Because I'm sick of the character assaults, for the second time, here's what I would have done:
Extend Eric Berry. Give him a low $1M base with a $10M signing bonus that covers the $11M owed this season. The breakdown is as follows:
Year |
Bonus |
Salary |
Cap |
1 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
2 |
2.00 |
5.50 |
7.50 |
3 |
2.00 |
7.50 |
9.50 |
4 |
2.00 |
9.50 |
11.50 |
5 |
2.00 |
13.50 |
15.50 |
6 |
0.00 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
This would have freed $8M and kept one of core players under contract for 3-4 years.
Next I cut Anthony Fasano and Donnie Avery. As per OverTheCap this saves $1.75M.
Knowing that Tamba Hali will be cut next year I'd restructure $10M of his salary into a signing bonus spread over the next two seasons. I do this knowing that when he is cut next season it costs us $5M+. I'm banking on the usual cap increase buffering for that. This saves another $5M.
I've effectively created $15M in cap space. Here's how I do or do not spend it.
I don't bother with Emmanuel Sanders or any other FA
WR. I do this knowing this is a WR rich draft and landing one in R1-3 is a priority.
I do not extend Alex Smith because I need to see more of him before I make any long term commitment.
I match the money paid to Geoff Schwartz. Some semblance of continuity on the OL must be preserved. His contract is not unreasonable.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-...eoff-schwartz/
I sign Alex Mack to an offer sheet. I offer CLE a 2015 R3 not to match. If they match, so be it. Move on. If not I can move Hudson to LG. The traded R3 will be recouped by compensatory picks.
If I can't land Mack I pursue Jairus Byrd. I work a deal similar to what the Saints offer without the big second year hit. If I can't land him or
I do sign Mack, I pursue Chris Clemons. I'm not comfortable with Husain Abdullah and Sanders Commings at FS.
Contrary to popular belief these are the only "big-time" FA I'd pursue.
I don't bother signing Joe Mays or Chris Owens. Same for Vance Walker. I don't think he fits the scheme.
I still have to pursue depth at tackle and DE but I wait until after the draft to do so.
In general, I also follow the draft first mentality, but there is a time and place where FA dollars must be spent. There are times when measures must be taken to create the space to do so.
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