Miguel currently has the Pats cap space listed at ~$21.2M, after the trade for Shelton. However, only about $12M-$13M of that is actually usable for FA signings/re-signings. About $2.5M-$3.0M needs to be set aside for rookie cap hits. Another $5M-$6M needs to be set aside for the start of the regular season to over injuries and NLTBE incentives.
So, the cap space number I'm working with when considering signings is $12M (playing it safe).
Without cutting anyone else besides McClellin (who I think should retire for his own sake), these are my conservative (I think) estimates for how the Pats might increase 2018 cap space:
$1.9 release McClellin
$2.2 extend Allen two years
$3.2 extend Gronk 2 years
$4.0 restructure McCourty
$6.0 restructure Brady
$3.8 extend Cooks, 5 years
That brings usable cap space up to about $33M.
The following are my estimates for the potential 2018 cap hits for the re-signings I believe are the most critical (and some of these estimates may be wishful thinking on my part):
-$11.0 re-sign Solder, 2 years
-$4.0 re-sign Fleming, 3 years
-$2.5 re-sign Burkhead, 3 years
-$1.5 re-sign M. Flowers, 3 years
-$1.5 re-sign Ebner, 2 years
-$1.8 re-sign Slater, 1 year
These would bring usable cap space back down into the $10M-$11M range.
That's not a lot, but probably enough to squeeze in signing a mid-level LB like Bradham or Casillas, acquiring a relatively cheap CB like Darby (only cheap for one more season, though), and an NFL-experienced RB to take Lewis' roster spot (though not necessarily to replace his role in the RBBC).
BTW - this all looked a lot worse before the Shelton trade, since I had the Pats signing Dontari Poe for a 2018 cap hit of around $7M. Shelton is significantly cheaper and possibly even better in the long run. Brilliant move, in that regard at least.
Excellent work Cousin!
Nice information.
I have another idea that will cause some to grit their teeth.
I have made mention that Devin McCourty was pretty mediocre and some have said, had a down year. He had 97 Tackles but I think that is a symptom of a bad front seven, especially the LB core. The Hightower loss did not help.
MCourty's CAP this year is $4mm.......but in 2019 it is $9.5mm for a player perhaps on the decline.
Trading him might work to lower CAP and pick up picks. We can't afford a 31 year old mediocre IMO (over rated in some others) at $9.5 in 2019. So it would be BB like to move him now.
Matt P and the Lions might be the answer. The have $27mm in CAP space and Matt is looking to rebuild the weak DB entity. McCourty could be almost a second coach for Matt P. to match up his formula.
How about we swap first rounders with the Lions from 31st to 20th? Plus we get a third rounder at pick #82? Just a thought.
Now you know BB can gain some picks at #20 or.........You are now in front of Buffalo who are QB hunting. Predictions are Baker Mayfield might be there? Mayfield here? Regardless, the 20th pick will be a better prospect.
Duron Harmon had four times as many picks and twice as many PD last year than McCourty. His cost is about 1/3rd of McCourty.
O.K. you don't like Harmon? Vaccaro was having an awesome year before a wrist injury. You say how is Vacarro compared to McCourty? In 4 less games he had more passes defended and INT's. McCourty was playing slot and LB besides Safety. Vaccaro can do all. He's younger and fits better in BB's heavy nickle scheme. Cost less than $10mm next year McCourty CAP for sure. He is a better play maker.
Still holes to fill?
LB Zack Brown is my F/A binkie, He has speed , size, tackling ability and can cover. He's still young and been healthier than Hightower. If he costs $8mm....get him! If he was are only pick up I would be happy. He and Shelton help.
CB?
Under the radar Ross ****rell . Smart? Duke! 6" and 197lbs so he is a bigger CB BB like now. Sub 4.4 Speed. Was a starting CB for Steelers until Hayden. Became very good starter for NYG.
"Per Sports Info Solutions charting data from Football Outsiders, ****rell has allowed the fewest yards per pass (4.7) among 89 cornerbacks who have been targeted at least 40 times. He also leads the group of cornerbacks in Success Rate (76 percent). This type of production is a bit surprising, but ****rell was a good cornerback while he started for 16 games with Pittsburgh in 2016. Among 84 corners who saw 50 or more targets last season, ****rell ranked 20th in yards allowed per pass (6.5) and 38th in Success Rate (54 percent)".
"As the Giants are set to evaluate which parts of this team should stick around under a new regime next season, ****rell has played his way into that conversation. While many other pieces of this defense have underwhelmed, he’s stepped up and impressed with every opportunity. He’ll be a free agent in the offseason after counting for just $1.1 million against the Giants’ salary cap in 2017, per Over The Cap. He shouldn’t be expensive to re-sign and he’ll only turn 27 years old in August."
He is a very smart Cornerback. Giants might try to resign before F/A.
Look at the coverage of Alshon Jeffries:
Thoughts?
DW Toys