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The Jets’ signing of backup offensive lineman Travis Swanson was announced earlier this week. Rich Cimini provides details on the contract.
Breakdown of Travis Swanson's contract with the #Jets: One year, $1.55M. Includes a $350K signing bonus. Base: $850K (not guaranteed). Roster bonus: $350K ($21,870 per game on 46).
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 6, 2018
That deal is marginally more expensive than a typical backup offensive lineman contract, but you get what you pay for. Unlike a lot of backup offensive lineman, Swanson actually has a (partial) track record of success in the NFL, which probably makes paying a little premium worth it.
It seems like a fair deal. Swanson will actually cost the Jets less than Brent Qvale will assuming both guys are on the 53 man roster in 2018. If the Jets do not like what they see from Swanson in training camp and the preseason, they can cut him before Week 1 and only be on the hook for $350 thousand.
I’m not sure Swanson is a game-changing signing for the Jets, but this contract and its structure seem pretty fair to me.