http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 01963.html
[/b]Even with a new CBA, several players faced the possibility of being released, at least in part because of their high salary cap figures. That group includes cornerback Walt Harris, a starter much of last season; safety Matt Bowen; injured defensive lineman Brandon Noble, who is considering retirement; reserve center Cory Raymer; and punter Tom Tupa, who was injured all of last season. Releasing those players would account for about $7.5 million in cap relief, not including the salaries of the players who would replace them.
Place kicker John Hall, whose injuries have put the team in a roster crunch the last two seasons, is another candidate; his release would save $1 million. The Redskins had hoped to get at least a fourth-round draft pick in a trade for backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, but might end up releasing him to save $1.7 million. Wide receiver James Thrash, with a $1 million base salary, could be gone, too. Former second-round draft pick Taylor Jacobs failed to capitalize on a chance to be a starting wide receiver in 2005, and Pierson Prioleau provided depth in the secondary and excels on special teams, but could save the team $550,000 if cut.
Beyond that, the team may be forced to trim some starters. Cutting starting defensive ends Renaldo Wynn and Phillip Daniels would save a combined $1 million, although Washington is already thin at that position.
If the situation turns dire, the Redskins might have to release Jansen, which would save $800,000, or Thomas, who would provide $2.1 million in savings. They are two of only a few players who could provide significant relief from the salary cap crunch simply by being cut.
The Redskins generally invest heavily in signing and roster bonuses and keep non-guaranteed base salaries low. The bulk of the big earners are in the first year or two of their contracts, meaning that their salary cap figures are generally higher if they are cut rather than retained.
