If he doesn't report and get ANY of this money…I don't really understand how it's a win.

You were unemployed for a year
Got older at a position where that is viewed as the cardinal sin
A younger player took your spot, performed, and now people wonder if you are a system RB
You didn't collect any of the dough


So yeah, you didn't get any more wear-and-tear but unless someone backs up a Brinks truck next year...