How is the signing bonus proration structured for rookie deals?

The signing bonus proration for rookie deals is structured over a period of four years. This structure aligns with the typical duration of rookie contracts, which are generally set for four years, with the first-round picks often receiving a fifth-year option. Prorating the signing bonus over four years allows teams to distribute the financial impact of the bonus across the life of the contract for salary cap purposes. This means that when a player is signed, the cap hit for the signing bonus is spread evenly across those four years, benefiting both the player and the team in managing cap space.

Other options do not fit the typical structure defined by collective bargaining agreements, as bonuses must align with the duration of the contracts they are attached to, and using a different prorated schedule would not comply with the established guidelines for rookie contracts.