I think along those same lines regarding front loading deals, but then I think, "Hmm... Doesn't that also make it easier for a guy to hold out for a new deal?"
Maybe someone can explain where I'm wrong with that train of thought.
You can only front load a deal so much, the signing bonus is prorated evenly for the duration of the contract and the player can be forced to pay back that SB money.
In some cases it might not be a big deal if a player has one year left on the deal. Most players with that kind of leverage carry big hits for their signing bonus’s so paying that money back isn’t usually in their best interest.
If your a guy like Zeke Elliot on rookie deal you can take the chance of being sued, paying back the money and becoming a FA.....because your that damn good/young.
If your are severely under paid and your team needs you, you have the leverage.