Eagles reportedly give Brandon Graham a chance to earn extra money

It was reported earlier this offseason that Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham was planning to hold out for a new contract. That talk was short-lived, however, which led some to believe there was no truth to the original report.

As it turns out, the Eagles did rework Graham’s contract. He didn’t get a straightforward raise, though. Instead, the team gave Graham a chance to earn some extra money.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Graham can now make up to an extra $1.5 million over the next two years. Here’s a look at what Graham needs to do in order to reach his incentives.

Should Graham record more than seven but fewer than nine sacks this season, he'll collect $250,000, with the chance to earn an additional $250,000 if he surpasses the nine-sack mark. If Graham fails to reach nine sacks but is voted to the Pro Bowl on the original ballot or named to either the first or second All-NFL team (something he accomplished last year), he'll earn $250,000.

His sack production and Pro Bowl status in 2017 also impacts his 2018 salary. If Graham records seven to eight sacks, his 2018 base salary increases by $250,000; if he records nine to 11 sacks, his 2018 base salary increases by $500,000. If Graham records 12 or more sacks, his 2018 base salary increases by $750,000. And, if he makes the Pro Bowl on the original ballot or is named to either the first or second All-NFL team, his salary increases by another $250,000.

This agreement seems like a nice compromise. Graham gets to earn some extra money while the Eagles don’t have to give out an entirely brand new contract.

Graham is a hard-working player who had a real strong season in 2016. Now he’ll have even more motivation to play well moving forward.