What are NLTBE Bonuses?

NLTBE stands for "Not Likely To Be Earned," which refers to bonuses that are not included in a team's salary cap calculation unless they are actually earned by the player during the season. This designation is important in salary cap management because it allows teams to manage their cap space more effectively. When a bonus is labeled NLTBE, it implies that the conditions for earning that bonus are not expected to be met based on historical performance or other factors.

If a player meets the performance criteria necessary to earn an NLTBE bonus during the season, then the amount of that bonus will count against the team's salary cap in the following season, but not prior. This distinction helps teams avoid penalties in their salary cap projections while still incentivizing player performance. In contrast, bonuses that are likely to be earned are included in the salary cap calculations upfront, impacting the team’s flexibility in managing its salary cap.