Green Bay Packers running back James Starks had a free agent visit lined up for earlier this past week with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that was ultimately cancelled after he decided to re-sign with the team that he’s played for his entire career. Now, thanks to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, we know why Starks didn’t make a visit.
According to McGinn, the Packers signed Starks to a two-year deal that was worth $3,165,626. That deal included a $725,000 signing bonus and base salaries of $750,000 in 2014 and $1.175 million in 2015. In addition, Starks can earn a per-game roster bonuses of $182,813 in both years in addition to $75,000 workout bonuses.
Starks’ 2014 cap charge with the Packers will be $1.37 million.
That’s not a bad deal for a backup running back that’s had injury concerns since coming into the league and there is no way the Steelers were going to be able to top that contract.
Add Starks made his visit to Pittsburgh, the team was probably looking to sign him to a one or two-year deal for the minimum with a very small signing bonus, if any at all.
The Steelers had Jacksonville Jaguars free agent running back Maurice Jones-Drew in for a visit this week and he has left town unsigned. I expect that a few more unsigned free agent running backs will be making their way to Pittsburgh as well over the course of the next few weeks.
