J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings’ rookie quarterback, has yet to sign his contract, prompting speculation on social media about a possible holdout.
What’s the holdup?
McCarthy’s contract is a fixed, fully guaranteed $21.9 million for four years based on his selection position as the tenth overall pick, although his signing bonus is negotiable. “There are relatively few negotiable issues on rookie contracts anymore. The two key bargaining problems, particularly at the top of the draft, are the signing bonus payment timeline and whether salary guarantees will be offset. On May 4, former NFL agent and CBS Sports reporter Joel Correy noted, “Another important consideration is the language outlining the voiding of salary guarantees.”
In recent years, first-round quarterbacks have received their whole signing bonus upfront rather than paid out annually over the course of their rookie contract. That is anticipated to be the sticking issue in contract negotiations between McCarthy’s camp and the Vikings. “At the top of the first round, lump sum payouts are becoming more popular. “The Jaguars made a significant departure from their customary signing bonus payment schedule with 2021 first overall pick Trevor Lawrence,” Correy wrote.
“In general, quarterbacks have had a higher success rate in receiving their entire signing bonus quickly after signing. In 2021, Zach Wilson and Trey will join Lawrence.
The Jets and 49ers paid Lance, the second and third overall picks, their signing bonuses in full, totaling $22,924,132 and $22,163,824 respectively. The money was received at a similar timeframe to Lawrence. To be clear, McCarthy has practiced under the league’s “rookie participation agreement,” which stipulates that a rookie will get the same deal as if he were healthy.
However, the conditions of McCarthy’s deal are still being negotiated.
Lance, the second and third overall picks, received $22,924,132 and $22,163,824 signing bonuses in one lump amount from the Jets and 49ers, respectively. The money was received in a similar era as Lawrence. To be clear, McCarthy has practiced under the league’s “rookie participation agreement,” which ensures a rookie receives the same compensation as if he were healthy.
However, McCarthy’s contract details are still being negotiated.
Vikings Rookies J.J. McCarthy, Dallas Turner Both Remain Unsigned Entering Summer
McCarthy’s signing bonus of $12.7 million is still up for negotiation.
The Vikings have not felt the obligation to give a hefty cash commitment up front since they have not drafted a first-round rookie quarterback since 2014. McCarthy is also the only quarterback the team has ever drafted in the top ten.
Dallas Turner, a fellow first-round choice, is also unsigned as the summer approaches training camp.
Both first-round picks are the only rookies who have not signed contracts before training camp begins on July 27.
The Vikings recently signed Justin Jefferson to a huge contract, which may make them hesitant to provide more money than previous first-round players have sought. Despite the low likelihood of a severe dispute, McCarthy and Turner’s destinies in Minnesota will be established in due course.
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