Over Analyzing the Chris Ivory Signing Bonus

The Saints quietly opened their wallets for running back Chris Ivory recently when they rewarded him with back pay in the form of a signing bonus, according to Brian McIntyre of NFL.com.

Though the Saints were not required to, a source with knowledge of Ivory's contract said the team has tacked on a $72,900 signing bonus to the final year of his contract, making up for the income he lost while on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list last season. No additional years were added to the contract, and Ivory is still scheduled to be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Classy move by the Saints, in my opinion. Ivory certainly deserves it. But am I the only one who thinks it's slightly ironic and immensely hilarious that the team is volunteering to throw money unnecessarily at their young running back with one hand while pinching pennies and causing strife for their franchise quarterback with their other?

Granted, Ivory's $72,900 bonus is nowhere near enough to close the gap in the Drew Brees contract negotiations. That's probably how much Drew earns with each completion. But is it possible that the front office has done this with the purpose of taunting and insulting him in mind? As if to say, "Nanny nanny boo-boo!"

Perhaps, at least, it is another sign that it's not the total potential value of Drew's contract that's causing the hold up, but rather some other disagreement like up front cash or a differing interpretation of the CBA, as some have already speculated.

Or maybe I'm just really looking too much into this whole thing. What say you?