Aug. 15, 2007

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To more accurately reflect the actual value of first-round rookie contracts, Pro Football Weekly has revamped the way in which it presents that information, beginning with the 2006 rookie class. As shown in the following table for 2007 first-round picks, the four new categories (left to right) indicate: (1) contract length in years — because deals sometimes contain "voidable" years that are almost certain to be voided, we report the "real" number of years; (2) actual guaranteed money after options; (3) total five-year value based upon achieving minimum playing-time thresholds; and (4) maximum contract value — if all incentives are met. The five-year value is considered a more realistic total-earning figure, given that many incentives will not be met and a rookie contract will likely be ripped up and redone prior to the final year of the deal.