Andre Smith's Heavy Contract Stipulation

by IFChris on Sep 1, 2009 1:50 PM EDT in Training Camp

When Andre Smith (finally) signed his rookie contract, many viewed it as a win for the Bengals franchise. Katie and Mike didn't allow the slotting system to dictate the terms they agreed upon, and the result was a performance-laden contract that doesn't break the Bengals' bank and puts the onus of earning the deal's maximum potential on Smith.

Because one of the biggest concerns about Smith is his playing weight, that too was addressed in the contract. According to ProFootballTalk, if Smith weighs in at 350 pounds or more, he'll have half of his pay taken for each game he is over the established limit. Here are some details:

Per the source, the contract contains a provision that slashes in half Smith's pay for each game in which he weighs in at 350 pounds or higher.

It's technically a de-escalator of his base salary, a device that is permissible as long as Smith's salary exceeds the league minimum for his specific level of experience. But it's a dramatic and (as far as we can tell) unprecedented move to compel a player to maintain a certain weight.

For those of you thinking Smith, now that he has his money, is going to turn into an out-of-shape bust, take comfort in the fact that he will be punished for doing so.

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Very. Nicely. Done.

This is beautiful, actually.

by Craig Conrad on Sep 1, 2009 2:13 PM EDT reply actions

A total win

for the Brown family and the Bengals. More owners should take note, earth to Al Davis????

by Tommyboy45 on Sep 1, 2009 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

If this contract was written by Bill Parcells, it would be genius and ground breaking but since it was done by Mikey and Katie, I’m sure people will just bitch about then being cheap.

by smoormandiddy on Sep 1, 2009 2:37 PM EDT reply actions

Bengals- 1 Andre- 0

Not only should it keep him working, 50% is a serious loss of pay. No wonder this took 30 days to get signed..
Now the only thing that should bust is his ass getting ready for the season. Niice.

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Sep 1, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

Bengals- 1 Andre- 0

Not only should it keep him working, 50% is a serious loss of pay. No wonder this took 30 days to get signed..
Now the only thing that should bust is his ass getting ready for the season. Niice.

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Sep 1, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

sorry, I hate when technology farts

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Sep 1, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

So good

They said it twice.

by IFChris on Sep 1, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed.

Well, I think it’s fair to say that the Bengals found one hellva motivation to keep Smith’s weight down.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Sep 1, 2009 4:50 PM EDT reply actions

Hard to say

but good job mikey!

by featherman on Sep 1, 2009 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

just got word that Andre Smith has a fractured foot, coach Lewis says he is out for a few weeks

"Ghiaciuc's play was a distraction"

by Joe Goodberry on Sep 1, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

WHAT?

The front office actually makes a smart move?

by Bassthrob on Sep 1, 2009 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

actually, i think the stipulation is over 350 and inactive on game day. semantics, i know, but not as blatantly in favor of the bengals. still, everything i’m reading about this contract makes it a very good one for the team, especially if andre lives up to his end.