NFL Agent Glossary

The maximum amount of money NFL teams can spend on player salaries in a given league year. Set annually based on league revenue.

The amount of money a team has available under the salary cap to sign players. Calculated as salary cap minus total cap charges.

Salary cap charges for players no longer on the team's roster, typically from remaining prorated bonus money when a player is cut or traded.

The total amount a player counts against the salary cap in a given year, including base salary, prorated bonuses, and likely-to-be-earned incentives.

The spreading of signing bonus money evenly across the years of a contract for cap accounting purposes, up to a maximum of 5 years.

The lowest salary a player can earn, which increases based on credited seasons. Set annually through CBA negotiations.

The minimum salary for players based on their years of service. Provides cap benefit as only the lowest minimum counts against the cap.

An upfront payment to a player that is prorated over the life of the contract (up to 5 years) for salary cap purposes.

Contract money that must be paid to the player regardless of whether they are released. Can be fully guaranteed or guaranteed for injury/skill.

The fixed amount a player earns during the season, paid weekly during the regular season. Counts fully against the cap.

A bonus paid to a player for being on the roster on a specific date. Unlike signing bonuses, it counts fully against the cap in the year earned.

A bonus paid when a team exercises an option in the contract. Can be prorated like a signing bonus for cap purposes.

Performance incentives classified as likely based on prior year stats. Count against the current year cap and are adjusted after the season.

Performance incentives classified as unlikely based on prior year stats. Count against next year's cap if earned.

Fake contract years added to spread bonus proration, which automatically void at a specified date, accelerating remaining bonus to dead money.

A designation teams can use to keep a pending free agent for one year at a salary equal to the average of the top 5 players at the position or 120% of the player's previous salary.

Similar to the franchise tag but at a lower salary (top 10 average) and without draft pick compensation if another team signs the player.

A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired, free to sign with any team without restrictions.

A player with three accrued seasons whose contract has expired. Their original team can match any offer and receive draft compensation if they don't.

A season in which a player was on full pay status for at least six regular season games. Determines free agency eligibility.

The total amount allocated for rookie contracts each year, distributed based on draft pick selections with values assigned to each pick.

A team option on first-round picks that extends the rookie contract for a fifth year at a predetermined salary based on performance.

Extra draft picks awarded to teams that lost more compensatory free agents than they signed, based on a formula comparing contracts.

A roster designation for injured players. Players must miss at least 4 games but can return to practice after that period.

A designation for players injured in football activities who cannot practice. PUP players miss at least 4 games before returning.

A designation for players injured in non-football activities. Similar rules to PUP list but for injuries sustained outside team activities.

A group of players signed to practice with the team but not on the active roster. Limited eligibility based on accrued seasons.

The mandatory contract form between NFLPA certified agents and players, which sets the maximum 3% fee on playing contracts.

The maximum fee an agent can charge is 3% of the playing contract compensation. Marketing and endorsement fees are negotiable.