Multiyear NFL signings that could last only one year
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Herm Edwards and Louis Riddick detail Chicago's plan for Mike Glennon and how he can maximize his potential. (1:17)
Mar 30, 2017

John ClaytonESPN Senior Writer

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Free agency continues to breeze along with several player signing one-year, prove-it deals. Dontari Poe (Atlanta Falcons), Bennie Logan (Kansas City Chiefs) and Luke Joeckel (Seattle Seahawks), for instance, all signed one-year, $8 million deals with the hope of playing well in 2017 and cashing in with a long-term deal in 2018.

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But as we keep finding out each year, even the long-term deals can be looked at as prove-it deals. Last year, Russell Okung (Denver Broncos) and Kelvin Beachum (New York Jets) signed five-year contracts that were really one-year deals because all of the guaranteed money was paid in the first year. These contracts gave teams the chance to pick up four-year options. Instead, Okung and Beachum did not have their options exercised and they hit the market again this offseason.

This year's free-agency period was different because the 2013 draft class feeding it was bad. That meant a backup quarterback landed a contract worthy of a starter, and several older players got long-term deals.

Here are the players who signed multiyear deals in March but could be one-and-done candidates next offseason:
Mike Glennon, QB, Chicago Bears

Contract: Three years, $45 million with $18.5 million guaranteed

The Bears surprised some people by signing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' backup to a big-money deal, but the contract is similar to what Nick Foles received in an extension with the then-St. Louis Rams in 2015. Chicago is paying Glennon $16 million to be the starter this season, and the Bears guaranteed only $2.5 million of next year's base salary. His signing bonus was only $3 million, so the Bears would have a $4.5 million cap hit if he doesn't play well and they let him go next year. Chicago, which owns the No. 3 pick, could still take a quarterback of the future in April's draft.

Brandon Carr, CB, Baltimore Ravens

Contract: Four years, $23.5 million with $4 million guaranteed

The four-year deal for Carr, who has started 144 consecutive games, is really only for one year at $6 million. On the fifth day of the league years in 2018-20, the Ravens have to execute an option to keep him. The 30-year-old Carr will try to extend his iron-man streak and help Baltimore secondary in 2017. The Ravens could keep him and pay him $5.5 million in 2018.
Latavius Murray, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Contract: Three years, $15 million with $3.4 million guaranteed

Murray's contract looks more like a one-year deal at $4.16 million. His worry is that the Vikings take advantage of a running-back-rich 2017 draft and select a future starter in the first four rounds. The 27-year-old Murray has to be on the Vikings' roster three days into the 2018 league year to have his $5.15 million salary guaranteed next season, which means Minnesota could easily get out of the deal if he doesn't play well.
Torrey Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Contract: Three years, $15 million with $500,000 guaranteed

The Eagles gave Smith only $500,000 guaranteed, and they have team options on him for 2018 and 2019. They signed Alshon Jeffery to a one-year, $9.5 million contract, so they have two receivers who could stick around for only a year.
Nolan Carroll II, CB, Dallas Cowboys

Contract: Three years, $10 million with $3 million guaranteed

The Cowboys lost corners Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne in free agency and signed Carroll to help out, though they will still be looking for reinforcements in the draft. The former fifth-round pick's deal is really for one year at $4 million, with the Cowboys having the option of letting him go in the final two years of the deal.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Oakland Raiders

Contract: Two years, $8.5 million with $5 million guaranteed

If the Raiders use Patterson as a receiver, this could clearly be a one-year deal. His contract voids if he plays 65 percent of the offensive snaps in 2017. If not, he will be a $4.25-million-a-year returner and part-time wideout.
Ted Ginn Jr., WR, New Orleans Saints

Contract: Three years, $11 million with $3 million guaranteed

The Saints lured away Ginn from Carolina with $3 million to sign, and he's due $5 million total in 2017. But if the 31-year-old Ginn doesn't have a great season, the Saints easily could move on in 2018.
Andrew Whitworth, OT, Los Angeles Rams

Contract: Three years, $33.75 million with $15 million guaranteed

Whitworth could have made $10 million this year to stay with Cincinnati, but he jumped at the chance to go to the Rams, who gave him the opportunity at more money in Years 2 and 3. He's 35, an age when his contract is year-to-year. Whitworth will make $12.5 million in 2017, but if his play declines there isn't much risk for Los Angeles.
Menelik Watson, OT, Denver Broncos

Contract: Three years, $18.375 million with $5.5 million guaranteed

The Broncos hope Watson, who played in only one game in 2016, can be their answer at right tackle, but they have insurance in case he struggles. Watson needs to be on the roster five days into the 2018 league year to have his $5.5 million salary guaranteed. If it doesn't work out, the Broncos would have him on a one-year deal at a little less than $6 million. Denver will likely look to the draft to pick up more options.
John Simon, OLB, Indianapolis Colts

Contract: Three years, $13.5 million with $5.5 million guaranteed

The Colts got Simon at a bargain, so you would figure he should be able to play out the deal. But if it doesn't work out, they can get out with minimal guaranteed money. The former fourth-round pick has 10 career sacks, but he had only 3.5 last season.