Trimming the Cap--How to Get It Done

Given that the Redskins will now be looking for some salary cap room in 2006 to improve the player personnel on the team, our resident capologist looks at the major moves Washington can make to create some cap room.

At present the Redskins 2006 cap number is $113.8m (representing 48 players including one ERFA and one RFA), a figure that is $18.8m over the predicted 2006 NFL salary cap of $95m.

1. Guaranteeing Roster Bonuses
Lavar Arrington LB – save $4.9m
Marcus Washington LB – save $1.9m
Cornelius Griffin DT – save $1.9m
Shawn Springs CB – save $2.3m
Clinton Portis RB – save $2.3m

Other smaller amounts from various players – save $1.7m

2. Releasing Players Outright
Matt Bowen SS – save $2.0m
John Hall K – save [BODY].8m
Walt Harris CB – save $2.0m
Cory Raymer C – save $1.0m

3. Trades
Patrick Ramsey QB – save $1.7m (and receive draft pick compensation)

4. Retirements
Brandon Noble DT – save $1.7m

5. Release and resign deals with veterans
James Thrash WR – cut and resign to vet minimum deal plus the $25k signing bonus – save [BODY].4m

6. Restructuring contracts
Randy Thomas G – basic restructure – save $2.2m
Jon Jansen OT – basic restructure – save $2.3m
Mark Brunell QB – basic restructure – save $2.4m

TOTAL SAVINGS (this list only) - $31.5m

This is by no mean an exhaustive list, but just the major savers.