Future Contracts: New York Jets

Edition #576

Good morning! ☕

What is a future/reserve contract? Why do teams sign players to them? Who have the Jets already inked to a futures contract? We’re going to take a look at that today as gear down for the true depths of the off-season. Next week we’re going to start our off-season program, which will mean three newsletters sent on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday, before ramping back up for free agency.

👋 Jets Director of Player Personnel Chad Alexander is leaving 1JD to become the LA Chargers assistant general manager. Alexander Spent two decades in Baltimore with the Ravens before joining Joe Douglas in New York. Alexander was a high profile figure in the Jets back office and he's the second significant figure to leave following Rex Hogan out the door. I thought he may earn a promotion to Assistant GM with the Jets, so this is somewhat of a surprise for me.

⭐ Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel is set to interview for the vacant Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator position today. Rex Ryan is also believed to have interviewed for the position. Let's hope that Rex gets it, although it would be a very good promotion for Manuel.

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What is a futures contract?

When a season concludes a team’s roster gets locked. That means that players on the 53 man roster stay there, but practice squad players become free agents, free to sign with any other team. But because players can’t be added to the 53 man roster once a team’s season has concluded, they can’t sign regular contracts.

Why do teams sign players to these contracts?

It’s to secure their services ahead of the new league year. There are no limits to how many reserve/future deals a team can sign, but teams must abide by the 90-man-roster rule on the first day of the league year. So players sign reserve/future deals that are then activated on the first day of the new league year.

What is the impact on the salary cap?

For the current league year, absolutely none whatsoever. They're called future contracts because it only impacts the future. The contract value is added to the salary cap for the upcoming season if the player is on the 90 man squad at the start of camp.

Can players who signed a deal negotiate with other teams?

No. That's the short answer. Once a player has signed his deal then he's unable to negotiate with any other team. Players can ask to be released from the contract, but that's completely at the discretion of the team. A player who's signed a futures contract can't be poached. They're pretty secure.

How much are these contracts worth?

There is no set value. The vast majority are signed for league minimum. Some players receive signing bonuses but this is quite rare. If a player has more NFL experience, he's likely to earn a little more.

Who can sign a reserve/future deal?

Anyone who was on a teams practice squad at the end of their season or any player who is an unrestricted free agent who was not on an active roster at the end of the season.

Who have the Jets signed to a futures contract?