The bottom line of the contract has Samson Satele's signature.

But the bottom line is the deal was a group effort.

"It's a reward for my whole family, not just for me," said Satele, a former University of Hawai'i lineman who agreed to a four-year, $2.89 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. "My family made a lot of sacrifices. They helped me a lot. They did some parts here and some parts there. This is for the whole Satele family."

Satele is guaranteed to receive $1,225,000. Agent Leo Goeas said Satele will receive the guaranteed money in two installments.

In addition, Satele could earn escalating base salaries. According to the National Football League pay scale, except for first-round picks, the minimum base salaries are $285,000 for the first year, $370,000 for the second, $460,000 for the third and $550,000 for the fourth.

Satele, who was drafted in the second round in April, secured a better deal than last year's overall 60th selection, running back Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones-Drew signed a four-year deal in which $1,175,000 is guaranteed. But most of Jones-Drew's guaranteed money is deferred until the third and fourth years.

If Satele, who will enter the Dolphins' camp next week as the starting center, plays well in his first three NFL seasons, the Dolphins would likely renegotiate his contract before the start of his fourth season. For NFL players, the big payoff comes with the second contract.

Satele said he signed an agreement. He travels to Miami Sunday, at which time he will sign the actual contract.

"Then it will be official," Satele said.

And what will be his first major purchase?

"Every guy in college wants a dream house or a dream car," he said. "You want to spend some money, but then you don't want to spend it. That's a lot of money. I'm going to sit down with my family and decide what to do."

Satele will participate in the Dolphins' rookie camp Tuesday. Veterans report July 27.

The starting center's position was vacated when Rex Hadnot was moved to right guard during minicamp in May. Satele has practiced as the first-team center.

Told of his place atop the depth chart, Satele recalled: "I couldn't find the words. I was speechless. It's been my dream since I was 6 years old, playing for the Kalakaua Monarchs. I was so happy.

"At the same time," he added, "I know they're not just going to hand it to me. I still have to work my buns off. I'm going to push to start that first preseason game and then that first regular-season game against Washington. I have a lot of work to do, but I don't mind working hard."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.