The Buccaneers typically don’t use signing bonuses for their free-agent contacts. Instead, they rely on guaranteed salaries. For tackle Anthony Collins, who was signed in free agency a year ago, the guaranteed money extended beyond the $6 million he received in 2014.
Per a source with knowledge of the contract, $3 million of the $6 million base salary due and owing to Collins already is fully guaranteed, with no offset language. If he’s cut instead of traded, the Buccaneers will owe him the full $3 million -- regardless of whether he signs with a new team.
The Buccaneers are trying to move on because the other $3 million becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the new league year. So instead of paying him $6 million to play for the team in 2015, they’ll pay him $3 million to not play for the team in 2015, unless they can find someone to trade for him.
Collins started 10 games last season, his first in Tampa. He previously spent six with the Bengals, never becoming a full-time starter.