Numbers on Vontaze Burfict one-year deal much more favorable (and smarter) for Raiders than first thought

This time of year, agents take on the name ‘sources’ quite a bit. For that reason, when contract numbers are initially reported, they aren’t always what they seem. Take the deal that Vontaze Burfict signed with the Raiders.

He was cut by the Bengals last week and within a day, he was signed on with the Raiders, joining his old Defensive Coordinator and position coach, Paul Guenther. The first report out there from Ian Rapoport was that Burfict signed a deal worth $5 million.

Everyone just kind of ran with this figure, disregarding the fact that Rapoport didn’t say PLUS incentives, he said INCLUDING incentives. And incentives can get pretty wild, ranging from simple playing time incentives to Pro Bowl incentives to downright unreachable ones.

Regardless, that $5 million number is not what is reflected on Burfict’s 2019 cap numbers. That number is far lower. As Adam Schefter put out today, his actual contract is $2 million.

Overthecap.com puts Burfict’s cap number at $1.83 million. That’s a far cry from $5 million. Much more fitting of what Burfict brings to the team. Actually, it’s probably a bargain for what the 28-year-old.

Burfict has had problems staying on the field with injuries and suspensions, so loading up his contract with incentives is very smart. The team takes on less risk and he has the chance to earn it on the field, should he stay healthy and keep his wits about him.