Who do you think are the 15 Core Players?

[CrazyCanuck]

You probably guessed how I determine my core - by their contracts!

Here's my list of core players and their cap numbers for the next 3 years (in 000s):

Player.........2006.....2007.....2008

Samuels........$10,218..$8,950...$8,000
Jansen.........$5,603...$5,853...$6,353
Springs........$5,558...$6,583...$6,708
Portis.........$5,476...$6,431...$7,494
Washington.....$5,167...$5,167...$5,592
Thomas.........$4,912...$5,412...$5,912
Griffin........$4,883...$5,583...$5,583
Taylor.........$4,690...$1,673...$1,913
Moss...........$4,260...$5,200...$5,600
Rabach.........$3,145...$3,750...$3,750
Patten.........$2,447...$3,013...$3,262
Rogers.........$2,297...$2,757...$2,895
Campbell.......$1,341...$1,603...$1,666

TOTAL (approx).$60,000..$62,000..$64,000

Other notables:

Arrington - I did not include him in my core. I just don't feel like he's in the team's long-term plans. Everyone says we won't save much this year by cutting him, but it would take a financial load off our books in the future.

Betts - very cheap but only signed thru 2006. I think we need to get him an extension soon. We need someone to take the load off Portis. Of course if the coaches think Rock or Nemo could be that guy then maybe they'll let Betts walk.

Brunell - he isn't cheap but with more restructures we can probably keep him around for a few more years.

Cooooooooley - signed cheap but only thru 2007. I expect him to sign an extension sometime this season or maybe in the preseason.

Salavea - signed cheap but only thru 2007. I feel he is part of our core. I'd expect him to sign an extension in the future assuming his strong play continues.

Marshall - see Salavea.

Sellers - see Salavea.

Patten - He was borderline IMO but I included him above anyways. I have a feeling he might still be our #2 this year, and his contract is set up to keep him here for a while if he can be productive.

Dockery - He's only signed thru 2006. I figure we'll have to make a long-term decision on him soon. Either resign him to keep our Oline together, or bring in a replacement to take his place.

Thrash - I consider Thrash a core Skin but it's hard to say how long he'll be here. He's signed thru 2007 but isn't that cheap. Maybe a restucture here at some point to keep him in the picture.

Daniels - signed thru 2008 but starting to get old and expensive. I can see him staying for another year or two but not sure if he'll be here beyond that.

Wynn - signed thru 2007, similar scenario to Daniels.

Draft picks - not sure what the future holds for draft picks like Nemo, McCune, etc. I expect 2006 to be a major factor in determining their future with the team.