All articles tagged with #contract deal
Dorian Finney-Smith has agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract with the Houston Rockets, bringing a versatile defensive and shooting presence to their roster as they aim for a championship run, especially after acquiring Kevin Durant. Finney-Smith, known for his switchable defense and 3-point shooting, has played for Dallas, Brooklyn, and the Lakers, and is expected to be a key contributor for the Rockets.
L'Jarius Sneed, the Titans cornerback, secured a new four-year deal with a $19.1 million average payout, including a $20 million signing bonus and various guaranteed base salaries and roster bonuses. While the deal falls short of making him the highest-paid cornerback, it provides significant cash flow in the initial years but tapers off in the later years, with $44 million in full guarantees at signing. Sneed's decision to opt for this deal over a potential franchise tag for 2024 and 2025 commits him to the Titans for two more years.
Former Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams signs a two-year, $30 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, including $19 million guaranteed, to replace D.J. Humphries as the team's left tackle. The Cardinals absorb $13.8 million in dead money following Humphries' release. Williams, who started 59 games for the Bengals in four seasons, will undergo evaluation alongside Paris Johnson Jr. during offseason practices to determine his role. Despite previous injuries, Williams had a strong 2023 season at right tackle after being moved from left tackle.
The Carolina Panthers have reached a deal with wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who will return for a second season with the team after stints with the Vikings, Chiefs, and Bears. Smith-Marsette showed promise in his rookie year with the Vikings and contributed in various roles during the 2022 season. Panthers coaches have a plan for utilizing his skills, and he will look to make an impact in the upcoming season.
The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a three-year deal with safety/nickel C.J. Gardner-Johnson, with a maximum value of $33 million, providing salary cap flexibility for the team's defensive rebuilding. Gardner-Johnson's versatility as a safety and slot corner adds depth to the Eagles' defense, while the team also looks to add young cornerbacks and impact safeties through the draft.
Christian Wilkins is set to join the Raiders from the Dolphins in a four-year, $110 million deal with $57.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. The contract includes various bonuses and escalators, with an average per year of $27.5 million, positioning Wilkins in the upper echelon of defensive tackles in the NFL.
Free agent safety Geno Stone agrees to a two-year, $15 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, including a $6 million signing bonus. Stone, who had seven interceptions last season, went from a role player to a defensive playmaker for the Baltimore Ravens. Despite being waived twice in his rookie season, he made 11 starts in 2023 and became a ball magnet as the center fielder on defense. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta praised Stone as possibly the team's best seventh-round pick, citing his playmaking ability and attitude.
Kirk Cousins has agreed to a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, ending his era with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal is reportedly worth $180 million, including a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed. Cousins, a veteran quarterback, brings his experience and solid numbers to the Falcons, who have a talented offensive lineup. With a new head coach and a potentially weak NFC South division, Cousins has the opportunity to make an impact and shape his legacy in his third NFL stop.
Saquon Barkley, the former New York Giants running back, has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $37.75 million, potentially rising to $46.76 million with incentives, and $26 million guaranteed at signing. Barkley, who was selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has battled injuries in recent seasons and was given the franchise tag in 2023. Despite wanting to stay with the Giants, he never reached an extension agreement with the team. Now, he will have the opportunity to face the Giants twice a year as a member of the Eagles.
New York City Ballet and the union representing its musicians have reached a new three-year contract, ending months of negotiations. The deal includes a 22% increase in compensation over three years, restoring a salary cut made during the pandemic, and offering a 13% raise. The agreement also involves changes to the health care plan, providing musicians with greater independence to choose their own plan. The dispute between City Ballet and its orchestra had grown heated, with the musicians voting to authorize a strike if needed. This contract follows a similar deal reached with City Ballet's dancers last year.
Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, discusses the recently reached tentative three-year contract deal with Hollywood studios, ending the 118-day strike. Drescher highlights the importance of new revenue for members on streaming platforms and the need for AI protections. She also expresses satisfaction with the increased representation and benefits for lower-paid background actors. Drescher plans to continue fighting for the inclusion of motion and facial performance in the contract, recognition of audio description performers, and protection during auditions and interviews. She credits her negotiating style, authenticity, and focus on female empowerment for disarming the studios. Drescher's future plans include working on eco-responsible entertainment and giving seniors back their residuals, while also considering future acting roles and leveraging her newfound recognition for the greater good. However, she dismisses the idea of running for president.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) has reached a tentative contract deal with General Motors (GM), the last of the Big Three automakers, potentially ending a six-week strike. The deal, which follows similar agreements with Ford and Stellantis, includes significant gains for workers, such as a 25% raise in base wages over 4½ years. The contracts also restore certain perks and eliminate wage tiers. The GM deal still needs to be ratified by UAW workers, but President Biden has expressed support for the agreement. The strike has had a significant impact on the economy, with billions of dollars in costs for the automakers and temporary layoffs for nonstriking workers.
The Philadelphia Orchestra and the union representing its musicians have reached a new three-year contract, ending months of negotiations. The contract includes salary increases of nearly 16 percent over three years, addressing the musicians' concerns about being underpaid compared to other ensembles. The agreement also includes pay raises for substitutes and a requirement for the orchestra to hire more musicians each year to fill vacancies. This is the first contract negotiated by the orchestra since the pandemic, which caused significant financial strain. The musicians' union hailed the deal as a victory for the orchestra and its world-class musicians.
Jakob Poeltl has agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract to return to the Toronto Raptors in the NBA's 2023 free-agency period. The 27-year-old center, who was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, proved to be a strong defensive presence and efficient offensive player. His return to the Raptors last season had a positive impact on the team's performance, but they fell short of making the playoffs.
Kyle Kuzma has agreed to a four-year, $102 million deal to return to the Washington Wizards in NBA free agency. After a career-best season with the Wizards, where he averaged 21.2 points per game, Kuzma drew interest from multiple teams but ultimately decided to stay in Washington. He declined a player option earlier this year and was seeking a deal worth close to $30 million per season.