Tag: NFL salary cap

Of course Stephen Jones is setting the stage for another inactive Cowboys offseason

Don’t expect a very active free agent period in 2025 because the richest franchise in sports history are claiming poverty yet again. | From @ReidDHanson

2024 was “The Season of Stale” in Cowboys Land. Not only did Dallas allow the vast majority of their internal free agents to depart unopposed, but the Cowboys turned up their noses at virtually every noteworthy outside option as well.

Citing fiscal restraints as the reason, the Cowboys chose to fill their ever-growing list of needs with rookies and supposedly-opportunistic post-draft bargain finds. The results were rather predictable, with the Cowboys entering the season with enormous talent deficiencies at both ends of their once-impressive depth chart.

The front office’s offseason inactivity was explained by Stephen Jones as a necessary step in order to afford high-cost re-signings like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Publicly available contract numbers begged to differ, showing multiple avenues to free up spending cash without resulting in crippling damage down the road.

Alas, the front office stood strong and fielded a roster worthy of their efforts. With the Cowboys 5-8 and on track for their first losing season since 2020, there was hope the front office had learned their lesson, that fans have weathered the storm, and better days are ahead in the coming offseason. Based on recent statements from Jones, those hopes appear to be misplaced.

“I think we knew we were going to have a challenge this year and next year,” Jones said of his ability to spend. “It’s going to be really, really tight because we still have some money left over from some guys who aren’t here today. And you’re going to have some other guys that won’t be here in the future that you still have their cap count.”

The dead money Jones alludes to is certainly a concern. According to Over the Cap the Cowboys have $27,323,246 in dead money this season. It’s a noteworthy amount but by no means a number other teams haven’t dealt will. Based on a November report there are 26 teams with more dead money than Dallas. It’s not exactly the albatross Jones is making it out to be.

Even if the Cowboys cut players like Terence Steele in 2025 and take on the dead money ramifications as a result, they’ll be in far better shape than the majority of the NFL. Simple adjustments to veteran contracts and a new contract to Micah Parsons could easily free up north of $100 million over the offseason. It would allow the Cowboys to properly build a roster around Dallas’ most talented players and do so without pushing too much money into the future.

Of course, the front office would have to want to spend that money for this to be a reasonable option for them and based on past behavior and recent statements, there is no indication they want to spend money.

The Cowboys are once again the most valuable franchise in all of professional sports so it’s understandable they

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Contract details for new Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore

A look at how Marshon Lattimore’s contract impacts the Commanders’ salary cap.

The Washington Commanders made a huge move at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.

The Commanders sent third-, fourth- and sixth-round selections in the 2025 NFL draft to New Orleans in exchange for Lattimore and a 2025-fifth-round selection.

Lattimore, 28, is a four-time Pro Bowler who signed a five-year, $97.6 million extension in 2021. So, in this trade, the Commanders had to take on the remaining portion of Lattimore’s contract. However, few teams are in better salary cap shape than Washington.

Before Tuesday’s trade, the Commanders had $25 million in cap space available for this season, according to Spotrac.

How does Lattimore impact Washington’s salary cap? Thanks partly to the Saints’ continuous maneuvering to stay under the cap, Lattimore’s cap number for the remainder of 2024 is $605K. New Orleans’ last restructuring of Lattimore’s deal made it much easier to deal Lattimore.

While he has two years remaining on his contract, he does have a possible out after this season. If things go well, it will make sense for the Commanders and Lattimore to continue their relationship for years to come.

Here’s a look at Lattimore’s cap numbers for the next three years:

  • 2024: $605K
  • 2025: $18 million
  • 2026: $18.5 million

Those cap numbers are excellent for a cornerback of Lattimore’s caliber. However, if he remains healthy for the final eight games and plays well, he and Washington could renegotiate the deal.

Either way, the Commanders have the salary cap room to add Lattimore’s deal and be serious players in free agency next spring. Spotrac currently has the Commanders with $104 million in cap space for 2025, with Lattimore’s numbers on the books.

Za’Darius Smith contract gives the Lions options with their new EDGE

Za’Darius Smith’s current 2-year contract gives the Lions options with their new EDGE

The Detroit Lions have a new pass rusher on the defense in EDGE Za’Darius Smith. Lions GM Brad Holmes pulled the trigger on a trade that sends two Day 3 picks to the Cleveland Browns for the 32-year-old Smith, plus a 2026 seventh-round pick, in return.

Smith should play extensively as the most accomplished pass rusher on the Lions roster. And he comes affordable for the rest of the 2024 season; Detroit is responsible for just $605,000 for the remainder of this year, with the Browns eating over $4.5 million in dead cap room.

The rest of Smith’s two-year, $23 million contract that runs through 2025 is now Detroit’s responsibility, and it’s a little complex. That’s because there are some options and void years that complicate it, though the Lions have options and control over how to handle them.

Smith has a base salary of a very affordable $1.2 million for the 2025 season and it’s not guaranteed. However, there is a $2 million bonus due on the third day of the 2025 NFL calendar. There is also a per-game bonus of $510,000 baked into the contract, as well as four void years at the end of Smith’s contract.

The Lions can keep the contract as-is, but that seems unlikely given the higher cap hits that assuming the void years and bonus structure creates: $5.4 million in 2025 and $5.6 million in 2026.

Because nothing is guaranteed after the 2024 season, the Lions could walk away from that deal, cut Smith and take on no dead cap room. They could also agree to a new deal with Smith in the offseason, one that would provide some guaranteed money to the defensive end but less long-term cap hit to make a more appealing contractual marriage for 2025. That, of course, depends on how well Smith fits into the Lions culture and defense for the rest of the 2024 campaign.

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Raiders have considerable salary cap room heading into 2024 season

With the season around the corner, the Raiders are still sitting on a lot of unspent cap space.

All the expectations/hopes the Raiders would add a big ticket free agent ahead of training camp never came to pass. They had plenty of money with which to do it. And they still have plenty of money. But whether they spend it, or if there’s even any player worth spending it on is the question.

Currently they have some $28.8 million in cap room burning a hole in their pocket according to overthecap.com

They could save it for a rainy day. For instance if they have an injury and there happens to be a moderately pricy free agent out there they could add.

Or take on a player with a large contract in a trade.

Or they could give an extension to one of their own players.

That last one seems the most likely. And perhaps the smartest as well.

There are two players who would be worth holding that money to give an extension — Nate Hobbs and Malcolm Koonce. As both players are in the final season of their rookie contracts and are worthy of getting a big money deal to stick around.

There are several other players who could be deserving of an extension and who wouldn’t be nearly as pricey as Hobbs and Koonce.

Either way, it’s a bit strange to have the amount of money the Raiders have. Only four teams have more cap money available. Meanwhile, ten teams have less than five million and 18 teams have less than ten million.

Ravens vs. Packers: Top photos from preseason finale at Lambeau Field

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field

It’s only the preseason, but the Ravens will head towards the 53-man roster cutdown date with a sour taste after a 30-7 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday afternoon. Josh Johnson was 5-7 for 71 yards and one passing touchdown, while Michael Pratt led Green Bay in passing, going 8-12 for 80 yards and one touchdown. The Packers were dominant on the ground, amassing 193 rushing yards, as Ellis Merriweather led all ball carriers with 16 yards for 74 yards. The Packers held the ball for nearly ten minutes longer than the Ravens and out-gained Baltimore by 326 yards to 177 for John Harbaugh’s bunch. With Baltimore now turning its attention toward the Chiefs, here’s an instant analysis of the loss. ***

Ravens vs. Falcons: Top photos from Baltimore’s 13-12 win in preseason Week 2

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 13-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason Week 2 matchup

Backup quarterback Josh Johnson was perfect on the afternoon, and rookie Emory Jones added a 56-yard touchdown throw to Dayton Wade in the second half to lift the Baltimore Ravens to a 13-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.  The Ravens snapped a three-game preseason losing streak, while Atlanta had 343 yards of total offense but was 4-13 on third downs. Baltimore had another putrid day on the ground, rushing for 71 yards on 30 attempts.  With the team set to start preparation for the preseason finale, here are the top photos from the win over Atlanta. ***

Top photos from Ravens 16-13 loss to Eagles in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener at M&T Bank Stadium

The Ravens returned to the field for live game action for the first time since their heartbreaking, 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.

Baltimore hosted Philadelphia at M&T Bank Stadium, with both teams on similar arcs, and championship paths. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out along with key starters on both sides of the football.

Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 16-13 victory after Baltimore quarterback Emory Jones — who had just entered the game — was sacked and fumbled on the next play.

The recovery by Patrick Johnson gave Elliott his final opportunity of the night.

With Baltimore set to start preparation for the Falcons in the second week of the preseason, we’re looking at the top photos from Friday night.

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Ravens training camp: Top photos from Day 5 of practice

We’re looking at the top photos from Day 5 of Baltimore Ravens training camp practices

The Ravens had a day off from training camp on Thursday but returned to the Under Armour Performance Center on Friday and Saturday for their first two full-padded summer practices. Lamar Jackson returned to the lineup after a medical evaluation for flu-like symptoms. At the same time, the team honored the late Jacoby Jones on the day that family and friends traveled to New Orleans for his funeral services. With Sunday’s practice quickly approaching, here are takeaways and notes from Saturday’s session. ***

Ravens initial 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

Baltimore Ravens’ 90-man roster at the start of 2024 training camp

The Baltimore Ravens have officially reported to the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp with the first practice scheduled for Sunday morning.

There will be starting jobs and roster spots up for grabs, which should make for some intriguing position battles throughout camp and the preseason.

Currently, the Ravens have 90 players on their roster, and that will be trimmed down to 53 ahead of the start of the regular season, and by August 27.

With training camp underway, here’s an updated look at the Ravenss’ initial 90-man roster at the start of training camp, organized by jersey number.

Cam Sutton suspended for 8 games, could help the Lions’ salary case against him

Steelers CB Cam Sutton is suspended for 8 games for personal conduct policy violations, which should help the Lions’ salary case against him

Former Lions cornerback Cam Sutton now has his NFL punishment stemming from the March domestic incident that led Detroit to cut the veteran starter. The league’s decision to mete out some harsh punishment on Sutton could be a boon to the Lions in their ongoing battle with their disgraced former player.

Sutton was suspended by the NFL for eight games on Monday for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Sutton will not appeal the suspension, meaning he will miss Pittsburgh’s first eight games.

The lengthy suspension could help the Lions in their quest to have his guaranteed money voided. The team filed the necessary paperwork to have Sutton’s contractual legacy voided for his conduct, but Sutton apparently filed an appeal to keep at least some of the $10.5 million the Lions had previously guaranteed to him.

Getting suspended by the league for eight games indicates that Sutton did indeed commit an egregious enough act to justify the Lions’ decision to release him. It can only help Detroit’s case to get the full contract value fully voided, though it’s all still up to an arbitrator to decide at an unknown time.

Hopefully the entire sordid mess and contract voidance issue is resolved soon.