The world of Packers rumors was a bit divided over the three-year, $30 million deal given to free agent defensive end Julius Peppers.
Critics close to the team who believe Peppers is on the downside of his career are worried that the 34-year-old will not live up to the level of production which has garnered him eight NFL Pro Bowl appearances over his 12-year NFL career.
However, due to the way the Packers and Julius Peppers structured his deal, it looks like there really is no reason for anyone to worry.
Julius Peppers received $7.5 million in guaranteed money, already paid in the form of a bonus two days after he signed the contract with the Green Bay Packers. Peppers will receive $1 million in base salary for 2014, bringing his one year total earnings to $8.5 million.
After that, the Packers hold full control. If the Packers decide to keep the 3-time First-Team NFL All-Pro in 2015, he will earn $8.5 in base salary, $500,000 in workout bonuses, and per-game bonuses that can reach up to $500,000.
In 2016, the Packers again retain rights to retain or cut Peppers, keeping the same bonus structure, but dropping his base salary to $7 million.
So, it is very possible for Julius Peppers to earn a full $30 million over the next three seasons -- or if Peppers can't live up to his past performance, his contract can truncate just as easily to 1-year, $8.5 million.
Either way, the Green Bay Packers hold all of the cards in this arrangement -- saving them from an untenable salary cap situation down the road.
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