DMN: BLOG: Archer: Why today was a big day?

[Cbz40]

Why today was a big day?

4:31 PM Tue, May 20, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer


I mentioned in today's paper the Cowboys faced a deadline of sorts in getting these deals done with Newman and Barber because of upcoming salary-cap issues if the owners decided to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, which happened this morning.
Here's why it made a difference:


** The Cowboys can prorate the signing bonuses Newman and Barber received over six years instead of five had a contract not been worked out.


** The 30 percent rule, which states a player's cap number cannot increase by more than 30 percent each year. By doing it now, the 30 percent rule does not apply untiul 2011. Had they waited a day, then the rule would hit in 2009. I haven't seen the contracts yet, but it's a safe bet Newman and Barber will carry big numbers in 2010.


**There's also a not-likely-to-be-earned incentive change under the new rules, but I'm told these contracts do not feature such incentives.


I can't say I'm a cap wizard on this stuff by any stretch, but just because 2010 is scheduled to be an un-capped year, does not mean the NFL will turn unto a Wild West in which teams can spend whatever they want on whoever they want. There are rules in place that actually could limit how teams can add free agents.


Hopefully the NFL and the NFLPA can work something out - which they probably will - before a 2011 lockout because I'm certainly not a math person and have just given myself tired head.

 

[JohnL2288]

Props to Jerry for having the resources and knowledge to take advantage of this

 

[AbeBeta]

Props to Jerry for having the resources and knowledge to take advantage of this

I'm more for giving props to Jerry for putting us in a position where we have players that we want to sign long term.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I dread the 2011 season.......lockout......pls say no

 

[big dog cowboy]

I dread the 2011 season.......lockout......pls say no

That's a long way off CC.

Something will get worked out by then to keep labor peace.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Props to Jerry for having the resources and knowledge to take advantage of this

credit goes to his son too, moreso IMO, he's the cap and contract wizard

 

[theebs]

Props to Jerry for having the resources and knowledge to take advantage of this

Jerry Jones doesnt handle this.

Stephen Jones is the man to be given credit or blame on contracts and dealing with negotiations.

So thanks stephen. I love the newman and barber deal.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Great moves by Jerry... These two players are leaders on the field!

 

[AdamJT13]

The Cowboys can prorate the signing bonuses Newman and Barber received over six years instead of five had a contract not been worked out.

This part is not true. Any contracts signed this season can have the signing bonuses prorated over six seasons.

It's the roster bonuses or option bonuses paid NEXT year (or later) that could be prorated over only five seasons if they signed after today.

 

[Hostile]

I'm more for giving props to Jerry for putting us in a position where we have players that we want to sign long term.

A lot of truth in that. No one is demanding a trade or begging to be released.

 

[Biggems]

just wish we could turn over a few more cushions on Jerry's sofa and find some more spare change to lock up Hamlin, Canty, and Ware.....

then we would be in superb shape.

 

[Clove]

just wish we could turn over a few more cushions on Jerry's sofa and find some more spare change to lock up Hamlin, Canty, and Ware.....

then we would be in superb shape.

I wish Jerry would let me raid his sofa, i'm sure I could pull a 10 or 20 thou from that.

 

[FCBarca]

Thanks...Well, that answers my earlier question about what impact opting out of the CBA had on the contracts signed...Great to hear

 

[AbeBeta]

This part is not true. Any contracts signed this season can have the signing bonuses prorated over six seasons.

It's the roster bonuses or option bonuses paid NEXT year (or later) that could be prorated over only five seasons if they signed after today.

So if I'm reading this right, all that tells us about the other deals that are pressing -- Canty and Hamlin -- is that we likely weren't thinking more than 5 years for either of them. That's likely smart for both sides. Both Canty and Hamlin would end 5 year deals at 30-31. That would be a positive for both as they would still attract interest for a deal at that point (or would have been extended by Dallas again). These guys wouldn't want longer deals as they would potentially kill their next shot at FA.

 

[AdamJT13]

So if I'm reading this right, all that tells us about the other deals that are pressing -- Canty and Hamlin -- is that we likely weren't thinking more than 5 years for either of them.

They still could sign six-year deals, with the signing bonus spread over six years. If they have an option bonus due in 2009, it would be prorated over the final five seasons instead of six.

The other thing teams will have to consider for contracts signed now (after the opt-out) that Archer didn't mention is the Deion Rule, which prevents teams from giving huge signing bonuses and tiny base salaries in the first three years. It's a complicated rule to explain, but the effect is smaller signing bonuses and larger salaries (which could include nonprorated bonuses such as roster and reporting bonuses).