Legwold's latest inbox (Cap update)

[eddie mac]

Says we're currently only $3.8m under not $7.6m as suggested everywhere else.

http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/d...earl.html#more

William Christensen, a regular, wants a look ahead . . .

Q: Now that I'm out of my 49ers-induced fog, what direction do you see the Broncos going in the upcoming draft?

A: William said he wanted the Broncos to give a hard look at available running backs, and certainly they will. I think the almost-constant shifting in the backfield this season -- not all of the movement on the depth chart was based on injuries -- is an indication they were never really satisfied with the output from the group.

Even in training camp, Ron Dayne and Mike Bell were both declared "starters'' at some point while Mike Bell and Tatum Bell flip-flopped as starters for much of the season with Damien Nash, who signed off waivers, getting a look as well.

Tatum Bell has big-play potential, but he doesn't always show the kind of vision the Broncos want in their runners, especially when the cut-back lane presents itself. Also, he often turns his back to the line of scrimmage trying to spin out of tackles, and that takes away some of his power into the hole.

Mike Bell showed good power, which is why he was the short-yardage back of choice around the goal line, and they like his potential. He just lacks the top-end speed of other backs, which is why the Broncos kept rotating him in the offense,

The Broncos have not used a pick higher than the second round on a running back in Mike Shanahan's tenure as coach -- Clinton Portis and Tatum Bell were both second-round picks -- but they believed it was important enough that they were ready to take Laurence Maroney in the first round last April had they not been able to move up and take Jay Cutler.

To get to the top of what looks like a fairly shallow class this year -- at guys like Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch -- the Broncos likely will have to use a first-round pick.

And if the Broncos end up two months from now with as good a feeling about a back in this draft as they had about Maroney, they would certainly consider using the first-round pick.

But defensive end, defensive tackle, cornerback and depth in the offensive line -- especially since the group at tackle is a good one -- will be other considerations as well.

John Koswan in Las Vegas, a regular, leads a double dip of those who spoke for at least 35 folks who wanted an early look at free agency . . .

Q: The Broncos need help on both lines, (in the) backfield, receiver and a replacement for Jake Plummer. The salary cap has the most influence, but do you think the Broncos have any interest/chance at Jared Allen/Justin Smith (defensive line); Leonard Davis/Eric Steinbach (offensive line); Asante Samuel (cornerback); Ken Hamlin/Michael Lewis (safety); Drew Bennett/ Bobby Wade (wide receiver); Daniel Graham (tight end); Chris Brown (running back), and Damon Huard at quarterback to replace Plummer?

Ron Richmond in Winston-Salem, N.C., also wants the Broncos to do some shopping . . .

Q: I recently read where cornerback Asante Samuel of the Patriots will be a free agent this year and that he and the Patriots are very far apart in contract negotiations. What do you think Samuel would bring as a free agent and how cool would it be to have him lined up opposite -- God bless Darrent Williams and may he rest in peace -- Champ Bailey?

A: Ron also wanted to know whom else the Broncos may pursue in free agency. Starting with cornerbacks, though, look for the perfect storm in free agency this year.

There will be plenty of dollars flying around in free agency league-wide in March. The cap takes a $7 million jump from the $102 million per team this past season to roughly $109 million for the 2007 season. Nobody has the projected $40 million worth of cap space the Titans will have available, so expect most of the high-profile players to start with Tennessee in negotiations and work back.

The Broncos, who jumped early to secure some veterans with "futures'' contracts -- David Kircus and Bertrand Berry are two players the Broncos signed originally as "futures,'' which are basically free agents who weren't on a roster at season's end who are signed before the start of the new league year in March, have about $3.8 million worth of cap room at the moment with 70 players already under contract.

The biggest item that would give them some additional room will be how they handle Jake Plummer. Plummer has three years remaining on his contract, so there will be a salary cap hit to the Broncos unless they are able to trade him.

And if they release him before June 1, it would cost them more cap space, by rule, than if they released him after June 1, when they could spread the cap hit over '07 and '08.

As far as a Samuel, there aren't expected to be many top-flight cornerbacks available in free agency this year, and Samuel, especially given how he played in the postseason for New England, will be at the top of many teams' lists.

Do the math that cornerbacks often get the biggest contracts in free agency, and that means Samuel will be one of the most expensive players in free agency. The Broncos could compete for a player like that but likely wouldn't get him if they ask to split the signing bonus over a couple years as they have asked free agents to do over the past two years.

The process has helped them get cap healthy and has allowed them to regain their balance that after some cap struggles when they exited their Super Bowl seasons, but it has cost them players because other teams do not ask free agents to do that. It worked in their favor, however, this past year when John Abraham and Andre Carter signed elsewhere and neither played up to those contracts -- Abraham was injured most of the year.

But cornerbacks are guys where the supply never meets demand. Look at the recent deals:

-- Andre Dyson got a five-year, $11.5 million deal, including $3 million in signing and roster bonuses from the Jets before last season.

-- The Steelers signed Ike Taylor to a five-year, $22.5 million deal last September. They also signed Deshea Townsend, 30, who had to turn away a challenge from Bryant McFadden in training camp just to start, to a four-year, $8 million deal.

-- Brian Williams signed a six-year, $32 million deal, including $10 million in guarantees from the Jaguars in the first day of free agency last March. Williams finished the season with one interception and struggled with a nagging leg injury during the year.

-- In recent seaons the Vikings have signed cornerbacks Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot to deals worth $69 million. Winfield had four interceptions this season; Smoot had one.

In addition to Samuel, Buffalo's Nate Clements is expected to be on the market. His signability is tough for a team like the Broncos because Clements has already said he would like to be the highest-paid cornerback in football.

The Broncos already have Bailey as the highest-paid defensive back on the team and one of the highest-paid in the league. Bailey is also one of the best players in the league, the best player at his position so it would be difficult for the Broncos to explain how they signed a player for more than Bailey makes at the same position.

In terms of pass rushers who may hit the market, the better ones are:

-- Dwight Freeney, if the Colts take the unlikely step of not re-signing him or at least making him the franchise player and the one-year deal that goes with it. I believe the Falcons' Patrick Kerney is in the same situation. However, with the Broncos having hired former Falcons defensive line coach Bill Johnson, it does help Denver's cause. Kerney has made no secret at least part of his decision in free agency would be based on playing for Johnson.

-- Adalius Thomas, a linebacker in the Ravens' 3-4, was a rush end in college at Southern Miss as well as the Alabama state hoops player of the year in high school, so he has explosiveness.
At 260 or 270, he might be a little undersized to play end all the time, but certainly players have done it at that size.

-- Charles Grant of the Saints is an up-and-down guy. He is coming off a fairly good year in the Saints' surprising run to the NFC South title.

--Cory Redding has played both end and tackle for the Lions.

Chris Brown, a former CU back, has been frustrated at his reduction of carries over the past two years, and his agent asked for a trade in training camp (the Titans refused), but his free agency value has to be weighed against his health.

He's quick to the hole and runs with nice vision, but he has struggled with injuries at times.

And finally, Ed Mohr, was still sifting through what happened in the offensive line . . .

Q: The defensive line gets a fair amount of blame for the Broncos' woes, but I think the weakest part of this team is the offensive line. Do you agree?

A: I think Matt Lepsis' season-ending knee injury in Cleveland showed two things:

-- That it consistently was not talked about enough on a national level as to part of what went on in the Broncos offense late in the season.

-- Just what Lepsis means to the offense.

Erik Pears played well in some tough circumstances as Lepsis' replacement, but he is a future right tackle and the skill set on the left side is just different. And because most teams line up their best rusher on the defensive right, Pears found himself learning on the job across from the best rushers in the defense.

As a result, the Broncos spent a lot of time trying to protect their edges down the stretch with plenty of two- and three-tight end formations. It is a proven, effective part of their playbook, but it meant they couldn't do some other things they had hoped to as well.

And when they opened things up some because that's what Cutler was comfortable with -- he could recognize where the extra rushers were a little easier in the shotgun -- he took some hits, even being knocked woozy in the season finale against the 49ers.

They expect to have Lepsis back in the lineup at left tackle in '07 -- he had microfracture surgery after his injury, but has stepped up his rehab in recent weeks and has been scheduled to do weight-bearing exercises.

Pears played well enough that the expectation is that he compete for the job on the right side, and it would be a surprise at this point if he did not win it.

I think the Broncos would like to see Chris Kuper, a draft pick last April, compete for one of the guard spots as well.

In Ben Hamilton, opposing pro personnel executives like his savvy and his movement skills.

Their criticisms tend to center around his "pop'' or "punch" -- that initial shot the offensive lineman can give a defensive lineman as he comes off the snap and that he too often "catches'' the rusher instead of attacking. A lot of advantage can be gained in that one move because the offensive linemen get the head start because they know the snap count.

On the other side, Cooper Carlisle played, the personnel guys say, consistently. Carlisle is expected to be a free agent in March and given how aggressive the Broncos were in trying to lure him back from a visit to the Ravens the last time Carlisle entered free agency, they would likely try to bring him back.

But Kuper is powerful and moves well. However, the Broncos system is difficult for a young player to play because it asks the player to make split-second decisions about which player to block in traffic.

Not everybody is ready to think on his feet like that. It's why the Broncos have tried hard to keep their line together when most teams have not succeeded under the salary cap. They need experience up front because their system asks the linemen to consider plenty of things after the snap.

They don't simply fire out and block the player in front of them.

The Broncos would like center Tom Nalen back -- they do have an '06 draft pick waiting there as well in Greg Eslinger -- and Nalen initially said he wanted to come back for '07. But the offensive line will probably look slightly different next September.

That’s it, and thanks.

[OrangeShadow]

wheres herc when you need him?

also Cory Redding is a guy id really like us to take a look at

[broncs2bowl]

Oline is not near our major weakness. Dline is easily it with RB coming in at second. then DEPTH on the oline

[Broncos24]

Originally Posted by eddie mac

Says we're currently only $3.8m under not $7.6m as suggested everywhere else.

The Broncos, who jumped early to secure some veterans with "futures'' contracts -- David Kircus and Bertrand Berry are two players the Broncos signed originally as "futures,'' which are basically free agents who weren't on a roster at season's end who are signed before the start of the new league year in March, have about $3.8 million worth of cap room at the moment with 70 players already under contract.[/B]

Is he still with the cardinals??
?

[watermock]

The biggest item that would give them some additional room will be how they handle Jake Plummer. Plummer has three years remaining on his contract, so there will be a salary cap hit to the Broncos unless they are able to trade him.

These cap numbers are always all over the board. I hear trading him would cost more on the cap then Linicolm says if we trade Plummer we won't take a cap hit? I don't trust his figures at all.

[eddie mac]

Originally Posted by whiterower

Is he still with the cardinals??
?

Yes, Legwold is just stating the 2 players the Broncos picked up who weren't rostered that went on to make contributions for the team.

[eddie mac]

Originally Posted by watermock

These cap numbers are always all over the board. I hear trading him would cost more on the cap then Linicolm says if we trade Plummer we won't take a cap hit? I don't trust his figures at all.

Totally agree that he's worded that totally wrong but he's usually spot on with the cap Mock.

[cutthemdown]

Salary cap doesn't really mean a whole lot if a team really wants to add FA. It's all about how much the bonus is not what the contract counts on the salary cap. It's more about making a profit. Not every team makes what the Redskins do. Redskins make so much they just give bonuses every year and get under that yrs cap. Then next yr they do the same thing. Broncos can probably afford to sign 2 name FA this yr because they don't have any of their own players to resign that need big bonuses. Last yr Warren ate it up. Year before that it was lepsis and nalen if i remember right. Plummer also one of those years got a decent bonus.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by OrangeShadow

wheres herc when you need him?

What am I supposed to add? Schefter's gone. None of the current beat writers breakdown the contracts when signed, or what can be done to them during the off-season to save money like he did.

Maybe the number's right, maybe it isn't. The way he worded the Plummer statement is just wrong. I do know that I've heard him on the radio multiple times since the season ended and each time he says they're in very good shape cap-wise and he expects them to make at least on significant signing, unlike the multiple smaller signings like the past few off-seasons.

[watermock]

There are plenty of things to do with the cap...Obviously what happens with Jake will have an impact, but I'm not that worried.

One thing I noticed is Foster wasn't mentioned, but Pears was mentioned as more suited to RT.

I think it's too late to rework Rod's contract at this late hour, but he would be happy to squirrel away a bit more...they might ask him to not only restructure but take a salary cut. Rhino would defer some salary, and I dunno Champs salary, but he probably would too. Players don't mind because it's then guaranteed. Denver usually gets their man.

[fontaine]

Originally Posted by eddie mac

http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/d...earl.html#more

To get to the top of what looks like a fairly shallow class this year -- at guys like Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch -- the Broncos likely will have to use a first-round pick.

>> I agree here the RB depth isn't great this year.

There will be plenty of dollars flying around in free agency league-wide in March. The cap takes a $7 million jump from the $102 million per team this past season to roughly $109 million for the 2007 season. Nobody has the projected $40 million worth of cap space the Titans will have available, so expect most of the high-profile players to start with Tennessee in negotiations and work back.

The Broncos, who jumped early to secure some veterans with "futures'' contracts -- David Kircus and Bertrand Berry are two players the Broncos signed originally as "futures,'' which are basically free agents who weren't on a roster at season's end who are signed before the start of the new league year in March, have about $3.8 million worth of cap room at the moment with 70 players already under contract.

>> Yes we might not have huge space under the cap but also remember we've got 70 players signed and under contract which contributes to that amount. Cutting NOBODIES who can be replaced or who are not needed like Engelberger, S. Alexander, can give us further cap room. And guys like Ekuban/Rod Smith will have to take a pay cut. Especially Rod. Given that we really only need one/two starters (DL/TE), we should have enough money.

Do the math that cornerbacks often get the biggest contracts in free agency, and that means Samuel will be one of the most expensive players in free agency. The Broncos could compete for a player like that but likely wouldn't get him if they ask to split the signing bonus over a couple years as they have asked free agents to do over the past two years.

>>Forget Samuel. He's not worth the Champ Bailey contract he's asking for.
from the Jets before last season.

-- Charles Grant of the Saints is an up-and-down guy. He is coming off a fairly good year in the Saints' surprising run to the NFC South title.

--Cory Redding has played both end and tackle for the Lions.

>>Looks like Legworld has been reading my posts!

Q: The defensive line gets a fair amount of blame for the Broncos' woes, but I think the weakest part of this team is the offensive line. Do you agree?

A: I think the Broncos would like to see Chris Kuper, a draft pick last April, compete for one of the guard spots as well.

>> That says it all. Kuper is gifted, but there's no way they hand him the G spot until he can win it outright. This, along with Lepsis' injury leads me to believe that Coop is definitely coming back since he can play tackle in a pinch.

In Ben Hamilton, opposing pro personnel executives like his savvy and his movement skills.

Their criticisms tend to center around his "pop'' or "punch" -- that initial shot the offensive lineman can give a defensive lineman as he comes off the snap and that he too often "catches'' the rusher instead of attacking. A lot of advantage can be gained in that one move because the offensive linemen get the head start because they know the snap count.

On the other side, Cooper Carlisle played, the personnel guys say, consistently. Carlisle is expected to be a free agent in March and given how aggressive the Broncos were in trying to lure him back from a visit to the Ravens the last time Carlisle entered free agency, they would likely try to bring him back.

>> Cooper is not the problem in the OL like some people have suggested. Line him up beside a true RT and our OL is set.

But Kuper is powerful and moves well. However, the Broncos system is difficult for a young player to play because it asks the player to make split-second decisions about which player to block in traffic.

Not everybody is ready to think on his feet like that. It's why the Broncos have tried hard to keep their line together when most teams have not succeeded under the salary cap. They need experience up front because their system asks the linemen to consider plenty of things after the snap.

They don't simply fire out and block the player in front of them.

The Broncos would like center Tom Nalen back -- they do have an '06 draft pick waiting there as well in Greg Eslinger -- and Nalen initially said he wanted to come back for '07. But the offensive line will probably look slightly different next September.

That’s it, and thanks.

>> Finally, there's no way Greg Eslinger starts at Center in '07. He needs a lot of upper body work and has to work on his strength/conditioning. That's not going to take just one offseason but a couple.

Nalen needs to come back. What's all this bs about Nalen "initially" saying he would play in '07? Come on Nails! Who do you think you are? Drama Queen Brett Favre? Line up front and center!

[Rohirrim]

I definitely would like to see Asante in Denver, but not at more than Champ is making. No way. I'd also like to see the Broncos give Chris Brown a try, if he would agree to come in cheap for the opportunity to build his rep back up with one of the best running systems in the NFL. I still believe it's a privilege to play RB for the Broncos.

[fontaine]

Originally Posted by Rohirrim

I definitely would like to see Asante in Denver, but not at more than Champ is making. No way. I'd also like to see the Broncos give Chris Brown a try, if he would agree to come in cheap for the opportunity to build his rep back up with one of the best running systems in the NFL. I still believe it's a privilege to play RB for the Broncos.

I wouldn't mind bringing in Chris Brown at all.

I year of sitting on the bench after being starter tends to make a player real coacheable and all ears. Maybe now he'll listen to coaches when they teach him to stop running upright.

I'm not enamoured by the RB class this year in the draft.

from the DPost:

Tennessee: Running back Chris Brown is sure to leave the Titans as a free agent. He asked to be traded in the preseason. With Travis Henry and LenDale White in Tennessee, Brown, the former Colorado standout, appears to be the odd man out. He ran the ball only 41 times in 2006.

Brown, 25, was an effective rusher in the previous two seasons and could get some looks. The big, rugged back is perfect for a zone blocking team. The Broncos are among the teams that could look at Brown. His agent mentioned the Broncos as an ideal fit in the preseason, but Denver didn't bite. Wherever Brown ends up, it'll likely be a short-term deal.

[Dedhed]

I think the OL is a serious concern. More important than RB, for sure, but less of a problem than the DL. However, adding Lepsis to the left is a huge upgrade over Pears, and adding Pears to the right is a decent upgrade over Foster. I think those two changes will have a very positive impact on the OL overall. I think adding Kuper inside would be an improvement as well.

I'm not down on Carlisle like a few folks, but I do think that Kuper would add some power to our short yardage rushing attack.

I would love to see Chris Brown back in Colorado. I don't have any desire to see the Broncos spend a 1st round (or even a 1st day) pick on a RB, and I think Brown could be very good in Denver. He won't cost much, and if he can stay healthy could be a nice addition. Draft Kolby Smith in the 5th, and we'll be alright at RB.

[broncosteven]

Originally Posted by Dedhed

I think the OL is a serious concern. More important than RB, for sure, but less of a problem than the DL. However, adding Lepsis to the left is a huge upgrade over Pears, and adding Pears to the right is a decent upgrade over Foster. I think those two changes will have a very positive impact on the OL overall. I think adding Kuper inside would be an improvement as well.

I'm not down on Carlisle like a few folks, but I do think that Kuper would add some power to our short yardage rushing attack.

I would love to see Chris Brown back in Colorado. I don't have any desire to see the Broncos spend a 1st round (or even a 1st day) pick on a RB, and I think Brown could be very good in Denver. He won't cost much, and if he can stay healthy could be a nice addition. Draft Kolby Smith in the 5th, and we'll be alright at RB.

I am with you & fontaine.

[RaiderH8r]

I think he nit the nail on the head as it pertains to Lepsis. You really don't know what you got til it's gone and a lot of Jay's whacks came from that side. Not a knock on Pears but he's outfitted for the other side. If Lepsis can get back to form and Pears can bump out Foster we will be back to prime grade meat up front. Our backup situation is a bit dire there for my tastes, but that's what happens in cap country.

Chris Brown is certainly an intriguing possibility. I liked him for our team last year and I like him even more after a season long benching. He'll be eager to play with something to prove. At the right price this could be the best value move of the offseason...but at the right price.

Samuel will command more than we can afford, but would be a tremendous signing if it got done. However, a signing like that would come at the expense of some other positions, and probably preclude a FA signing at RB.

[bmanhas]

Redding will be franchised according to rumors out of Detroit, they are that high on him. I don't see how they could franchise him and pay avg of top 5 for him. But I digress, it is Matt Millen after all.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by bmanhas

Redding will be franchised according to rumors out of Detroit, they are that high on him. I don't see how they could franchise him and pay avg of top 5 for him. But I digress, it is Matt Millen after all.

That's not a Millen thing. Tons of teams overuse the franchise tag by tagging guys who are good and they don't want to lose, but don't fit the definition of a "franchise" player.

[bmanhas]

Yeah moreso before when the salaries of the top 5 were low, but you very rarely see a franchise tag thrown out so wildly because the top 5 at every position is very high dollars now.

5-6 years ago Bubba Franks was franchised, now franchising a TE costs near 6-7 million. I don't think there is any way possible that would happen now.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

There's also a cap that's gone up 33% over 2 years. Teams have tons of room. In 3 years, this year's cap figures are going to be really cheap once a few FA cycles under the new CBA occurs.

[bmanhas]

Still won't see that many franchise tags thrown around unless its desereved regardless of the cap going up. It's what a player is worth. When the salaries were lower, it was easier to franchise a guy.

Your point about the cap going up only proves my point further. The top end guys will get more money, which means guys like Redding who shouldn't get franchised, probably won't since the top 5 average will be extremely high.

I think the amount of cap space available and the cap going up is being overblown. It is going up significantly yes, but you aren't going to blow your load on one franchise player. Especially if you don't have to and have 2 transition tags to work with. Only kicker is that the transition tag is now guaranteed as well.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by bmanhas

Your point about the cap going up only proves my point further. The top end guys will get more money, which means guys like Redding who shouldn't get franchised, probably won't since the top 5 average will be extremely high.

I think the amount of cap space available and the cap going up is being overblown. It is going up significantly yes, but you aren't going to blow your load on one franchise player. Especially if you don't have to and have 2 transition tags to work with. Only kicker is that the transition tag is now guaranteed as well.

You're missing my point. The point is not that with the cap going up top end guys will want more money, everyone will, but that's a digression. My point is that with teams having a load of room this offseason, the cost of tagging a guy is not prohibitively high like it has been in recent years. They've basically hit the "reset" buttom and gone back to a few years ago when a franchise tag was relatively low compared to the size of the salary cap.

[bmanhas]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

You're missing my point. The point is not that with the cap going up top end guys will want more money, everyone will, but that's a digression. My point is that with teams having a load of room this offseason, the cost of tagging a guy is not prohibitively high like it has been in recent years. They've basically hit the "reset" buttom and gone back to a few years ago when a franchise tag was relatively low compared to the size of the salary cap.

I gotta disagree. I think we are talking about two different things. Monetary cost vs. Relative Salary Cap Costs. What I'm saying is that regardless of how much room you have with the cap, players won't be franchised because the franchise number in actual dollar figures to pay out is too much. Considering the following year you will have to qualify that person at 10% higher, it makes no economic sense to do so.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

As I originally pointed out, this is a tactic that teams have been using for years, it's nothing new. Millen's not the first to do this if he does tag Redding, nor will be he the last to tag someone of a Redding-caliber. They understand what the monetary cost of tagging a player who is good, but not a "franchise" level player, yet they continue to do this anyway. They make the choice that they would rather overpay a player than to let him leave through free agency. The cap has also gone up becuase revenues have gone up. It's not like the cap has continued to go up while team revenues have remained stagnent. The monetary cost is not prohibitively high.

You also assume that they cannot work out a long-term deal with said player and will have to tag him again, requiring them to tag the same player again. Most guys who get tagged eventually work out a long-term deal with their teams, and those who don't are sometimes tagged again. The teams who tag guys, know that if they tag them again, the cost goes up.

[bmanhas]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

As I originally pointed out, this is a tactic that teams have been using for years, it's nothing new. Millen's not the first to do this if he does tag Redding, nor will be he the last to tag someone of a Redding-caliber. They understand what the monetary cost of tagging a player who is good, but not a "franchise" level player, yet they continue to do this anyway. They make the choice that they would rather overpay a player than to let him leave through free agency. The cap has also gone up becuase revenues have gone up. It's not like the cap has continued to go up while team revenues have remained stagnent. The monetary cost is not prohibitively high.

You also assume that they cannot work out a long-term deal with said player and will have to tag him again, requiring them to tag the same player again. Most guys who get tagged eventually work out a long-term deal with their teams, and those who don't are sometimes tagged again. The teams who tag guys, know that if they tag them again, the cost goes up.

You talk in circles. Yes they can try to work out a long term deal and lose the franchise tag for the length of that contract. Sorry but the facts don't support your premise. What you are talking about USED to happen all the time. But in the past 3-4 years, teams have been getting away from that. It just doesn't happen anymore. Paying Redding around $9 million (Franchise Number for DE this year) for one year isn't going to happen on any team other than the one that is run by Millen. That's a fact, it just doesn't happen.

Millen would be a moron to franchise Redding when he has the transition tag available to him. Regardless, he already is one so this is a useless discussion.