Washington Commanders’ owner Dan Snyder is one of the most controversial figures in the NFL.
That was true even before Snyder famously changed the franchise name.
Snyder will reportedly only sell the franchise if the NFL will indemnify him and other ownership groups against future lawsuits pertaining to their reign.
Whether that’s true remains to be seen, but The Athletic revealed that the Commanders are currently structuring the payouts to new signings in a way that hints at a sell-by date for Snyder and the current regime.
That date is May 12th.
“May 12 is two months after Daron Payne, Washington’s 2022 sack leader, signed a four-year, $90 million contract with a $28 million signing bonus,” The Athletic noted. “That delayed timeline not only differs from the industry standard, but it is significantly longer than the payout structure used in previous extensions for wide receiver Terry McLaurin (2022), defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (2021) and former Washington offensive tackle Trent Williams (2016).”
The outlet also spoke with anonymous sources inside the organization.
“Relative to their prior contract precedents, it would seem that they have intentionally delayed the first installment of their signing bonuses,” a former front-office employee told the outlet. “Very plausible that it’s related to the expected timeline of a sale. … I think the payout dates are fairly telling.”
The payout dates are indeed telling, but the date won’t likely be confirmed until Snyder sells the franchise. As of now, nothing appears imminent on that front.
