Leftwich Cashes In

The Steelers reportedly were willing to pay quarterback Byron Leftwich an amount close to the veteran minimum salary for the next two seasons. The Buccaneers coughed up a much more significant package. According to John Clayton of ESPN.com, Leftwich’s deal is worth $7.5 million over two years. But, as a practical matter, it’s a one-year, $2 million contract with a team option for a second year at $5.5 million. He’ll make $2 million this year, and there’s a $3.5 million roster bonus due in early 2010. It’s likely no coincidence that Leftwich’s total package matches the value of the two-year contract given to the largely unproven Luke McCown. But McCown will earn $5 million this year, via a $2.5 million signing bonus and a $2.5 million base salary. If the respective contracts mean anything, the team regards McCown as the favorite to win the starting job. That said, we wouldn’t bet against Leftwich.