A full 18 months after running back C.J. Spiller became a Saint, he exits with $9 million in his pockets -- and 13 total games of service.
Given his status on the depth chart during the offseason, training camp, and the preseason, some believed Spiller wouldn’t make it to the 53-man roster. But since his salary for 2016 already was fully-guaranteed, there was no reason for the Saints to dump Spiller before Week One, when his contract would have essentially become guaranteed, if it wasn’t already.
He has a $1.7 million 2016 salary, which with one game check earned means that $1.6 million remains. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the contract includes offset language. Thus, the Saints will get credit for the first $1.6 million he earns in 2016 salary elsewhere.
In all, Spiller has received a $5 million signing bonus, a $750,000 base salary in 2015, and a $1.55 million roster bonus in March. He had 112 yards rushing, 239 yards receiving, and two total touchdowns in 2015. Those numbers include a game-winning, 80-yard catch-and-run in overtime against the Cowboys.
The former top-1o pick of the Bills turned 29 last month, but still has plenty of talent and tread on the tires. Another team surely will give him a chance to display the speed and productivity that resulted in more than 1,700 yards from scrimmage in 2012.
