What does the Veteran Salary Benefit Contract report to the salary cap as?

The Veteran Salary Benefit Contract is specifically designed to provide teams with a financial incentive when signing experienced players, particularly those who have played in the league for a significant duration. When a team uses this benefit, the player under this contract is reported to the salary cap as if they have only two credited seasons, regardless of their actual experience.

This provision allows teams to manage their cap space more effectively while retaining veteran players who might otherwise be priced out of their plans due to higher salary demands that reflect their extensive playing history. By capping the salary impact at the level of a player with two credited seasons, it encourages teams to sign experienced players, thereby enhancing the overall quality and depth of their rosters.