Big Deals

In quick succession Barry Sanders, Brett Favre and Steve Young recently signed the richest contracts in NFL history. Because players and teams work together to skirt the salary cap—and because NFL contracts aren't guaranteed—there's more to these deals than a string of zeroes. Here's how those state-of-the-art packages break down.

BARRY SANDERS, Lions
$34.56 million / 6 years
Signing bonus: $11.75 million

'97: $1.4
'98: $1.75
'99: $3.12
'00: $4.14
'01: $5.4
'02: $6

Guaranteed a roster spot even if hurt, Sanders will get at least $500,000 a year.

BRETT FAVRE, Packers
$47.25 million / 7 years
Signing bonus: $12 million

'97: $1.6
'98: $3.1
'99: $4.3
'00: $5.35
'01: $6.3
'02: $7
'03: $7.6

Bonus to be paid over three years, leaving Packers with cash to sign free agents.

STEVE YOUNG, 49ers
$45 million / 6 years
No signing bonus

'97: $3m.
'98: $10
'99: $8.3
'00: $6.6
'01: $7.8
'02: $9.4

Young has insurance policy that, in effect, guarantees he'll be paid through '98.