cap numbers

[ch19079]

2005 NFL Salary Cap Figures

January 22, 2005

 

For the sake of this installment, we have designated teams that are less than $5M under the cap in RED. These are teams that have little money to sign free agents and may need to make cuts or restructure salaries in order to sign all of their draft picks. Note that teams that show NEGATIVE cap space are ALREADY OVER the cap, and will have to make cuts before the March 2 deadline. Teams in BLACK, which are between $5M and $10M under the cap, are teams that look to be in pretty good shape in terms of adding more veterans and signing all of their rookies without having to take drastic measures. Teams in GREEN are teams that are well under the cap and should have plenty of room to sign free agents and rookies.

 

For 2005, we are estimating the Salary Cap to be approximately $85 M.

 

Keep in mind, many teams are making numerous transactions each day which have a bearing on the salary cap values. These figures are approximate as of January 20, 2005.

 

Projected 2005 NFL Salary Cap Space for Each Team

 

Rank Team $ Under the Cap

 

1 Minnesota Vikings $30 M

The Vikings have the cap room to make HUGE strides this off-season. The only problem is that their current owner is a cheapskate. In fact, he's looking to sell the team to the highest bidder any day now. The lofty cap space also means that the team could easily absorb the nearly $10 M cap hit they would take in the event that they decide trade Randy Moss.

 

2 NY Jets $24.917 M

GM Terry Bradway has been maintaining for some time now that the Jets would be in good shape cap-wise this year. From our calculations, it looks like he is indeed on the level. That means that the team should be able to re-sign the likes of John Abraham and LaMont Jordan -- if they want to.

 

3 Seattle Seahawks $24 M

Don't let the Seahawks huge cap space fool you. This team has an incredible number of big time free agents -- such as Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, and Walter Jones -- that they will need to try to re-sign.

4 Jacksonville Jaguars $23.613 M

Look for the Jags to be one of the big players in free agency this off-season. They have made it no secret that they covet a pass rusher as well as a big play wide receiver, and there should be players available for their liking.

5 San Diego Chargers $22 M

The Chargers' enviable cap situation allows them to do what is best for the team in regards to the QB situation. That is, they have the cap space to place the Franchise tag on Drew Brees (about $9 M) -- and/or they could trade Phil Rivers and absorb the cap hit associated with doing so. Of course, they could decide to do neither.

6 Chicago Bears $19.28 M

The Bears are in outstanding cap shape -- and may be able to clear up even more space with some cuts here and there. With that said, we see them as a team willing to make a number of minor moves -- but unwilling to get in on high ticket bidding wars.

7 Baltimore Ravens $17.295 M

The Ravens' cap problems appear to be a thing of the past. Their management will continue to exercise caution to avoid falling back into the situation they saw themselves in a few years back. Of course, that doesn't mean that they will pass up a marquee free agent if one should come their way.

8 Philadelphia Eagles $17 M

Once again, the Eagles are in great shape in terms of the cap. They have the capacity to be major players in free agency if they should so choose -- and we expect them to make a noteworthy signing or two. Just don't look for the kind of blockbuster signings like last year's deals for T.O. and Jevon Kearse.

9 Dallas Cowboys $17 M

Knowing Jerry Jones like we know him -- and observing that the 'Boys look to be in tremendous cap shape, you can expect Dallas to be one of the major players in free agency.

10 Cleveland Browns $15 M

With the entire organization in major overhaul mode, there is no telling what cuts are likely to happen -- and what cap impact such cuts may have on the team.

11 St. Louis Rams $11.627 M

At first glance, the Rams appear to be in decent cap shape. However, closer analysis reveals that much of the reason for their space is because they don't have anyone signed at a number of key positions. For example, they only have ONE safety on their entire roster heading into the off-season.

12 Arizona Cardinals $9.9416 M

What do you know? For a change, the Cardinals do not lead the league in cap space. That's because Dennis Green knows that you have to shell out the big bucks to win in the NFL. This year the team will be in the market for a starting QB as well as an every-down RB.

13 Buffalo Bills $9.08455 M

Tom Donahoe has done master job of keeping the Bills' salary cap situation under control since slashing the roster back in 2001. They probably don't have enough cap room to be major players in free agency, but they've done a nice job of retaining their own. DT Pat Williams and LT Jonas Jennings are the team's only key unrestricted free agents. The Bills should have the cap room (especially with Eric Moulds' standing offer to rework his own contract to free up cap space) to re-sign both players, if they should so choose.

14 San Francisco 49ers $6 M

Now that the Niners have paid their penance for past salary cap indiscretions, will ownership be willing to pay REAL dollars to maintain the talent they have, let alone attract new blood?

15 Pittsburgh Steelers $5.92056 M

By the time the Steelers extend offers to all of their Exclusive Rights and Restricted Free Agents, they may not have enough room to provide their Unrestricted Free Agents (namely, Plaxico Burress) with competitive offers.

16 Carolina Panthers $5 M

From the looks of things, the Panthers will have some decisions to make in the off-season, including the futures of both Muhsin Muhammad and Stephen Davis. In particular, the Panthers can't possibly afford to keep Muhsin under his current contract, meaning he either restructures ... or walks. Considering the career-year he just had, we'll give you two guesses what his intentions are.

17 Detroit Lions $4.5 M

The Lions have a nice young corps of players -- most of whom are still in the early stages of their contracts, meaning that they are cap-friendly. If they look to free up cap room, the question will boil down to which of the higher-priced veterans are expendable.

18 Cincinnati Bengals $4 M

If the Bengals do decide to use their franchise tag on Rudi Johnson, they could find themselves in cap trouble.

19 Washington Redskins $4 M

Surprisingly the Redskins are not in nearly as much cap trouble as one might think... at least not this year, meaning that they know that their day will come in the not-too-distant future, when the piper will come calling. That places them in a situation where their ability to restructure existing contracts is beginning to dwindle. Also, there is the matter of LavarArrington's $6.5 M grievance that could pose major problems if he wins his arbitration case against the Redskins.

20 New Orleans Saints $3.719 M

The Saints could stand to free up some cap dollars, and based on the tone coming out of the front office at the conclusion of the regular season, it sounds like there are going to be some changes on the way.

21 Houston Texans $2.52 M

Very quietly through quality drafting and judicious free agent signings, the Texans have built a solid amount of depth on their football team. They probably won't have enough cap space to make many major splashes this off-season, but they don't exactly have a shopping list of needs either.

22 Denver Broncos $1.86502 M

Don't look for the Broncos to do an incredible amount of maeuvering with the cap. That's what got them in trouble last year, which is why they are paying the penalty this year (via forfeiture of their 2005 3rd round draft pick) for attempting to circumvent the cap.

23 New England Patriots $-2.96499 M

With some prudent moves, the Pats shouldn't have much trouble working their way down under the cap. One move, in particular, could be the dismissal of Ty Law, who alone will acount for over $12.5 M against the cap.

24 Green Bay Packers $-3 M

Although the Packers' aren't in dire straits in regards to the cap, they position may be worse when you take a close look at the lack of depth that they have on their current roster.

25 NY Giants $-3.009 M

The only good news about the Giants having traded away this year's first round draft pick to the Chargers is that they will not have to worry about the salary cap ramifications of having a top ten draft pick. Otherwise, this team is hurting in the depth department, which makes their cap situation that much worse.

26 Oakland Raiders $-3.85 M

The Raiders still have some house cleaning to do, but freeing up the required cap space shouldn't be too much of a chore, considering that Rich Gannon is scheduled to make over $8 M in base salary in 2005.

27 Indianapolis Colts $-5.7 M

It's no secret that the Colts spent a great deal of money this past season to lock up such important players as Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Brandon Stokley. Considering their cap situation, it is difficult to imagine that they can find a way to re-sign Edgerrin James this year. But don't bet against GM Bill Polian.

28 Kansas City Chiefs $-7 M

Considering their current cap situation, the Chiefs are going have trouble finding (and paying for) the help they need on the defensive side of the ball.

29 Tampa Bay Buccaneers $-12 M

The Bucs cap situation has led to speculation that Brad Johnson will become a cap casualty.

30 Atlanta Falcons $-14 M

The Falcons will need to make some tweaks here and there to get under the cap -- and are, therefore, unfikely to be big players in the free agent market.

31 Miami Dolphins $-17.1461 M

The Dolphins' cap situation may not be quite so ominous as it appears. The release of Jay Fiedler and David Boston -- two players who contributed little in 2004 -- would almost get them where they need to be.

32 Tennessee Titans $-26 M

The Titans are clearly in cap trouble and are going to have to make some tough decisions regarding their current roster. That could mean waving adios to Derek Mason and Samari Rolle.

 

> http://www.askthecommish.com/salarycap/numbers.asp

sad to say, but i got this off of a JETS website

[d_wag]

30 Atlanta Falcons $-14 M

The Falcons will need to make some tweaks here and there to get under the cap -- and are, therefore, unfikely to be big players in the free agent market.

> http://www.askthecommish.com/salarycap/numbers.asp

220527[/snapback]

 

contrary to all the talk on this board, even if the falcons want jennings, they might not have the room to sign him........the best place for him is right back here in buffalo with a long-term deal........5 years, 25M, 10M signing bonus -- pay the man!

[stuckincincy]

Thanks, ch19079. Very informative.

[Bob4Bills]

I like the fact that we're playing the NFC south this year with all their teams in challenging $$ situations..

[ch19079]

did you notice Jennings was not mentioned. and is RAREly even mentioned as a FA.

 

seems not alot of writers even know he exists. how can he be worth 20 mil. signing bonus if hes not good enouph to even be mentioned...

 

Pace or Jones PLEASE!!!!!!

[nodnarb]

I'd love to bring in Derrick Mason and send Josh Reed back to Nick Saban for their 3rd or 4th round pick.

[ganesh]

did you notice Jennings was not mentioned. and is RAREly even mentioned as a FA.

 

seems not alot of writers even know he exists. how can he be worth 20 mil. signing bonus if hes not good enouph to even be mentioned...

 

Pace or Jones PLEASE!!!!!!

220575[/snapback]

GMs know about all the players in the NFl...especially when they have needs.

 

Even though he might not get the 20M which Pace and Jones are demanding

he is in at least for a 10M bonanza.

[plenzmd1]

What is amazinfg is the comment about the Fins. Can Fiedler and Boston really have a combined cap figure of $17M. Can that really be right? Man if so, Saban better get a more astute personnel guy down there. Somebody remind me, was Boston traded from the Chargers, or cut and then sign by the fins.

[theNose76]

What is amazinfg is the comment about the Fins. Can Fiedler and Boston really have a combined cap figure of $17M. Can that really be right? Man if so, Saban better get a more astute personnel guy down there. Somebody remind me, was Boston traded from the Chargers, or cut and then sign by the fins.

220641[/snapback]

Trade for a late rounder, SD just wanted to get rid of him. Worked out well for the phins this year

[plenzmd1]

Trade for a late rounder, SD just wanted to get rid of him.  Worked out well for the phins this year   

220645[/snapback]

Obviosly a roid freak, but I am having trouble figuring out how the two of them could account for 17M in cap sapce. I need to really look this up

[MadBuffaloDisease]

What is amazinfg is the comment about the Fins. Can Fiedler and Boston really have a combined cap figure of $17M. Can that really be right? Man if so, Saban better get a more astute personnel guy down there. Somebody remind me, was Boston traded from the Chargers, or cut and then sign by the fins.

I don't know where they get their numbers. According to http://www.finheaven.com/seasonal/salaries.php (Clumpy's Dols cap page), releasing both would save $9.31M. That's not bad, but they'd still need to clear another ~$8M.

[plenzmd1]

OK this makes more sense.

Feidler and Boston are $9m, the rest made up by these other moves. To me Henry going here doesn't work. First, no second round pick. Second, they would want to re do his deal, and based on this, they are barely going to have the room to sign the picks they have. My guess is not here for TH

 

 

From Yahoo sports.

 

The Dolphins are approximately $17 million over the projected $85 million salary cap for 2005, and several high-profile players are likely to be cut in order to get under the cap, according to an analysis performed by the Miami Herald. The first casualty will almost certainly be quarterback Jay Fiedler. Cutting Fiedler would create savings of about $6.5 million. Safety Arturo Freeman and linebacker Junior Seau won't likely be back, which will create an additional $6 million in cap savings. By waiving David Boston ($3.16 million cap figure for 2005) and restructuring Chris Chambers' signing bonus ($4 million savings), the Dolphins would get under the cap, according to the Herald.

 

Views

None of the players mentioned above are likely to be missed, with the possible exception of Boston. He, however, likely wrote his ticket out of town with his season-ending injury and with multiple off-the-field incidents this season. Fiedler is likely to latch on as a well-paid backup with a contender next season. More importantly, the Dolphins will have virtually no flexibility to sign free agents in an attempt to improve what was obviously one of the NFL's worst teams this year. There have been rumors about running backs like Edgerrin James or Shaun Alexander landing in South Florida next season, but that appears highly unlikely given the Dolphins' cap situation. They have no major free agents of their own to sign, however new coach Nick Saban will have to get up to speed quickly on the salary cap just so the team can sign its own draft picks this offseason.

[Astrobot]

I'd love to bring in Derrick Mason and send Josh Reed back to Nick Saban for their 3rd or 4th round pick.

 

I'm all for that. How about We get Mason, trade Reed for a 4th, and pick up WR Chauncey Stovall, from Fla. State ( 6' 2" 210 )? Better blocking downfield by both Mason and Stovall.

[LabattBlue]

32 Tennessee Titans $-26 M

The Titans are clearly in cap trouble and are going to have to make some tough decisions regarding their current roster. That could mean waving adios to Derek Mason and Samari Rolle.

 

> http://www.askthecommish.com/salarycap/numbers.asp

220527[/snapback]

No wonder the Titans OC(Heimerdinger??) jumped ship to the Jets. I guess he saw the handwriting on the wall.

[d_wag]

I'd love to bring in Derrick Mason and send Josh Reed back to Nick Saban for their 3rd or 4th round pick.

220612[/snapback]

 

why would derrick mason want to come to buffalo to play #3 WR?? that makes no sense.......forget about it.......

[ubhockey]

Quick & stupid question: What happens if you are over the cap?

[Bob4Bills]

you're made to get under it ala Lawyer Milloy. If you try to cheat, the league will stip draft choices from you.

[shibuya]

Well from the looks of it I wouldn't expect Atlanta to be too interested in trying to sign Jonas Jennings.

 

Good to see NE in the red as well, they'll easily get into the black, but they won't be a major player this year in FA.

 

 

The Bills will probably restructure Eric Moulds deal and add years to his contract saving us quite a bit more. Plus we are more then likely going to cut Prelieau IMO which adds another 1.4 mil to this number. The Bills have a solid chance of being 15 mil under before they start the FA period.

 

 

 

 

Quick & stupid question: What happens if you are over the cap?

220694[/snapback]

 

You have to restructure contracts, and cut palyers by the FA period deadline.

[ch19079]

if your not under the cap by the deadline.....

 

i think your fined the amount your over, every day till you get under the cap.

though i think it could get more serious, and take picks away for attempted cheating.

 

but didnt the broncoes cheat the cap the 2 years they won the SB. the NFL just found out, and they only got a slap on the wrist. :I starred in Brokeback Mountain: :I starred in Brokeback Mountain:

[theNose76]

Quick & stupid question: What happens if you are over the cap?

220694[/snapback]

Not get caught for a couple years, win some Super Bowls, then lose some draft picks. Nice going, Mike Shanahan :I starred in Brokeback Mountain: