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  • It always makes sense to kick the salary-cap can to future years

    Posted by Mike Florio on February 21, 2023, 9:20 AM EST

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    We’ll be writing and talking a lot in the coming days about teams re-doing deals in order to reduce cap charges in the 2023 league year, and to push cap costs into 2024.

    Some teams, like the Saints and G.M. Mickey Loomis, have perfected the craft of kicking the cap can. And it’s not like an unexpectedly high utility bill. When teams sign contracts, they know how the money will hit the cap, with typically lower charges in the early years, increasing cap consequences in later years, and often a bill on the back end that will chew up cap space after the player is gone.

    Every year, teams have to reconfigure contracts in order to comply with the cap. Again, it’s never a surprise. It’s part of managing the supposedly hard cap on spending that, as a practical matter, can be engineered through payments that get spread over multiple league years.

    And while the dollars inevitably will hit the cap at some point, the fact that the cap keeps going up and up and up makes a cap dollar in 2023 have less of a relative impact in 2024, when the cap spikes again.

    For example, a $1 million cap charge means less when the limit is $224.8 million (as it will be this year) than when the limit is $208.2 million (as it was last year). And it will mean even less next year.

    The only problem is that these cap maneuverings often require cooperation from players. Plenty of contracts give teams the ability to convert salary (which isn’t spread over multiple years) to signing bonus (which is). And few players would refuse to take cash in hand now.

    But then there are players like Tom Brady, whose expiring contract has a $35.1 million cap charge — and whose team would benefit from Brady agreeing to a one-year dummy deal that would allow more than $24 million to be bumped to 2024.

    The Bucs reportedly plan to take their medicine this year, which sounds a lot better than saying, “We wanted to reduce the number, but Brady refused to play ball with us.”

    Really, why would any team choose to take a full dead-cap charge in any current year, unless they’re looking for cover for cheapness?

    Unlike the early days of the cap, when teams had to play contractual games with incentives to carry cap space from one year to the next, it all happens automatically. So if the Bucs would clear $24 million in cap space by re-doing Brady’s deal and ultimately not use it all in 2023, they’d be able to push the full amount of the excess to 2024.

    So, basically, it’s easy to create cap space, and it always makes sense to do it. Whenever any team starts saying or leaking that it wants to take its cap medicine now, it’s fair to wonder whether the team simply doesn’t want to spend money now.

    They’ll never admit that, of course. Because if teams aren’t spending as much money as they can on players, why should fans did deep for season-ticket renewals?

    Remember that, folks, when you get your invoice — especially when it shows an increase over last year. If your local team isn’t doing everything it can to get the most out of the available cap dollars, why should you do everything you can to cough up hard-earned cash that isn’t being used to its fullest?
    Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

    Comment


    • Priefer is the son of Chuck Priefer, a retired Lions coach and special teams coordinator.​ Browns fire Mike Priefer

      Posted by Josh Alper on February 21, 2023, 8:48 AM EST

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      The Browns fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods right after the end of the season, but they took some more time before deciding to make a change at the top of their special teams coaching staff.

      Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports that the Browns fired special teams coordinator Mike Priefer on Tuesday. The move comes about a month after there were reports that Priefer’s job in Cleveland was safe.

      It’s not clear what might have changed over the last few weeks, but the Browns are now in the market for a new coordinator.

      Priefer joined the Browns as a member of Freddie Kitchens’ staff in 2019 and he remained onboard through the transition to Kevin Stefanski the next year. He served as the acting head coach in a 2020 playoff win and a 2021 regular season game because Stefanski was absent after testing positive for COVID.

      UPDATE 9:13 a.m. ET: The Browns officially announced Priefer’s departure.

      “I appreciate everything Prief has done for this team in his three seasons as my special teams coordinator, but I have decided to move in another direction in the best interest of our organization,” Stefanski said in a statement. “I know this city will forever be grateful for the job he did as acting head coach in our AFC Wild Card win and for all his contributions while leading the Browns special team’s units for the last four seasons. We wish Prief the best with his next opportunity.”
      Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

      Comment


      • Window to use franchise tags is now open

        Posted by Josh Alper on February 21, 2023, 7:01 AM EST

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        Tuesday marks an important date in the NFL’s offseason calendar.

        The window for teams to use franchise or transition tags is now open. Teams can apply the tags at any point between now and 4 p.m. ET on March 7 and any player who receives a tag will be able to continue negotiating a long-term deal with their teams through July 15.

        Each team can only use one tag, which may make for a tough decision for the Giants as they have quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley on their way to free agency. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Chiefs left tackle Orlando Brown, Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, and Cowboys running back Tony Pollard are others who could wind up being tagged over the next couple of weeks.

        Players can negotiate with other teams after being tagged, although signing away a franchise-tagged player would cost his new team two first-round picks. If a player signs his tag, his salary for 2023 becomes guaranteed. The franchise tag salaries, by position, are listed below:

        Quarterback: $32,416,000.

        Running back: $10,091,000.

        Receiver: $19,743,000.

        Tight end: $11,345,000.

        Offensive line: $18,244,000.

        Defensive end: $19,727,000.

        Defensive tackle: $18,937,000.

        Linebacker: $20,926,000.

        Cornerback: $18,140,000.

        Safety: $14,460,000.

        Kicker/punter: $5,393,000.

        Given how often deadlines result in agreements, it’s unlikely any teams will rush to use the tags but they’re now free to do so.
        Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

        Comment


        • David Carr: Derek Carr’s free agency will be a “long process”

          Posted by Mike Florio on February 21, 2023, 1:03 AM EST

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          Quarterback Derek Carr has been a free agent for a week. The market for unrestricted free agents opens in less than three weeks.

          Time, as they say, is a-wastin’.

          Carr’s brother, David, said Monday on NFL Network that Derek nevertheless plans to take his time.

          It’s gonna be a long process,” David Carr said, via NFL.com. “He wants to do his due diligence and see as many places as he can to get a feel for what the best place for him will be.”

          That’s fine, but his head start on the rest of the market is going to quickly evaporate, especially with the Scouting Combine (a/k/a Tampering Central) just a week away. That’s when teams and agent of impending free agents begin to talk serious turkey.

          The problem for Carr is that interested teams already know that there will be other options, via free agency or trade. Those options, as a practical matter, already exist. (Indeed, the tampering already has begun.)

          And so for the same reason Carr is taking his time, other teams are taking their time, too. With an unprecedented game of quarterback musical chairs about to get rolling, the fact that the music started a little early for Carr doesn’t really matter all that much.

          The challenge for every quarterback, Carr included, will be to do the right deal at the right time. Teams looking for quarterbacks will move on to Plan B and so on, and the overall money in the budget also will evaporate, quickly.
          Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

          Comment


          • Originally posted by ghandi View Post
            but its these contracts that will make it difficult for the Lions with Goff....If Jones gets 45M, then I imagine Goff will want at least 50M...You can see why some people are saying the Lions should take Stroud if he is there at 6.
            TBH the numbers on these contracts today have reached algebraic levels - and I hated Algebra.
            Look at the % of the cap space - forget about 7 zeros.

            Added: They aren't hamstrung paying 3 players QB money like they were a decade ago.
            Last edited by Fraquar; February 21, 2023, 06:29 PM.

            Comment


            • Originally posted by CGVT View Post

              He said woke. Everybody drink!
              I picked a bad time to quit drinking
              "Your division isn't going through Green Bay it's going through Detroit for the next five years" - Rex Ryan

              Comment


              • Former Chiefs teammates rip LeSean McCoy, defend Eric Bieniemy

                Posted by Michael David Smith on February 22, 2023, 3:52 AM EST

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                Former Chiefs running back LeSean McCoy said Eric Bieniemy had nothing to do with the team’s successful passing game during Bieniemy’s five years as the Chiefs offensive coordinator. Several of McCoy’s former teammates took issue with that.

                Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs’ all-time leading rusher, addressed McCoy directly on Twitter.

                “I have to disagree with you Shady,” Charles wrote. “Bieniemy Coach me 4 years I learned so many thing for EB and I still keep in contact with him a great husband and father. He deserves to be a head coach.”

                Other former Chiefs teammates weren’t so polite.

                “Man you fucked up with it,” former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said in a tweet directed to McCoy.

                Former Chiefs guard Jeff Allen was among those who retweeted Mathieu’s tweet, while former Chiefs safety Ron Parker also took issue with McCoy.

                Tyreek Hill, who played four years in the offense coordinated by Bieniemy and is now in Miami, said the difference of opinion between McCoy and Bieniemy all started with Bieniemy instructing McCoy to hold the ball tighter so he wouldn’t fumble.

                “Shady mad Eb told him tuck that ball,” Hill wrote.

                There may be something to that: McCoy was the Chiefs’ lead back for much of his one season in Kansas City, but after losing two costly fumbles in two Chiefs losses, his playing time declined significantly, and he was inactive for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win that year. Things didn’t end well for McCoy in Bieniemy’s offense.
                Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

                Comment


                • Aaron Jones took $5 million pay cut, and more than doubled his per-game roster bonuses

                  Posted by Mike Florio on February 21, 2023, 7:50 PM EST

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                  The revised contract signed by Packers running back Aaron Jones keeps him Green Bay at a rate that better reflects the current market for the position he plays.

                  Per a source with knowledge of the terms of the deal, Jones was due to make $16 million in 2023, in the form of an $8.1 million base salary, a $7 million roster bonus due on March 17, a $500,000 workout bonus, and $400,000 in per-game active roster bonuses.

                  The new contract entails a signing bonus of $8.52 million, a base salary of $1.08 million, a $500,000 workout bonus, and $900,000 in per-game roster bonuses. That’s a total payout in 2023 of $11 million.

                  So that’s a $5 million pay cut for 2023. However, in order to get his full $11 million, more of the cash is tied to being able to suit up for each game. Previously, it was $23,529 per game. Now, Jones has $52,941 tied to each game he does, or doesn’t, play.

                  The 2024 season of the Jones contract doesn’t change; he’s still due to make $11.1 million in base salary, with a $500,000 workout bonus and $400,000 in per-game roster bonuses. The contract also included, and still includes, a $250,000 escalator for 2024, if he makes it to the Pro Bowl in 2023.

                  Thus, it’s a minimum pay cut of $5 million for Jones, and the reduction cuts deeper for each game he misses, if any, due to injury in 2023.
                  Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

                  Comment


                  • Commanders are virtually certain to franchise tag Daron Payne

                    Posted by Mike Florio on February 21, 2023, 7:31 PM EST

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                    The window for applying the franchise tag opened today. Before it closes in two weeks, it’s virtually certain that one of the tags will be applied by the Commanders to defensive tackle Daron Payne.

                    Per a source with knowledge of the situation, it’s 99.9 likely that the Commanders will tag the 2018 first-round draft pick from Alabama.

                    The thirteenth overall pick, Payne was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2022. He has missed only one game during his five-year NFL career.

                    The news will disappoint Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, who told PFT Live during Super Bowl week that he’d like to see the Cowboys sign Payne during free agency.

                    The Commanders and Payne will have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal, if/when the tag is applied. In theory, a multi-year contract could happen before March 7, avoiding application of the tag.

                    At this point, all signs are pointing to the tag for Payne, on or before March 7.
                    Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

                    Comment


                    • Transparent, but it may cost you...

                      Dave Ziegler: Raiders may not have “immediate answer” at quarterback this year

                      Posted by Josh Alper on February 21, 2023, 6:07 PM EST

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                      We know that Derek Carr will not be the Raiders quarterback this year, but we do not know who will be taking snaps when the team returns to action later this year.

                      There are several paths that the Raiders could take to filling that spot. They could sign or trade for a veteran, draft a player at the top of the draft, draft a player to develop in the later rounds, or go with a stopgap starter until they find someone who they believe fits the bill for the long run.

                      During an appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast that was taped before Carr was released, General Manager Dave Ziegler talked about being in the position to make that call and acknowledged that the team may not come up with that long-term answer this offseason.

                      “We’re in charge of filling the most important position on the team,” Ziegler said. “There’s some pressure that comes along with that, and however we fill it, it doesn’t mean we’re going to have an immediate answer this year. But, at the end of the day, we have to have an answer in some form or fashion. There’s pressure that comes along with it. That’s also part of the excitement too.”

                      If the Raiders don’t find an answer that leads to improved results on the field, Ziegler’s is likely going to be feeling a lot more pressure than excitement about his position when he resumes the search for that player in 2024.
                      Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

                      Comment


                      • The next thing on the NFL calendar is the tags. This is a nice article that explains the difference in the tags and whom they think may be tagged, and why...

                        NFL Franchise Tag Tracker 2023: List of Players Tagged Ahead of Deadline

                        14 Franchise Tag Candidates 2023: Lamar Jackson, Daniel Jones, and Geno Smith Could All Get Tagged


                        The franchise tag allows NFL teams to lock in one pending free agent at a discounted price. Here are the candidates for the tag in 2023.

                        Dallas Robinson
                        By Dallas Robinson February 17, 2023

                        The NFL’s franchise tag window, allowing teams to retain one pending free agent on a fully guaranteed one-year deal, opens on Tuesday, Feb. 21 and runs through March 7. For some clubs, the decision to use the franchise tender is clear; for others, the expensive price tag associated with the tag will force some difficult conversations. Let’s run through the top franchise tag candidates in 2023 and identify the most likely players to receive the tender in the coming weeks.... (cont)


                        Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

                        Comment


                        • Where does E Brown rank?

                          Offensive Line Free Agency Rankings 2023: Orlando Brown and Mike McGlinchey Highlight OT Class

                          The offensive line free agency rankings for 2023 doesn't possess the top-end talent from a season ago, but there is good depth in the class.​....
                          Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

                          Comment


                          • Interior Defensive Linemen Free Agency Rankings 2023: Daron Payne and Dalvin Tomlinson Sneak Into List of Old Men

                            The interior defensive linemen free agency rankings for 2023 are a mix of pass-rush specialists and true run defenders....​
                            Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

                            Comment


                            • Running Back Free Agency Rankings 2023: Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley Lead Stacked Class

                              Who are the top running backs in free agency for the 2023 offseason? Can Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon expect to see massive paydays?​


                              5) Jamaal Williams


                              Until 2022, Jamaal Williams had played a very specific role for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. He was a guy who could come onto the field on third down, occasionally tote the rock, but spend most of his time pass protecting or catching passes out of the backfield.

                              The Lions haven’t really used their backs as pass catchers, but a nagging D’Andre Swift injury gave Williams an opportunity as Detroit’s featured back, and he seized the opportunity.

                              Williams led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns and shattered his previous record of 601 rushing yards by cresting the mountain on his way to 1,066. Williams is one of the most interesting characters in the entire NFL. He loves anime, puts on post-game acting performances, and is one of the best trash talkers in the league amongst his peers.

                              But what makes him valuable, or what made him valuable before his glow-up, is that he knows his role and can shine in various ways.
                              Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

                              Comment


                              • Soooo... If DJ signs a big contract eleswhere, would we be in line for a 2024 comp pick?


                                Wide Receiver Free Agency Rankings 2023: Odell Beckham Jr., DJ Chark, and Mecole Hardman Are All Top Options

                                The PFN wide receiver free agency rankings for 2023 are a bit light this season. However, there will be some value in scheme-specific players.​..

                                3) DJ Chark

                                DJ Chark is a No. 3 from a production perspective, but his role within an offense is far more valuable than what shows up in his personal box score. Chark’s size and speed create problems for third-level defenders who need to provide cushion to ensure he doesn’t sneak past them downfield.

                                Chark’s on-off splits with the Detroit Lions are evidence of that. Because defenses are getting smarter in coverage and learning how to counter certain coverage beaters, having an abundance of speed is the only true way to counter it.

                                The Chargers and Cowboys both had good offenses in 2022, but their lack of speed made windows over the middle the size of an airplane window instead of what could have been french doors. So even when Chark isn’t catching the football, he’s contributing quite a lot to your offense.

                                His problem has been his inability to remain on the field. Chark had productive seasons in 2019 and 2020 when he played 15 and 13 games, respectively, but he’s never played in more than 11 in any other year. Ankle and soft tissue injuries have made it impossible for Chark to remain reliable. But that will also drive his cost down for potential suitors.
                                Trickalicious - I don't think it is fair that the division rivals get to play the Lions twice. The Lions NEVER get to play the Lions, let alone twice.

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