JASON BROWN’S RAMS DEAL DISAPPROVED

The NFL has disapproved St. Louis Rams center Jason Brown’s five-year, $37.5 million contract, according to Howard Balzer of the Sports Xchange. Balzer reports that the Rams and Brown’s agents are making changes to the deal to comply with league regulations. According to the article, the problem involves a $2.3 million buyback clause in the final year of the former Baltimore Ravens starter’s deal. The contract could void after four years depending on whether performance and team incentives are triggered, but the Rams have the option to buy back that fifth year. Under NFL rules governing the collective bargaining agreement, salaries aren’t allowed to go up by more than 30 percent annually from the first-year figure. Brown is due a combined $4 million for 2009. Hence, his compensation can’t increase by more than $1.2 million per year. According to Balzer, Brown is due $5 million in 2012 and $6.2 million in 2013. Including a buyback in 2013, Brown would be paid $8.5 million in 2013. That would represent an increase of $3.5 million from 2012, which isn’t allowed under NFL rules.