NFL trade gets players richest contracts in history

Jet, March 22, 2004

In the first trade involving two major NFL players since 1980, cornerback Champ Barley and running back Clinton Portis each signed record contracts with their new teams.

Bailey's new seven-year, $63 million deal with the Denver Broncos makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. His contract includes an $18 million signing bonus and $5 million in other bonuses. Denver also received Washington's second-round draft pick this season.

"I can promise one thing to the owner, the coach and my teammates--that they'll get 110 percent out of me every day," said Bailey, who has 18 interceptions in his five-year career. "I will be a class guy, I will do the right thing, and I won't be a disappointment, I can guarantee that."

"I can't tell you how pleased I am personally to have Champ here as a player," President/CEO Pat Bowlen said about the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback. "I think he brings a lot to this football team, especially on defense. We haven't had a corner come close to him in a long time."

Portis agreed to an eight-year, $50.5 million contract with the Washington Redskins that included $17 million worth of bonuses. This is the richest deal ever signed by a running back in history.

The 22-year-old rusher ran for 1,500-plus yards each of his first two seasons, only the third player in league history to do so. Portis has rushed for 3,099 yards and 29 touchdowns and finished filth in the NFL last season with his 1,591 yards rushing, despite missing three games due to injury.

A 2003 Pro Bowl pick, Portis said he anticipates the challenges of next season. "Sure, there will be a lot expected of me and there will be a lot placed on my shoulders. These shoulders aren't that big, so I can't carry everything, but I will try to carry my share of the load," Portis said.