Cap 2015 - Reality vs. Fantasy

[balfan23]

After seeing a number of forum topics relating to the free agents we are going to acquire, including such high dollar guys as Fitzgerald and Marshall, I thought I'd start a forum related to the teams annual cap issues. I think fans, as usual, need to temper expectations on what awesome FAs we're going to bring in and start thinking about who we are likely to lose and what Raven FAs do we have any reasonable hope in retaining.

 

Here are a couple links that are worth accessing on this topic:

 

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens/cap/2015/

 

On the above link, if you want to determine the savings for a player, just subtract the Dead Cap column from the Cap Hit column.

 

Then, here are a couple articles from Brian McFarland, who does extensive work related to Raven's cap concerns: 

 

http://russellstreetreport.com/2015/01/02/baltimore-ravens-salary-cap/dont-expect-ravens-big-spenders/

 

and 

 

http://russellstreetreport.com/2014/12/19/baltimore-ravens-salary-cap/ravens-face-tough-salary-cap-decisions/

 

 

[rmw10]

For what it's worth, I'd trust Brian more than anyone when it comes to cap, so I'd defer to him if you want to dig into it pretty deep.

 

Otherwise, this offseason will be much of the same.  We'll have enough to bring back a few of our guys and add a few mid tier FAs.  I've learned to never expect a big name or big $ signing.  Dumervil was a pleasant surprise but fax machine issues don't happen too often lol.

[balfan23]

For what it's worth, I'd trust Brian more than anyone when it comes to cap, so I'd defer to him if you want to dig into it pretty deep.

 

Otherwise, this offseason will be much of the same.  We'll have enough to bring back a few of our guys and add a few mid tier FAs.  I've learned to never expect a big name or big $ signing.  Dumervil was a pleasant surprise but fax machine issues don't happen too often lol.

Right - which is why I included links to his articles. I included the spotrac item because it shows every player currently under contract and what their current hit is. I know Brian will have his cap spreadsheet out eventually and will keep it updated as this develops. 

 

I included a couple direct links to his material, but it may be of value to provide the link to all of his cap related articles:

 

http://russellstreetreport.com/category/baltimore-ravens-salary-cap/

[rmw10]

Also important to point out...

 

We only have 41 players under contract right now.  What cap space we do have at the current moment will disappear very quickly as we get closer to the rule of 51 becoming applicable.

[Guest Omerta]

Truthfully I would rather just restructure the deal for Ngata and Webb which they should and actually be amenable to, and just concentrate on resigning our own guys. I am a fan of FA when we dont get fleeced, but I think we have the team that can compete on the roster if we can resign our own guys. Flacco restructuring would be huge but I dont know about that.

 

I think the draft and resigning our own players is all we need  so I would be fine with that.

[Sami84]

Truthfully I would rather just restructure the deal for Ngata and Webb which they should and actually be amenable to, and just concentrate on resigning our own guys. I am a fan of FA when we dont get fleeced, but I think we have the team that can compete on the roster if we can resign our own guys. Flacco restructuring would be huge but I dont know about that.

 

I think the draft and resigning our own players is all we need  so I would be fine with that.

Do we really need ngata? I think we have a lot of depth here..jernigan will only get better

[Sami84]

Flacco should restructure. I hope he does..cutting ngata and restrucuring flacco gives us a chance to do a few more interesting things

[Guest Omerta]

Do we really need ngata? I think we have a lot of depth here..jernigan will only get better

Would I say he is a need, no I wouldnt as I think we can get by with what we have. That said the cost of him leaving is not enough for me to want him gone, and when you consider what a restructure could do for us I would want to keep him. Even as a rotational piece he has value, and he may not be the interior rusher he has been but I see no reason why we should not keep him around to show the younger guys a few things and then if need be we can part ways under a more ideal situation financially thanks to the restructure.

[rmw10]

Flacco should restructure. I hope he does..cutting ngata and restrucuring flacco gives us a chance to do a few more interesting things

 

Flacco's cap hit is still pretty manageable this year.  I wouldn't touch it until next year when it elevates to $28M.  That's when he should be restructured/extended.  Touching it too early can create more problems further down the line.

[balfan23]

One player almost sure to be released is Canty. The savings isn't astronomical, but is significant enough ~ 2.5M. With the depth we have at that position, there is no way I see us retaining him. 

[Guest Omerta]

Flacco restructuring would be ideal, but I would be willing to be the will want at least one year of that massive salary before he restructures, I mean I dont know him and I dont have his phone number so that is just a guess on my part. If he did that would be awesome but I am certainly not counting on it.

[RaineV1]

Do we really need ngata? I think we have a lot of depth here..jernigan will only get better

No, we don't. Ngata is a great player, still a great lineman. However, the Ravens have plenty of starters available for the d-line. It's one of the few places where the Ravens are actually stacked at. I wouldn't object to cutting or trading him for extra money. Same for Canty.

[rmw10]

One player almost sure to be released is Canty. The savings isn't astronomical, but is significant enough ~ 2.5M. With the depth we have at that position, there is no way I see us retaining him. 

 

It was reported today that Canty is seriously considering retirement as well.  Regardless of whether he hangs them up or not, I'm with you.  I can't see any way he's here next year.

[balfan23]

Do we really need ngata? I think we have a lot of depth here..jernigan will only get better

True - Jernigan will get better, but losing Ngata will undeniably be a loss.

 

We certainly have to do something with him .. the 16M hit is not something we can live with. His willingness to deal with us with respect to an extension (if the team is indeed interested) will determine whether he retires a Raven (with a reduced cap # in 2015) or if he is releated. 

[Gordo52]

I hope he decides to retire with us. I'd be sad watching him play elsewhere.

[JO_75]

Looking at spotrac, if Webb only carries $2M in savings, I think he'll be here next year. Though 2016 may be the year he's gone. In 2015, Webb carries a $12M cap hit and $10M in dead money. In 2016, Webb again carries a $12M cap hit but only $4M in dead money meaning $8M in savings. Getting an extension done with Jimmy Smith would also be helpful considering he's on the option year which carries a $6M price tag.

 

Yanda's contract expires after 2016 and carries a $8M cap hit in 2016 so an extension with him would be good and keeps him a Raven for life. Ngata definitley needs an extension, $16M cap hit in 2015 and 2016, can't afford that. Especially with Flacco's cap hit going up to $28M in 2016. 

 

We'll have to do some trickery but I think overall it's not as bad as I thought it would be.

[BSHU_Miami]

If I'm flacco I'm not restructuring until I get my weapons.

[Sami84]

If I'm flacco I'm not restructuring until I get my weapons.

Isnt the idea to restructure to possibly get weapons?

[K-Dog]

There is no telling with Ozzie. Countless times he has broken our hearts and let our heros go. There are very few I can honestly say are sure to stay.

Its a white knuckle ride.

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

Pay Forsett, he makes our offense go!

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

Looking at spotrac, if Webb only carries $2M in savings, I think he'll be here next year. Though 2016 may be the year he's gone. In 2015, Webb carries a $12M cap hit and $10M in dead money. In 2016, Webb again carries a $12M cap hit but only $4M in dead money meaning $8M in savings. Getting an extension done with Jimmy Smith would also be helpful considering he's on the option year which carries a $6M price tag.

 

Yanda's contract expires after 2016 and carries a $8M cap hit in 2016 so an extension with him would be good and keeps him a Raven for life. Ngata definitley needs an extension, $16M cap hit in 2015 and 2016, can't afford that. Especially with Flacco's cap hit going up to $28M in 2016. 

 

We'll have to do some trickery but I think overall it's not as bad as I thought it would be.

As long as he is ADDEROL FREE

[Dfence4champs2052]

I think not bringing Ngata back would be a mistake. He's still a leader on the defense and we've been bitten by that before letting go of depth too early.

[Wildabeast88]

Just a thought what do you guys think. With Monroe having a 7.7mil cap number and Yanda Hurst Urschel playing well plus getting Wagner back try trading Monroe for a draft pick something I thought about last night good Tackles aren't typically available but a thought there. Wagner at LT KO at LG Zuttah at C Yanda or Urschel at RG Yanda or Hurst at RT also Canty may retire I read he would probably get cut to save 2.5mil also restructure could happen for Ngata Jimmy Koch Webb but we will get lucky guys like Melvin Levine and Aiken are ERFAs which means they ill be back very cheap. Also FLacco's deal was set up to be restructured after year 3 next year

[rmw10]

Just a thought what do you guys think. With Monroe having a 7.7mil cap number and Yanda Hurst Urschel playing well plus getting Wagner back try trading Monroe for a draft pick something I thought about last night good Tackles aren't typically available but a thought there. Wagner at LT KO at LG Zuttah at C Yanda or Urschel at RG Yanda or Hurst at RT also Canty may retire I read he would probably get cut to save 2.5mil also restructure could happen for Ngata Jimmy Koch Webb but we will get lucky guys like Melvin Levine and Aiken are ERFAs which means they ill be back very cheap. Also FLacco's deal was set up to be restructured after year 3 next year

 

It doesn't work that way.  We just signed Monroe to a long term deal.  It would cost nearly double his cap number to get rid of him than it would to keep him.

 

Not to mention, Hurst had his fair share of struggles this year.

[hn68wb4]

Ngata is the key, does his production trump the $8.5 mill we save by cutting him - thats the question

 

If it were me I'd be talking to him right now saying, "its up to you, restructure or get cut/traded," we all love the big man but alot can be done with that much savings. I trust Ozzies decision whatever it may be. It's undeniable that he'd be a big loss but Jernigan played really well in his spot when Ngata was out

[Wildabeast88]

It doesn't work that way.  We just signed Monroe to a long term deal.  It would cost nearly double his cap number to get rid of him than it would to keep him.

 

Not to mention, Hurst had his fair share of struggles this year.

I know if you cut Monroe I was talking about a trade. I think if anything we would maybe be on the hook for some bonus money at worst case if I am thinking right. Also Hurst could be on the bench with Yanda and Wagner as Tackles

[rmw10]

I know if you cut Monroe I was talking about a trade. I think if anything we would maybe be on the hook for some bonus money at worst case if I am thinking right. Also Hurst could be on the bench with Yanda and Wagner as Tackles

 

Same cap ramifications.  Doesn't change whether it's a trade or cut.

[Wildabeast88]

Same cap ramifications.  Doesn't change whether it's a trade or cut.

Ok thanks never mind then

[Tiz]

Flacco restructuring would be ideal, but I would be willing to be the will want at least one year of that massive salary before he restructures, I mean I dont know him and I dont have his phone number so that is just a guess on my part. If he did that would be awesome but I am certainly not counting on it.

This, I don't know if we truely benefit this offseason if flacco restructures now. Ngata should be a candidate to restructure like Suggs last year. Same with Webb.

Depending on how its structure there may be some space freed up with jimmy smith getting a long term deal too,

[H8R]

No way is webb worth 12million next season

Cut list:

Jacoby

Canty

Koch

Restructure:

Ngata

Webb

Pitta