Packers will have plenty of salary cap room

Heatherthepackgirl

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Green Bay - It's hard to fathom the Green Bay Packers having the $30.5 million in salary cap room they had at the start of 2006 ever again, but the fact is they will have about that much available when 2007 rolls around.




OFFENSE
WR - Greg Jennings, $670,000
WR - Donald Driver, $4.123 million
LT - Chad Clifton, $6.034 million
LG - Daryn Colledge, $782,500
C - Scott Wells, $1.86 million
RG - Jason Spitz, $545,550
RT - Mark Tauscher, $4.089 million
TE - Bubba Franks, $2.4 million
QB - Brett Favre, $11.8 million
RB - Ahman Green, Free agent
FB - William Henderson, $920,000

DEFENSE
LE - Aaron Kampman, $4.0 million
DT - Corey Williams, $484,000
NT - Ryan Pickett, $2.5 million
DE - Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, $6.571 million
SLB - Brady Poppinga, $486,750
MLB - Nick Barnett, $2.379 million
WLB - A.J. Hawk, $2.7 million
CB - Charles Woodson, $3.487 million
CB - Al Harris, $3.575 million
SS - Marquand Manuel, $1.6 million
FS - Nick Collins, $757,000

SPECIALISTS
P - Jon Ryan, $371,666
K - Dave Rayner, $435,000

'

Current projections have the Packers sitting at $29.5 million under the spending limit once the '07 salary cap of an estimated $109 million goes into effect. The Packers are about $3 million under the 2006 cap of $102 million and will be able to carry over a portion of that through some contractual maneuvering at the end of this season.

There are nearly a dozen teams with more cap room than the Packers looking ahead to 2007, but most have many more high-priced unrestricted free agents they need to re-sign before March.

The Packers have eight players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents and one a restricted free agent, and the only ones who might command a contract of any significance are running back Ahman Green and tight end David Martin.

As a result, the Packers head into 2007 armed with bundles of money and the salary cap room to spend it. But as the case has been since he was hired two years ago, general manager Ted Thompson isn't doing cartwheels over the Packers' financial position.

In fact, he doesn't even want to talk about it.

"We don't talk about money," Thompson said.

Well, then, let's talk about free agency.

With three games left this season, the 5-8 Packers could finish at or near .500, which means their chances for an impact player in the draft will be far less than if they finished the season 5-11 or 6-10. Thompson remains committed to building the Packers through the draft, and while that has garnered him some promising young talent, his dip into the free agent pool actually paid some dividends this year.

Two of his best players on defense have been nose tackle Ryan Pickett and cornerback Charles Woodson, both signed to free agent contracts in the off-season.

Pickett has been the most consistent, if not most valuable, player on defense, plugging the middle and helping set the tone for other linemen with his hustle and even temperament. Woodson started slowly but has been very good in the second half of the season despite playing with shoulder and knee injuries. His five interceptions are the most by a Packers cornerback since Mike McKenzie had six in 1999.

The only disappointment in free agency has been safety Marquand Manuel, and his deal was for considerably less than the other two.

Asked if the contribution he has gotten out of Pickett and Woodson would encourage him to use free agency more in the future, Thompson said no.

"We've got some production from our free agents," Thompson said. "But nothing done one year affects anything else. Every deal is a separate entity."

When pressed about the 2006 free agent class, Thompson would only say, "I think it worked out OK."

Thompson refused to evaluate the performance of the three free agents, stating that he was trying to build a team and wasn't fond of speaking of individuals. Obviously, his reticence to talk about free agency or the production of those players leaves those who pay money to see the Packers scratching their heads wondering whether he'll provide first-year coach Mike McCarthy with players who can help him win now.

Thompson made it seem that he would continue on the same methodical path of building with young players and letting them come of age on the field rather than in backup positions behind veterans.
Dollars and sense

Having so much salary cap room does serve a purpose, even if Thompson doesn't have plans to use it. He and vice president of finance Andrew Brandt have created a system in which they can write off a large portion of salary cap charges in the year in which a contract is signed.

Such was the case with end Aaron Kampman, whose four-year, $21 million contract called for $12 million of it to count against the cap in the first year. Thus, future years won't cost the Packers as much and will allow them greater flexibility.

Thompson and Brandt are essentially eating up cap room year to year rather than pushing charges into the future and keeping their fingers crossed they don't all come crashing down at once.

The question, though, is whether Thompson will ever do what is necessary to speed up the rebuilding process and end the culture of losing that has developed over the past two seasons. The Packers have reached a point where they can't beat a team with a winning record, have completely lost their home-field advantage and before long will lose one of their best free-agent recruiting tools - quarterback Brett Favre.

If Thompson isn't careful, the Packers will fall into an abyss from which they can't escape, possibly as deep as the one that trapped them for two decades after the Lombardi era. Free agency isn't a panacea, but it could help.

"I've always said it's certainly a tool that is available when you consider team needs," Thompson said.
Help available

The free agent market could include players such as linebacker Lance Briggs of Chicago, cornerbacks Nate Clements of Buffalo and Asante Samuel of New England, safety Ken Hamlin and kicker Josh Brown of Seattle, tight end Eric Johnson of San Francisco and quarterback Damon Huard of Kansas City.

Pickett, who said he considered many factors before signing his deal, was shocked when told the Packers would have $30 million in cap room next year. But he said his feeling is they are doing just fine with the players they have.

"You give me this same exact team right here and I think it'll be good," Pickett said. "That's how confident I am. I think we have the makings of a good team. This is the best defense talent-wise, by far, that I've ever been on. We just have to keep growing together."

Linebacker Nick Barnett, who has one year left on his contract after this season, said he didn't know what Thompson's plans were for building the team, but he said the free agent additions made during the past off-season were definitely a boost to the team.

"We need to keep the core of players together (first)," Barnett said. "I don't know if we'd be as good a defense without them (the free agents). I think they have helped us."
 

Schmitty

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If I know Teddy he will not sign any big names this off season. I want to see two things this off season. ! give Al Harris a raise. and two give Nick Barnett a contract extension. And of course see Brett Favre return for another season, but that is a whole different issue.
 

bozz_2006

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If I know Teddy he will not sign any big names this off season. I want to see two things this off season. ! give Al Harris a raise. and two give Nick Barnett a contract extension. And of course see Brett Favre return for another season, but that is a whole different issue.

Do you know teddy?
 

Buckeyepackfan

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Micheal Turner is a RFA after this year, being behind LT in San Diego, he still puts up pretty good numbers. I'm hoping TT takes a look at him this year, Ahman I think will be back but every team needs more than one good running back with the beating they take these days.
 
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Remember:

the 29.5 million includes KGB's salary. If they cut him, we get more.

Not to mention they can cut Ferggy......

And Manuel....

Add about another 3 million there.

Somewhere around 30 million in cap space could be had AFTER signing Barnett and giving Harris a bonus.

However I don't expect much in 07, the FA class is much stronger in 08 if I am not mistaken. Anyone care to confirm?
 

longtimefan

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all about da packers said:
Remember:

the 29.5 million includes KGB's salary. If they cut him, we get more.

Not to mention they can cut Ferggy......

And Manuel....

Add about another 3 million there.

Somewhere around 30 million in cap space could be had AFTER signing Barnett and giving Harris a bonus.

However I don't expect much in 07, the FA class is much stronger in 08 if I am not mistaken. Anyone care to confirm?

Not sure about 08..

kgb for 07 number 6.571
ferggie 3.2
 

digsthepack

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So, 'ol Teddy won't sign any big name free agents this year, eh schmitty?

You mean just like this year....

Ryan Pickett has played outstanding ball and solidified that spot...hard worker who leads by example and brings attitude.

Charles Woodson has 5 ints, is playing hurt which displays the desire many thought had vanished from his game, and brings toughness in run support and blanket coverage as of late.

Speaking of big name FAs......the Queens are getting better run game going to the right side as of late....you know....away from the $7 million dollar man, Steve Hutchinson.

Funny how forgetful some people are!
 

Schmitty

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I could be wrong digs and I hope I am. There really arent too many impact free agents out there this year that we really need. I could see bringing in Briggs. Hawk, Barnett, and Briggs? That would be dominate. I agree with you that the free agents TT did sign are doing well, except Manual, and I really think he can turn it around yet. Al Harris said he thinks Manual is the smartest player he has ever played with. Thats a tall statement.
 

digsthepack

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Michael Turner is quite an exciting back, but this draft is littered with quality candidates. I would rather invest any FA dough in a top flight WR (although who knows if KRob gets and stays clean), DE or safety.

History has shown, RBs are the easiest position to replace and the most easily transitioned to the pros from college as it is so instinctive in nature.
 

warhawk

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If I know Teddy he will not sign any big names this off season. I want to see two things this off season. ! give Al Harris a raise. and two give Nick Barnett a contract extension. And of course see Brett Favre return for another season, but that is a whole different issue.

Well he made sure Kampman and Green didn't go anywhere and signed Woodson who would have to be considered a "big name" as well.

Is he going to go nuts in FA? No. Will he go after who he feels is the right guy depending on how the cap looks? Yes.

He's already taken care of Driver and Wells and I would surely think he will make sure Harris and Barnett are covered. This by the way is part of his thinking in NOT stepping too far out in FA. There are always going to be guys like Harris and Barnett with situations that have to be addressed.

He goes for too many high priced guys and the money is not there to take care of this kind of stuff. The guy has certainly shown me he knows what he is doing in managing the cap.

Many were screaming for Tightwad Teddy's head last year and then when he did sign Woodson a bunch of people slammed him for that.

My guess is we will see a couple of significant FA signings but no he won't build the team that way. It's a great way to go broke fast and watch guys leave because there's no money to keep them. The revolving door syndrome many teams are experiencing.

I do believe there will be a little more heat on him to upgrade the quality of certain positions with players that are not rookies like has happened this year.

The "we're young and growing" theme only get's you so far. I think he's fully aware of how much time and patience that was going to buy him.
 

Schmitty

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He did do well keeping guys that are needed in GB. I like that a lot because the longer a team plays toghther the better they play together. He has a pretty good eye for talent too. I am still on the fence about MM, but only time will tell what kind of move that was. I think TT did a great job in this years draft too. He is tight with money, but smart with money as well.
 

dxbfan

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all about da packers said:
Remember:

the 29.5 million includes KGB's salary. If they cut him, we get more.

Not to mention they can cut Ferggy......

And Manuel....

Add about another 3 million there.

Somewhere around 30 million in cap space could be had AFTER signing Barnett and giving Harris a bonus.

And possibly even more if Clifton & Henderson arent back.
 

longtimefan

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My guess is we will see a couple of significant FA signings but no he won't build the team that way. It's a great way to go broke fast and watch guys leave because there's no money to keep them. The revolving door syndrome many teams are experiencing.

That is what Sherman did and look at what happened with Wahle...
 

tromadz

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If I know Teddy he will not sign any big names this off season.

Yeah TT is good for getting no-name guys like Charles Woodson.

Can we give it a rest with that crap and just hope He\GB have a good offseason?

Or is that too much to ask?
 

longtimefan

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thing is when people bring up Kampman, and Green as being big f.a signings they scoff at it...they dont seem to include those players in the f.a pool..
 

bozz_2006

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i really haven't seen any evidence that would indicate that he/GB would NOT have a good offseason. ted's tight, but i like where he's going. we're all just so used to instant gratification, and who can blame us? it's the american way.
 

porky88

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I could be wrong digs and I hope I am. There really arent too many impact free agents out there this year that we really need. I could see bringing in Briggs. Hawk, Barnett, and Briggs? That would be dominate. I agree with you that the free agents TT did sign are doing well, except Manual, and I really think he can turn it around yet. Al Harris said he thinks Manual is the smartest player he has ever played with. Thats a tall statement.

Who would play Strong Side? Hawk or Briggs? I can't really see either or playing Strong side and playing it that good. They would definitely struggle. Hawk would probably work better but who invests a 5th overall pick in a strong side LB? Signing Briggs would be money spent poorly especially considering Poppinga has progressed over the course of the year. GB has bigger needs as in D-line and Safeties.

Keep in mind the reason why we have money to spend is because of good ole Teddy.
 

dxbfan

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I agree with Porky, if there is money available, spend it on someone who can do a Reggie White, Leroy Butler or Brett Favre.

The first two we know we need, the third might be a real need if Favre calls it a day, A-Rod doesnt work out or needs more time and we dont draft a QB with the first pick.

P.S. Not that Porky made reference to QB.
 

PackerLegend

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I found this list for the 2007 projected cap space





Rank/Team/Projected cap room

1/San Francisco/$42.1M

2/Buffalo/$39.7M

3/Arizona/$36.7M

4/Tennessee/$36M

5/Cleveland/$33.3M

6/Minnesota/$32.4M

7 (tie)/Jacksonville/$32M

7/St. Louis/$32M

9/New England/$30.4M

10/Cincinnati/$30.2M

11/New Orleans/$29.9M

12/Green Bay/$29.5M

13/New York Jets/$26.1M

14/San Diego/$24.6M

15/Tampa Bay/$24.2

16/Detroit/$23.8M

17/Chicago/$23.4M

18/Seattle/$22.5M

19/Dallas/$21.5M

20/Miami/$17.8M

21/New York Giants/$15.7M

22/Oakland/$14.1M

23/Houston/$13.3

24/Atlanta/$10M

25/Philadelphia/$12.4M

26/Denver/$7.6M

27/Kansas City/$7M

28/Baltimore/$5.7M

29/Indianapolis/$4.9M

30/Carolina/$3.4M

31/Washington/$951,000

32/Pittsburgh/$150,000
 

Timmons

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Good post.

I say cut Fergie, KGB, and Manuel.

Sign Barnett and give Harris a raise.

If any FA work needs to be done. Go after a TE, or CB.
 

digsthepack

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Cullen Jenkins and Corey Williams are two young guys who need to be locked up as well.

The Packers have much fewer FAs on roster to sign than many of the teams above them, Theoretically, if other teams decide to re-up their FAs, the Packers are actually in better position to bring in new blood.
 

retiredgrampa

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I would hope that TT goes after either Samuel or Clements. Young guys with talent and a future in areas of need. Briggs would help but the cost/benefit ratio isn't high, IMO. Much depends on whether Underwood and Blackmon can come back. Henderson and Bubba must go. KGB must take a pay cut. Harris should be given some incentives money. We need to draft an OL to cover Clifton and a TE to replace Bubba. We need a RB to upgrade Herron.
 

porky88

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I would hope that TT goes after either Samuel or Clements. Young guys with talent and a future in areas of need. Briggs would help but the cost/benefit ratio isn't high, IMO. Much depends on whether Underwood and Blackmon can come back. Henderson and Bubba must go. KGB must take a pay cut. Harris should be given some incentives money. We need to draft an OL to cover Clifton and a TE to replace Bubba. We need a RB to upgrade Herron.

Problem with Briggs and I keep preaching this is he's a weak side LB and we already have Hawk at weak side. I really don't see Hawk as a big game player at the strong side. Pretty much teams never invest 5th overall picks in a strong side.

I would like to go after Clements or Samuel but I rather see them resign Harris first since he will probably come much cheaper and is probably playing at as high as a level as them right now.
 

PWT36

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Excellent posts on this topic. It seems to me that Packer fan posters on this topic of Free Agency and Salary cap have done their homework. I have seen some posters on Packer forums in the past who did not understand Salary Cap and Free Agency. and their posts show it.

I see the 49ers and Tennessee Titans etc learned their lesson of the past concerning "salary cap hell" and are no longer in salary cap trouble in '06 and '07. It seems that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins are going to have to make some tough salary cap decisions in '07, as the Packer had to do in '05.

As most packer forum posters know, The Packers were on the brink of salary cap hell in '05. Packer GM Ted Thompson has done a excellent job of putting the franchise in good fiscal shape ,as far as the NFL salary cap is concerned.
 

Tiger

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The Redskins are always messing around with the salary cap. They are paying Adam Archuleta top dollar and hes not worth ****!
 

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