In an attempt to bolster a rushing attack that ranked 20th in the league last year, the Seattle Seahawks have signed unrestricted free agent running back TJ Duckett to a 5-year contract for an undisclosed amount. Duckett joins Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris in the backfield for Seattle, where the rushing attack was once a strength but is now a liability.
Seattle signed running back Shaun Alexander to a 8-year $62 million contract on March 6, 2006, but since then he has been plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness, starting just 20 games since signing his big new deal, averaging just 3.51 yards per carry. Maurice Morris signed a 3-year $3.75 million contract on March 27, 2006, and was fairly productive in filling in for Alexander, but probably wouldn't be able to carry the load himself over a 16-game schedule. Per Mike Florio of PFT, rumors swirled around the combine that Alexander could be dumped sometime this offseason, and this latest signing could hasten his departure. Seattle could probably get at least the same production of last year if they burn a mid round draft pick on a new running back, and use a combination of Morris, Duckett, and aforementioned draft pick in 2008.
The Seahawks also announced the signing of tight end Jeb Putzier to a 1-year contract for an unspecified amount. Putzier will compete with Will Heller and presumably a draft pick for playing time in 2008.
Showing posts with label salary cap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salary cap. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Rockies Lock Up Hawpe With 3-Year $17.425 Million Deal
The Colorado Rockies are attempting to lock up their young nucleus that helped them get to the World Series last year, and today agreed to a 3-year contract with outfielder Brad Hawpe that will be worth $17.425 million. The deal will keep him with the team through 2010, and there is also a team option for 2011. Hawpe hit .291 last year, with 29 home runs and 116 RBIs (both career highs).
Hawpe is the latest young player the Rockies have locked up for the near future. They have recently agreed to deals with pitcher Aaron Cook (4 years, $34.5 million), outfielder Matt Holiday (2 years, $23 million), shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (6 years, $31 million), and closer Manny Corpas (4 years, $8.025 million). Similar to the Eagles or Patriots in the NFL, the Rockies have been extremely smart about locking up and rewarding their core young players early, and not letting them hit the market to sign overpriced deals.
Hawpe is the latest young player the Rockies have locked up for the near future. They have recently agreed to deals with pitcher Aaron Cook (4 years, $34.5 million), outfielder Matt Holiday (2 years, $23 million), shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (6 years, $31 million), and closer Manny Corpas (4 years, $8.025 million). Similar to the Eagles or Patriots in the NFL, the Rockies have been extremely smart about locking up and rewarding their core young players early, and not letting them hit the market to sign overpriced deals.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Redskins Dump Lloyd, Rework Contracts of Samuels & Jansen
The Washington Redskins have finally cut the cord on dissapointing wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, after having wasted at least $15 million on him the past 2 years. Washington originally acquired the perenially underachieving wideout in a 2006 trade with the San Francisco 49ers, in which they gave up a 2006 3rd rounder and 2007 4th rounder. The Redskins brass then awarded Lloyd a 6-year $30 million contract, with $12 million in guaranteed money. According to the Washington Times, the Redskins will process the move as a post-June 1 cut, meaning they will spread the cap hit out over both 2008 and 2009, with $4.2 million hitting the cap this year. He will hit the free agent market immediately, but the interest from other teams will be tepid to lukewarm, at best.
In other Redskins news, the team has restructed the contracts of starting offensive tackles Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels, converting larger 2008 base salaries to guaranteed bonuses, and spreading the proration out over the remaining years of each deal. Samuels' prior $8.2 million cap number was reduced to $5.1 million, and Jansen's number was reduced from $7.7 million to $4.5 million. The two 'simple' restructurings will save the team about $6.5 million against the cap this year, but will push the cap figures for both players higher for the next couple of years, increasing the likelihood they will have to be addressed again in a year or two.
In other Redskins news, the team has restructed the contracts of starting offensive tackles Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels, converting larger 2008 base salaries to guaranteed bonuses, and spreading the proration out over the remaining years of each deal. Samuels' prior $8.2 million cap number was reduced to $5.1 million, and Jansen's number was reduced from $7.7 million to $4.5 million. The two 'simple' restructurings will save the team about $6.5 million against the cap this year, but will push the cap figures for both players higher for the next couple of years, increasing the likelihood they will have to be addressed again in a year or two.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Broncos' Travis Henry Restructures Deal to Stay With Team
Running back Travis Henry today agreed to restructure his contract, that was set pay him a roster bonus of $6 million on February 29 if the Denver Broncos wanted to keep him in the fold. Terms of the new deal were not disclosed, but they will prevent Henry from being cut, and most likely free up some salary cap space for the Broncos. Henry joined the team last offseason by signing a 5-year $22.5 million contract with $12 million in guaranteed money.
Henry ran for 651 yards while splitting carries with undrafted free agent rookie running back Selvin Young, and spent part of last year battling knee and rib injuries, and also beat the rap on an alleged 4th positive drug test that would have sent him packing, and resulted in a year long suspension at a minimum. Instead, Henry and his team of lawyers allegedly used the old "it wasn't my pot, I inhaled it at a party" excuse in their appeal, and surprisingly won their case.
Henry ran for 651 yards while splitting carries with undrafted free agent rookie running back Selvin Young, and spent part of last year battling knee and rib injuries, and also beat the rap on an alleged 4th positive drug test that would have sent him packing, and resulted in a year long suspension at a minimum. Instead, Henry and his team of lawyers allegedly used the old "it wasn't my pot, I inhaled it at a party" excuse in their appeal, and surprisingly won their case.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Spurs Trade Barry, Elson, and 1st Round Pick to Sonics For C/F Kurt Thomas
Apparently the San Antonio Spurs are not willing to stand by idly while all of their Western Conference competitors make mid-season trades to get stronger. The Spurs dealt backup guard Brent Barry, center Francisco Elson, and a 2009 1st round draft pick to the Seattle Supersonics for center/power forward Kurt Thomas. The Spurs are looking to get bigger and better defensively in the post, where they'll now be facing the upgraded Lakers (Paul Gasol) and Suns (Shaquille O'Neal) regularly, and potentially in the NBA playoffs this season.
This marks the second time Kurt Thomas has been trade since last year, as the Sonics acquired him in what could be the most lopsided and worst trade in NBA history, as the Suns shipped Thomas and 2008 and 2010 1st round draft picks to the Sonics for a conditional 2nd round pick and an $8 million trade exception, merely so they could avoid having to pay the luxury tax. The move was incredibly short sighted by the Phoenix Suns, and was the antithesis of how to operate an NBA or NFL team in the modern salary cap era.
The two moves leave the Sonics absolutely stacked in upcoming NBA drafts, as they will have a whopping 13 draft picks over the next 3 years, including a mind-numbing 6 1st round picks, and 7 2nd round picks. Sonics general manager Sam Presti is quickly making a case for himself as one of the best and craftiest general managers in the NBA. The Sonics already have a strong nucleus of Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, thanks to the 2007 NBA draft, and they will only get better from here on out.
UPDATE 02/22/2008: The Sonics have waived Brent Barry, and he may re-sign with the Spurs after a league mandated 30 day waiting period.
This marks the second time Kurt Thomas has been trade since last year, as the Sonics acquired him in what could be the most lopsided and worst trade in NBA history, as the Suns shipped Thomas and 2008 and 2010 1st round draft picks to the Sonics for a conditional 2nd round pick and an $8 million trade exception, merely so they could avoid having to pay the luxury tax. The move was incredibly short sighted by the Phoenix Suns, and was the antithesis of how to operate an NBA or NFL team in the modern salary cap era.
The two moves leave the Sonics absolutely stacked in upcoming NBA drafts, as they will have a whopping 13 draft picks over the next 3 years, including a mind-numbing 6 1st round picks, and 7 2nd round picks. Sonics general manager Sam Presti is quickly making a case for himself as one of the best and craftiest general managers in the NBA. The Sonics already have a strong nucleus of Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, thanks to the 2007 NBA draft, and they will only get better from here on out.
UPDATE 02/22/2008: The Sonics have waived Brent Barry, and he may re-sign with the Spurs after a league mandated 30 day waiting period.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bears Dump Muhammad, Walker, Miller, and Extend Alex Brown 2 Years
The Chicago Bears' 2008 makeover has begun, with the team releasing starting wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who was due a $1.6 million base salary, and an upcoming $500,000 roster bonus ($3.3 million cap figure in 2008). The Bears also released defensive tackle Darvin Walker, who was due a $5.2 million roster bonus and $1.15 million base salary in 2008 ($6.5 million cap figure), as well as aging and decrepit offensive tackle/turnstyle Fred Miller, who was due a $500,000 roster bonus and $4 million base salary in 2008 ($5.8 million cap figure).
The Bears also extended the contract of defensive end Alex Brown for 2 years (through 2011) at an undisclosed amount, although agent Joel Segal called it "significant." Brown will likely get a bump of this year's $605,000 base salary, and according to Chicago Sun Times beat reporter Brad Biggs the total new money in the deal is $15.5 million. Biggs, by the way, is one of the best local beat reporters covering an NFL team, and has done a great job covering the Bears for the Sun Times the last few years.
Chicago is also rumored to be in talks this week with Rex Grossman's agent about bringing him back on a short term deal, probably close to a 2-3 year deal averaging $3-4 million a year, most likely with some kind of significant roster bonus after year 1 to force another decision to be made next offseason. The thinking goes that if the Bears and Grossman are able to reach a deal, they would part ways with quarterback Brian Griese, then let Kyle Orton and Grossman duke it out in a real quarterback competition in training camp, and draft somebody in the middle rounds this year to develop in the future.
Looking into the crystal ball, also look for Chicago to part ways with safety Adam Archuleta, guard Ruben Brown, unrestricted free agent Bernard Berrian, and possibly safety Mike Brown and guard Terrence Metcalf. They will also make a serious effort to re-sign unrestricted free agent Pro Bowl caliber special teamer and occasional linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo to a palatable multi-year deal. They have reportedly made offers to WR Bernard Berrian, LB Ayanbadejo, LB Lance Briggs, and DT Tommie Harris (about an extension of his rookie deal, which expires after 2008), all of whom are represented by powerful agent Drew Rosenhaus. Look for Berriand to wait and search out the best deal when free agency opens February 29th, and unless the Bears have made a legit offer to Briggs, he'll do the same and sign a lucrative deal with a mediocre team elsewhere this offseason.
The Bears also extended the contract of defensive end Alex Brown for 2 years (through 2011) at an undisclosed amount, although agent Joel Segal called it "significant." Brown will likely get a bump of this year's $605,000 base salary, and according to Chicago Sun Times beat reporter Brad Biggs the total new money in the deal is $15.5 million. Biggs, by the way, is one of the best local beat reporters covering an NFL team, and has done a great job covering the Bears for the Sun Times the last few years.
Chicago is also rumored to be in talks this week with Rex Grossman's agent about bringing him back on a short term deal, probably close to a 2-3 year deal averaging $3-4 million a year, most likely with some kind of significant roster bonus after year 1 to force another decision to be made next offseason. The thinking goes that if the Bears and Grossman are able to reach a deal, they would part ways with quarterback Brian Griese, then let Kyle Orton and Grossman duke it out in a real quarterback competition in training camp, and draft somebody in the middle rounds this year to develop in the future.
Looking into the crystal ball, also look for Chicago to part ways with safety Adam Archuleta, guard Ruben Brown, unrestricted free agent Bernard Berrian, and possibly safety Mike Brown and guard Terrence Metcalf. They will also make a serious effort to re-sign unrestricted free agent Pro Bowl caliber special teamer and occasional linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo to a palatable multi-year deal. They have reportedly made offers to WR Bernard Berrian, LB Ayanbadejo, LB Lance Briggs, and DT Tommie Harris (about an extension of his rookie deal, which expires after 2008), all of whom are represented by powerful agent Drew Rosenhaus. Look for Berriand to wait and search out the best deal when free agency opens February 29th, and unless the Bears have made a legit offer to Briggs, he'll do the same and sign a lucrative deal with a mediocre team elsewhere this offseason.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Falcons Cut Crumpler, Leftwich, and 5 Others In Beginning of Dimitroff/Smith Era
The Atlanta Falcons have begun their dramatic roster overhaul under new GM Tom Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith, releasing 7 veteran players today, including Alge Crumpler (TE), Byron Leftwich (QB), Rod Coleman (DT), Wayne Gandy (OT), Lewis Sanders (CB), James 'Jammin' Elliot (WR), and Marcus Wilkins (OLB).
Many of the players were significant contributors and starters on last year's Falcons team, and the move to dump Crumpler without receiving any sort of compensation is a bit of a head scratcher. The 4 time Pro Bowler is regarded as one of the better tight ends in the league, and with a base salary for 2008 of only $3.4 million, the Falcons could have most likely unloaded Crumpler to another team for somewhere in the neighborhood of a 3rd or 4th rounder, at least. Instead, the Falcons seem to be quick to purge any dissenters from last year's squad, which could mean a trade of Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who frequently questioned the direction of the Falcons last year. Unless Hall is on board with the new management and plans to commit to the team long term, expect him to be unloaded for at least a 2nd rounder (if not higher), as he will be an unrestricted free agent next year, and undoubtedly will be asking for Nate Clements type money.
The release of starting left tackle Wayne Gandy, (partial) starting quarterback Byron Leftwich, starting cornerback Lewis Sanders, and starting defensive tackle Rod Coleman is leaving the cupboard looking a little bare. The move to dump Sanders means they will most likely promote 2nd year CB Chris Houston to starter in his wake. The Falcons are drafting 3rd overall, and will be taking a long hard look at top QB prospect Matt Ryan from Boston College, along with DT Glenn Dorsey from LSU, and OT Jake Long from Michigan, all of whom are expected to be drafted in the top 5 or 10 picks of the first round. With so little talent and athleticism on their depleted roster, the Falcons would be wise to go with the 'best available player' strategy, rather than drafting for need or want.
Many of the players were significant contributors and starters on last year's Falcons team, and the move to dump Crumpler without receiving any sort of compensation is a bit of a head scratcher. The 4 time Pro Bowler is regarded as one of the better tight ends in the league, and with a base salary for 2008 of only $3.4 million, the Falcons could have most likely unloaded Crumpler to another team for somewhere in the neighborhood of a 3rd or 4th rounder, at least. Instead, the Falcons seem to be quick to purge any dissenters from last year's squad, which could mean a trade of Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who frequently questioned the direction of the Falcons last year. Unless Hall is on board with the new management and plans to commit to the team long term, expect him to be unloaded for at least a 2nd rounder (if not higher), as he will be an unrestricted free agent next year, and undoubtedly will be asking for Nate Clements type money.
The release of starting left tackle Wayne Gandy, (partial) starting quarterback Byron Leftwich, starting cornerback Lewis Sanders, and starting defensive tackle Rod Coleman is leaving the cupboard looking a little bare. The move to dump Sanders means they will most likely promote 2nd year CB Chris Houston to starter in his wake. The Falcons are drafting 3rd overall, and will be taking a long hard look at top QB prospect Matt Ryan from Boston College, along with DT Glenn Dorsey from LSU, and OT Jake Long from Michigan, all of whom are expected to be drafted in the top 5 or 10 picks of the first round. With so little talent and athleticism on their depleted roster, the Falcons would be wise to go with the 'best available player' strategy, rather than drafting for need or want.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Panthers Re-Sign LT Travelle Wharton & Safety Chris Harris to Long Term Deals
The Carolina Panthers have reached a 6-year $36 million deal with left tackle Travelle Wharton, and will most likely place the franchise tag on right tackle Jordan Gross, helping them keep together the core of their offensive line for the near future. Per Adam Schefter of the NFL Network (and surely leaked by Wharton's agent), the contract includes $12 million guaranteed, and $19 million paid out over the first 3 years of the deal.
The Panthers also re-signed safety Chris Harris to a 4-year $12 million deal through 2012, including a $2 million signing bonus. Carolina acquired Harris for a 5th round pick from the Chicago Bears in 2007, who thought their roster was reasonably flush at the safety position, only to find out that it was one of their major weaknesses. Harris finished 2007 with 97 tackles, eight forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 5 passes deflected, demonstrating his effectiveness at the position and ability to make big plays.
Carolina is also rumored to be in talks with defensive end Mike Rucker and fullback Brad Hoover before they hit the open market February 29th.
The Panthers also re-signed safety Chris Harris to a 4-year $12 million deal through 2012, including a $2 million signing bonus. Carolina acquired Harris for a 5th round pick from the Chicago Bears in 2007, who thought their roster was reasonably flush at the safety position, only to find out that it was one of their major weaknesses. Harris finished 2007 with 97 tackles, eight forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 5 passes deflected, demonstrating his effectiveness at the position and ability to make big plays.
Carolina is also rumored to be in talks with defensive end Mike Rucker and fullback Brad Hoover before they hit the open market February 29th.
Tuna Continues Making 'Fins Dolphin Free, Cutting Iconic LB Zach Thomas
Bill Parcells, aka the Big Tuna, and his GM Jeff Ireland continue to quickly change the face of the Miami Dolphins franchise, today releasing franchise icon Zach Thomas. Having been with the Dolphins for all of his 12 year career, the inside linebacker was a 5th round draft pick out of Texas Tech, and was the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1996, and has already amassed more tackles in his career than any linebacker currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hampered by injuries and concussions recently, the 34-year old Thomas will probably look to play another year or two with a contender, if possible. "I am healthy and look forward to playing in 2008, but will always consider myself a Miami Dolphin," Thomas said. With the possible retirements of both starting inside linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau this offseason, look for the New England Patriots to come calling quickly. Thomas is just the kind of gritty and heady player the Patriots typically target, and coach Bill Belichick and VP of Player Personnel Scott Pioli have never been shy about taking aging players (albeit, at reduced prices) who they think will fit their system.
Hampered by injuries and concussions recently, the 34-year old Thomas will probably look to play another year or two with a contender, if possible. "I am healthy and look forward to playing in 2008, but will always consider myself a Miami Dolphin," Thomas said. With the possible retirements of both starting inside linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau this offseason, look for the New England Patriots to come calling quickly. Thomas is just the kind of gritty and heady player the Patriots typically target, and coach Bill Belichick and VP of Player Personnel Scott Pioli have never been shy about taking aging players (albeit, at reduced prices) who they think will fit their system.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
