With the Indianapolis Colts recently signing CFL Standouts Duron Carter and Ben Heenan to NFL contracts, we now know the details. Both wideout Duron Carter and offensive lineman Ben Heenan were each signed to 3-year, $1.575 million dollar contracts. Each will make $435,000 in 2015, which is a minimum rookie salary per the CBA:
Duron Carter's 3-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts is for $1.575M. $25,000 of his $435,000 2015 base salary is fully guaranteed.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) February 6, 2015
Recently signed CFL olineman Ben Heenan's contract w/ #Colts is a 3-year deal worth $1.575M. Will make rookie minimum in 2015 of $435K. #NFL
— Horseshoe Heroes (@HorseshoeHeroes) February 6, 2015
In regards to both, there is little actually guaranteed on their NFL contracts, as Heenan has $35K guaranteed, while Carter has slightly less at $25K. These details were confirmed by Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun:
Colts WR Duron Carter and OL Ben Heenan both signed three-year, $1.575 million deals with $35,000 guaranteed for Heenan, $25,000 for Carter
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 6, 2015
For the Colts, the new contracts are certainly team friendly deals, as the team is on the hook for little to nothing should neither Carter nor Heenan prove to make the active 53-man roster. Realistically, both should be treated as undrafted rookie free agents despite their CFL experience, and their new contracts ultimately reflect that.
While there are no guarantees for either Carter or Heenan in more ways than one now, it should make both players incredibly hungry and motivated to earn a spot on the team’s active roster.
Last season, Carter caught 75 receptions for 1,030 yards and 7 touchdowns for the Montreal Alouettes, while Heenan started all 21 games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders along their offensive line. Both were highly regarded as two of the better players in the CFL in 2014.
General Manager Ryan Grigson has had proven success in finding hidden talent “North of the Border” too, as he found starting linebacker Jerrell Freeman and back-up Henoc Muamba from the CFL in recent seasons. Hopefully, both Carter and Heenan will become their own success stories in time.
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports