Former University of Hawai'i defensive end Melila Purcell III and running back Nate Ilaoa yesterday took another step toward their National Football League dreams, agreeing to four-year contracts with the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.

Purcell, the Browns' sixth-round pick this year, will receive a signing bonus of $87,250. The total value of his contract is worth up to $2.3 million.

Ilaoa, the Eagles' seventh-round selection, will earn a signing bonus of $45,000. His contract could be worth up to $2.16 million if he plays four seasons.

Agent Leo Goeas said he expects both players to earn berths on their teams "in some form" this season.

"In the worst-case scenario, they'll be on the practice roster," Goeas said. "And that's the worst case."

Practice-squad players earn the standard salary of $4,800 a week. While significant, that would pale in comparison to the hefty NFL salaries.

According to the NFL pay scale, 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. Only the signing bonuses are guaranteed.

An NFL source said Purcell and Ilaoa agreed to deals that include "escalated" fourth-year salaries. By playing a fourth season, Purcell will receive an additional $550,000 and Ilaoa will earn an extra $450,000. That means for the 2010 season, Purcell would earn $1.1 million and Ilaoa would draw $1 million.

Goeas said he has been told that Purcell and Ilaoa have strong chances of qualifying for the opening-day active roster.

Purcell left last night for Cleveland. The Browns' training camp opens this week.

Ilaoa, who served as an instructor at yesterday's Hawai'i Football Camp, is scheduled to return to Philadelphia on Wednesday.

"I'm getting the hang of things," said Ilaoa, who was admittedly nervous when he first reported to the Eagles' mini camp in May. "It was like that the first time I came (to UH). I got comfortable after that."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.