How is an LTBE incentive for a running back who rushes for 1,000+ yards treated in the following season?

An LTBE (Likely To Be Earned) incentive is typically structured around performance benchmarks that are deemed likely for a player to achieve based on their previous performance and skill level. In the case of a running back who has previously rushed for over 1,000 yards, this achievement would make it highly probable that they would reach or exceed that same benchmark in the following season. Therefore, under salary cap rules, the LTBE incentive would be counted against the team's salary cap for the upcoming season because it is expected that the player will earn it.

This treatment aligns with the intentions of the salary cap system, which aims to ensure fairness and to accurately reflect the value of player contracts based on their performance potential. In contrast, incentives that are not likely to be earned would not be included in the cap calculations.