Report: Vernon Wells could lose money by signing a contract

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For Vernon Wells, simply staying home would be far more lucrative. 

During the 2014 season, the former All-Star, recently cut by the New York Yankees, will collect the final $21 million owed from the seven-year, $126 million extension he signed in 2006 with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Currently off the blue bird's books and haunting those of the Yankees and Los Angeles Angels, Wells will receive every last penny split between the two clubs unless he retires.

But if the former All-Star leaves the door open for a return -- even just a crack -- Wells can stay home, and bank a substantially larger amount of money than he would should he find a team willing to trot him onto the field.  

As FOXSports' Ken Rosenthal points out, Texas state laws don't require him to pay tax on the $21 million coming his way, but should he gain employment elsewhere, Wells would forfeit at least $1 million.

Albeit barely a drop in his bucket, Wells would also profit by signing with a club based in either his native state, Florida, or Washington, where the tax penalties are far less severe.