Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum called LaRon Landry a "dynamic" safety, which is why the club worked to sign the free agent during his visit. But the Jets also protected themselves in the event Landry's left heel -- which ended each of his past two seasons -- continues to be an issue.

The Jets signed Landry to a one-year deal with a maximum value of $3.5 million earlier this week. But half of that amount -- $1.75 million -- is tied up in a weekly roster bonus contingent on him being on the active 46-man roster, per a person with knowledge of the deal's specifics. That person requested anonymity because the team has not announced the terms of the deal.

Landry will earn a $700,000 base salary in 2012 that is fully guaranteed, and also received a $950,000 signing bonus and $100,000 workout bonus. That money totals to $1.75 million.

The rest of the money is in a $1.75 million roster bonus, paid out in sums of $109,375 for each game Landry suits up for.

This practice is not unheard of for players coming off injuries, because it encourages them to work to play each week. But having 50 percent of the money tied to him suiting up is a significant amount.

Landry sees the one-year deal as a chance to prove himself.

"It's really more so like me challenging myself," Landry said on a conference call Tuesday with reporters. "I wanted a one-year deal to prove to everybody and show them that this injury is healed, and I'm able to play to the best of my ability. Because when I'm healed and I can perform the way I know how to perform, the sky's the limit for me. Unstoppable."

