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Cap casualties could impact some fantasy stars

Trent Green passed for a career-high 26 TDs last season, but his future in Kansas City is still in doubt. Brian Bahr/Getty Images

By Bob Harris, Special to SI.com

Although this year's free-agency period doesn't officially get under way until Feb. 28, Thursday is the first day NFL teams can begin waiving players in an attempt to get under the league's $74.8 million salary cap.

That being the case, I offer the following list of fantasy prospects facing imminent unemployment.

Buffalo Bills

Asked last week about Riemersma's status, Bills president Tom Donahoe said: "He would have no chance to be here under his current numbers. It's not a question of ability. It's really more a question of economics."

Donahoe isn't sure whether Riemersma is willing to restructure the final year of his contract, worth $3.5 million. Donahoe hasn't had any recent discussions with the player or his agent.

"We made it clear to his agent and Jay last year when we talked about it," Donahoe said. "We said, 'We'll live with it for another year but, going into 2003, there's no way we can afford that number.'"

Riemersma, who in his seven seasons ranks second behind Pete Metzelaars as the Bills' most accomplished pass-catching tight end, was unavailable for comment. His agent did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Donahoe gave no indication what deadline Riemersma faced to restructure his deal.

After setting career highs with 53 catches and 590 yards in 2001, Riemersma's numbers dropped significantly last season. He had 32 catches for 350 yards, and failed to score a touchdown for the first time in his career.

Chicago Bears

Robinson rebounded from reconstructive knee surgery performed in 2001 to establish himself as the team's fourth receiver in 2002, catching 21 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns.

Robinson's agent received permission from team officials to shop his client to other teams early this year, but was unable to come up with any takers -- primarily because the rest of the league knew full well Robinson would be released if he wasn't traded.

Dallas Cowboys

In an article published Monday, DallasCowboys.com staffer Nick Eatman advised readers that team officials were considering the following options:

Release Smith now: If the Cowboys decide to cut ties with the veteran back, it will save the club some money, although the Cowboys were never planning on allowing Smith to count $9.8 million on the salary cap in 2003. The Cowboys do get a relief from the $7 million base salary Smith is scheduled to be paid, and the prohibitive $10 million base salaries in 2004 and 2005. However, the bonus money he was paid three years ago and prorated over the life of the deal still must be accounted for, which brings us to the remaining $4.9 million that would escalate into the salary cap if Smith is released prior to June 1. And while that sounds like a hefty charge for a player not on the roster, remember Smith is going to count $2.8 million for this year's prorated signing bonus, regardless if he is on the roster or not. Also, at least a $750,000 veteran minimum salary must be tacked on, too. So the Cowboys couldn't keep Smith on the team for less than a $3.55 cap charge. Technically then, by releasing him now, only an extra $1.35 million will count against the 2003 cap to completely free the Cowboys of his financial burden.

Release Smith after June 1: The Cowboys could save a little money if they release Smith after June 1, which would split up the remaining signing bonus over the next two seasons. By doing that, Smith would count $2.8 million on the cap this season and then $2.1 next year. While that scenario sounds nice, don't expect that to happen unless Smith decides to retire, and he has said nothing of the sort when asked about his future intentions. And if Smith does want to continue playing, he would want as much time as possible to shop himself in free agency. It's not likely he would be willing to wait until June 1 to be released. By then, most teams will have spent their free agency money and likely will be less willing to spend what's left over on a 33-year-old back coming off his lowest-rushing performance since his rookie season.

This wouldn't help the Cowboys much in free agency, either, since his $7 million base salary would still be charging against the salary cap. And recouping that money after June 1 would do them little good since most free agents get signed in the first three months.

Now if Smith decides to retire, the Cowboys could reduce his base salary to the minimum at the start of free agency, and then move him to the Reserved/Retired list on June 1. That would free up the aforementioned $750,000 base salary and push the remaining $2.2 million into 2004.

Keep Smith and restructure: The best way to save money in the entire process would be to restructure Emmitt's contract and keep him on the team next season. However, saving money is not the first priority in this matter. But if Jones does decide to keep Smith and Parcells finds a role for the veteran running back -- possibly allowing him to compete for the starting job -- then it would give the Cowboys a little more flexibility in free agency.

The Cowboys can lower Smith's base salary to at least $750,000. Maybe $1 million, putting his cap charge at $3.8 million. They could even give Smith several bonus incentives, which have to be higher than last year's totals not to be considered likely to be earned. For example, they can write a bonus into the contract that pays Smith a certain amount if he rushes for more than 975 yards. If accomplished, the bonus money would not be charged against their cap until 2004. Same with scoring, say, more than five touchdowns. This way, if Smith performs, he has a chance of making his money, which would only be fair to both sides.

Keep Smith with no changes: Not really an option at all. There aren't many players, if any, that will count $10 million on the salary cap this year. If they do, they usually are quarterbacks or perennial Pro Bowlers -- not former perennial Pro Bowlers. If Smith stays, his contract is restructured for sure. And that would be fine with Smith, whose biggest focus is remaining a starting running back. It's likely he's concerned more about his role in the offense than his price tag.

Restructure, then release Smith: Now this would work out great for the Cowboys, but remember, as good a running back as Smith has been, he might even be a better businessman at this point. And don't think Smith will fall into this trap. The Cowboys could restructure the deal with intentions of keeping him, and then cut him after June 1. That would give the Cowboys the money to spend in free agency, and then split his signing bonus in two years, giving them even more available cap cash. Not good for Emmitt, who would have to scramble to find another team less than two months before the start of training camps. He would need some sort of guarantee if he agreed to a significantly lowered base salary.

However, Eatman went on to remind us the strong relationship between Smith and Jones makes the Cowboys taking advantage of Smith in this manner an unlikely scenario.

For what it's worth, the Raiders, Panthers and Buccaneers are rumored to be interested in Smith if the Cowboys decide to cut him.

One last note. According to Dallas Morning News reporter Jean-Jacques Taylor, fullback Robert Thomas, who is due a roster bonus in March, probably won't be around to collect it.

Taylor went on to suggest Thomas is a liability because he no longer is a dominant lead blocker, and he doesn't make plays as either a receiver or a runner. He also was a disappointment on special teams last season.

As the team uses more formations with one back or two tight ends, the fullback's role continues to shrink.

Detroit Lions

In a semi-related note, the Lions appear to be preparing to pick Michigan State wide receiver Charles Rogers with the second overall pick in April's draft. The likely departure of Crowell, the relative ineffectiveness of Bill Schroeder and the uncertainty surrounding the return of Az Hakim, aren't the only indications that Rogers' arrival is imminent.

The latest clue came Monday, when newly-hired head coach Steve Mariucci re-assigned Bobby Williams -- the man who recruited Rogers to Michigan State during his tenure as head coach of the Spartans -- from running backs coach to wide receivers coach.

Kansas City Chiefs

In fact, as Kansas City Star columnist Joe Posnanski noted Sunday, Peterson now claims the entire offseason hinges on Green, who with the above-mentioned bonus represents a 2003 cap hit of $10 million.

According to Posnanski, Peterson says there are only three options.

“Renegotiate: Peterson says he's willing to turn that $8 million roster bonus into an $8 million signing bonus, which would give Green the same amount of money but would significantly lighten the salary-cap hit. So far, Peterson says, Green's agent Jim Steiner is unwilling to do that.

“Pay The Roster Bonus: Peterson says the team could do that, although it would end any hope of getting big-name defensive help. ‘We do have enough cap room to do that,’ he says. ‘We could live with it. But it would pretty much limit us so we could not do much of anything else in free agency. That would be unfortunate.’

“Say Goodbye And Part Ways: ‘We haven't gotten to this decision by any means,' Peterson says. Still, he brings it up for the first time. He says there are [a] lot of other quarterbacks out there who would be thrilled to run this offense. A threat? Maybe. Everybody knows Peterson has reasons for what he says. Everybody knows Peterson plays hardball. And everybody knows Peterson has been through this with Steiner before. Steiner represented Elvis Grbac three years ago when Grbac went to Baltimore.

“’You know,’ Peterson says, ‘it could come down to a situation where we say “Look, if you feel you cannot help us and help this football team then maybe we just need to go in a different direction.’”

At this point Peterson's ominous statements appear to be nothing more than negotiating tactics. But it's certainly worth keeping an eye on the situation as it unfolds over the next 10 days.

New England Patriots

According to Hayes' agent, Rick Smith, the Pats will grant the wide receiver's request for an outright release.

"We've been talking over the last week, and what they came to us with was a pretty drastic pay reduction," Smith told Felger. "So we've asked them for Donald's release -- and they agreed."

The move will help the Pats' salary cap situation, as they will be able to erase $1.5 million from their books. Hayes (who was due a $350,000 roster bonus plus a $1.125 million salary in 2003) will still cost the Pats a "dead money" charge of $600,000.

With Hayes gone, the Pats now have only one wide receiver that stands over 5-foot-10: 2002 seventh-round pick David Givens (6-feet). The team figures to go back into the market or the draft for some size at receiver.

Hayes, who had 118 catches over his final two years in Carolina, finished 2002 with just 12 catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns. After saying that he had trouble grasping the Pats' offense in October, Hayes was inactive for three games and then managed just one catch over the final 10 weeks.

Hayes' problems picking up the offense were legitimate. Hayes established a reputation as a slow learner during his days at the University of Wisconsin and in Carolina, but in each case he became an effective player once he caught on. He won't get that chance in New England.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Stewart, 30, has been the Steelers' starting quarterback at various times since 1997, leading the team to two AFC Championship game appearances after the 1997 and 2001 seasons.

As a vested veteran, Stewart will not go through waivers and will become an unrestricted free agent as soon as he is released. He will be free to negotiate with any NFL team for whatever the market will bear.

Among possible suitors for Stewart are Baltimore, Chicago, Arizona and Carolina. He has said he will not go to a team that will not give him an opportunity to start.

By releasing him, the Steelers will be free of the $6.3 million in salary he was to make for the 2003 season. He will still count $1.62 million against their salary cap this year because of the annual prorated portion of a signing bonus he received in 1999.

San Diego Chargers

"They wanted to rework the deal, and we really didn't want to do it unless we were going to extend the contract at the same time," Uberstine said. "They didn't want to do that, so I think they're going to release him."

Conway, an 11-year NFL veteran who led Chargers wideouts in receptions, yards and touchdowns in each of the past two seasons, is to receive a $1 million roster bonus on March 1. The team can save that money -- and $3.2 million against the salary cap -- by releasing him before then.

Trotter went on to note that age and health are possible reasons the Chargers don't want to extend Conway's contract beyond this year. He turns 32 next month, and the Chargers aren't convinced he can hold up physically. Conway has started all 16 games in an NFL season only three times – twice with Chicago and once in his three seasons with the Chargers.

Last year, he was off to the best season of his career with 54 receptions for 794 yards and seven touchdowns (two rushing) through 10 games. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer was so pleased he said Conway arguably was the best wide receiver he had coached.

But the shoulder injury that wound up limiting the former USC star to one full game and three catches over the final six week of the 2002 season has obviously changed the coach's position along with Conway's future.

Washington Redskins

Not that the former Auburn standout will have any trouble finding work this year. There are increasing indications that Dallas wants to sign the two-time Pro Bowl rusher. New England, Tampa Bay and Carolina are other possible destinations.

That's it for this week. ... Check back next week when I begin my position-by-position breakdown of this year's top free agent prospects.

Bob Harris is Editor and Webmaster of the TFL Report and Senior Editor for Fantasy Sports Publications.

 

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