Plaxico Burress signed a five-year, $35 million contract extension prior to the season, but that doesn’t mean the Giants are seriously committed to him for the future.
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It is a remarkably smart deal constructed by general manager Jerry Reese and assistant Kevin Abrams, as the bulk of the money owed is not guaranteed, and the Giants could get rid of him without suffering debilitating salary-cap ramifications.
According to various reports, the Giants could cut or trade Burress after the season and get $23 million taken off their books.
The Giants knew Burress was not the most responsible character and made sure they were financially protected. There is $11.5 million in non-guaranteed base salaries in his contract, non-guaranteed roster bonuses of $3.5 million, non-guaranteed escalators of $5 million based on performance and $1.3 million in non-guaranteed workout bonuses.
Basically, this is a make-good contract for Burress, who only cashes in if he remains healthy, productive and attentive.
Burress has a $1 million installment of his signing bonus due to be paid on Dec. 10, meaning the Giants have a decision to make before then.