Agent's Take: 2014 cap situation
Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 12:47 pm
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-foo ... -situation
#8 Washington Redskins
Salary cap room: $28,055,889
Adjusted salary cap: $127,893,111
The Redskins will gain $14.5 million in cap room when the remaining years of four contracts (London Fletcher, Brandon Meriweather, Josh Morgan, Brian Orakpo) void a few days after the Super Bowl. The lack of 2013 and '14 first-round draft picks because of the Robert Griffin III trade increases the likelihood the Redskins will be aggressive in free agency.
The most important player headed to free agency is Orakpo. The two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker has 10 sacks in his return from tearing his left pectoral muscle last season for a second time. Since Orakpo views himself as an elite pass rusher, it will probably require a long-term deal in excess of $10 million per year with over $30 million in guarantees to retain him. Using the franchise tag, which will be right around $11 million for linebackers, is also an option.
Revamping the secondary should be the top priority for the Redskins. The play of the safeties has been a long-standing issue for the Redskins. Jairus Byrd could be a possibility if the Buffalo Bills don't use a franchise tag on him for a second straight year.
The Redskins could also renew their pursuit of cornerback Aqib Talib, assuming he isn't designated as a franchise player by the New England Patriots. Talib was targeted in free agency this year but Washington's cap penalties were an obstacle in signing him. He could be looking for a contract between the Jason McCourty (slightly more than $8.6 million per year, $17 million in guarantees) and Brandon Carr/Cortland Finnegan neighborhoods ($10 million average per year, $26.5 million-$27 million in guarantees) provided he can regain the form he displayed early in the season before injuring his hip.
#8 Washington Redskins
Salary cap room: $28,055,889
Adjusted salary cap: $127,893,111
The Redskins will gain $14.5 million in cap room when the remaining years of four contracts (London Fletcher, Brandon Meriweather, Josh Morgan, Brian Orakpo) void a few days after the Super Bowl. The lack of 2013 and '14 first-round draft picks because of the Robert Griffin III trade increases the likelihood the Redskins will be aggressive in free agency.
The most important player headed to free agency is Orakpo. The two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker has 10 sacks in his return from tearing his left pectoral muscle last season for a second time. Since Orakpo views himself as an elite pass rusher, it will probably require a long-term deal in excess of $10 million per year with over $30 million in guarantees to retain him. Using the franchise tag, which will be right around $11 million for linebackers, is also an option.
Revamping the secondary should be the top priority for the Redskins. The play of the safeties has been a long-standing issue for the Redskins. Jairus Byrd could be a possibility if the Buffalo Bills don't use a franchise tag on him for a second straight year.
The Redskins could also renew their pursuit of cornerback Aqib Talib, assuming he isn't designated as a franchise player by the New England Patriots. Talib was targeted in free agency this year but Washington's cap penalties were an obstacle in signing him. He could be looking for a contract between the Jason McCourty (slightly more than $8.6 million per year, $17 million in guarantees) and Brandon Carr/Cortland Finnegan neighborhoods ($10 million average per year, $26.5 million-$27 million in guarantees) provided he can regain the form he displayed early in the season before injuring his hip.