Think about it. Any agent who had a roster bonus kick in on August 15th would have a fool for a client. Roster bonuses are designed to insure you get something even if you end up elsewhere or out of work come August. Having a roster bonus there would be begging to be cut on the eve of the season, most players worst nightmare.
Mike Vrabel's contract is a good example of how roster bonuses are structured. Either someone had to pay him the bonus (in this case the Chiefs traded for him and paid it) or he would be cut right at the start of free agency which gives him the best chance to maximize his next contract elsewhere.
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