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Jarryd Hayne is expected to announce he has signed an NFL futures contract with the Detorit Lions as the next step on his journey of fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL. So what will this mean for Hayne?
For Hayne, it’s a starting point to try and make the cut. It doesn’t mean riches, nor any kind of guarantee, and it doesn’t count to a team’s salary cap.
If as suspected, the Lions will sign Hayne to a futures contract, and both secure him as a potential player, while also preventing other teams from being able to sign him. The contract takes effect on March 11.
The team will organise a roster of 90 players for a 90-man camp limit. Hayne will be eligible to practice with the team that signs him, and participate in what are commonly referred to as OTAs – organised team activities – which vary for active players and those looking to secure an active sport.
Any player not on a NFL active roster when the previous regular season ended is eligible to sign a futures contract.
Those players that weren’t on an active spot in previous seasons, are fighting to make it onto an active roster. It’s a chance to find a diamond in the rough – Hayne won’t be competing against top-level players, but the next tier of tried-tested, and un-proven.
While many players have emerged from futures contracts to an active-roster, it’s not a well-trodden path for unrestricted free agents due to minimal salaries.
But still, the futures contract can give a first break. New York Giants defensive end Cullen Jenkins got his first break in the league when the Green Bay Packers signed him to a reserve/futures contract.
Hayne visited the Detroit Lions late last year. At the time, coach Jim Caldwell was keeping his power dry: “We take a look at a lot of different people all the time. It’s a constant sort of exploration for us. We’re always trying to look to find ways to improve, and we’re looking at every option that’s out there available to us.”
The Lions were ranked a lowly 28th in rushing yards in 2014.
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