Running back Trent Richardson has already been paid £400K by the Oakland Raiders, according to reports.
Richardson joined the Californian team from the Indianapolis Colts last week, on a two-year deal worth a reported £2.5m, in a move which raised eyebrows in NFL circles.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the 24-year-old has already received £400K in guaranteed money, which was agreed in contract negotiations.
Richardson struggled last season, scoring just three touchdowns in 15 games.