Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald broke news that New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola is recovering from surgeries on both his knee and his ankle. Howe says that it's possible that Amendola could be in jeopardy of missing Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season.
Amendola's contract terms make a lot more sense now.
Sure, Amendola had to restructure his contract to stay with the Patriots because there's no way that another team would pony up money for an injured receiver, with the expectations that he learn an entire new playbook and compete for a starting role while being sidelined for the previously mentioned injury.
But Miguel of PatsCap points out a brilliant structure in Amendola's contract that could tip the Patriots hand in what they want to do with Amendola in 2016.
(1/2) This news about Amendola's surgeries could help explain the 10-game limit for his 46-man active roster bonus.
— CapSpace=$9,654,832 (@patscap) May 16, 2016
(2/2) If Amendola is placed on PUP at start of season would miss at least six (6) games.
— CapSpace=$9,654,832 (@patscap) May 16, 2016
Amendola receives a $25,000 bonus for every game that he plays in 2016, up to a maximum of 10 games. This sets Amendola up to receive the Brandon LaFell treatment, by starting the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP list), and rejoining the team after six weeks.
The Patriots have taken the necessary precautions in case Amendola is unable to play, by adding veterans like Chris Hogan and Nate Washington. Perhaps Washington's roster spot hinges upon whether or not Amendola is able to take the field in Week 1.
Regardless, the Patriots have structured the per-game bonus with Amendola in a manner that he would not miss out on these incentives if he were placed on the PUP list. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.