Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Breaking down Richard Sherman's three-year contract with the 49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Serving as his own agent, cornerback Richard Sherman struck a deal with the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night. It's a three-year deal that could be worth up to $39.15 million with $3 million fully guaranteed in the form of a signing bonus.

Of course, for Sherman to maximize the deal he will have to return to his previous All-Pro form after suffering a season-ending rupture to his right Achilles in November of last year. For now, it's actually closer to a three-year, $27.15 million contract. Indeed, this deal is built in a way that will reward Sherman for future performance more so than for his many previous accomplishments.

If Sherman can get back to being one of the top corners in the league, he will be compensated that way and all sides will undoubtedly be happy about it.

Here's a full breakdown of Sherman's three-year deal, with numbers courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info:

2018

Salary-cap charge: $6.175 million

Base salary: $2 million

Signing bonus proration: $1 million

Roster bonus: $2 million (payable upon passing a physical at start of training camp)

Per-game roster bonus: Up to $2 million ($125,000 per game on the 46-man active roster)

Workout bonus: $50,000

Notes: Because Sherman only played in nine games last year, only the equivalent of those games count on this year's cap as a likely-to-be-earned incentive. That number equals $1.125 million and when combined with the base salary, signing bonus proration, roster bonus and workout bonus, gets to the salary-cap charge. The Niners will have to keep some salary-cap space clear to be able to account for the money that doesn't figure into the cap now as what is considered to be unlikely-to-be-earned incentives.

In addition, Sherman can earn up to another $4 million in incentives that break down this way: $1 million for playing 90 percent or more snaps, $1 million for being selected to the Pro Bowl, and $2 million for being a first-team Associated Press All-Pro.

2019

Salary-cap charge: $10,005,000

Base salary: $7 million (If Sherman makes Pro Bowl after 2018 season, this salary increases by $1 million and is guaranteed for injury on third day of 2019 league year and fully guaranteed on April 1, 2019.)

Signing bonus proration: $1 million

Per-game roster bonus: Up to $2 million ($125,000 per game on the 46-man active roster and drops to a maximum of $1 million if he makes Pro Bowl in previous year.)

Workout bonus: $50,000

Notes: Can again earn up to $4 million in unlikely-to-be-earned incentives based on playing time and postseason accolades.

2020

Salary-cap charge: $10,005,000

Base salary: $7 million (If Sherman makes Pro Bowl after 2019 season, this salary increases by $1 million and is guaranteed for injury on third day of 2020 league year and fully guaranteed on April 1, 2020.)

Signing bonus proration: $1 million

Per-game roster bonus: Up to $2 million ($125,000 per game on the 46-man active roster and drops to a maximum of $1 million if he makes Pro Bowl in previous year)

Workout bonus: $50,000

Notes: Can again earn up to $4 million in unlikely to be earned incentives based on playing time and postseason accolades.

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