Rob0729

Ok, I posted this in another thread. Don't buy the hype that the Pats won't spend this offseason if there is no cap. I did the numbers and they look to be in position to spend and spend a lot and still not spend more their highest payroll ever (that was 2007) in real dollars.

Ok, I looked at Miguel's site and by my calculations (someone may want to correct me), the Pats' real dollar payroll right now is around $62 million. I went over to USA Today that tracks real dollar payrolls for each team. Here is what I found:

2009 - $97.5 million
2008 - $92.7 million
2007 - $117.9 million
2006 - $105.1 million
2005 - $94.4 million

That means the Patriots would have to spend roughly $56 million in real dollars to match their single season highest payroll and about $30 million to match their lowest point over the last five years. So all those people who dismiss that they will be active in free agency without a cap by saying that Kraft isn't Daniel Snyder should know that Kraft has a lot of money to spend to spend like Bob Kraft.

oldskool138

Well, if Kraft is so hard up for cash that he had to ask the State to build him a footbridge (yes, he has since rescinded his request but he did ask) then what makes you think he's got the actual dollars to spend on high priced free agents?

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Rob0729

Well, if AIG is so cash strapped for money that they have to ask the government for a bailout, do you think they will give their executives big bonuses?

What does Kraft asking for stimulus money for a municipal infrastructure have to do with anything for his finances? A footbridge over a state highway is not something someone can finance and build privately. That is something the state would have to do and finance. It has nothing to do with Kraft's financial situation.

Besides, Kraft's financial situation didn't stop him from spending nearly $100 million in real money for payroll of his players this past season. Players are the product in the NFL and it is any team's biggest expense.

Jimke

Kraft's statement that he will not sign players to expensive long term contracts

while there is labor uncertainty does not bode well for the franchise.

mgteich

Why would anyone expect tha patriots to spend any more on high-priced free agents than in past years? It is no better a business decision this year than in years past.

In the Belichick era, I recall signing two high priced free agents: Colvin and Thomas. Maybe this year we will sign #3, but I would count on it, and I certainly wouldn't expect the patriots to all of a sudden change their model and start outbidding all other teams for high-priced talent (most of whom are free agents because their high salary demands).

Rob0729

We do not know if that is just positioning crap. If the NFLPA think their players are going to cash in this offseason with an uncapped year, they are not going to bend on their demands. If the Pats tip their hand that they are going to be active in free agency, other teams are going to start targetting some of the players they may target.

I never believe a single thing the Pats say to the press about strategy. It is mostly BS.

Badluck

i think its smart, if you sign a bunch of players to big long term contract you are in trouble if/when a cap is instated.

there is no grace period once the cap is installed its your job to get your team under the cap and suffer the penalties

Rob0729

Never said they were spending more per player, but they might be far more active and pick up a bunch of quality free agents. Like they did in 2003 and 2007 (ironically Colvin and Thomas years). Personally, in this economy and with Jerry Jones' hands tied with the final eight teams rules, I don't see many players getting paid much more than they would in a capped year.

SVN

Reiss said today in his chat that he would be surprised if teams used the uncapped yr and spent a lot because if there is a cap in the future say 2011 they could be in trouble handling those salaries.According to him its a little overhyped.

mgteich

We will be active in the free agent market as we were in 2009 when we picked up Bodden, McGowan, Taylor and Banta-Cain. We also picked up some failures.

Free agent needs are bit more this year, with the injuries at WR and the likely moving of our most highly paid LB. Some would argue that the needs at WR and OLB are really not any worse than in 2009. We just didn't meet them then, and we are now one year later.