2011 Salary-Cap information for the Falcons

[theProf]

The recent CBA agreement established a maximum salary cap of $120m per team during the 2011 season for its final 53-man roster. Just read where Atlanta is already $1 Million over the cap limit. The following table shows the expected 2011 salary cap of each of 41 individual Falcon players, who had unexpired existing contracts prior to the draft and free agency. The following table EXCLUDES Falcons players who are Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) and Restricted Free Agents (RFA) at the beginning of 2011, and also the recently signed Rookies. Therefore, the following table is just a starting point for analysis.

The expected player salary cap for 2011 would represent a player's base salary + pro-rated signing bonus + likely to be earned incentive bonus during the season. BTW I don't claim to be a salary-cap expert, as this can be a highly complicated and complex calculation

Player Position 2011 Salary Cap #

Matt Ryan QB $12,750,000

John Abraham DE $10,508,000

Tony Gonzalez TE $8,050,000

Dunta Robinson CB $6,500,000

Michael Turner RB $7,500,000

Roddy White WR $6,525,000

Jamaal Anderson DE $5,002,750

Jonathan Babineaux DT $5,096,000

Michael Jenkins WR $4,100,000

Ovie Mughelli RB $3,833,333

Chauncey Davis DE $3,750,000

Chris Redman QB $2,550,000

Todd McClure C $1,900,000

Justin Peelle TE $1,635,000

Sam Baker T $1,012,500

Joe Zelenka LS $865,000

Coy Wire LB $765,000

Peria Jerry DT $695,000

Trey Lewis DT $640,000

Curtis Lofton LB $1,012,000

Harry Douglas WR $732,500

Kroy Biermann DE $598,750

Thomas DeCoud S $700,000

William Moore S $755,000

Christopher Owens CB $652,000

Lawrence Sidbury DE $590,250

Garrett Reynolds T $525,150

Spencer Adkins LB $509,762

Gartrell Johnson RB $480,000

Sean Weatherspoon LB $4,305,000

Corey Peters DT $596,750

Mike Johnson G $565,500

Joe Hawley G $525,000

Dominique Franks CB $457,762

Kerry Meier WR $444,250

Shann Schillinger S $436,250

Antoine Smith RB $405,000

Rafael Bush S $405,000

Michael Palmer TE $405,000

Robert Agnone TE $330,000

Kenneth Parrish P $330,000

Total $99,438,507

http://www.sportscity.com/NFL/Atlanta-Falcons-Salaries

A couple of observations from the above table:

(1) As we all know Jenkins and Anderson were cut at the beginning of FA, so their salary caps no longer apply. However, you can't simply subtract their indicated salary caps totaling $9.1m to determine the actual cap savings, due to their dead-money resulting from the remaining unamortized pro-rated signing bonuses. I read where their actual cap savings to the Falcons was $7.8m for 2011. Thus the difference of $1.3m must be the "dead-money" associated with their contracts. (I did take the liberty of changing Anderson's position to DE in the above table, although the linked info had him as a RB in error, as well as a couple other position errors).

(2) 2011 is the last year of John Abraham's existing contract. Abraham has a back-loaded contract, where the salary cap hit is much greater during the latter years of the contract than the early years. His "base" salary was only $2m per year in the first two years of his contract, whereas his base salary this year is $8m.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/john-abraham/

(3) 2011 is also the last year of Tony Gonzales's existing contract. His was also back-loaded with base salaries of $1m per year for the first two years of his existing contract, signed while he was with KC, and $5.8m for his 2011 base salary. Evidently Atlanta just took-over TG's base salaries when he was traded to us in 2009.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/tony-gonzalez/

(4) Sean Weatherspoon's base salary is only $405,000 for 2011, but his indicated cap hit for 2011 is $4.3m, which is significantly more than just his base salary + prorated signing bonus. I think the reason his cap hit is so high in 2011 is due to a $3.5m incentive bonus clause in his contract. Perhaps a good bit of that incentive bonus is expected to be earned by him in 2011. I don't think Spoon's cap hit in the remaining years of his existing contract will be this high though.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/sean-weatherspoon/

(5) TE Robert Agnone was recently released due to medical reasons.

(6) DT Vance Walker and QB John Parker Wilson were not included in the above list for some unknown reason. Both were scheduled to make a base salary of $480,000 each in 2011. Back-up OT Will Svitek was also not included in the above table. I can’t find any data on Svitek’s salary, but since he is a 6 year vet, I will estimate his 2011 cap hit at $1m.

(7) It is my opinion that Chauncey Davis might be vulnerable to being cut before the final 53-man roster, primarily due to his indicated high cap hit of $3.8m for 2011.

(8) I also think veteran long-snapper Joe Zelinka and his indicated salary cap of $865,000 might be also be vulnerable to being cut also, especially if the recently signed undrafted rookie free agent LS is any good.

The following is a list of Atlanta's signed unrestricted free agents and restricted free agents and their current status.

Coming

DE Ray Edwards, Vikings (Story) (signed on 7/29; 5 yrs./$30 million = $6m average per year)

Staying

OG Justin Blalock (Source: AJC, 6 yrs./$38 million = $6.33m average per year)

WR Eric Weems (Source: Knox Bardeen, CBS Sports; 1 yr.)

OT Tyson Clabo (Story) (re-signed on 7/28; 5 yrs./$25 million = $5m average per year)

K Matt Bryant (Story) (re-signed on 7/28; 4 yrs.)

LB Mike Peterson (Story) (re-signed on 7/28; 1 yr.)

LB Stephen Nicholas (Story) (re-signed on 7/27; 5 yrs./$17.5 million = $3.5m average per year)

Going

OG Harvey Dahl (UFA) (signed with Rams on 7/29)

WR Michael Jenkins (cut) (Story) (signed by Vikings on 7/30)

DE Jamaal Anderson (cut) (Story) (signed by Colts on 8/1)

P Michael Koenen (UFA) (Story) (signed with Buccaneers on 7/29)

RB Jerious Norwood (UFA) (Source: AJC.com)

http://falcfans.com/

Some observations on the FA table as follows:

(1) I took the liberty of calculating and adding an average per year to the above table amounts when the total contract value and term was known. However, this average per year will not necessarily be the FA's actual salary-cap per year due to back-loading and sometimes even front-loading the base salaries within the new contracts. At best, the average per year is just a preliminary guess as to the yearly cap hit. Also some of the new Atlanta FA contract amounts and terms are unknown at this point (Matt Bryant and Mike Peterson). As a point of reference, Bryant's "base" salary in 2010 was $1.1m and Peterson's was $1.9m.

(2) RFA Eric Weems signed a second a second-round tender for the 2011 season. I think I recall reading where a second-round tender is about $2m under the new CBA agreement, and a first-round tender is about $2.8m.

(3) RFA Brent Grimes is not included in the FA table. I believe he signed his first-round tender offer worth about $2.8m for 2011.

(4) I believe that the Falcons are still interested in possibly resigning UFA Jason Snelling, whose base salary in 2010 was $1.7m. But as of today, Atlanta has no available cap room to sign him as they are already over the maximum cap.

As to the rookie cap hits, I recall a Pat Yasinskas article written after the new CBA that Atlanta’s 2011 rookie cap was just slightly over $5m. I only have contract information on the first three drafted rookies in 2011 as follows:

(1) Julio Jones $16.2m for 4 years = average $4.05m per year

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/julio-jones/

(2) Akeem Dent $2.8m for 4 years = average $0.7m per year

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/akeem-dent/

(3) Quizz Rodgers $2.2m for 4 years = average $0.55m per year

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/jacquizz-rodgers/

(4) I don’t have data on rookie P Matt Bosher, a sixth round selection. I believe he will make the final roster and take over Koenen’s duties. Bosher’s salary would have to be lower than fifth rounder Quizz Rodgers. Therefore, I estimate his salary at $2m total or an average of $0.5m per year.

(5) As with the average salary cap for Free Agents, the average yearly salaries for Rookies will probably not match the actual salary-cap numbers due to back-end loading of the base salaries. Thus, the average yearly salary is just a very rough approximation for the actual salary-cap for these players.

[silentbob1272]

Wow. Great post, research and information. I was thrown by Spoon's hit, I'm glad you explained it. You hate to say it, but I doubt age will allow Gonzalez to really make that 8 million dollar hit worthwhile. It makes more sense now why we were not more active in Free Agency. I am pretty happy with the off season (post f'ing CBA BS) with the possible exception of Blaylock, I know he was the best option available and he seemed to turn the corner last season, but still a large hit. That said he is young and hopefully he will continue to play up to last year's level and beyond.

I love the new rookie wage scale, I'm a huge fan of Julio, but 4 million per year is more than fair for your first 4 years, Live up to that "sky's the limit potential" and then they should be able to cash in, but not before they see a play on a NFL field.

[chris30277]

good post. I think Davis and the LS are prolly next in line to be cut. I can also see Redman getting cut at the end of the preseason (depending on JPW's play).

[silentbob1272]

good post. I think Davis and the LS are prolly next in line to be cut. I can also see Redman getting cut at the end of the preseason (depending on JPW's play).

I think you are right about Davis and possibly Redman as you said, depending upon JPW, but I doubt Sidbury. He has shown nothing so far, but being the last year of Abe's contract I would think they will give him this season to show signs and by NFL standards 600K is not enough of a cap hit to cut a still viable (hopefully) prospect.

[chris30277]

I think you are right about Davis and possibly Redman as you said, depending upon JPW, but I doubt Sidbury. He has shown nothing so far, but being the last year of Abe's contract I would think they will give him this season to show signs and by NFL standards 600K is not enough of a cap hit to cut a still viable (hopefully) prospect.

I'm sorry I meant the Long Snapper. We have what the I and the OP assume to be a lot of money tied up there. We brought in an UDFA, if we are impressed we need to go with him.

[Falcons Win]

Good thing is, we still have 20 million to spend, other good thing is, once that floor goes in, we'll literally be forced to spend more than our cap is right now.

It makes me wonder why we didn't go for a Zach Miller or something, but then again, maybe he just didn't want to come to the bEast Coast.

[chris30277]

Good thing is, we still have 20 million to spend, other good thing is, once that floor goes in, we'll literally be forced to spend more than our cap is right now.

It makes me wonder why we didn't go for a Zach Miller or something, but then again, maybe he just didn't want to come to the bEast Coast.

I wouldn't mind going after Kevin Boss. I feel like he is a great blocker and could take on a roll as a great 2nd TE or H-back in our system.

[blizzard_falcon]

Good thing is, we still have 20 million to spend, other good thing is, once that floor goes in, we'll literally be forced to spend more than our cap is right now.

It makes me wonder why we didn't go for a Zach Miller or something, but then again, maybe he just didn't want to come to the bEast Coast.

That $100 million doesn't include Ray Edwards, Justin Blalock, Eric Weems, Tyson Clabo, Matt Bryant, Mike Peterson or Stephen Nicholas. Adam Schefter believes we are actually $1 million OVER the cap at the moment, so it makes sense to me now why we haven't been a little more aggressive in free agency.

That said, we need to freaking cut Chauncey Davis right now and look at bringing in some depth at cornerback and safety. Abraham, Edwards, Biermann, Sidbury and Matthews should be just fine as a DE rotation.

[nuccah]

Good thing is, we still have 20 million to spend, other good thing is, once that floor goes in, we'll literally be forced to spend more than our cap is right now.

It makes me wonder why we didn't go for a Zach Miller or something, but then again, maybe he just didn't want to come to the bEast Coast.

I wouldn't mind going after Kevin Boss. I feel like he is a great blocker and could take on a roll as a great 2nd TE or H-back in our system.

That 99m number didn't include the Rookies, Edwards, Clabo, Weems, Grimes, Nicholas, Peterson, or Bryant

[Falcons Win]

That 99m number didn't include the Rookies, Edwards, Clabo, Weems, Grimes, Nicholas, Peterson, or Bryant

Ohhhhh, my bad, then we really are up against it. Maybe it's time to give JA55 a couple more years, cut Chauncey, and have TG put his name on the line for 2 more years.

[theProf]

Wow. Great post, research and information. I was thrown by Spoon's hit, I'm glad you explained it. You hate to say it, but I doubt age will allow Gonzalez to really make that 8 million dollar hit worthwhile. It makes more sense now why we were not more active in Free Agency. I am pretty happy with the off season (post f'ing CBA BS) with the possible exception of Blaylock, I know he was the best option available and he seemed to turn the corner last season, but still a large hit. That said he is young and hopefully he will continue to play up to last year's level and beyond.

I love the new rookie wage scale, I'm a huge fan of Julio, but 4 million per year is more than fair for your first 4 years, Live up to that "sky's the limit potential" and then they should be able to cash in, but not before they see a play on a NFL field.

Thanks for your comments. It did take some time and effort to make this particular topic post. Good to know that one's efforts are appreciated.

[theProf]

good post. I think Davis and the LS are prolly next in line to be cut. I can also see Redman getting cut at the end of the preseason (depending on JPW's play).

Redman's $2,550,000 is rather cheap for a back-up QB in the NFL. I think any NFL team needs a very good starting QB, and two quality back-ups, with at least one of the back-up QBs having actual NFL game experience. So even if JPW significantly improves this season, I think Atlanta still needs an experienced back-up QB like Redman.

[theProf]

(6) DT Vance Walker and QB John Parker Wilson were not included in the above list for some unknown reason. Both were scheduled to make a base salary of $480,000 each in 2011. Back-up OTs Will Svitek and Garrett Reynolds were also not included in the above table. Reynolds’ indicated base salary for 2011 is $480,000. However, I can’t find any data on Svitek’s salary, but since he is a 6 year vet, I will estimate his 2011 cap hit at $1m.

Just found out that Walker and Wilson were EFAs (Exclusive-rights free agents), players whose contracts expired with less than 3 years experience. Per Jay Adams:

"By: Jay Adams | July 30th, 2011

Defensive tackle Vance Walker, wide receiver Eric Weems, and quarterback John Parker Wilson all signed their one-year tenders."

I think Eric Weems was a RFA (restricted free agent), but not an EFA.

[freebird310]

Best breakdown of our cap I have ever seen .......

[blizzard_falcon]

Best breakdown of our cap I have ever seen .......

Yeah, this was awesome. Thanks, Prof!

[HASHBROWN3]

Very impressive post Prof! I appreciate your effort in sharing this with all the board members... It goes a long way in helping all of us understand the dynamics in place behind the scenes.

[Ohio Dirty Bird]

CUT Christopher Owens CB $652,000

[kschreck]

Redman's $2,550,000 is rather cheap for a back-up QB in the NFL. I think any NFL team needs a very good starting QB, and two quality back-ups, with at least one of the back-up QBs having actual NFL game experience. So even if JPW significantly improves this season, I think Atlanta still needs an experienced back-up QB like Redman.

If we were a team that weren't in a win now mentality I could understand making the move to cut Redman. But at this point in the teams development, I would think that we'll keep a reasonably priced vet that could step in for a couple of games and have a shot at winning. That said, it's the NFL so who knows.

[kschreck]

CUT Christopher Owens CB $652,000

I'm going to go with, don't cut Christopher Owens!

[blkbigdog35]

Thanks for the info the prof!!!

[theProf]

Thanks for the info the prof!!!

freebird310

Posted Today, 10:30 AM

Best breakdown of our cap I have ever seen .......

virginiafalcon

Posted Today, 10:42 AM

Yeah, this was awesome. Thanks, Prof!

HASHBROWN3

Posted Today, 10:54 AM

Very impressive post Prof! I appreciate your effort in sharing this with all the board members... It goes a long way in helping all of us understand the dynamics in place behind the scenes.

Thanks for all the kind comments. Very much appreciated!

[theProf]

Back-up OT Will Svitek was also not included in the above table. I can’t find any data on Svitek’s salary, but since he is a 6 year vet, I will estimate his 2011 cap hit at $1m.

Just found out why Svitek was not included in the first table. He was an UFA, but resigned by the Falcons in March 2011. Therefore, he should have been included in the FA table.

Falcons Sign Svitek, Parrish

By: Jay Adams | March 3rd, 2011

The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have signed offensive tackle Will Svitek and P Ken Parrish. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Svitek, 6-foot-6, 308 pounds, saw action in every game in 2010 as a reserve offensive lineman. He was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round (187th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft and signed as a free agent by the Falcons on Feb. 12, 2009. In two seasons in Atlanta, Svitek has appeared in 29 games making two starts at left tackle.

[Peyton]

PFT just published salary cap info for all teams, right now the Falcons are $811,000 under the cap.

[Peyton]

The Raiders have to clear almost 16 mil in cap space by tomorrow.

How did they get in such crappy cap position with such a terrible team? I don't get it.

[kschreck]

The Raiders have to clear almost 16 mil in cap space by tomorrow.

How did they get in such crappy cap position with such a terrible team? I don't get it.

That is a lot of wasted money right there.