The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
58°F
Current Conditions
Overcast clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

PBP delivers for Coleman

Jets cornerback Erik Coleman is dancing now that he has made more than $200,000 in performance-based pay. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
From wire and news services
Jets cornerback Erik Coleman is dancing now that he has made more than $200,000 in performance-based pay. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

The NFL began a “performance-based pay” (PBP) program in 2002.

For Erik Coleman, PBP now stands for “pretty big payoff.”

Coleman, a rookie safety for the New York Jets during the 2004 season, became the first player to earn more than $200,000 through the program when he learned from his agent last week that he would receive $227,625, Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reported.

Coleman (Lewis and Clark High) heard the news from Doug Hendrickson while watching a workout in the football complex at his former school, Washington State University.

“Yeah, I screamed so loud, everyone turned and looked at me,” Coleman said. “It was a little bit embarrassing. And then honestly, I almost cried, I was so happy.”

Implemented as part of the 2002 extension to the collective bargaining agreement, the purpose of the PBP program was to establish a fund that primarily supplements salaries of players whose playing time in a given season is disproportionate to their compensation.

Certainly Coleman, a fifth-round pick in the 2004 draft, was a worthy poster child for how the system functions. Coleman started all 16 games and registered 100 tackles, four interceptions and two sacks.

Seahawks release Terry

The Seattle Seahawks continued to rid themselves of high salaries Friday, releasing starting right tackle Chris Terry, reported the Everett Herald. The 29-year-old Terry was scheduled to count $4 million against the salary cap in the upcoming season.

He follows linebacker Anthony Simmons, who was released earlier this month and has yet to sign with another team. Another starting linebacker, Chad Brown, is expected to have his contract restructured so that the team won’t take an estimated $4 million cap hit in 2005.

The three moves could clear close to $10 million under the Seahawks’ salary cap in 2005.

Terry missed seven games with a shoulder injury last season, and another because of a team suspension. Terry has been suspended by the league and the team during his tenure in Seattle.

Backups Sean Locklear and Wayne Hunter are the early favorites to replace Terry in the starting lineup.

Around the league

The New York Jets traded middle linebacker Sam Cowart to the Minnesota Vikings for a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft. … Linebacker Keith Adams agreed to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. … The Pittsburgh Steelers restructured the contract of left tackle Marvel Smith to free up $2.55 million in salary cap space. … Offensive lineman Cooper Carlisle changed his mind after agreeing to a deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and instead decided to stay with the Denver Broncos. … The Atlanta Falcons signed safety Ronnie Heard to a one-year contract.