How do LTBE roster bonuses for veterans differ from those for rookies?

Rookie roster bonuses in the context of the salary cap and free agency are categorized as "Likely To Be Earned" (LTBE) by default because they often rely on the performance benchmarks set for players in their first season. This classification is driven by the expectation that a rookie is more likely to fulfill such conditions simply due to timing in their careers and the typical opportunities presented to them.

In contrast, veterans can have a variety of bonus structures based on past performance, team success, and various contractual stipulations, which creates a distinction between the bonuses awarded to veterans and those to rookies. Veterans often see bonuses that can be classified as "Not Likely To Be Earned" (NLTBE), depending on their previous performances or the team's context, as they may not always meet the set conditions due to injury histories or reduced playing time.

Thus, the default status of rookies having LTBE roster bonuses reflects their situation within the first stages of their careers, where their potential is still being evaluated and expectations typically hinge on their immediate contributions.