Analysts and reporters are all giddy and reporting that both sides have agreed to all points and that the lockout will end on Monday, July 25th. I’ll believe when I something is signed. Until then, I’m not falling for the banana in the tailpipe. (Alex Foley voice).
In the meantime, let’s discuss players that may be casualties due to the salary cap changes proposed in the new CBA.
1. Reggie Bush – New Orleans Saints
I triple fuzzy heart love my Saints therefore I love Reggie, however he’s due to make $11.8 million this season. Based on his productivity declining year after year, (although some of that can be contributed to injuries), his inability to stay healthy, inability to run north and south, Pierre Thomas signing a new contract prior to the lockout and Reggie’s alleged refusal to restructure his overblown pay this year, he will likely become a cap casualty. The Saints also have 26 unrestricted free agents with $11.7 million in cap room. The numbers just don’t work in Reggie’s favor. With St. Louis, Miami and Philly showing interest, Reggie will be donning something other than the Black and Gold this football year. Bye, bye Reggie.
2. Bernard Berrian – Minnesota Vikings
Berrian is making $7 million a year but the production on Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice has lessened Berrian’s value. Heading into the season, the Vikings are $5 million over the salary cap and cutting Berrian would save the team $3.7 million.
3. Nick Barnett – Green Bay Packers
Barnett wants to be traded and he may get what he asks for. Releasing him saves the Packers $4.2 million.
4. Willis McGahee – Baltimore Ravens
Releasing McGahee only frees up $2.5 million, however it’s much needed and Ray Rice is a boss. McGahee isn’t needed anymore.
5. Albert Haynesworth – Washington Redskins
So, he’s a little……off for lack of a better term but that’s not why he could be looking for a job this upcoming season. Releasing Haynesworth would save the Skins $3.4 million.
6. Vince Young – Tennessee Titans
The Titans aren’t known for releasing players nicely. Remember the Titans locking McNair out of the training facility? Classy franchise. Please note the sarcasm. In similar fashion, Jeff Fisher isn’t interested in keeping Vince. We all know that Young isn’t Fisher’s guy and that the organization convinced owner Bud Adams to fire Vince. The primary reason for Vince being gone won’t be for cap reasons, although letting him go frees up $12.8 million in cap room.
7. Joey Porter – Arizona Cardinals
Porter did not produce to the Cardinals expectations so he’ll likely be looking for a job. Cutting Porter would save the Cards $4.66 million.
8. Nate Clements – San Francisco 49ers
The leagues first $10,000,000 cornerback. I had to add the zeros so you’d understand how much money that is. Nate has struggled the past few years and releasing him saves a whopping $14 million. Restructuring may allow Nate to stay in Frisco.
9. Flowzell Adams – Pittsburgh Steelers
Adams, known for his false start and holding penalties, would save the Steelers $5 million if cut. With Pittsburgh being $10 million over the cap, expect Adams to be looking for a job.
10. Antwan Odom – Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are in a unique position. If Palmer leaves, as he’s repeatedly threatened to do (and nobody cares) and Ochocinco is released, the Bengals would have to spend $46.8 million to reach the cap floor. Odom has struggled with injuries, though and may simply not be worth the money.
If the lockout does end on Monday, this free agency period will be the most insane, fast and furious on record. Keep your eyes and ears open, football fans. It’s going to be a crazy ride. I’m ready for some football!!!!!