Mel and Nate signed their first NFL contracts!

HA wrote: "Purcell, the Browns' sixth-round pick this year, will receive a signing bonus of $87,250. The total value of his contract is worth up to $2.3 million.

Ilaoa, the Eagles' seventh-round selection, will earn a signing bonus of $45,000. His contract could be worth up to $2.16 million if he plays four seasons."


Their agent Leo Goeas expects both players to earn a spot on their teams "in some form" this season:
"In the worst-case scenario, they'll be on the practice roster. And that's the worst case." (HA)

HA Note: "Practice-squad players earn the standard salary of $4,800 a week. While significant, that would pale in comparison to the hefty NFL salaries.

According to the NFL pay scale, the minimum base salaries are $285,000 for the first year, $370,000 for the second, $460,000 for the third and $550,000 for the fourth. Only the signing bonuses are guaranteed.

An NFL source said Purcell and Ilaoa agreed to deals that include "escalated" fourth-year salaries. By playing a fourth season, Purcell will receive an additional $550,000 and Ilaoa will earn an extra $450,000. That means for the 2010 season, Purcell would earn $1.1 million and Ilaoa would draw $1 million."


About how he's adjusting to Phily, Nate said:
"I'm getting the hang of things. It was like that the first time I came (to UH). I got comfortable after that." (HA)


About competing with Ryan Mots for the final RB roster spot, Nate said:
"Its not about competing with Moats or whoever, its about just going out there and competing period. I just want to get there and let the tough part rest with the Eagles, make it hard for them to cut me." (HSB)


About Philly's training camp, Nate said:
''I heard it's hot up there. Yeah, it can get hot in Hawaii, but there's always a breeze in Hawaii. They told me there isn't any breeze up [at Lehigh].'' (Morning Call)