Last week the Minnesota Vikings announced the signing of former Giants — among others — outside linebacker Jihad Ward. Now, we have more details on the contract that Ward was given from the team.
Jihad Ward’s one-year deal with the #Vikings is worth $1.79 million, with a $400K signing bonus, $1.34M base ($600K guaranteed) and $50K workout bonus.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 25, 2024
Details have emerged outlining the particulars of the Ward contract. It’s a one-year deal worth a total of $1.79 million. Included in that number is a $1.34 million base salary, with $600K of that guaranteed at signing. The deal also includes a $400K signing bonus along with $50K in workout bonuses.
The interesting detail here is that there are no performance incentives included in the deal, which may underscore the contribution the team believes they’ll get from Ward. Ward, a former second-round pick of the then-Oakland Raiders, has had trouble catching on in the league.
Ward spent only two seasons with the team that drafted him before moving on to the Indianapolis Colts. From there, Ward bounced around with the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars before landing in New York with the Giants.
Ward had somewhat of a career revival in New York, starting multiple games in a season for the first time since his rookie year of 2016. Last season with the Giants, Ward put up a career high 5 sacks, adding 9 QB hits and 5 TFLs.
Ward will likely be little more than a depth piece for the Vikings, if he sticks on the roster. However, if he can build on the momentum he had with the Giants, Ward could develop into a decent rotational pass rusher.
