In recent years, the trend of fully guaranteed contracts in the NFL has gained significant attention. It is no secret that the NFL contracts are often complex, and the guaranteed money is usually tied to various clauses and conditions. However, fully guaranteed contracts are different in that they provide a player with a guaranteed sum of money, regardless of their performance or injury status. So, how many NFL players have fully guaranteed contracts?
To answer this question, we must first understand the difference between guaranteed and fully guaranteed contracts. Guaranteed contracts typically include signing bonuses, roster bonuses, and guaranteed salary in the event of injury. On the other hand, fully guaranteed contracts include a guaranteed salary and signing bonus.
To date, only a handful of NFL players have had fully guaranteed contracts. In 2018, Kirk Cousins signed a three-year, fully guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings worth $84 million. This deal made Cousins the first player in NFL history to receive a fully guaranteed contract. Other players who have since received fully guaranteed contracts include Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, and Matt Ryan.
While fully guaranteed contracts are still a rarity in the NFL, they have become more common in recent years. This is due in part to the success of the players who have already received fully guaranteed contracts. Kirk Cousins, for example, has had two consecutive seasons of 4,000+ passing yards and 25+ touchdowns since signing his deal.
Moreover, the rise of player empowerment has also contributed to the increase in fully guaranteed contracts. Players are now more willing to hold out and demand more guaranteed money in their contracts. This is evidenced by Zeke Elliott’s holdout from the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 and his eventual signing of a six-year, $90 million contract with $50 million in guaranteed money.
In conclusion, while fully guaranteed contracts are still uncommon in the NFL, they are becoming more prevalent. Only a handful of players have had fully guaranteed contracts to date, but their success has paved the way for more players to demand them. As the NFL continues to evolve and players gain more power, fully guaranteed contracts may become the norm rather than the exception.