Hard Decisions: The solution to the $18MM offseason puzzle

[MTK]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

2nd round tender on Jackson, original round tender on Paulsen and on Young. No tender on Banks or Baker. Used $5.1 million in cap space.

Fletcher waived/retired, Hall waived/released, Carriker waived/released, Meriweather waived/released. Saves $15.5 million in cap.

Josh Morgan released with a June 1st designation, saving $3.3 million on the cap.

Lichtensteiger re-signed five years, $21 million, $5.5 million guaranteed for skill, cap, and injury. Five year deal with a player void option after year 3. (Cap number $1.9 million)

Adam Jones signed, 2 yrs/$8 million, with $3.5 million guaranteed for skill, and cap, but two full years for injury. Five year deal with a player void option after two years (cap number: $2.5 million)

Greg Toler signed, 5 yrs/$28 million, with $9.75 million guaranteed for injury, skill, and cap, and an additional $3 million for injury. (Cap number: $3.25 million).

Claim Rolando McClain off waivers from Oakland and immediately restructure contact, converting base salary in 2013 to a signing bonus amortized over five years (but voiding after year two) (Cap number: $2.1 million).

Fred Davis re-signed for 1 year/$2.25 million.

Total pre draft cap savings: $18.8 million
Total pre draft cap savings: $16.85 million

Note that there would still be contract restructuring in order to stay under the cap, with having to add in the ballpark of 12 contracts to the payroll through the draft etc. But these moves fix most of the issues, leaving only safety for the draft.

Are you rolling with Hankerson as your #2?

Jones is interesting but I'm not sure I trust him. It probably makes the most sense for him and the Bengals if he stays there.

Toler is on our radar from what I've heard.

Not sure I like McClain's off the field drama.