Packers showing Arrington to Favre?
posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
filed under: Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins
The Packers say their visit from linebacker LaVar Arrington was coincidental. They say they were just looking at one of the top free agents available, not a bad move for a team with $19 million of cap room. But Arrington could be an exciting addition that could move the Brett Favre decision-making process. The Packers are still deciding whether or not to bid on Arrington. The Dolphins, Jaguars and Bengals have offers on the table for him. The Giants talked numbers but don't currently have an offer. With plenty of cap room, though, you get the feeling the Packers might be willing to make a move for Arrington or cornerback Charles Woodson.
The Packers are prepared the move back the April 15 trigger deadline on the $3 million September roster bonus for Favre, who hasn't asked for an extension. The team Packers, however, would grant it without a problem. Though the team would like to have an answer about Favre's future, they will give him enough time to make up his mind. They want him back, and Favre seems to want to play this year. What Favre appears to be waiting for is a sign that the team is going to be a good on the field.
In some ways, Favre's retirement could be a financial disaster, but not in the way you would think. With his $3 million roster bonus and $7 million in salary, Favre would make $10 million this year if he plays. The Packers would save $10 million of cash if he doesn't, but that's not necessarily a good thing. They currently have a payroll of around $76 million, but that doesn't include draft choices or any other free agent signings. Not having Favre would take the payroll down to $66 million. With the new collective bargaining agreement, teams must have a minimum cash payroll of $85.5 million, meaning the Packers would have to spend $19.5 million just to make the minimum. With 218 of the 351 free agents already off the market with signed contracts, what would the Packers do with the extra $10 million from Favre. There aren't enough good players to buy at that price
Guess it's time to open up the wallet Teddy !!!