Free agency solution without a CBA/Why Brees will be a Dolphin

[KyPhinfan13]

First I want to say that I'm praying for a CBA to be made today. However, I have to believe that Saban is preparing to go into Free Agency with or without a CBA. If a CBA cannot be agreed upon, I still think that teams will find a way to circumvent the present salary cap to sign who they want in Free Agency. With no new CBA, 2007 will be an uncapped year. Teams with little salary cap space (like Miami) will most likely sign their FA's to multi-year contracts that start out with very small salaries for the upcoming season with escalators written into their contracts that would allow them to make the most money during the uncapped year. I see roster bonuses being used as a way to "guarantee" the player gets paid, but at the same time will allow the player to fit under the cap this year.

I thought about this scenario because I'm hopeful that the Dolphins will sign Drew Brees to the contract that he deserves. IMO, Brees is going to sign with Miami because he knows it's the best fit for him because of the coaching, the lack of anybody capable of challenging him for the starting job (Detroit still has Harrington, who Martz has already said to believe in--why would Brees go where Harrington could easily turn his career around ala Brees). Plus, Miami is very similar, weather wise. And Miami is a lot more stable of a franchise than Detroit.

Ultimately, only Saban and Mueller know what direction Miami will take regarding their roster moves. I trust that they'll make the right decision and get Brees.

 

[BLITZKRIEG]

I agree....

Avatar. "Hey, was she a big fat giant person??"....

PHINZ RULE!!!

 

[KyPhinfan13]

I agree....

Avatar. "Hey, was she a big fat giant person??"....

PHINZ RULE!!!

lol

"It puts the lotion in the basket!"

 

[NLude33]

First I want to say that I'm praying for a CBA to be made today. However, I have to believe that Saban is preparing to go into Free Agency with or without a CBA. If a CBA cannot be agreed upon, I still think that teams will find a way to circumvent the present salary cap to sign who they want in Free Agency. With no new CBA, 2007 will be an uncapped year. Teams with little salary cap space (like Miami) will most likely sign their FA's to multi-year contracts that start out with very small salaries for the upcoming season with escalators written into their contracts that would allow them to make the most money during the uncapped year. I see roster bonuses being used as a way to "guarantee" the player gets paid, but at the same time will allow the player to fit under the cap this year.

I thought about this scenario because I'm hopeful that the Dolphins will sign Drew Brees to the contract that he deserves. IMO, Brees is going to sign with Miami because he knows it's the best fit for him because of the coaching, the lack of anybody capable of challenging him for the starting job (Detroit still has Harrington, who Martz has already said to believe in--why would Brees go where Harrington could easily turn his career around ala Brees). Plus, Miami is very similar, weather wise. And Miami is a lot more stable of a franchise than Detroit.

Ultimately, only Saban and Mueller know what direction Miami will take regarding their roster moves. I trust that they'll make the right decision and get Brees.

Well I don't think your thought is right on this.

If there is no CBA extension, then all money in a players contract counts this year under the cap (except base salaries). Furthermore, that players base salary cannot increase by more than 30% from year to year in the deal. This was put in for exactly this reason....if no CBA, then teams can't do much.

 

[Dolfan4life!]

First I want to say that I'm praying for a CBA to be made today. However, I have to believe that Saban is preparing to go into Free Agency with or without a CBA. If a CBA cannot be agreed upon, I still think that teams will find a way to circumvent the present salary cap to sign who they want in Free Agency. With no new CBA, 2007 will be an uncapped year. Teams with little salary cap space (like Miami) will most likely sign their FA's to multi-year contracts that start out with very small salaries for the upcoming season with escalators written into their contracts that would allow them to make the most money during the uncapped year. I see roster bonuses being used as a way to "guarantee" the player gets paid, but at the same time will allow the player to fit under the cap this year.

I thought about this scenario because I'm hopeful that the Dolphins will sign Drew Brees to the contract that he deserves. IMO, Brees is going to sign with Miami because he knows it's the best fit for him because of the coaching, the lack of anybody capable of challenging him for the starting job (Detroit still has Harrington, who Martz has already said to believe in--why would Brees go where Harrington could easily turn his career around ala Brees). Plus, Miami is very similar, weather wise. And Miami is a lot more stable of a franchise than Detroit.

Ultimately, only Saban and Mueller know what direction Miami will take regarding their roster moves. I trust that they'll make the right decision and get Brees.

If the CBA is not agreed upon, the 30% rule goes into effect. A players contract cannot increase by more than 30% of the previous year.

 

[Breadfan]

lol

"It puts the lotion in the basket!"

"It puts the lotion on it's skin or else it gets the hose again."

 

[KyPhinfan13]

I was not aware of the 30% rule. Maybe Miami could offer Brees a 1 year deal with a "Gentleman's Agreement" that they give him the big $$$ next year without the salary cap.

Of course, if there's a new CBA this year Miami could easily afford him anyway. I still believe Brees will be a Phin very soon.

 

[AlexCane9015]

13 no way Brees wants a long term deal now

 

[NLude33]

I was not aware of the 30% rule. Maybe Miami could offer Brees a 1 year deal with a "Gentleman's Agreement" that they give him the big $$$ next year without the salary cap.

Of course, if there's a new CBA this year Miami could easily afford him anyway. I still believe Brees will be a Phin very soon.

Wouldn't need a "gentleman's agreement", we could just franchise him. In the uncapped year, each team gets a franchise and transition tag with virtually no strings attached. And who cares if we have to pay him $10 million for that year....there is no cap.

 

[NLude33]

13 no way Brees wants a long term deal now

He would too, but he might hold out if next year is uncapped. See my post above about the franchise and transition tags. If he only signs a one year deal this year, we can franchise tag him for eternity, then, if he gets hurt really bad, we are not out anything. And remember also that with no CBA extension, 2006 is the last year teams contribute to health care and retirement. That means he would be injured, out of football, with no money coming in, and no health care. Granted he should still have some of the millions he has made left over, but he could potentially loose a lot of money by signing a one year deal.