Brandon Marshall’s Contract Includes Super Bowl Escalator

Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) reacts after catching a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. Detroit defeats Chicago 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Marshall wants this upcoming season to be his “breakout” season.  If breakout season means getting to the post-season, that’s a good goal, because despite all his success as an individual, he hasn’t tasted the playoffs yet.  Based on his latest contract, Marshall is not only confident he’ll help lead the Bears to the postseason.  Brad Biggs got the scoop on Brandon Marshall’s contract and there is a nice little bonus for Marshall to get to the Super Bowl.  Here are the details of the extension,

"2014$7.5 million signing bonus$7.3 million base salary$200,000 workout bonusTotal cash: $15 millionSalary cap number: $9.375 million2015$7.5 million base salary$200,000 workout bonusTotal cash: $7.7 millionSalary cap number: $9.575 million2016$7.9 million base salary$200,000 workout bonusTotal cash: $8.1 millionSalary cap number: $9.975 million2017$8.3 million base salary (salary climbs to $9 million for 2017 only if Bears reach Super Bowl following 2014, 2015 or 2016 seasons)$200,000 workout bonusTotal cash: $8.5 million ($9.2 million if escalator triggered) Salary cap number: $10.375 million"

I have lauded the work of Phil Emery and Cliff Stein and their work on contracts, but I have to question one small detail.  They built in a $700k salary escalator for reaching the Super Bowl.  Guys, what are you doing?  You don’t give the bonus for reaching the Super Bowl.  Rex Grossman and Cedric Benson reached the Super Bowl.  You should give the bonus for winning the Super Bowl.

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