Brady to Patriots: Signing No. 1 wideout critical

[Miguel]

Miguel -
I am not so sure that the Free Agent Class of 2007 will be so bare.

Besides Nate Clements, Freeney, Briggs, and Cato June, name a recent Pro-Bowler that will be a free agent in 2007.

First, and foremost, I think that we will see a lot more in the way of cap casualties because teams like the Colts overspent this year and won't be able to afford the increase in salaries they will have. Especially with the cap going up so little next year in comparison to this year.

Even with the so-called overspending a good number of teams are way under the cap so they will either be signing their good, young players to extensions or doing the LTBE thing to create more cap space in 2007. The cap is going from $102 million to $109 million, a $7 million increase.

Edited to add: "that will be a free agent in 2007." to the end of the 1st sentence. Added Lance Briggs to the list.

 

[fgssand]

Besides Nate Clements, Freeney, and Cato June, name a recent Prob-Bowler that will be a



Even with the so-called overspending a good number of teams are way under the cap so they will either be signing their good, young players to extensions or doing the LTBE thing to create more cap space in 2007. The cap is going from $102 million to $109 million, a $7 million increase.

Dare I ask, what the hell are we doing? Shouldn't we be signing all of our young to extensions?

Branch needs to be signed, sometimes, maybe it is not a bad thing to overpay, just a little, without fear of blowing the whole system up. Seems to me that another 4 or 5MM added to his signing bonus gets this done - DO IT already. Just my opinion.....

 

[SVN]

I have to presume this too, but it's a little odd. The tone of the article isn't like a regular one-on-one. And why choose this guy?

i didnt see "dissappointed/angry with the front office" being mentioned anywhere by brady.this is making assumptions by the writer to sensationalize the news. All brady says is branch is the best wideout and we need him.Where is he expressing anger with the management ?i wont be surprised if Brady comes out today and makes it clear.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

A counter-productive thing for Brady to say, even though I'm sure he meant well. This sort of thing just gives Branch's agent more fuel to throw on the fire.

"I'm sure he meant well"? Wow, that's condescending. Tom Brady isn't some nine-year-old getting detention after standing up for his little brother in the school yard.

Brady's a professional, probably brighter than you or me and knows exactly what he's doing. He's done what those of us have done who aren't looking at the coming season through rose-colored-glasses; he's evaluated the upcoming season and concluded that, while the team is without a doubt "competitive," it shouldn't be booking trips to Miami in February just yet. The most telling comment Brady made in the interview was that it's "a good thing" the season doesn't start for a few more weeks...

To my mind, along with his other comments about the offseason losses, Brady'ss sending the message that "competitive" doesn't equal "championship" and management needs to realize that.

 

[jimleehunt]

I understand the Stands By His Teammates angle. That's good.

But "a classy way to tell Kraft, Pioli, and BB"
what they certainly know fully as well as Brady does ...
is to speed-dial them, or tell them so to their faces ...
not to bray it in a national publication read by millions.

flutie- 1. i would bet my left nut brady had already told bb exactly how he felt and 2. brady HAD to say this publicly. that was the whole point of being a LEADER-letting his teammates and everyone else know he had their backs. it WAS a totally classy way of doing it. said nothing negative about pats mgmnt. bb,kraft and pioli know tom is with them 100%--my bet is that all 3 of them were glad to see him do this.

 

[DaBruinz]

Besides Nate Clements, Freeney, Briggs, and Cato June, name a recent Pro-Bowler that will be a free agent in 2007.

I don't know who has what for contracts or who will be free agents, but what does being a Pro-Bowler have to do with Deion Branch? Since when was Deion Branch a recent Pro-Bowler? Kinda of putting the cart before the horse there, Miguel.

Even with the so-called overspending a good number of teams are way under the cap so they will either be signing their good, young players to extensions or doing the LTBE thing to create more cap space in 2007. The cap is going from $102 million to $109 million, a $7 million increase.

Edited to add: "that will be a free agent in 2007." to the end of the 1st sentence. Added Lance Briggs to the list.

I know how much the cap is going up Miguel. And the 7 million increase is peanuts compared to the 16+ million increase they just experienced. I am pretty sure that there aren't as many teams with "tons" of cap space right now. Especially with teams like KC shelling out a ton of money for Ty Law and the Cowboys giving Roy Williams a 5 years 25 million extension.

Just as a for instance, I believe you mentioned that Manning's sal cap number for next year is something like 16.3 million. Isn't that over a 6 million jump from where it is this year? Doesn't that basically eat up most, if not all of the added amount for next year? And that is just an example. Not all teams are as good with the salary cap as the Patriots have become, though some teams are.

The Patriots are in PRIME territory for next year, regardless of how they divy up Seymour's upcoming bonus. Granted, they will have players to sign, like Branch and Graham, but having $30+ million in cap space makes it much easier to do.

 

[DaBruinz]

Dare I ask, what the hell are we doing? Shouldn't we be signing all of our young to extensions?

Branch needs to be signed, sometimes, maybe it is not a bad thing to overpay, just a little, without fear of blowing the whole system up. Seems to me that another 4 or 5MM added to his signing bonus gets this done - DO IT already. Just my opinion.....

FGSSAND - Remember that it was Branch's agent who stopped the negotiations with the Patriots. Not the Patriots with Branch's agent. It was Branch's agent who tried to bully the Pats around and demand that they NOT use the franchise tag on Branch next year if he were to report to camp.

The reason the deal isn't done is Jason Chayut. Not the Patriots.

 

[bbaptiste]

I have to presume this too, but it's a little odd. The tone of the article isn't like a regular one-on-one. And why choose this guy?

Well, maybe Brady "chose" Silver because Silver is with a national publication and maybe also because Silver is from Northen California just like Brady. Silver has the rep for doing favorable pieces on athletes. Check out his pieces on Ricky Williams from a month ago.

 

[Miguel]

I don't know who has what for contracts or who will be free agents, but what does being a Pro-Bowler have to do with Deion Branch? Since when was Deion Branch a recent Pro-Bowler? Kinda of putting the cart before the horse there, Miguel.

My point was that there are going to be very few Pro-Bowlers (players better than Branch), if any, available in free agency. Therefore, Branch has a good chance of being the top FA target, at least on the offensive side of the ball.

I know how much the cap is going up Miguel.

You are not the only one who is reading this thread.

And the 7 million increase is peanuts compared to the 16+ million increase they just experienced. I am pretty sure that there aren't as many teams with "tons" of cap space right now. Especially with teams like KC shelling out a ton of money for Ty Law and the Cowboys giving Roy Williams a 5 years 25 million extension.

Ty Law's deal took up how cap space?? Because of the Top 51 rule, I would guess about $1.5 million. The Chiefs were under the cap by close to $9 million at the end of May. So, the Chiefs should still be able to push cap space into 2007.
And I am sure that there are several teams with a great deal of cap space. How much cap space does

Just as a for instance, I believe you mentioned that Manning's sal cap number for next year is something like 16.3 million. Isn't that over a 6 million jump from where it is this year? Doesn't that basically eat up most, if not all of the added amount for next year? And that is just an example.

The Colts were under the cap by just over $9 million in late May. Unless they sign Freeney to a long-term deal this year (thereby removing yet another possible player from the 2007 FA class), they are a prime candidate to use the LTBE manuever to push cap space (5 to 6 million) into 2007.

Here's a couple of examples to support my contention that there will not that many good FAs available.
http://www.geocities.com/steelersalarycap/2007Steelers.htm
http://www.houstonprofootball.com/cap2007.html
http://www.wissearch.net/Jets/Default.aspx?Year=2007
http://www.ninercaphell.com/salary.php?year=2007
http://www.titanscentral.net/2007SALARYCAP.html

I expect these and other teams to sign their good young players before they hit free agency. They have the cap room to do so.

Not all teams are as good with the salary cap as the Patriots have become, though some teams are.

The Patriots are in PRIME territory for next year, regardless of how they divy up Seymour's upcoming bonus. Granted, they will have players to sign, like Branch and Graham, but having $30+ million in cap space makes it much easier to do.

My point was and still is that the 2007 FA class does not look to be that good. And that Branch may be the best offensive player available in free agency.

QB - What good QB is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??
RB - What good RB is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??
WR - What good WR is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??
OT - What good OT is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??
G - What good G is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??Eric Steinbach. And he is talking with the Bengals about the extension.
C - What good C is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??Koppen. And he is coming off an injury.

As for cap casualties, how many teams do you have over the 2007 cap limit of $109 million.

 

[DaBruinz]

My point was that there are going to be very few Pro-Bowlers (players better than Branch), if any, available in free agency. Therefore, Branch has a good chance of being the top FA target, at least on the offensive side of the ball.



You are not the only one who is reading this thread.

And anyone else who has read this thread would see that I referenced the 7 million increase previously.

Ty Law's deal took up how cap space?? Because of the Top 51 rule, I would guess about $1.5 million. The Chiefs were under the cap by close to $9 million at the end of May. So, the Chiefs should still be able to push cap space into 2007.
And I am sure that there are several teams with a great deal of cap space. How much cap space does

Ty Law's deal of 5 years and $30 Million? I guess it could only be 1.5 million (1.9 mill total) for this season, but I am not sure how you came up with that number since I can't find it anywhere that says how much Law got as a signing bonus.

The Colts were under the cap by just over $9 million in late May. Unless they sign Freeney to a long-term deal this year (thereby removing yet another possible player from the 2007 FA class), they are a prime candidate to use the LTBE manuever to push cap space (5 to 6 million) into 2007.

Could you offer up where you are getting these numbers from? You're fellow capologist that you reference had the Colts at less than 8 million as of June 20th. And that was before any of the rookies signed. And, while he lists the Colts cap number for 2007 at 84 Million, he doesn't mention Manning's option bonus nore does he mention Wayne's salary cap amortization. Nor any of the rookies who have signed.

As for using the LTBE loophole, you're making the assumption that its still available to teams.

Here's a couple of examples to support my contention that there will not that many good FAs available.
http://www.geocities.com/steelersalarycap/2007Steelers.htm
http://www.houstonprofootball.com/cap2007.html
http://www.wissearch.net/Jets/Default.aspx?Year=2007
http://www.ninercaphell.com/salary.php?year=2007
http://www.titanscentral.net/2007SALARYCAP.html

I expect these and other teams to sign their good young players before they hit free agency. They have the cap room to do so.

So, Miguel, what you are saying is that there isn't going to be much in the way of Free Agents next year, so that is automatically going to drive the price up? Or, would you gather that its more likely that the ones who are free agents will be looked upon differently (as in, If this guy is so good, why did Team X let him go to free agency?). I am sure that there will be some MORON team like the Redskins that will insist on paying Deion outrageously. Let them. I'll take a 3rd round pick the following year at the very least for Deion. More likely, the Pats will franchise him, Chayut will refuse to sign the offer and Deion will get hosed.

My point was and still is that the 2007 FA class does not look to be that good. And that Branch may be the best offensive player available in free agency.

QB - What good QB is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??
RB - What good RB is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??
WR - What good WR is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??
OT - What good OT is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??
G - What good G is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??Eric Steinbach. And he is talking with the Bengals about the extension.
C - What good C is not currently signed through at least the 2007 season??Koppen. And he is coming off an injury.

As for cap casualties, how many teams do you have over the 2007 cap limit of $109 million.

I'm not willing to say what the Free Agent class of 2007 will look like because I am not precognizant.

I'd be willing to bet that teams like the Titans, Colts, Redskins and Raiders will be over the cap next year. Possibly also the Vikings, Chiefs, and Falcons. I expect there to be June 1st caualties next season. I'd also like to believe that teams will cut veterans who don't perform. Like has happened every year.

What you have ignored, Miguel, is that the onus is on Branch and Chayut currently. They are the ones who down-right rejected the Pats offer and refused to offer up a counter. They are the ones who put an ultimatum on the Patriots and now its costing Deion money. The fact that the Patriots did make a good faith offer to START negotiating hurts Branch's position. The fact that Chayut didn't make a counter hurts Branch's position and puts Branch in a negative light (read PROBLEM). Don't discount what others have said about teams wondering if Brady is making these players better than they are. Especailly after Patten bombed last year before his injury. If Givens doesn't do well (read achieve #1 potential) then teams aren't going to look at Branch and see a #1 receiver. They are going to look at him and see that Branch is a #2 receiver who was a "#1" by default, but that he needs Brady to succeed. They aren't going to be willing to shell out #1 money for a #2 receiver. Teams do learn from other teams mistakes.

 

[Miguel]

Ty Law's deal of 5 years and $30 Million? I guess it could only be 1.5 million (1.9 mill total) for this season, but I am not sure how you came up with that number since I can't find it anywhere that says how much Law got as a signing bonus.

According to PFT Ty Law "got $4 million to sign, and will be paid a $1 million base salary in 2006. (As a vested veteran, his base salary is fully guaranteed if he's on the Week One roster.)"

Could you offer up where you are getting these numbers from? You're fellow capologist that you reference had the Colts at less than 8 million as of June 20th. And that was before any of the rookies signed. And, while he lists the Colts cap number for 2007 at 84 Million, he doesn't mention Manning's option bonus nore does he mention Wayne's salary cap amortization. Nor any of the rookies who have signed.

http://www.askthecommish.com/salarycap/adjustment.asp
Manning does not have an option bonus in 2007. He has a roster bonus.

As for using the LTBE loophole, you're making the assumption that its still available to teams.

An assumption that is held on this board.

So, Miguel, what you are saying is that there isn't going to be much in the way of Free Agents next year, so that is automatically going to drive the price up?

Supply low, demand high. Remember teams are required to spend a certain amount of cash each and every year on players. Teams are not going to spend the money on players 42 through 53. They are going to spend the money on star players.

I'd be willing to bet that teams like the Titans, Colts, Redskins and Raiders will be over the cap next year.

How much???on the 4-team parlay??

 

[DaBruinz]

According to PFT Ty Law "got $4 million to sign, and will be paid a $1 million base salary in 2006. (As a vested veteran, his base salary is fully guaranteed if he's on the Week One roster.)"

They are the only ones reporting that. If its true, I would be surprised.

http://www.askthecommish.com/salarycap/adjustment.asp
Manning does not have an option bonus in 2007. He has a roster bonus.

Thank you for the correction. Granted, it could be changed to a signing bonus, but how much does it add to the cap if it stays as a roster bonus?

An assumption that is held on this board.

I know that is what they did previously. I also sdee from your Askthecommish.com link that is what they assume also. But you know what they say about assumptions, right?

There are a lot of things that aren't settled in the CBA right now. That could, very well, be one of them.

Supply low, demand high. Remember teams are required to spend a certain amount of cash each and every year on players. Teams are not going to spend the money on players 42 through 53. They are going to spend the money on star players.

The one problem with the whole Supply low, demand high thing is that it ignores quality. Which teams generally don't. And if Givens flops his 1st year in Tennessee, added to the flop of Patten in Washington already, you can bet there will be a stigma about Branch. Also, Branch is thought to be injury prone and sitting out all the pre-season games last year didn't help that picture. People don't tend to pay alot for damaged goods, regardless of how low supply is.

How much???on the 4-team parlay??

So, you don't think that the Titans, Colts, Redskins and Raiders will be over the cap come the start of free agency next year? Well, The Redskins are already at 106 million and that was before they signed their draft picks.

No problem. Only time will tell.

 

[Miguel]

There are a lot of things that aren't settled in the CBA right now. That could, very well, be one of them.

I remember reading that players now have to sign an acknowledgement when they agree to do the LTBE move.

The one problem with the whole Supply low, demand high thing is that it ignores quality. Which teams generally don't. And if Givens flops his 1st year in Tennessee, added to the flop of Patten in Washington already, you can bet there will be a stigma about Branch. Also, Branch is thought to be injury prone and sitting out all the pre-season games last year didn't help that picture. People don't tend to pay alot for damaged goods, regardless of how low supply is.

I happen to think that Branch's agent is greatly discounting the possibility of an injury and thinks that Branch will have a very good number wise.

So, you don't think that the Titans, Colts, Redskins and Raiders will be over the cap come the start of free agency next year? Well, The Redskins are already at 106 million and that was before they signed their draft picks.

No problem. Only time will tell.

Titans - no chance
Colts - no more than 40% of being over the $109 M limit. less than 33% of being over their adjusted cap number which could be as high as $115 million
Redskins - They are always over the cap because they like to have phony numbers in their contracts. Example - there is no chance that Brunell is getting a $5.2 million salary in 2007.
Raiders - they are always over the cap because they do like to have phony numbers in their contracts.


Radide

 

[Miguel]

I remember reading that players now have to sign an acknowledgement when they agree to do the LTBE move.

I found it.

http://www.nflpa.org/pdfs/Agents/2006RegAmendments.pdf

I guess that the board was right in assuming that the LTBE move still exists.