Wary Patriots play it safe with Hernandez’s deal

On Tuesday, the New England Patriots and former Florida Gators tight end Aaron Hernandez came to terms on a four-year contract. Details of the fourth-round pick’s deal have now been revealed, and some of the specifics of his $2.49 million agreement are revealing to say the very least.

According to The Boston Globe, Hernandez will only receive a $200,000 signing bonus, well below that of what last year’s fourth-round tight ends were paid and less than half of the $508,000 given to a draft pick taken four slots ahead of him in 2010. Instead, the remainder of his guaranteed money will be paid as roster bonuses – money he will receive if he makes the team for the subsequent years of his contract.

Hernandez will be paid $76,000 in 2010, $90,000 in 2011, $104,000 in 2012 and $118,000 in 2013 as long as he dons Patriots colors to begin those respective seasons. This provision was likely included in his deal because of character concerns stemming from the revelation that he tested positive for marijuana and failed at least one drug test while at the University of Florida. Splitting up his signing bonus allows the team to save money if he is suspended due to the NFL’s substance abuse program or the New England brass decide to cut him from the team for another reason.

He will earn $320,000 in base salary in 2010, $405,000 in 2011, $490,000 in 2012 and $575,000 in 2013. As a rookie, Hernandez can bring home a total of $620,000 if he remains with the team for the entire 2010 season.

All together, Hernandez’s deal provides him with the ability to earn as much as a third-round draft selection as long as he produces on the field and keeps his nose clean.

Photo Credit: The Boston Herald