Good info

Stanback, Arrington gain some security

By Mike Reiss

In promoting practice squad players Isaiah Stanback and Kyle Arrington to the active roster over the last two weeks, the Patriots did not just fill spots on their current 53-man roster. They have also ensured that both players will be with the team in 2010.

Both Stanback and Arrington inked two-year contracts.

Stanback's deal includes a $25,000 signing bonus and has base salaries of $460,000 in 2009 and $560,000 in 2010. There is also a 2010 offseason roster bonus of $25,000. That is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad and might reflect how the Patriots appreciated Stanback's contributions as their third quarterback while he was on the practice squad. While on the practice squad, Stanback traveled with the team as if he was on the active roster and helped with sideline management.

Arrington's deal does not include a signing bonus. It has base salaries of $310,000 in 2009 and $395,000 in 2010. There is a 2010 offseason workout bonus of $57,000, in addition to a $50,000 roster bonus in 2010. Like Stanback's deal, this is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad. One factor might have been the Cleveland Browns' interest in Arrington, as they were attempting to sign him to their active roster.

Practice squad players become free agents after the season. While Stanback and Arrington could have re-signed with the Patriots, the team would have faced competition for their services.