What components are included in a veteran's salary cap number?

The correct answer highlights that a veteran’s salary cap number includes all applicable salary elements, which encompasses various components such as the base salary, signing bonus proration, and performance bonuses. These components are vital in determining a player's total salary cap impact for a given season.

Signing bonuses are a significant factor, as they are typically prorated over the length of the contract for salary cap purposes, allowing teams to manage their cap space more effectively. Base salary serves as a foundational part of this calculation, representing the guaranteed amount a player will earn for that season. Performance bonuses can also play a role, as they may be tied to specific achievements that, when earned, can increase the salary cap figure for the player.

By including all applicable elements, teams can accurately assess their salary cap situation and how much room they have for acquiring or retaining players, ensuring that they remain compliant with the salary cap rules while also striving to build a competitive roster.