Chiefs cap problems

[KansasBronco]

The chiefs are in worse shape than us by a long shot when it comes to the cap. This is from the KC Star.


Posted on Tue, Feb. 14, 2006

Cap not good fit for ChiefsKC needs to clear some space in budgetBy ADAM TEICHERThe Kansas City StarIf the Chiefs want to sign Terrell Owens or another high-priced free agent when the signing period begins next month, it won’t be as simple as writing a fat check.
They will also have to clear some space under the NFL’s salary cap, a task that figures to be anything but easy. Salary documents provided to The Kansas City Star show the Chiefs with cap obligations for next season of more than $116 million.
The salary limit hasn’t been set, but the Chiefs expect it to be between $92 million and $95 million when the league year begins March 3.
The last time the Chiefs faced a similar overage was in 2001, when they had to sacrifice veterans such as Elvis Grbac, James Hasty and Chester McGlockton to squeeze under the limit.
The Chiefs were able that year to re-sign Will Shields, trade for quarterback Trent Green and sign at modest prices free agents Priest Holmes and Casey Wiegmann. Still, they finished 6-10, their worst record in 17 seasons under president/general manager Carl Peterson.
Asked whether the necessary moves to comply with the cap would be similar this year, Peterson said: “Not to the same degree. We’re going to be fine. We’re a little heavy right now. We’ve been through this the last couple of months on what moves we’d have to make regarding the cap.”
Yet with as much as $24 million to trim, the Chiefs won’t be able to avoid some pain.
“The cap situation … can always be better,” coach Herm Edwards said. “Obviously, every team always wants more room under the cap. Obviously, (the Chiefs) have to do some things, and that’s up to the powers that be.”
A player’s cap number is determined by his base salary along with various bonuses. Those with the highest cap numbers are generally those who were given large signing bonuses or have sizable roster bonuses.
One way for the Chiefs to create cap space is to release players from their contracts, as the Chiefs did with Grbac, Hasty and McGlockton five years ago. The problem this year is that many of the most obvious candidates are too expensive to cut.
Jerome Woods lost his starting safety job last season and, with a base salary of $1.6 million in 2006, would appear to be a prime candidate. But because he is only two seasons into what was originally a six-year contract, Woods’ cost against the cap is actually more if they released him (about $3.5 million, the unaccounted-for portion of his signing bonus, which all would count against this year’s cap) than if they keep him (about $2.9 million).
The same holds for Holmes, who lost his starting job to Larry Johnson. Holmes’ release would cost the Chiefs more than $6 million against the cap. His cost if he plays for them: about $5.3 million.
Documents show the Chiefs would save about $4 million in cap space by releasing linebacker Kendrell Bell. Others who could be in danger include cornerbacks Eric Warfield (savings of about $2.7 million) and Dexter McCleon (about $1.2 million).
“There will be veteran guys and you’ll want to keep them, but you can’t keep them at the money they’re making,” Edwards said without being specific.
The Chiefs also will approach several players about restructuring their contracts to create cap space. Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez is likely atop the list. He not only has one of the highest cap numbers on the team (about $6.5 million) but also is heading into the final year of his contract.
By merely reaching the salary limit, the Chiefs leave themselves no room to sign free agents, including their own.
The Chiefs have no irreplaceable players who don’t have a 2006 contract, but several have been key contributors, including fullback Tony Richardson, defensive lineman Lional Dalton, nickel back Benny Sapp and kicker Lawrence Tynes.
Big hits against the cap
Five Chiefs, based on their current contracts, are scheduled to count more than $6 million against the salary cap next season.

P Player Base salary Cap No.*
CB Patrick Surtain $1,335,000 $8,335,000
QB Trent Green $5,700,000 $8,298,808
LB Kendrell Bell $2,710,000 $7,247,500
G Will Shields $5,100,000 $6,666,666
TE Tony Gonzalez $3,600,000 $6,531,370
*includes bonuses

[Crushaholic]

It will actually help them if they push Will Shields out the door, but they appear to not want to do that. I can't say I blame them, but the Chiefs can't look to the future if guys like Shields is still hanging on...

[PLOWHORSE]

I would be guessing here, but TrINT and Gonzo will probably restructure, helping them somewhat. But they will be hard pressed to sign any real valuable free agents this offseason.

[12th man]

good. This could be a rebuild year for them. They have a new coach, and they probably have to get rid of some people, and this is an old team.That means we can possibly sweep the series this year.

[Clockwork Orange]

And the Broncos are supposedly $30 million over the cap. ::)

The media seems to love to report that teams are in cap hell. I doubt that the Chefs are in any real salary cap peril that can't be handled with a restructure here and a cut there.

[Rascal]

Warfield, McCleon, and Bell have an excellent chance of all being a cap-casualty this offseason.

Is Green worth 8.3 mil next season...no. Is Gonzo worth 6.5 next season...maybe. Is Will Shields worth a cap hit of 6.6 mil...maybe.

If they can get those three guys to restructure and if Holmes retires (currently is 5.3 million next year if not cut) they will be okay but they have to make some painful moves.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/13865214.htm

[ZachKC]

good. This could be a rebuild year for them. They have a new coach, and they probably have to get rid of some people, and this is an old team.That means we can possibly sweep the series this year.
A rebuilding year with this offense? You are dreaming.

[eddie mac]

And the Broncos are supposedly $30 million over the cap. ::)

The media seems to love to report that teams are in cap hell. I doubt that the Chefs are in any real salary cap peril that can't be handled with a restructure here and a cut there.

About $20 million over after Nalen extended his deal, although $8.5m goes off the books once Warren and Engleberger's deals void. So in reality we're only approx $12m over the cap.

[ZachKC]

I always hear of teams being in cap hell and it really never seems to pan out that way. Talk to me in March when we have a better idea of the situation.

[12th man]

A rebuilding year with this offense? You are dreaming.

I was just saying with a new coach he might want to go in a differrent direction. Roaf and Shields are old and may want to trade or whatever. If edwards want to keep them will they be as dominant? Trent green is old. Plus you have to credid Greens sucess to Dick Vermeil. Will the old man trent green pull a Kurt warner now that Vermeil is gone? Does Herm want a new qb? mabey it's just time for a make over.

[Mr. Trout]

I always hear of teams being in cap hell and it really never seems to pan out that way. Talk to me in March when we have a better idea of the situation.


You don't remember the Titans imploding a couple years ago. They had to release Samari Rolle, Derrick Mason, and Kevin Carter among others due to the salary cap. Needless to say those guys were part of their team core. Titans haven't done much since.

[ZachKC]

I was just saying with a new coach he might want to go in a differrent direction. Roaf and Shields are old and may want to trade or whatever. If edwards want to keep them will they be as dominant? Trent green is old. Plus you have to credid Greens sucess to Dick Vermeil. Will the old man trent green pull a Kurt warner now that Vermeil is gone? Does Herm want a new qb? mabey it's just time for a make over.
Roaf and Shields are coming back.

So you are at the point where you are hoping they are not as good?

Edwards has already said why mess with a good thing? Your dreams about this being a rebuilding year are just that.

[12th man]

Roaf and Shields are coming back.

So you are at the point where you are hoping they are not as good?

Edwards has already said why mess with a good thing? Your dreams about this being a rebuilding year are just that.
It's not a dream. I was just throwing a thought out there. If you think you are going to win with this aging team then you are dreaming. Dick Vermeil got the best out of this team, and if you think Edwards can to do a better job than Dick than you are dreaming. If anything by me saying it could be a rebuild year thats a blessing to your team.

[eddie mac]

Roaf and Shields are coming back.

So you are at the point where you are hoping they are not as good?

Edwards has already said why mess with a good thing? Your dreams about this being a rebuilding year are just that.

I dont think it's a rebuilding year for the Chiefs although I do think that 2006 will be the last season that Roaf and Shields play together whether they both retire or not remains to be seen. I also think that you'll not get a sniff of Terrell Owens but then again you may well be happy with that also.

[DomCasual]

You don't remember the Titans imploding a couple years ago. They had to release Samari Rolle, Derrick Mason, and Kevin Carter among others due to the salary cap. Needless to say those guys were part of their team core. Titans haven't done much since.
Hey, I "Remember the Titans!"

Thanks, you've been a great crowd. I'll be in town all week.

[12th man]

Hey, I "Remember the Titans!"

Thanks, you've been a great crowd. I'll be in town all week.

ba zing. LOL

[Kaylore]

And the Broncos are supposedly $30 million over the cap. ::)

The media seems to love to report that teams are in cap hell. I doubt that the Chefs are in any real salary cap peril that can't be handled with a restructure here and a cut there.
I guess we'll wait and see. That said, they dumped a butt-load of money in their defense this last offseason and I have ask myself with all the big names on offense how long they are able to keep doing it.

[broncosteven]

Hey, I "Remember the Titans!"

Thanks, you've been a great crowd. I'll be in town all week.


I bet it made Dick Cry.

Man, no more easy Vermin-eel crying jokes... what happens here stays here or something jokes just are not the same...

[Bob's your Information Minister]

And the Broncos are supposedly $30 million over the cap. ::)

The media seems to love to report that teams are in cap hell. I doubt that the Chefs are in any real salary cap peril that can't be handled with a restructure here and a cut there.

CO nailed it. Some of you are homering out of control.

[Kaylore]

CO nailed it. Some of you are homering out of control.
He said in a quivering voice...

[Elway777]

About $20 million over after Nalen extended his deal, although $8.5m goes off the books once Warren and Engleberger's deals void. So in reality we're only approx $12m over the cap. If what you say is true then the Broncos could be under the cap by releasing Brown ,maybe a 6 million dollar savings and Pryce maybe a 8 million dollar in savings. Plus the Broncos could also restucture a few contract . The Bronco could maybe have about 10 million dollars to play with in free agentcy.

[Garcia Bronco]

I always hear of teams being in cap hell and it really never seems to pan out that way. Talk to me in March when we have a better idea of the situation.


I'm going to have to agree with that...I think the Chiefs will be good next year...the autopilot year...after that...window shut. And after 3 seasons...the Chiefs will be looking for a new coach.

[eddie mac]

If what you say is true then the Broncos could be under the cap by releasing Brown ,maybe a 6 million dollar savings and Pryce maybe a 8 million dollar in savings. Plus the Broncos could also restucture a few contract . The Bronco could maybe have about 10 million dollars to play with in free agentcy.

You're quite right about Pryce. Releasing or trading Trevor could save as much as $8m or thereabouts but you're way off on Courtney Brown. According to RMN Brown only has a cap hit of $3.7m this season(base salary of $1.4m) it has already been reported that he is very keen to stay in Denver and I see a restructure coming there. I've no idea at this point how much the Broncos will save if they can agree to a new deal with Lepsis but I'm sure it'll be a reasonable chunk of change. He only has a $1m base salary this season but there is a huge bonus payable to him between now and the start of free agency.

In all likelyhood it will be the usual suspects that Ted and Mike will approach in the next few weeks to bring down that cap number:
These are the highest base salaries on the books for 2006:

Pryce, Trevor DE Denver Broncos 6530000.00
Bailey, Roland CB Denver Broncos 5500000.00
Plummer, Jake QB Denver Broncos 4300000.00
Wilson, Al LB Denver Broncos 3900000.00
Ekuban, Ebenezer DE Denver Broncos 3000000.00
Smith, Rod WR Denver Broncos 3000000.00
Lynch, John S Denver Broncos 2900000.00
Anderson, Mike RB Denver Broncos 2565000.00

There's a possibility that they may also consider looking at Stephen Alexander $1.1m base(possible cut), Dwayne Carswell 770k(injury status)
Jeb Putzier also has a $1.5m roster bonus due in the next few weeks which will take his cap hit to $3.2m this season. If the Broncos decided to release Jeb(which I dont think they will) they'd save another $2.4m

Your suggested target of $10m is certainly reachable, but whether we can get Warren, Engelberger, Lepsis, Dayne and Burns all back and still have $10m to play with in FA may be a little out of reach.

[NaptownChief]

We don't need cap space or better players now that we have the great Herm Average....

[Bronx33]

CO nailed it. Some of you are homering out of control.

Hey bob have you tried one of those green dog treats?

[elsid13]

CO nailed it. Some of you are homering out of control.


This from the guy that was bragging how great his punter was. Bob the definition of homer.

[Elway777]

You're quite right about Pryce. Releasing or trading Trevor could save as much as $8m or thereabouts but you're way off on Courtney Brown. According to RMN Brown only has a cap hit of $3.7m this season(base salary of $1.4m) it has already been reported that he is very keen to stay in Denver and I see a restructure coming there. I've no idea at this point how much the Broncos will save if they can agree to a new deal with Lepsis but I'm sure it'll be a reasonable chunk of change. He only has a $1m base salary this season but there is a huge bonus payable to him between now and the start of free agency.

In all likelyhood it will be the usual suspects that Ted and Mike will approach in the next few weeks to bring down that cap number:
These are the highest base salaries on the books for 2006:

Pryce, Trevor DE Denver Broncos 6530000.00
Bailey, Roland CB Denver Broncos 5500000.00
Plummer, Jake QB Denver Broncos 4300000.00
Wilson, Al LB Denver Broncos 3900000.00
Ekuban, Ebenezer DE Denver Broncos 3000000.00
Smith, Rod WR Denver Broncos 3000000.00
Lynch, John S Denver Broncos 2900000.00
Anderson, Mike RB Denver Broncos 2565000.00

There's a possibility that they may also consider looking at Stephen Alexander $1.1m base(possible cut), Dwayne Carswell 770k(injury status)
Jeb Putzier also has a $1.5m roster bonus due in the next few weeks which will take his cap hit to $3.2m this season. If the Broncos decided to release Jeb(which I dont think they will) they'd save another $2.4m

Your suggested target of $10m is certainly reachable, but whether we can get Warren, Engelberger, Lepsis, Dayne and Burns all back and still have $10m to play with in FA may be a little out of reach. I think I might role the dice and release both Carswell and Putzier then draft Leorard Pope in the first round. Then use 3 million the Broncos save to sign Andre Carter and tO.

[azbroncfan]

I always hear of teams being in cap hell and it really never seems to pan out that way. Talk to me in March when we have a better idea of the situation.

I hate to say it but I agree with Zack here.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I think I might role the dice and release both Carswell and Putzier then draft Leorard Pope in the first round. Then use 3 million the Broncos save to sign Andre Carter and tO.

Nice, let's save money in March by cutting 2 decent players, hoping that the guy you want in April will: be there when you pick; not be a bust; and finally, actually be able to contribute this year.

[Garcia Bronco]

Nice, let's save money in March by cutting 2 decent players, hoping that the guy you want in April will: be there when you pick; not be a bust; and finally, actually be able to contribute this year.


Ain't that the truth.

[ROYC75]

Currently Bolen and Shannarat are helping us with our cap issues. They claim it will guarantee a SB win for us .

What's up with that ?

[yavoon]

It will actually help them if they push Will Shields out the door, but they appear to not want to do that. I can't say I blame them, but the Chiefs can't look to the future if guys like Shields is still hanging on...

I wouldn't let shields go.

[Rock Chalk]

A rebuilding year with this offense? You are dreaming.
If you lose Green and Shields (Shields is worht the money, Green isnt), its a rebuilding year no matter how good LJ is.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

If you lose Green and Shields (Shields is worht the money, Green isnt), its a rebuilding year no matter how good LJ is.

WTF?

Green isn't going anywhere, Shields has a decision to make.

Even if Shields retires we are fine on the OL.

Dream on. People have been looking for our offense to decline for two seasons now. It hasn't happened.

[elsid13]

WTF?

Dream on. People have been looking for our offense to decline for two seasons now. It hasn't happened.


Bob are you making one of your famous predications?

On serious side, will the Chefs running a new offense scheme this? With Al Saunders in DC.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Bob are you making one of your famous predications?

On serious side, will the Chefs running a new offense scheme this? With Al Saunders in DC.

I have managed to decipher your poorly worded sentence, and the answer is no, the offensive scheme will be the same. Playcalling will change I am sure.

[ZachKC]

If you lose Green and Shields (Shields is worht the money, Green isnt), its a rebuilding year no matter how good LJ is.
Interesting to think about but none of that is happening.

[Atlas]

Warfield, McCleon, and Bell have an excellent chance of all being a cap-casualty this offseason.

Is Green worth 8.3 mil next season...no. Is Gonzo worth 6.5 next season...maybe. Is Will Shields worth a cap hit of 6.6 mil...maybe.

If they can get those three guys to restructure and if Holmes retires (currently is 5.3 million next year if not cut) they will be okay but they have to make some painful moves.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/13865214.htm

I hear all Pakistanis around the world are all becoming Chef fans in protest of your avatar.
http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=2080&dateline=1139419847

[BroncoBuff]

You're quite right about Pryce. Releasing or trading Trevor could save as much as $8m or thereabouts but you're way off on Courtney Brown. According to RMN Brown only has a cap hit of $3.7m this season(base salary of $1.4m) it has already been reported that he is very keen to stay in Denver and I see a restructure coming there.
I agree completely. Trevor's gotta go, but Brown is imminently affordable. Our #1 problem this season was pass rush from DE!!!!!!!!! Trev had, what, 2 1/2 sacks?! That doesn't cut it.

And whatever happened to last year when Trevor supposedly restructured his deal after nobody would take him in a trade? Looks like he didn't exactly give up the farm! Especially if Courtney - an OVERALL #1 PICK just 5 years ago - comes in at such a better number.

Had we had a healthy Bertie Berry instead of Trevor this year, IMHO, the Seahwaks would've been griping that "The Broncos got all the ref's calls and that's why they won."

Trevor cuts it in HALF ... or he's gotta go.

[Kaylore]

Interesting to think about but none of that is happening.
So Roaf and Shields have said they're coming back then?

[Rausch]

So Roaf and Shields have said they're coming back then?

Both.

Twice.

But don't let that stop you...

[Kaylore]

Both.

Twice.

But don't let that stop you...
Well sorry! No one posted any link. I assumed that it would have been in the news.

[watermock]

I would pull my fingers out of the window sill Rauch...this party's over. Those are real cap problems, not imagined.

Denver isn't even going to blink at it's cap...we allready know what to do.

[Rausch]

Well sorry! No one posted any link. I assumed that it would have been in the news.

Shields downplayed retirement talk and Herm said they both planned to come back.

Herm also said a lot of players say that now and change their minds once TC and first workouts start. So.....???

[ZachKC]

KC HAS CAP ISSUES
Green offers to helpChiefs QB willing to restructure contract
By ELIZABETH MERRILLThe Kansas City Star

Trent Green loves Kansas City and wants to stay at least 17 more years, when his baby daughter is out of school.
Green offered Tuesday to help out one of the city’s favorite teams. He said he’s willing to restructure his contract, which counts nearly $8.3 million against the Chiefs’ salary cap.

“If that’s something that helps the team,” Green said, “and we can get it done to get more guys signed or to get more cap room or bring in more free agents, yeah, I’m willing to do that.”

Across town, Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson said he was touched by the gesture. But he probably won’t be taking his quarterback up on it. While Chiefs fans sweat out these last nine days before the start of the new NFL year — wondering who will stay and who will go before teams reach a salary limit estimated between $92 million and $95 million — Peterson calmly ballparked his club to be about $14 million over the cap as of late Tuesday.

And he didn’t seem the least bit frazzled.

“I’m not worried, because I know what we have to do to get there,” Peterson said. “And these plans have been made for not just a couple of weeks but a couple of months.

“I will tell you that some players will be released based on performance and salary. That’s something that happens each year, and that’s part of our business. I don’t know if it will be quite that big of a surprise, but it’ll possibly happen with a starting player or two, so that will always be a surprise.”

Peterson said the Chiefs have approached two or three players and asked that they restructure their contracts. He declined to identify the players but confirmed that Green and tight end Tony Gonzalez weren’t among them. Both were thought to be ideal restructuring candidates.
Gonzalez has one of the highest cap numbers on the team (about $6.5 million).

“His contract is not such that it presents a huge problem for us regarding the cap,” Peterson said. “He’s earned his money, and I expect him to continue to earn his money. Will we possibly come to him at some point this year or next year about redoing his contract? Yes, certainly.

“(With Trent), we’ve done it with him before, and I don’t like to (restructure) too much with one player. I won’t say definitely not, but probably not.”

Another factor looming in the March 3 decision-making process is the ongoing negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement. Peterson said most teams have a Plan A and a Plan B, assuming the owners and players don’t settle on an extension by next week.

Green said he’s kept his eye on the collective bargaining agreement talks but also wanted to get away from football during his time off.
The 2005 season was the longest in Green’s 12-year NFL career. First he had a stent put in his leg. Then his father, Jim, died unexpectedly midseason. Green’s wife, Julie, gave birth to their third child, Janelle, during the Chiefs’ December fight for the playoffs.

Kansas City finished 10-6 and failed to make the postseason, but Green got a surprise call to Honolulu for the Pro Bowl after an injured Tom Brady pulled out.

“It was great for the family to go over there and share in that,” Green said. “… My boys come running up to me, and all they want to talk about is how Troy Polamalu played football with them on the beach.”

Family is what brought Green to the Ronald McDonald House on Tuesday. He presented a $56,600 check — money raised by ConocoPhillips for the new facility at 2502 Cherry St. Green and his wife have done charity work for the Ronald McDonald House since their days in Washington.

Green toured the facility, shook hands and joked about sleep-deprived nights with a 10-week-old daughter. Then he went home for some offseason rest with his family, though the NFL, he said, never really rests.

“We’re very committed to Kansas City,” Green said. “My family and I love it here. It’s our home.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trent’s contract: by the numbers
■ Signed on April 4, 2003
■ Four years remain on contract
■ Base salary of $5.7 million in 2006; cap hit of about $8.3 million
■ Roster bonus of $200,000; workout bonus of $100,000

[Phantom]

Read between the lines Zach - who is getting cut?
Bell is gone. Who else? One of your safteys?

Side note: Our stadium needs an areation, when is Green and his 8 million coming to town? ;D

[ZachKC]

Read between the lines Zach - who is getting cut?
Bell is gone. Who else? One of your safteys?

Side note: Our stadium needs an areation, when is Green and his 8 million coming to town? ;D
Not sure who is getting cut. I am not much of an armchair GM.

[eddie mac]

Didn't the original article state that it would be more expensive for KC to cut Holmes than to retain him on his current cap hit???

[clean]

Cap relief renegotiations: Every hotel lobby and restaurant in downtown Indy will be filled with agents meeting with teams over renegotiations. The teams that will have the toughest time getting under the cap without a CBA extension are the Redskins and the Chiefs. The Redskins are $25 million over. The Chiefs are $20 million over. Most of the other teams that are over the cap have players whose releases create a lot of cap room. The 30-percent rule makes it harder for teams to do cap relief deals and may force them to cut more players to get under the cap. The reason the 30-percent rule is tough is because a player who takes a salary cap reduction will also have to reduce his future pay to fit the 30-percent increases. This will force more teams to do creative deals with voids that could result in their losing the player in 2007 just to get under the cap.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft06/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2339249

[broncosteven]

Did Boob get Banned again? I haven't seen him around...