[Schneed10]

Here's where we are on cap status. Using JLC's preliminary info on the Samuels contract, I have us at $6.1 million of cap room (pending a better number from CC).

We will gain another $2.0 million when the Daniels contract voids. We will gain another $2.0 million or so when the Griffin restructure goes through. This will bring us to roughly $10.0 million in space entering free agency.

So the question is: What can you do with $10.0 million. Apparently more than I originally thought. When I first analyzed it, I thought the 30% Rule would be more limiting when it comes to restructuring options. Based on the cap space the Redskins were able to clear on the Carter, Randle El and Samuels contracts, it has become clear to me that they have devised a contract structure to fit big contracts into small cap spaces, despite the 30% Rule. I wish I could say I knew how they are doing this, I'll have to get to work on it.

All this is to say that resigning DeAngelo Hall probably won't take up $4.5 million in space, as I had thought. I also think my estimated target for the rookie pool is high, with only 4 picks in the draft, it should be closer to $2.5 million (rather than my previously projected $3.5). And since it appears they won't tender Doughty as I had expected, I'm starting to think a Haynesworth deal could actually fit under the cap, even with DeAngelo Hall being resigned.

Haynesworth and Hall would make the cap situation pretty darn tight, but after this further review I can no longer rule it out as possible.

I recognize this represents a revision from my previous line of reasoning and goes against previous posts where I've poo pooed the Haynesworth possibility, but I'd rather stop and evaluate it to get it right.

So my new conclusion, the cap situation is tight for a major signing like Haynesworth, but it's not an impossibility. I think if you hear that the Redskins do even more to clear cap space, besides restructuring Griffin, it's a good indicator that a major signing is afoot. Stay tuned.