It has been reported that the contract signed last week by Browns running back Jamal Lewis has guaranteed money in the neighborhood of $6 million to $7 million.  Per a source with knowledge of the deal, however, the practical guarantee is $10 million.

Lewis will be paid a total of $6.5 million in the first year of the deal.  In 2009, he’s due to receive a total of $3.5 million in guaranteed money.

Given that it’s extremely unlikely that Lewis will be cut before the end of the 2008 season, his total take in 2008 is essentially guaranteed.

Per NFLPA records, Lewis has base salaries of $1.4 million in 2008, $2.4 million in 2009, and $2.4 million in 2010.

The total magnitude of the deal and the timing of its negotiation suggests that the Browns might have used the franchise tag on Lewis if the contract hadn’t been worked out when it was.  For running backs, the one-year salary commitment would have been $6.85 million.  The two sides then would have had until July 15 to work out a multi-year contract.