Colt McCoy and the Washington Redskins: Contract Overview
Colt McCoy was traded to the Washington Redskins in March 2010 as part of a deal that sent quarterback Rex Grossman to the Houston Texans. The Redskins signed McCoy to a four-year contract with a total value reported at around $12.6 million, including a signing bonus of approximately $3.2 million. The deal made McCoy the primary backup to Donovan McNabb initially and positioned him as a low-risk developmental option behind the veteran starter. The structure included standard NFL guarantees and escalator clauses tied to roster status and playing time.
The trade gave the Redskins a cost-controlled quarterback option during a period when the team was evaluating its long-term starter plans. McCoy's contract was structured to minimize dead cap space if he was released or traded, a common approach for backup quarterbacks in the league. The Redskins used McCoy in a specific situational role during the 2010 season, primarily as a change-of-pace option in certain game scripts. His base salary and bonus obligations were fully guaranteed for injury only, limiting financial exposure for the team. The deal is often cited as an example of how NFL teams manage quarterback depth on a budget.
Redskins Usage, Performance, and Financial Details
During his time with Washington, McCoy appeared in a limited number of regular-season games and saw action primarily in relief or garbage-time situations. His on-field role was defined by low volume, with the team leaning on established starters for the majority of offensive snaps. Financial analysts and team front offices often evaluate such contracts by comparing guaranteed money to actual on-field production and snap counts. McCoy's time with the Redskins ended after the 2010 season, when the team moved on to other quarterback options in subsequent roster planning.
The Redskins' decision to part ways with McCoy reflected the team's broader strategy of maintaining flexible salary cap space while developing younger quarterbacks. McCoy's contract was fully executed within the original four-year term, with no extensions or restructurings reported during his tenure. The financial terms of the deal are consistent with the standard compensation packages for third- and fourth-string quarterbacks in the NFL. The team's management focused on acquiring quarterbacks with higher upside or more immediate starter potential in later roster moves.
Broader Context: NFL Backup Quarterback Contracts and Team Strategy
How Teams Manage Backup QB Salaries
NFL teams typically structure backup quarterback contracts with low base salaries, injury guarantees, and minimal roster bonuses to preserve cap flexibility. The Redskins followed this industry norm when signing McCoy, using a short-term deal that aligned with their immediate roster needs rather than long-term investment. Such contracts allow teams to absorb salary cap hits quickly if the player is released or traded, a key consideration for franchises managing tight cap space.
Cap Implications and Roster Decisions
Cap implications for backup quarterbacks are often minimal compared to starter contracts, making them attractive options for teams with depth concerns. The Redskins' handling of McCoy's contract illustrates how front offices balance quarterback depth against other positional needs. Teams frequently use backup quarterbacks as trade assets or draft picks rather than long-term roster staples, a strategy that requires careful contract structuring. The financial flexibility created by these short-term deals can be critical during free agency and the draft.
Relevant Contract Structures in the NFL
Standard NFL backup contracts include base salaries that increase slightly each year, with most guarantees tied to injury or release rather than performance. The Redskins' deal with McCoy followed this template, with the majority of his compensation tied to roster bonuses and workout bonuses. These structures are common across the league and are designed to minimize risk for both the team and the player. The league's collective bargaining agreement governs these terms, ensuring consistency in how backup quarterback contracts are handled.
For deeper analysis of NFL contract structures and team salary cap strategies, refer to resources like the