Per Aaron Wilson:
James’s contract table is beyond the fold:
Year | Base Salary | Prorated Bonus | Roster Bonus | Cap Number | Dead Money | Cap Savings |
2019 | $5,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $0 | $8,000,000 | $27,000,000 | ($19,000,000) |
2020 | $10,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $0 | $13,000,000 | $19,000,000 | ($6,000,000) |
2021 | $11,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $0 | $14,000,000 | $6,000,000 | $8,000,000 |
2022 | $11,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $16,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $13,000,000 |
italics – fully guaranteed money
As you can see, James will clearly be a Bronco for at least two years, and he will get his $27 million in full guarantees during that period. In 2021, almost half of his base salary has an injury guarantee that triggers to full on the 5th day of the that new league year, so if the Broncos want to move on before this season, it must be done early. The same is also true for 2022 despite the lack of guarantees remaining; not only do the Broncos have a customary option to exercise, James has also secured a $2 million roster bonus due on the 5th day of the that new league year.