Inside Fred Jackson's Two-Year Extension

Earlier this week, the Buffalo Bills signed running back Fred Jackson to a two-year contract extension. Jackson had been scheduled to earn $1.955 million in base salary, with a $100,000 roster bonus and $50,000 workout bonus in the final year of his four-year, $7.75 million contract from 2009.

According to a league source, Jackson received $8.7 million in "new money", a $4.35 million per year average that places him in between recent contracts signed by New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw ($4.5 million) and Chicago Bears running back Michael Bush and New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles ($3.5 million).

For a 31-year-old running back coming off an injury, that sounds about right.

Jackson was set to earn $2.105 million in 2012 via a $1.955 million base salary, $100,000 roster bonus (which came due in March) and a $50,000 workout bonus. With the extension, Jackson will now earn $5.405 million, including a $3 million signing bonus, $2.205 million base salary, his already earned $100,000 roster bonus and a workout bonus that was increased to $100,000. Jackson can earn $100,000 in incentives.

The only part of Jackson's contract extension that is guaranteed is the $3 million signing bonus.

In 2013, Jackson has a $300,000 roster bonus due on the 5th day of the league year, a $2.15 million base salary, a $100,000 and has up to $150,000 in "per game active" roster bonuses. Jackson's cap number next season is scheduled to be $3.7 million. 2014, the second and final year of Jackson's extension, calls for a $2.45 million base salary, a $100,000 workout bonus and up to $150,000 in "per game active" roster bonuses for a cap number of $3.7 million.

Jackson can earn $1.1 million in incentives tied to rushing yards, receiving yards, rushing touchdowns, playing time, Pro Bowls and playoffs in 2013-14