We all know that the Bengals placed the "transition" tag on Spikes. That tag amounts to $4.846 million on the Bengals cap. It's highly unlikely that Spikes will sign the 1 yr tender and willingly play another season with the Bengals. He will only end up playing for them in the future if the Bengals match the provisions of an offer sheet. Thus, it's imperative that the offer sheet be constructed in such a way that makes it difficult for the Bengals to match. I've seen reference that the Bengals are not willing to exceed a contract average approx. $1 million more than the tender. That would put a 6 yr deal at just over $35 million. Upfront money and 2003 & 2004 cap years will determine whether Spikes remains a Bengal or end up elsewhere. NOTE: It's always possible that the Bengals tagged him in order to seek a trade.
What will it take? I offer the hypothetical deal. Is Tom Donahoe (and Ralph Wilson) willing to do this? clumpTD
Remember: It will take more than you expect to pry him away from them and the LB market will be expensive with the recent extension signed last year by Ravens' Ray Lewis(7rs-$50 w/ $19 million signing bonus) and the fact that Falcons' Keith Brooking is UFA and may be franchised.
It will obviously take a long term deal. However, I wouldn't consider any longer than 5. Why? Don't want to amortize the signing bonus over too many years, it lowers the cap number. I would also front load the contract, thus increasing the cap number early on in order to make it more difficult for the Bengals to match. They have a number of high draft picks that have contracts with bonus clauses that usually end up adding more to the cap than expected, especially DE Justin Smith.
NOTE: Per the Will Wolford rule, escalator clauses are not allowed.
My proposal:
Two-tiered signing bonus of $12.5 million plus $4 million roster bonus in 2004. signing bonus paid $10 milliion in 2003 & $2.5 million in 2004 in the form of an option payment. I will highlight the cap hits shortly. I would also include a high salary in both 2003 & 2004. Add another $2 milllion roster bonus in 2006.
Year: salary + roster bonus+ amortized bonus + amortized option payment=cap hit
2003: $5 million + $0 + $2 million + $0 = $7 million
2004: $4 million + $4 million + $2 million + $625,000 = $10.625 million
2005: $3.5 million + $0 + $2 million + $625,000 = $6.125 million
2006: $3.5 million + $2 million + $2 million + $625,000 + $8.125 million
2007: $3 million + $0 + $2 million + $625,000 = $5.625 million
Total: 5yrs-$37.5 million ($7.5 million/season)
The roster bonus in 2004 could be restructured into a signing bonus and that would save $3 million in cap space in 2004 but add $1 million to each 2005-2007. Would he be "willing" if Cincy matched the offer sheet? He likely would with new team!
NOTE: It will not be cheap
What will it take? I offer the hypothetical deal. Is Tom Donahoe (and Ralph Wilson) willing to do this? clumpTD
Remember: It will take more than you expect to pry him away from them and the LB market will be expensive with the recent extension signed last year by Ravens' Ray Lewis(7rs-$50 w/ $19 million signing bonus) and the fact that Falcons' Keith Brooking is UFA and may be franchised.
It will obviously take a long term deal. However, I wouldn't consider any longer than 5. Why? Don't want to amortize the signing bonus over too many years, it lowers the cap number. I would also front load the contract, thus increasing the cap number early on in order to make it more difficult for the Bengals to match. They have a number of high draft picks that have contracts with bonus clauses that usually end up adding more to the cap than expected, especially DE Justin Smith.
NOTE: Per the Will Wolford rule, escalator clauses are not allowed.
My proposal:
Two-tiered signing bonus of $12.5 million plus $4 million roster bonus in 2004. signing bonus paid $10 milliion in 2003 & $2.5 million in 2004 in the form of an option payment. I will highlight the cap hits shortly. I would also include a high salary in both 2003 & 2004. Add another $2 milllion roster bonus in 2006.
Year: salary + roster bonus+ amortized bonus + amortized option payment=cap hit
2003: $5 million + $0 + $2 million + $0 = $7 million
2004: $4 million + $4 million + $2 million + $625,000 = $10.625 million
2005: $3.5 million + $0 + $2 million + $625,000 = $6.125 million
2006: $3.5 million + $2 million + $2 million + $625,000 + $8.125 million
2007: $3 million + $0 + $2 million + $625,000 = $5.625 million
Total: 5yrs-$37.5 million ($7.5 million/season)
The roster bonus in 2004 could be restructured into a signing bonus and that would save $3 million in cap space in 2004 but add $1 million to each 2005-2007. Would he be "willing" if Cincy matched the offer sheet? He likely would with new team!
NOTE: It will not be cheap
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