Team hedging their bets. Multiple years is ONLY to their advantage since contracts aren't guaranteed in the NFL.
exactly! And with the new rule that players can't really hold out anymore without severe punishment this kid just signed his NFL life away if he turns into something.
The fact he signed a 3 year deal with no signing bonus tells you he had no leverage with the Fins or any other offers from anywhere else. He took what he had to take. If he stinks he goes home with really no money to speak of. If he is great he is playing for nothing (by NFL standards) for 3 years which will probably be his "prime" RB years in the NFL considering he already has used some tread on his tires in the CFL.
I don't blame the kid for taking the deal, but this is a lopsided deal towards the Fins and not a ringing endorsement they think much of him in any way.