What will the cap hits look like for Buster Skrine contract?
When the Chicago Bears signed Buster Skrine to a three-year deal it was clear that Bryce Callahan had hit a peak in his value and was going to cash in big time. Rather than paying up for the former UDFA, the team elected to sign Buster Skrine.
Skrine is going to be looked at as a downgrade from Callahan, but it will be much closer when you add up the dollars and cents of their value.
Skrine signed for $16.5 million which includes $8.5 million guaranteed and a $4.25 million signing bonus.
Buster Skrine Bears deal: $16.5M, $8.5M gtd, $4.25M signing bonus, salaries $2.25M (gtd), $4.65M ($2M gtd), $4.15M; $100K annual workout bonus, $500K third day 2021 league year
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2019
Based on the structure of this tweet the cap hits should look something like this;
2019: $3.66 million
2020: $6.4 million
2021: $6.4 million
That comes with a dead cap hit of $4.8 million if he were let go at the end of the 2019 season.
After 2020, he is due no guaranteed money and could save the team $5.6 million if released. Of course, if he lives up to his deal, the $5.6 million could be looked at as a bargain for a starting slot cornerback.
When breaking down the numbers there is a low risk to this signing. In year one he brings a low cap hit. In year two, they could move on from him and net a little under $2 million. From there they have no long term money attached to him.
While we have yet to see what Bryce Callahan is going to get it is fair to say his numbers will be a lot more. For reference, Tavon Young has cap hits of $8 million from 2020-2022 after signing his extension with the Baltimore Ravens. Look for his numbers to be higher than Youngs.