The New England Patriots Cap

[jsull87]

I have been thinking while reading all of these comments about home much Peyton is being paid in comparison to Brady e.t.c

I put the question to our fans who know a little about the cap.

How does the Pats cap look in comparison to other teams?
Where can we get better?
Where is most of our money going?

If Brady is giving up 5+ million a year for the sake of this team. What are we using that for?

Is it as simple as saying that we are pretty much even because the gains we made with Brady's deal we have basically lost due to Hernandez playing Gang Star?

Basically the premise of this thread is to have a critical look at how we can use the extra room Brady gave us in his team friendly deal to our advantage.

 

[andrewgarrr]

The Patriots will have $4.1 million in dead money for Hernandez on their cap this season (2013), with a more painful $8.6 million coming next year (2014).

The Football and Financial Implications of the Patriots Releasing Aaron Hernandez - The Triangle Blog - Grantland

I can't believe there's nothing in the NFL rules about alleged murderers being on teams' payrolls!! What a bummer.

 

[andrewgarrr]

Free agents:

2014:
LaGarrete Blount, RB
Andre Carter, DE
Julian Edelman, WR
Dane Fletcher, LB
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE
Brandon Spikes, LB
Will Svitek, T
Ryan Wendell, C

2015:
Brandon Bolden, RB
Marcus Cannon, G/T
Dan Connolly, G
Stephen Gostkowski, K
Tommy Kelly, DT
Devin McCourty, S
Stevan Ridley, RB
Matthew Slater, WR
Shane Vereen, RB
Vince Wilfork, DT

 

[supafly]

I have been thinking while reading all of these comments about home much Peyton is being paid in comparison to Brady e.t.c

I put the question to our fans who know a little about the cap.

How does the Pats cap look in comparison to other teams?
Where can we get better?
Where is most of our money going?

If Brady is giving up 5+ million a year for the sake of this team. What are we using that for?

Is it as simple as saying that we are pretty much even because the gains we made with Brady's deal we have basically lost due to Hernandez playing Gang Star?

Basically the premise of this thread is to have a critical look at how we can use the extra room Brady gave us in his team friendly deal to our advantage.

Admittedly not being 1/2 as knowledgeable about the ins/outs of the specifics that some other posters are, here are my thoughts:

We are currently about 4.1 million below the cap and can carry that over into next year, and the whole Hernandez situation hasn't been completed figured out yet--although if he's charged in the double murder case that has been in front of the grand jury for quite some time, it may prove that he had already committed the offense prior to signing the pact last July. Obviously, that would be good for the team and could save some of the money that we're due to lose. Even in a worst case scenario, the Hernandez situation shouldn't be that harmful after the big hit in 2014. It certainly isn't going to be enough to offset the 5-6 million+ ever year savings from the Brady hometown discount.

Basically, the Brady "savings" went towards continuing with the Patriot Way of staying competitive both now and for the future, as we are normally always in pretty decent shape cap-wise.

We were able to retain/extend all of Ninkovich, Talib, Edelman, Arrington, Vollmer, etc. We also were able to bring in Amendola, Svitek, Kelly, A.Wilson etc. There are many more players (Talib and Edelman again) from our own team who are due to be free agents from now and the next 15-16 months, so the money will mainly be spent on guys like McCourty, Solder, Vereen, Ridley, Connelly, Wendell, etc, etc. It will also give us the luxury of staying ahead of the curve by planning for the future, while also being able to act as small to medium size players in the free agency market for outsiders.

I'm sure others can break it down into finer points, but this is what I see in a broader and more general scope.

 

[andrewgarrr]

Free agents:

2014:
LaGarrete Blount, RB
Andre Carter, DE
Julian Edelman, WR
Dane Fletcher, LB
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE
Brandon Spikes, LB
Will Svitek, T
Aqib Talib, CB
Ryan Wendell, C

2015:
Brandon Bolden, RB
Marcus Cannon, G/T
Dan Connolly, G
Stephen Gostkowski, K
Tommy Kelly, DT
Devin McCourty, S
Stevan Ridley, RB
Matthew Slater, WR
Shane Vereen, RB
Vince Wilfork, DT

I'd like to see Edelman, Fletcher, Spikes, and Talib resigned. I'd like to see McCourty, Vereen, Cannon, and Gostkowski extended past 2015. I think there will be markets for all three of those players in free agency.

Interior offensive line and tackle depth warrants serious attention in the 2014 off-season. Along with a 1st and 2nd down running back and safety depth. The most intriguing question is what they do at CB.

 

[Miguel]

How does the Pats cap look in comparison to other teams?

https://www.nflplayers.com/reports/RunPublicReport.aspx?report=top51

 

[Miguel]

Where is most of our money going?

Injured Reserve - 24,587,498
Dead Money - 15,334,100
QB 14,603,953
G 14,376,020
CB 8,571,912
WR 8,390,015
DE 6,844,680
S 6,077,143
LB 5,639,995
TE 4,197,529
RB 3,759,809
K 3,698,059
OT 3,431,284
DT 2,150,294
C 1,015,000
LS 555,000
FB 480,000
P 405,500

Offense 47,986,945
Defense 29,839,023
Special 6,370,225 Am including Slater's cap hit here

 

[Miguel]

The Football and Financial Implications of the Patriots Releasing Aaron Hernandez - The Triangle Blog - Grantland

This article was published before AH filed his grievances. When a player files a salary grievance, the CBA requires that 40% of the grievance amount hits the cap until the grievance is settled or until the end of the League year. If Aaron wins his grievances before the end of this year, another 1,825,200 will hit the Patriots 2013 cap.

As of now, AH is due to count $7.5 million against the cap in 2014.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Free agents:

2014:
LaGarrete Blount, RB
Andre Carter, DE
Julian Edelman, WR
Dane Fletcher, LB
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE
Brandon Spikes, LB
Will Svitek, T
Ryan Wendell, C

2015:
Brandon Bolden, RB
Marcus Cannon, G/T
Dan Connolly, G
Stephen Gostkowski, K
Tommy Kelly, DT
Devin McCourty, S
Stevan Ridley, RB
Matthew Slater, WR
Shane Vereen, RB
Vince Wilfork, DT

We'd be in great shape if it weren't for the prisoner. We're still in damn good shape compared to the rest of the league and would field a top team even if we did nothing in FA or the draft.

If Wilfork is done or not the same player as before, we can gain another 7.5 million in cap space by cutting him.

The goal this offseason is to resign Talib to a good deal, and try to retain Edelman/Fletcher on patriot type deals. Replacing a below average center will be fairly easy.

For 2015, RB is still very much a wait and see approach. McCourty is a must resign. Cutting Mankins in 2015 will be a glorious day when we save 7 million on the salary cap.

 

[Hammer of Thor]

We'd be in great shape if it weren't for the prisoner. We're still in damn good shape compared to the rest of the league and would field a top team even if we did nothing in FA or the draft.

If Wilfork is done or not the same player as before, we can gain another 7.5 million in cap space by cutting him.

The goal this offseason is to resign Talib to a good deal, and try to retain Edelman/Fletcher on patriot type deals. Replacing a below average center will be fairly easy.

For 2015, RB is still very much a wait and see approach. McCourty is a must resign. Cutting Mankins in 2015 will be a glorious day when we save 7 million on the salary cap.

There have been threads on this before, but I think that as long is Wilfork is showing decent progression in his rehab, he will sign a 2 year extension this offseason which could lower his cap charge by potentially $4.7M. The fact that he traveled with the team to Carolina while on IR, and was on the sidelines for the Denver game (and the first person Brady celebrated with off the field after the go-ahead TD in the 4th), tells you his commitment to this team and how much Belichick respects him.

Mankins is a more interesting case. His contract was written the way it was precisely to allow a relatively painless restructuring if he was playing decently well. What we don't know is if he's been playing injured again all year (and not reported at all) like in 2011. He's still looking good in the running game, it's pass protection where he's slipped. My guess is that they will do the restructuring.

Agree with the rest of your analysis. After the above two contract restructurings, Talib and Edelman should be the top two priorities. I like Spikes but I feel he'll ask for too much for what he contributes, and I feel Hightower can thrive in an expanded version of Spikes' role, instead of looking lost playing Mayo's role. Collins and Fletcher (who I'd like resigned) may potentially fill the 3rd linebacker spot well enough, especially considering that the team usually plays with only 2 linebackers as its true "base" defense anyway.

Doing the above, they'll probably be able to afford a couple of mid-tier external free agents to round out the team (I'm thinking Arthur Jones to rotate with Tommy Kelly at his DT spot, and Scott Chandler for TE2). Then they can focus on the O-line in the draft.

But that's for another day. I'm enjoying the job they've done with the 2013 team, and I'm thrilled that they've been able to compete with so many key players missing significant time.

 

[jsull87]

It's great to have all of this info here in one place.

I think the reality is that the Hernandez situation (if it remains the same) in 2014 will hurt us. That 8.6m would go a long way to Talib or a collection of our other FA and in house clean ups.

I personally think we have a very good and deep roster. I think the number 1 priority is using FA to keep the talent we have and for the draft to add depth/talent at a BPA type of strategy.

I was talking with a fan of another team yesterday who basically said it would be scary to see this team with Wilfork, Mayo, Kelly, Gregory, Vollmer, Talib et al all healthy. I tend to agree and it's what i am aiming for for 2014 if the injured players health permits.

 

[supafly]

I was talking with a fan of another team yesterday who basically said it would be scary to see this team with Wilfork, Mayo, Kelly, Gregory, Vollmer, Talib et al all healthy. I tend to agree and it's what i am aiming for for 2014 if the injured players health permits.

At least there are intelligent fans out there who actually realize how decimated we are, specifically on defense. Believe it or not, the average general "fan" from other teams doesn't normally bring things like this up too often.

I agree with your thoughts, but regarding Tommy Kelly the situation is not looking good unless he restructures/takes a pay cut. The Pats set that up so they could get out reasonably unscathed if they wanted to after year one. Anything is possible, so let's hope that they re-work the deal and are able to keep him. If not, there are plenty of other capable DT's out there, which is what I'm honestly expecting.

 

[jsull87]

At least there are intelligent fans out there who actually realize how decimated we are, specifically on defense. Believe it or not, the average general "fan" from other teams doesn't normally bring things like this up too often.

I agree with your thoughts, but regarding Tommy Kelly the situation is not looking good unless he restructures/takes a pay cut. The Pats set that up so they could get out reasonably unscathed if they wanted to after year one. Anything is possible, so let's hope that they re-work the deal and are able to keep him. If not, there are plenty of other capable DT's out there, which is what I'm honestly expecting.

Hmmm i see what you mean RE Kelly and maybe it could be a cap hit thing.

Jones's good play has helped make him a little less needed. IMO however if Wilfork restructures (big IF i know) then he can be a terrific 2 down run stopper in 2014 allowing Kelly and Jones to play DT on passing downs and swap in for the other 2 downs when needed. Vellano can get ad hoc time.

I like the DT rotation of those 4 and actually think it's the best we have had in some time now. Sopoaga is moved on once wilfork is 100%. If he isn't then maybe we have a look at Sopoaga as the run stopper. personally i am hoping for Wilfork.

 

[Miguel]

Free agents:

2014:
RFA
D.J. Williams

UFA
Danny Aiken, LS
LaGarrete Blount, RB
Andre Carter, DE
Marquice Cole, CB
Julian Edelman, WR
Dane Fletcher, LB
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE
Matthew Mulligan, TE
Brandon Spikes, LB
Will Svitek, T
Aqib Talib, CB
Ryan Wendell, C

2015:
RFA
Brandon Bolden, RB
Sealver Siliga, DT

UFA
Marcus Cannon, G/T
Dan Connolly, G
Stephen Gostkowski, K
Steve Gregory, S
Tommy Kelly, DT
Ryan Mallett, QB
Devin McCourty, S
Stevan Ridley, RB
Matthew Slater, WR
Shane Vereen, RB
Chris White, DT
D.J. Williams, TE
Vince Wilfork, DT

 

[Miguel]

How does the Pats cap look in comparison to other teams?

» Over the Cap- NFL Salary Cap Space 2013
» Over the Cap- NFL Salary Cap Space 2013
» Over the Cap- NFL Salary Cap Space 2013

 

[SalemPats]

I think we're going to have to pony up and pay for Talib. In the league today you need a physical corner and those guys are hard to find. It took us nearly a decade to replace Rodney Harrison, Law and Asante (FA). I know we don't like overpaying, but we have no choice here.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Haven't really paid to much attention to next year's cap. Until i saw this. Family is at the in-laws and I only have to show up to eat. I'm allergic to cats and they have a couple of them. 1 hour tops and I'm sneezing and wheezing and out of there. We're not a championship defense without Talib. So, the first order of business is signing him. Only have 8.5 to work with so we have create some room. Have to get Vince down to 4m. That saves 4m. Pay Mankins base as a bonus and spread out over remaining 3 years. Saves another 4.1m. Only save 2.5m if we cut him and an equal replacement will probably cost more than that. I'd cut Kelly and Adrian Wilson. Saves another 3.6m. With that 11.6m I've saved, I'd like to re-up; Talib, Edelman and Fletcher. Spikes will be too expensive to keep. Have Mayo and Hightower in the middle of 4-2-5. That's really your base defense. Along with Spikes leaving I'd probably let Wendell walk.

Need 3 contributors from the draft; OL, DL and TE. Sign a veteran G and move Connolly to center. Arkansas has a pretty good center. Would draft him at 32(One can hope) and then that DL and TE. Need that vet at RG. Open for suggestions. Will be shopping the scrap heap for the rest of free-agents if we can keep the 3 I want and get a vet OL.

 

[GaryfromTO]

What does the Patriots cap look like?

..well it's generally blue or red, with white and silver trim.

will have either the flying Elvis or Patriot Pat logo, although sometimes in my just may say New England Patriots (or Patriots) on it.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Guys think they will keep spikes and edelman? Edelman is going to come at a much higher price due to him taking over the amendola role (been a dud this year)

Talib is gone IMO. Too injured and someone will wayyy overpay him.