Here are the full details for DT Mike Pennel’s contract with the Patriots, plus Maurice Harris and Terrence Brooks
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 14: Defensive tackle Mike Pennel of the New York Jets reacts against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
From the NFL Newswire at 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots made Mike Pennel one of their first signings as NFL free agency began last week. More details have dropped on the contract for the ex-Jets defensive tackle.
Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal first reported that Pennel’s deal is for two years. ESPN’s DT Mike Pennel's contract with the Patriots is for two years and has a base value of $5 million. It includes playing-time incentives that increase the maximum value of the deal to $8 million. Pennel projects as a starter next to Lawrence Guy.
Pennel is more than just a lottery ticket. He projects to park next to Lawrence Guy as a starting DT in base defenses. The ex-Jet excels against the run. He should stuff it more consistently than former four-year starter Malcom Brown did.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Mike Pennel of the New York Jets pumps up the crowd against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
More receiver numbers
Reiss also WR Maurice Harris contract: 1 year, $1 million
Signing bonus: $90k
Base salary: $720k
Roster bonus: $150k ($9,375 per game if on 46-man roster)
Workout bonus: $40k
ANALYSIS: There is injury split to $448,000, and also an injury waiver. Protects team. Modest deal to build depth.
Harris signed for one year and a $1 million max value. Only $90,000 of it is guaranteed through a signing bonus. He also gets a $40,000 workout bonus and $150,000 in per-game roster bonuses – $9,375 per game if he’s active. Left over is a $720,000 base salary. Reiss noted that the Patriots also protected themselves with a $448,000 “injury split” in case Harris ends up on IR.
Harris got slightly more money than receiver Bruce Ellington. It indicates that he has a slightly better chance to make the 53-man roster. Ellington’s injury history and minimal $25,000 signing bonus make him far from a lock to last beyond Sept. 1.
But both Ellington and Harris do have experience lining up in the slot. Harris brings more size to complement Ellington’s quickness. Either one could return exceptional value if they stay healthy and mesh with Tom Brady.
TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
Special teams lock
Terrence Brooks 2-year deal with Patriots: Max value $4m.
$1.305m fully guaranteed (signing bonus, 2019 salary). Will make a min of $1.4m, max of $2m in 2019 with incentives. No guarantees in 2020.
So both special teamers (Brooks, Bolden) can make $2m this year
The ex-Jet jumps to the Pats with a two-year pact that carries a $4 million max value. He gets $1.305 million fully guaranteed in salary and bonuses. Earnings can reach at least $1.4 million and max out at $2 million through incentives with no guarantees beyond that.
Over $1 million guaranteed projects Brooks as a lock to make the team as a special teamer. He led the Jets last season with 392 special teams snaps, compared to just 69 on defense. He could create a legitimate competition for roster spots with ST holdovers like Nate Ebner, Brandon King, and Obi Melifonwu. But the Pats also need to find replacements for Albert McClellan and Ramon Humber, who became special teams regulars after coming over mid-season.
Dec 2, 2018; Nashville, TN: New York Jets defensive back Terrence Brooks goes for the Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (not pictured) blocked extra point attempt during the first half at Nissan Stadium. (Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports)
The potential varies for all of the Patriots’ new additions, but they all lack risk. And all three have opportunities in front of them to improve the team in key areas.
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