Despite having two seasons remaining on his rookie contract, and being restricted by the 30% rule, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis signed a long-term contract extension last off-season that included $50 million in "new money" and nearly $30 million in guaranteed money. Former Washington Redskins cap analyst J.I. Halsell broke down how the two sides navigated around the 30% rule for FootballOutsiders.com, with Willis' $15.5 million signing bonus, $4.8 million supersede bonus, and $10.091 million in future base salary escalation not considered part of the 30% rule calculation. According to a league source, the 49ers have until the fifth day of training camp this year to exercise the supersede bonus (or pay a $4.8 million non-exercise fee on the sixth day), but NFLPA records show that conditions were met in 2010 that have added over $10 million to his 2014-16 salaries. Halsell noted that these increases were "easily achievable", as the 49ers defense only needed a one-time improvement in its year-over-year ranking in any one CBA-approved category between the 2010 and 2013. The 49ers' improved its ranking in a few defensive categories, including net rushing yards allowed per play, where they went from 3rd in 2009 to 2nd in the NFL last season. Source: macsfootballblog
One of the best defenders in the league and more humble then anyone. SF is so incredibly lucky to have this man on their team. My favorite play is still that Seattle game where he picked off Hassleback and juked and sped his way 86 yards for a touchdown.
