02-08-2008, 09:14 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Both of them
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,142
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A close look at the Falcons' cap situation
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sp...cons_0208.html
Quote:
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said the team projects to have at least $23 million to spend in free agency this offseason. Maybe more. With the salary-cap expected to increase from $109 to $116-$117, Atlanta will gain $7 to $8 million. Some players could be asked to take pay cuts or they could be released.
AJC Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche breaks down where some of the $23 million could come from:
Michael Vick
Suspended and imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick's $7.5 million salary will not count against the salary cap this season. Since he is suspended he will not earn the 7.5 million in base salary he was owed. That cancels the 7.5 million that would have counted against the Falcons' salary cap. Atlanta will be able to add the amount as room under the cap. Vick remains on the roster (suspended list) so the team can recoup $3.75 million in bonus money a court ruling stated it is entitled to.
Warrick Dunn
Tailback Warrick Dunn is entering the final year of his contract with a $6.2 million cap charge — the fourth highest of any running back in the league. If he is released, Atlanta could add $2.8 million to its salary cap. It is a tough choice but the new regime has to decide if Dunn, 33, fits into their plans.
Keith Brooking
Middle linebacker Keith Brooking has a whopping $7.7 million cap charge, third in the NFL behind Ray Lewis and Zach Thomas. Since he has another year on his contract, cutting him now would not save Atlanta much money against the cap — unless it waited until after June 1, when he would count against the '09 cap. A contract restructure or a salary-reduction request is a possibility.
The injured
Tight end Alge Crumpler, second only to Todd Heap with a $4.7 million cap charge, and defensive tackle Rod Coleman (5th highest projected cap charge at his position), are coming off injury-marred seasons. Their health could determine their future with the team. With contracts that run through at least 2009, it would not make much economic sense to release them — especially if they are healthy and can play. One or both could be asked to take a pay cut or restructure their contracts.
Potential cap casualties
Offensive tackle Wayne Gandy ($3.5 million) and guard Kynan Forney ($2.95 million) have high base salaries and are entering the final year of their contracts. Gandy is coming off major knee surgery and Forney did not play nearly as well in '07 as he had in the past. Both could be cap casualties — if the Falcons can land players to replace them. Atlanta also might not re-sign unrestricted, free agent, defensive starters Chris Crocker and Demorrio Williams.
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A close look at the Falcons' cap situation
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