Packers $13.2M under cap after Starks deal
James Starks received a nice payday for his career year in 2015.
The Packers gave the seventh-year running back a two-year, $6 million deal that included a $1.5 million signing bonus and $100,000 workout bonus, according to a league source with access to the NFLPA salary database.
Starks, who turned 30 last month, will make $3 million in the first season if he picks up the full $300,000 in roster bonuses for being on the active roster in all 16 regular-season games. His $2.25 million cap number in 2016 leaves Green Bay with $13,257,816 in remaining cap space for next season.
Starks back with Packers on 2-year deal
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound running back can earn another $3 million in 2017, though it’s based mostly in a $2.6 million base salary. There’s also a $100,000 workout bonus and up to $300,000 in per-game roster bonuses. Incentives for Pro Bowl and rushing totals could push the value to $600,000 in both seasons.
The structure of the contract is nearly double what Starks received (two years, $3.25 million and $750,000 signing bonus) in March 2014, though the Packers could save $3 million with only a $750,000 cap hit if Starks isn't retained next offseason.
Starks served as the backup to Eddie Lacy since 2013, but stepped up in midst of Lacy’s struggles last season and posted career-highs in 2016 with 191 touches, 601 rushing yards, 392 receiving yards (392) and five touchdowns. He, Lacy and John Crockett are the only running backs currently on the offseason roster.
“It’s great to get him back,” said Packers coach Mike McCarthy of Starks at the NFL owners meetings this week. “Him and Eddie have a great relationship. They push each other. It’s a good room. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the young guys do. I’d like to see Crockett take a big step, and I’m sure we’ll have some competition for those guys.”
whodkiew@pressgazettemedia.com and follow him on Twitter @WesHod.
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2016
Cash value: $3 million
Salary-cap charge: $2.25 million
Signing bonus: $1.5 million
Base salary: $1.1 million
Roster bonus: Up to $300,000 ($18,750 per game active)
Workout bonus: $100,000
*Also can earn up to $600,000 for Pro Bowl, rushing totals (mot reflected in cap based it’s deemed unlikely to be earned)
2017
Cash value: $3 million
Salary-cap charge: $3.75 million
Base salary: $2.6 million
Roster bonus: Up to $300,000 ($18,750 per game active)
Workout bonus: $100,000
*Also can earn up to $600,000 for Pro Bowl, rushing totals (not reflected in cap based it’s deemed unlikely to be earned)