Late additions can make or break a season. The Cowboys are hoping they made their season with the signing of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who was unsigned for almost all of the campaign following his separation from the Colts.
Hilton brought impressive career numbers to Dallas: 631 receptions, 9,691 yards and 53 touchdowns.
MORE COWBOYS-49ERS:
Betting preview | Best props | DK lineup | FD lineup
He also brought questions about his health. He hadn't played 16 games in a season since 2017 and began the 2021 season on injured reserve. When he came back, he clearly wasn't the same player.
The Cowboys, however, needed a receiver late in the season. When negotiations with Odell Beckham Jr. broke down, Hilton became the next best option. He immediately vindicated the decision when he caught a pass on third-and-30 against the Eagles in a 40-34 Cowboys win.
T.Y. Hilton showed he's still got the juice. @NFLALLDAY | #ALLDAYMoment pic.twitter.com/z4h0IFSE1Q
— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2023
Here's a look at how much the Cowboys are paying Hilton for his services, including bonuses.
T.Y. Hilton contract details
Hilton's contract is team-friendly, but it also benefits him during this late-season tryout.
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the contract includes a $600,000 base salary for the final four games of the regular season and escalators.
MORE: Body cam video shows Odell Beckham Jr. leaving plane in November incident
It had $50,000 roster bonuses built in for the games and up to $700,000 in playoff bonuses. The deal will max out at $1.5 million if all bonuses are met.
New #Cowboys WR T.Y. Hilton’s deal:
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 13, 2022
$600K guaranteed salary for remaining four games
$50K per-game roster bonuses
Up to $700K playoff incentives
Max value: $1.5 million
A solid deal for Hilton, who waited for the right situation and lands in Dallas.
Hilton made $100,000 in the Cowboys' wild-card win over the Buccaneers as he played 30 percent of the snaps in the game and the Cowboys won.
MORE: Revisiting Cowboys OC Kellen Moore's record-breaking Boise State playing career
If the Cowboys win Sunday against the 49ers in the divisional round and Hilton plays 30 percent or more of the snaps, he would receive $150,000. If the same were to happen in the NFC championship game, the payout would be $200,000. And if the Cowboys were to win the Super Bowl with Hilton playing 30 percent or more of the snaps, he would haul in a final $250,000.
In other words, the Cowboys' success is Hilton's success. That's a pretty good deal for all sides.
