Skip to main content

Kevin Kolb's Bills contract reportedly spells backup

Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone revealed Monday that the signing of Kevin Kolbwill not change the Bills' strategy in the 2013 NFL Draft.

2013 NFL Draft: Team needs

Our analysts examine each team's game plan entering the NFL draft, identifying biggest needs, potential fits and more. **More ...**

We now know why.

Although Bills general manager Buddy Nix called Kolb a "strong candidate" to start at quarterback, a league source with knowledge of the deal tells ProFootballTalk.com that his contract with the Bills "screams backup."

At the time of the signing, Kolb's contract was advertised as a "maximum" of $12 million to $13 million over two years. In reality, Kolb is guaranteed just $1 million. The difference is tied up in incentives and bonuses that will kick in only if Kolb does indeed win out as the starter -- and plays well.

It's a matter of when -- not if -- the Bills draft a quarterback later this month. As long as Kolb outperforms Tarvaris Jackson in training camp, Kolb's roster spot should be safe. If he doesn't give the coaching staff a reason to keep him, though, it will be relatively painless for the Bills to cut bait.

Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.