees(WATCH)

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According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Minnesota Vikings have reached out to the representatives of free agent QB Drew Brees.

While it might be a long shot, the Viking are said to be looking at all their QB options, according to the report.

Brees has been on record as saying that he expects to be back in New Orleans next season.

According to various reports, the Vikings are said to be the favorites to land free agent QB Kirk Cousins.

Sit back and enjoy the ride because NFL free agency is going to be fun!

Listen below:

Devon Alexander to Thurman: ‘If you say you the best, what you need a tune-up for?'(AUDIO)

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WBC/WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman has been on the shelf since last March when he beat Danny Garcia to capture the WBC welterweight title.

After the fight with Garcia, Thurman had surgery on his right elbow. Thurman is scheduled to return on May 19 at Barclays Center to an opponent to be named.

Former welterweight champion Devon Alexander, who had a controversial majority draw against Victor Ortiz in February, does not understand why Thurman needs a tune-up:

“What does tune-up mean? If you’re an elite fighter, If you say you’re one of the best fighters out there, then nobody can beat you on your best day,” Alexander told the Go4it podcast hosted by Paul Gant. “If you feel like you’re one of the top welterweights out there, nobody should be able to beat you at your worst day. I just don’t understand that. Tune-ups or “give-me.” If you say you the best, what you need a tune-up for? I just don’t understand. These people are playing. They say they’re the best, but they want a lot of money for the least opponent. The least threat. That’s what these guys are doing now of days. I don’t understand it. It doesn’t make sense.

“I understand injuries happen, but if you’re strong enough to have a fight, that means you’re strong enough to get in there with somebody. Those are all excuses to me. Like I said, I understand injuries. People get injuries; I been injured, but if you say you the best, fight the best. Continue to fight the best. I mean I just don’t understand.”

At this point, there is no word on who Thurman will fight next. However, based on what Thurman has been saying, the opponent is not going to be anybody that can really test him.

I understand both point of views, but Thurman has to do what he feels is best for his career. Let’s hope the fight after his tuneup will be against a credible opponent.

Listen to what Alexander had to say below:

 
Photo: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

FAQs about the rules of NFL Free Agency

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On Monday at noon, in the NFL, teams can start talking with free agents during the “legal tampering’ period. However, deals cannot become official until Wednesday at 4 PM ET.

Here are some FAQs about NFL free agency:

Q.  When does the 2018 free agency signing period begin?

A.  At 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14.

Q.  What are the categories of free agency?

A.  Players are either “restricted free agents” or “unrestricted free agents.”  A restricted free agent may be subject to a “qualifying offer.”  A restricted or unrestricted free agent may be designated by his prior club as its franchise player or transition player.

Q.  What is the time period for free agency signings this year?

A.  For restricted free agents, from March 14 to April 20.  For unrestricted free agents who have received the May 8 tender from their prior club, from March 14 to July 23 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later).  For franchise players, from March 14 until the Tuesday following Week 10 of the regular season, November 13.  For transition players, from March 14 until July 23.  After July 23 and until 4 p.m. ET on the Tuesday following Week 10 of the regular season, November 13, the prior club has exclusive negotiating rights to unrestricted free agents and transition players.  If the above-listed players do not sign by November 13, they must sit out the season.  

Q.  What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?

A.  In the 2018 league year, players with three accrued seasons who have received a qualifying offer become restricted free agents when their contracts expire at the conclusion of the 2017 league year on March 14.  Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons.  Upon expiration of his 2017 contract, an unrestricted free agent is free to sign with any club with no draft choice compensation owed to his old club.

Q. What constitutes an “accrued season”?

A. Six or more regular-season games on a club’s active/inactive, reserved/injured or reserve/physically unable to perform lists.

Q. How do the free agency rules apply to restricted free agents? 

A. If a player with three accrued seasons has received a “qualifying offer” (a salary tender predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players) from his old club.  He can negotiate with any club through April 20.  If the restricted free agent signs an offer sheet with a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because the qualifying offer entitles it to a “right of first refusal” on any offer sheet the player signs.  If the old club does not match the offer, it may receive draft choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer.  If an offer sheet is not executed on or beforeApril 20, the player’s negotiating rights revert exclusively to his old club.  In addition, prior to the start of free agency a player who would otherwise be a restricted free agent may be designated by his old club as its franchise player or transition player.

Q. What determines an unrestricted free agent?

A. A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired.  He is free to sign with any club, with no draft choice compensation owed to his old club, throughJuly 23 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later).  At that point, his negotiating rights revert exclusively to his old club if by May 8 the old club tendered the player a one-year contract for 110 percent of his prior year’s salary.  His old club then has until the Tuesday following Week 10 of the regular season (November 13) to sign him.  If he does not sign by that date, he must sit out the season.  If no tender is offered by May 8, the player can be signed by any club at any time throughout the season.

Q. What determines a franchise player?

A. The salary offer by a player’s club determines what type of franchise player he is:exclusive or non-exclusive.

An “exclusive” franchise player – not free to sign with another club – is offered the greater of (i) the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position for the current year as of the end of the restricted free agent signing period on April 20; or (ii) the amount of the required tender for a non-exclusive franchise player, as explained below.

Article 10, Section 2(a)(i) of the CBA sets forth the methodology, known as the “Cap Percentage Average,” for calculating the required tender for a non-exclusive franchise player:

The Nonexclusive Franchise Tender shall be a one year NFL Player Contract for (A) the average of the five largest Prior Year Salaries for players at the position . . . at which the Franchise Player participated in the most plays during the prior League Year, which average shall be calculated by: (1) summing the amounts of the Franchise Tags for players at that position for the five preceding League Years; (2) dividing the resulting amount by the sum of the Salary Caps for the five preceding League Years . . . ; and (3) multiplying the resulting percentage by the Salary Cap for the upcoming League Year . . . (the “Cap Percentage Average”) . . . ; or (B) 120% of his Prior Year Salary, whichever is greater . . . .

If a club extends a required tender to a “non-exclusive” franchise player pursuant to this section, the player shall be permitted to negotiate a player contract with any club, except that draft choice compensation of two first-round draft selections shall be made in the event he signs with a new club.

Q. How many franchise players and transition players can a team designate each season?

A. A club can designate one franchise player or one transition player among its potential restricted or unrestricted free agents.

Q. Can a club decide to withdraw its franchise or transition designation on a player?

A. Yes.  A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designation, and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent, either immediately if the tender is withdrawn after the start of the 2018 league year, or when his 2017 contract expires if the tender is withdrawn before the start of the 2018 league year.

Q. What is the salary cap for 2018?

A. The salary cap is $177,200,000 per club.

Q. When must teams be in compliance with the salary cap

A. At the start of the 2018 league year, which begins at4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14.

Q. If a team is under the salary cap at the end of a given season, can the team “carry over” room to the next season?

A.Yes.  A team may carry over room from one league year to the following league year by submitting notice to the NFL prior to4:00 p.m. ET on the day following the team’s final regular-season game, indicating the amount of room that the club wishes to carry over.

Q. What is the maximum amount of room that a club can carry over?

A. A club can carry over 100 percent of its remaining 2017 room to its adjusted salary cap for 2018.

Garica beats Lipinets by UD(Photos from San Antonio)

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Mikey Garcia becomes a four-division champion after beating Sergey Lipinets by unanimous decision last night in San Antonio to capture the IBF junior welterweight title.

With the victory, Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs) joined Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez as the only fighters in history to win titles at 126, 130, 135 and 140 pounds.

“It’s a great feeling. Winning this fourth title in a fourth division is an honor,” Garcia said. “To get to be mentioned with Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is a huge honor for me. It just leaves a little chapter in boxing with my name, my brother, my dad. I think people will remember the Garcia family for ages to come.”

Garcia, who was fighting for just the second time at 140 pounds, relied on a steady diet of combos to back up Lipinets, who was making the first defense of the IBF title he won last November on SHOWTIME. Garcia floored Lipinets for the first time in his career, connecting on a counter left hook midway through the seventh in a rousing moment that sent the pro-Garcia crowd at Freeman Colisuem to their feet.

Garcia, who won by scores of 116-111 and 117-110 twice, connected on 46 percent of his power shots compared to 36 percent for the defending champion.

“He came in exactly as I expected – a very tough, very hungry and strong fighter,” Garcia said. “We worked with angles behind the jab. He’s very dangerous, but we had a great game plan and we were able to prevail.

“I know I carry the power, but I was fighting a bigger man and he could take a punch. I didn’t want to get caught and I had to be patient.”

After the fight, Garcia, who still holds the WBC title at lightweight, reiterated his mantra that he’s seeking the biggest fights available, regardless of weight division.

“What I love is I have all the options,” Garcia said. “I could go down to 135 to unify titles, which is what I really want to do. And in a couple of fights you’re going to see me at 147.

Photos: Amanda Westcott/Showtime

Here’s how it looked:

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Wilder believes that Ortiz will be a tougher opponent than Joshua

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Deontay Wilder has silenced the critics once again after his 10th round knockout of Luis Ortiz last Saturday night at Barclays Center.

The WBC heavyweight champion proved that his chin could stand up to the power of Ortiz when he survived a brutal attack in the 7th-round of the fight.

The next big challenge for Wilder(40-0, 39 KOs) is IBF/WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua(20-0, 20 KOs), who battles WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker on March 31.

However, according to Wilder, Ortiz will turn out to be a tougher opponent than Joshua:

“The thing about Joshua: he’s stiff. All them muscles and stuff it looks good to look the part,” Wilder told TMZ Sports. “As far as being the part, it’s a different thing. Ortiz put his combinations together very well. He’s a slick southpaw. He’s very crafty, and he knows what he’s doing. With Joshua, he don’t have as much experience like Ortiz. It’s day and night when it comes to skills and what he could do in and out of the ring. Why do you think those guys ducked Ortiz?”

Ortiz, 38, is a southpaw with power and has excellent technical boxing skills, but Joshua, 28, is younger and might be a better finisher than Ortiz. If Joshua had Wilder in trouble as Ortiz did in that 7th round, does Wilder survive?

For now, all we can do is speculate, but if Joshua beats Parker on March 31, Wilder should be next!

Photo: Amanda Westcott/Showtime