As we continue to break down contracts for Cleveland Browns free agent signings, there is one more defensive lineman we have to get to: newcomer Quinton Jefferson, a veteran defensive tackle who essentially replaces Jordan Elliott.
DT Quinton Jefferson’s Contract, Cap Hits Per Year
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Roster Bonus | Total Cap Hit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,210,000 | $490,000 | $280,000 | $1,980,000 |
| 2025 | $0 | $490,000 | $0 | $490,000 |
| 2026 | $0 | $490,000 | $0 | $490,000 |
| 2027 | $0 | $490,000 | $0 | $490,000 |
| 2028 | $0 | $490,000 | $0 | $490,000 |
| Total | $1,210,000 | $2,450,000 | $280,000 | $3,940,000 |
- The Browns signed Jefferson to a 1-year, $4 million deal. His cap hit in 2024 will only be $1.98 million, though.
- His base salary is $1.21 million, and then he also received a signing bonus worth $2.45 million. The signing bonus is prorated over five years, as Andrew Berry included four void years in the deal. Therefore, only $490,000 counts toward the cap this season.
- The other money involved in Jefferson’s deal is a $20,000 per game signing bonus ($340,000 for the season). Only $280,000 counts against the cap as “likely to be earned,” since he was only active for 14 games last year.
- When Jefferson’s contract voids in 2025, the team will carry a dead cap hit worth $1.96 million for him.
