Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets went for more guaranteed money.

One would stipulate that signing bonuses - the only guaranteed money in player contracts - can be apportioned only over four years for salary cap purposes.

N.F.L. contracts are not guaranteed, therefore bonus money is often viewed as the only guaranteed money in a contract.

The idea, Parcells said, was to explain the Jets' thinking in offering a contract that was top-heavy with guaranteed money rather than with bonus money.

His contract also represented the most guaranteed money ever given to a high school player (surpassing Porcello).

Still, the question remains, could Farrior have made more guaranteed money had he not switched agents at such a late date?

That means more guaranteed money for players and a possible escalation of the bidding wars between owners over high-profile players.

Once the signing bonus amount, which is virtually the only guaranteed money in the contract, was reduced to $12 million, the parties had a deal except for minor details.

Having had 30 saves in each of the past two seasons, Russell would seem to have commanded greater interest and more guaranteed money.

The Yankees hold a $7.2 million option for a fourth year that contains no guaranteed money.