Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Need some help understanding the salary cap.


Eazy-E

Recommended Posts

So I was looking at some of the moves made this off-season trying to see why we were not able to sign a viable LT. Obviously Hardy counts 13mil against the cap. We signed Harper to a 2 year 4.5mil deal. I'm not sure of the structure though.

Reports were the Panther offered Anthony Collins a contract similar to what Tampa offered and he chose Tampa. His salary for this year is 6mil.

A top tier tackle Branden Albert got a big deal from the dolphins with a cap number this year of 2.5mil.

If the cap number next year is supposed to rise and DG was willing to spend money on guys like Harper and Decoud was there really no way he could have signed a decent lineman? I mean why not take the money used on Harper and use it to entice Collins. Or structure a deal like Branden Albert got. Am I missing something?

Yes I know The Panthers will need to sign Cam and Luke but what good is Cam without a decent Oline. We are all witnessing it first hand right now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Albert signed a $46 million deal. If DG doesn't think he's worth that then he's not going to give him that much, regardless of structure, need or year one cap hit. And his cap hit is NOT 2.5 this year.

Sorry that is his base. It's is 4.2 after signing bonus.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah and jumps to nearly 11 million next year. You can always push money forward by structuring (or re-structuring) contracts a certain way. It's just a matter of if you want to get into the habit of doing so as it tends to screw you over long term. It's something Hurney did continuously, which is a big reason why we're so cap screwed right now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah and jumps to nearly 11 million next year. You can always push money forward by structuring (or re-structuring) contracts a certain way. It's just a matter of if you want to get into the habit of doing so as it tends to screw you over long term. It's something Hurney did continuously, which is a big reason why we're so cap screwed right now.

I understand. Also Albert got a huge deal. I mean is the report of the Panthers offering Collins a contract even true. I know Dave will put a number on a guy and say that is what he is worth but at what point to you say I have to pay for a need rather than screwing the team. Is he just going to start drafting tackles every year until he finds one he values? Hell he didn't even draft one this year.

I guess my actual question is if the cap is the reason Dave didn't sign a tackle or was it just him being content with what we have. Which is a bunch of undrafted out of position linemen with hardly any experience.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We're in the cap mess because Hurney handed out massive backloaded contracts like that. That's not how you have continued success in this league. The Patriots o-line sucks too but they're making do by utilizing other aspects of the team. We'll get there in the next few years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We're in the cap mess because Hurney handed out massive backloaded contracts like that. That's not how you have continued success in this league. The Patriots o-line sucks too but they're making do by utilizing other aspects of the team. We'll get there in the next few years.

Pats line is no where near as bad as the Panthers. Panthers are playing 4 undrafted linemen and one of them is a converted DT. That's unheard of in the NFL if you expect to compete and protect your QB.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also this past LT FA class was a pretty good one. 2015 has absolutely nothing. It is now either pray we get a tackle in the draft that doesn't bust or trade for one. I still for the life of me can't figure out why the Panthers didn't sign a tackle this off-season

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We're in the cap mess because Hurney handed out massive backloaded contracts like that. That's not how you have continued success in this league. The Patriots o-line sucks too but they're making do by utilizing other aspects of the team. We'll get there in the next few years.

 

Pats line isn't as good as it used to be, but think of how long they had a great oline (over a decade).

 

You saw it in the off seasons during their incredible period of AFC dominance (yes their were other good teams, but I'd argue the pats were the most consistent in the AFC since their first Tom Brady superbowl).  They rotated through skill players like clock work, and the guys they lost were never able to duplicate the success they had with the Pats.  They DID NOT trade away or let their linemen walk for free during that period (the good ones at least).  No matter which big name running back or wideout they lost, they consistently had a great line and Tom Brady and were able to consistently put points on the board.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Albert signed a $46 million deal. If DG doesn't think he's worth that then he's not going to give him that much, regardless of structure, need or year one cap hit. And his cap hit is NOT 2.5 this year.

 

Right, wrong or rain, DG has been steadfast in not kicking the can down the road in terms of contract and cap $$$.  I think Harper's deal had about 2 million guaranteed so the hit is not substantial.  Philosophically speaking I think he is/was trying to extremely limit the long term cap implications for "non core" players.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Cap hell" is largely a myth. Good GMs find a way to manipulate the cap in order to get the guys they want. New Orleans was supposedly in cap hell too, right? They still found a way to sign one of the best safeties on the market.

They are also going all in because they know their window is closing with brees getting older.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/bestavailable
    • https://www.pff.com/news/draft-the-best-remaining-players-ahead-of-day-3
    • Per PFF: 1. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee Volunteers McCoy's medical evaluations will be critical, but based on his measurables and 2024 tape, he profiles as a first-round talent with shutdown potential in press-man coverage. 2. CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State Sun Devils Abney's lack of length and top-tier athleticism may limit him to zone schemes, but his competitiveness and run-defense mentality make him a valuable rotational defensive back with starter potential. 3. CB Keionte Scott, Miami (FL) Hurricanes Scott is a tone-setter in run defense with a physical mentality. His zone coverage is adequate, but man coverage limitations may restrict his role. 4. WR Skyler Bell, Connecticut Huskies Bell looked uncoverable at times against his level of competition in his final season and, despite below-average size and athleticism, produced like a top-100 prospect as a productive slot receiver. 5. WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State Bison Lance dominated FCS competition as a versatile “X” receiver. He moves well for his size and pairs that with reliable contested-catch production, giving him a strong case as an early Day 3 pick with the potential to develop into a contributing NFL receiver. 6. ED Joshua Josephs, Tennessee Volunteers Josephs has an appealing blend of size and explosiveness but must improve his technique and anticipation to reach his potential. 7. ED Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State Nittany Lions Dennis-Sutton projects best as a 3-4 defensive end with some 4-3 flexibility. His length and size are clear strengths, though his agility in space is more limited. With ascending play, he could be drafted higher than his current tape suggests. 8. DI Gracen Halton, Oklahoma Sooners Halton is an undersized, versatile defensive lineman who wins with quickness, effort and movement skills. His lack of strength can be an issue, but he fits well in multiple or movement-based fronts. 9. HB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas Razorbacks Washington brings alluring size, straight-line speed and yards-after-contact potential as a power back, but also noticeably good vision and footwork to be a potential early-down back in a committee in a man- or gap-scheme run game. 10. WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana Hoosiers Sarratt may profile as a below-average athlete for an NFL “X” receiver, but there is still plenty to like in his game. His strong hands, coordination and determination at the catch point — combined with his constant competitiveness — give him starter potential as an outside WR2 in offenses that value jump-ball opportunities. 11. WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma Sooners Burks' size and production do not clearly point to a future NFL contributor, but his athleticism and strength make him difficult to dismiss. He offers intriguing upside as an explosive slot receiver, though he may not fit every scheme. 12. DI Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles Jackson is a massive, powerful defensive tackle with imposing physical traits. When his hand usage is right, he can be dominant, but inconsistency in technique and processing limits his impact. He remains a high-upside prospect. 13. C Connor Lew, Auburn Tigers Lew is a technically sound center with excellent leverage, balance and posture. His consistent fundamentals allow him to win positioning battles, though he can struggle against top-end power due to his lighter build. His upside is high given his age and technique. 14. LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh Panthers Louis is an undersized linebacker who projects best as a versatile space defender. In the right role, he can be an impact nickel player thanks to his explosiveness and coverage ability. 15. S Kamari Ramsey, USC Trojans Ramsey provides versatility with the ability to play both safety spots and the slot, particularly in two-high looks. His lighter build and good — but not elite — athleticism cap his ceiling. 16. CB Chandler Rivers, Duke Blue Devils Rivers logged 3,186 defensive snaps across four seasons at Duke and allowed just one touchdown in coverage in 2025, with a sub-85.0 passer rating when targeted for the third straight year. He earned a 90.7 PFF grade in 2024 before taking a step back in 2025. Over the past three seasons, he has been flagged just four times while playing more than 70% of his snaps on the outside. 17. C Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats Hecht delivered a strong 2025 campaign, earning an 80.3 PFF overall grade that ranked fourth among centers. He brings a balanced profile, ranking 10th in PFF run-blocking grade (77.7) while holding up adequately in pass protection. Across 759 snaps, he allowed just seven pressures, with zero sacks and zero quarterback hits, and committed no penalties. 18. CB Devin Moore, Florida Gators Moore is an appealing Day 2 prospect with a strong blend of length, speed and ball skills for press-man coverage, though his injury history could impact his draft position. 19. G Jalen Farmer, Kentucky Wildcats Farmer put together a solid but unspectacular 2025 season, earning a 69.8 PFF overall grade that ranked 93rd among guards. His best work came in pass protection, where his 72.4 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked 256th, while his 67.4 run-blocking grade ranked 113th. Across 818 snaps, he allowed 14 pressures, including three sacks and no quarterback hits, and committed one penalty. 20. ED LT Overton, Alabama Crimson Tide Overton fits best as a 3-4 defensive end with inside-out versatility. He can contribute in a 4-3 as a power end, but his lack of bend and stride length limits his ability to consistently threaten the edge. 21. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers Nussmeier brings NFL bloodlines and a polished, foundational approach to the position, traits that fuel his confidence as a vertical pocket passer. However, his average arm strength and below-average stature could create challenges for his aggressive, gunslinging style at the next level. 22. DI Rayshaun Benny, Michigan Wolverines Benny earned a 79.3 PFF grade in 2025, ranking 62nd among 887 qualifying interior defenders. He posted a 68.5 pass-rush grade (161st) and an 83.5 run-defense grade (35th). His production leaned toward run defense, with a clear disparity between phases. 23. S Genesis Smith, Arizona Wildcats Smith has intriguing size and athletic traits for a single-high role, but inconsistency with physicality and play strength limits his reliability. 24. HB Jonah Coleman, Washington Huskies Coleman may not have the flashy athleticism of a fan-favorite RB1, but his game is efficient, powerful and translatable to NFL success, specifically behind zone-blocking schemes where he can gain momentum and one-cut into rushing lanes. He also brings plus third-down reliability as a receiver and pass protector. 25. LB Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State Sun Devils Elliott has shown flashes as a downhill player, with effectiveness as a run defender and blitzer, but his below-average frame helps explain his limitations in coverage. He earned PFF grades of 67.8 in 2024 and 67.5 in 2025, which reflect a steady but unspectacular profile. His struggles in coverage may limit his role at the next level, though he still offers some starting upside in the right situation. 26. S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions Wheatley is a long, springy athlete best suited for single-high roles. His slender build can be exposed in the box, but he offers strong range and coverage ability in space. 27. CB Malik Muhammad, Texas Longhorns Muhammad is a decorated cornerback from one of the nation's best secondaries, and his size and pedigree point to starting potential at the next level, particularly in a zone-oriented scheme. He earned PFF grades of 78.5 in 2023, 71.7 in 2024 and 70.8 in 2025. His lighter frame and limited disruptiveness remain concerns and may factor into evaluations despite the overall profile. 28. TE Michael Trigg, Baylor Bears Trigg may have one of the widest ranges of outcomes in the 2026 class. At his best, his vertical athleticism and contested-catch ability suggest top-50 potential, but inconsistencies with technique and focus create volatility in his projection. 29. DI Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati Bearcats Corleone, known as “The Godfather,” was one of the most dominant run defenders in 2022, using his size and strength to control the line of scrimmage. His performance has declined in recent seasons, and his 2024 medical history adds some concern. He offers rare quickness for a nose tackle and can control blockers despite shorter arms, though his pass-rush impact remains limited. He projects as a traditional 3-4 nose tackle. 30. T Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M Aggies Crownover stands out for his massive frame at 6-foot-7 and 319 pounds with over 35-inch arms, which should earn him a look at the next level. However, he must translate those physical traits more consistently in pass protection to reach his potential. He earned a 58.4 pass-blocking grade in 2025 and allowed two sacks, two hits and 23 hurries across 428 pass-blocking snaps. 31. ED Anthony Lucas, USC Trojans Lucas has an NFL-ready frame and good overall athleticism for his size, but he does not consistently win quickly enough to project as a full-time edge rusher. His length and strength give him versatility across the front in odd schemes. 32. LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama Crimson Tide Lawson is undersized but experienced and quick. He projects as a rotational linebacker with some starting potential. 33. DI Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana Lions Proctor, No. 111 on PFF’s Big Board, offers an unusual profile given his size and level of competition, but his explosiveness and pass-rushing ability stand out. His 2025 production supports that evaluation, as he earned an 86.5 PFF grade and generated 39 pressures, including nine sacks, four hits and 26 hurries. His performance against LSU in particular highlights his upside and reinforces his case as a potential late-round value. 34. CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M Aggies Lee, No. 114 on PFF’s Big Board, offers an intriguing developmental profile, as his size, length and leaping ability translate to strong ball skills. He earned a 66.5 PFF grade in 2025 after a stronger 76.2 mark in 2023, and he recorded eight pass breakups in each of the past two seasons. His run defense, tackling and penalty discipline remain areas for improvement, but the physical tools and ball production point to late-round value. 35. G Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schrauth’s career included injury setbacks, but his play on the field showed a high level of performance for Notre Dame. He earned an 82.7 pass-blocking grade and a 73.1 run-blocking grade in 2025, and he did not allow a sack or a hit while surrendering just two hurries across 213 pass-blocking snaps. His game features strong pad level, a firm anchor in pass protection and good grip strength, though balance and foot speed present some limitations. The overall profile supports projection as a starting-caliber interior lineman. 36. WR Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State Bulldogs Thompson’s elite speed and big-play ability will draw interest, but his below-average size and inconsistent contested-catch rate complicate his projection. He ran a 4.26 40-yard dash, which ranks in the 100th percentile at the position, along with a 2.53-second 20-yard split in the 93rd percentile. In 2025, he caught 57 of 87 targets for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 2.77 yards per route run and 4.3 yards after the catch per reception
×
×
  • Create New...