Updated Cap space

[B-more Ravor]

Recently, Pro Football 24x7 was able to obtain updated Salary Cap information. Based on this new information, the Ravens presently stand $4.342M under the Salary Cap.


http://www.profootball24x7.com/column_view.php?cid=46&id=2299&view=archive

[festivus]

Thanks Ravor.

How much cap space (roughly, obviously) will be chewed up by the draftees?

[B-more Ravor]

My guess is that their "rookie cap" number will be around $5M.

But, remember, the "rookie cap" is a cap within the overall Cap, so they won't really need $5M in overall Cap space because only the top 51 cap numbers count against the Cap at this time. So, while the "rookie cap" may say they have $5M to sign all of their rookies, very often, only the 1st through mid-4th round picks actually count amongst the top 51 cap numbers. The lower round picks - getting the rookie minimum base salary and very small bonuses - usually are below that line.

Then, when the season starts, all players must be under the cap, but if those lower round picks do make the team, they are simply replacing a higher salaried guy above them, so they are still counting less against the cap.

That said, the team does need to fit all 53 on the roster, PS, IR and PUP under the cap, so they will need some additional space, but generally not as much as you would think.

[psuasskicker]

We're also likely to have some later year relief. I know Ogden took a cut and will likely retire...I think if he goes after June 1 there's a little more relief. If McNair goes there'll be some space cleared there as well.

Honestly we could make a signing or two between now and the season starting and not have much to worry about.

- C -