Army linebacker Andre Carter II Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former Army standout gets one of largest signing bonuses ever for undrafted free agent

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 5/2/23

The Minnesota Vikings made a significant undrafted free agent addition on Tuesday, signing former Army edge rusher Andre Carter II.

They seem confident that he can not only make the team but that he might also make an impact.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Vikings gave Carter one of the biggest guaranteed contracts ever for an undrafted free agent.

His deal includes a $40,000 signing bonus and $300,000 in guaranteed base salary for the 2023 season.

One of the biggest commitments ever to an undrafted free agent: The #Vikings signed former Army edge Andre Carter II to a deal that includes a $40,000 signing bonus and $300K base salary guarantee. A sign they believe Carter can make the active roster.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 2, 2023

Carter was a standout player at Army and was expected to be drafted at some point this past weekend. But this is an instance where getting passed over by all 32 teams might have worked out to his benefit.

He not only had the opportunity to pick his destination and shop his services around to the highest bidder, but he also ended up getting way more guaranteed money than he would have received as a seventh-round draft pick.

Seventh-round picks only get about $80,000 in guarantees. Carter is walking away with $340,000 whether he makes the team or not.

Carter's career was thought to be in jeopardy after college because there was a chance the government was going to make him go right into active service after graduating from Army.

It has since allowed him to postpone that service until after his playing career is finished.

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