How can thte Pats afford all of these players what was there cap #

[BILLSROCK1212]

The Pats are signing all of these pretty good players.....why can't we sign more players like them?

[SquishDaFish]

Winning is not done by buying all the best talent. I like the way LEvy and the Bills are building our team. Its going to take more then 1 year. I look at it by phases this year is phase 2. By phase 3 we will see a major improvent from the TD era. Hes weeding out the players that cant or wont play in thier stlye and their form of player. This year is work mainly on the OL in FA obviously. Prob mainly D in the draft.

Not to mention next year we dont have any major FA of of our own to worry about.

[Michael82]

The Pats are closer to the Super Bowl. They only needed a few key guys so they can afford to spend a lot of money on those key guys. The question is whether or not this offseason will **** up the team unity and strength that the Pats have always had. Usually they build from the draft and don't spend much in FA. This year they are totally changing things around a bit.

[Jersey1031]

My Bills Digest Magazine said before FA they had around $30 mil of disposable cap...

[raphael120]

The Pats don't need to throw mad money at FA's to bring them in to play for their organization, the Bills to a degree do, because they arent really looked at as "contenders". think about it...you wouldnt work for a small organization for the same money if you had an offer at a huge organization for same money but more opportunity to succeed and advance your career...it's business

[DMBcrew36]

Winning is not done by buying all the best talent. I like the way LEvy and the Bills are building our team. Its going to take more then 1 year. I look at it by phases this year is phase 2. By phase 3 we will see a major improvent from the TD era. Hes weeding out the players that cant or wont play in thier stlye and their form of player. This year is work mainly on the OL in FA obviously. Prob mainly D in the draft.

Not to mention next year we dont have any major FA of of our own to worry about.

Right on. Levy is building this team bit by bit. As long as he continues to have great drafts, we should see progress.

[don137]

The Patriot and Redskins charge twice the ticket price the Bills do and generate a lot more revenue than the Bills. They are not in the same financial crunch as the Bills. If Ralph generated that much revenue then he could spend a lot more instead of going cash to cap. I think I read somewhere that the Bills are 18 million under the cap. With that kind of money they could still sign Harper, June and still plenty of money left for other free agents and the draft. Imagine how good this team would be if we had those guys plus all those draft positions.

[infiltrateib]

The Pats are hitting the part of a dynasty where they have expiring contracts and an upswing in what they need to pay their guys to keep them around. When they first hit their stride, they had many what most people had labeled as "stopgap" players. They got away with not paying those guys big-name contracts. But now, people are willing to buy that Patriot name, and other teams have bumped up the offers.

That's why last season and next season you will see a bit of an exodus: Branch, Graham, Ty Warren, Dillon, McGinest, Ted Johnson, etc.

They shelled out serious cash to Brady, but have balked on most others. This has opened up quite a bit of cap room.

They struggled a little bit with Chad Jackson's underwhelming performance and the lack of a strong #1WR presence (and poor linebacking play). They want to fix that immediately, because it risks shots to Brady's, and the team's, confidence. This last playoff loss was definitely a blow to BB's ego. It was the Patriot equivalent of Vietnam.

In a way, losing the Championship game is worse than not making the playoffs. At least in terms of the team's future. There is no reward after that game, unlike when you go 8-8 and can start rattling off the players you have a chance of drafting.

So, I think they approached this offseason with the intention of "righting" the ship (or at least re-directing it). There may be a bit of a feeling within the Patriots camp that the team had been cheaping out on paying its players and had let a lot of top-tier talent go. This offseason sends a message that they are serious about building the talent level up and not just relying on BB's systems and Brady's arm.

The Stallworth contract is a stopgap to give Brady a deep threat. They don't intend on keeping him, but they had to do what was in their power to reward their franchise player. They TRIED to do that by drafting Chad Jackson--a strategy NOT often employed by BB--and came up short.

The Thomas signing just made too much sense. His versatility is a paramount quality and he fits the system. They paid what they had to because it was like trying to replace your 1955 Ford steering wheel and walking from a deal because the guy wants $50 more than you were initially willing to pay.

Welker is somewhere between the two: he's versatile enough to supplement their system well, he's a good WR, a team-player, and he'll improve the return game. Further, nabbing him weakens us (the Dolphins). They overpaid, but they again accomplished the mission.



All this said, I think the situation plays out thusly: Stallworth puts them in a bad position because if he's unsuccessful, that just sucks, and if he's successful, they (for contract reasons) have to let him go next year anyway. Low risk, but also little reward. Thomas will play well, I think. He will be a very successful signing. Welker will play as he always have--he was never a system player--and will still be a little overpaid and they will have given up too much for him.

[Ickybaluky]

The Patriot and Redskins charge twice the ticket price the Bills do and generate a lot more revenue than the Bills. They are not in the same financial crunch as the Bills. If Ralph generated that much revenue then he could spend a lot more instead of going cash to cap.

How much debt does Ralph have? Bob Kraft built his own stadium and carries a boatload of debt because if it. People never take that side of the equation into account when talking about revenue.

Also, Kraft has turned his stadium into a year-round facility. The soccer team plays there. There are concerts, corporate events and other special activities to generate income. He is building a hotel and mall on adjacent property. He built his own TV studio on the premisis to develop additional media streams. He has sold naming rights to the stadium and practice facilities.

One has to wonder how hard Ralph has pursued additional revenue streams, and how come he always cries poor about revenue but never mentions he doesn't pay a dime in interest on his stadium or for maintenance.

It's funny, Green Bay is an even smaller market than Buffalo, but they aggressively market the team. They invested in a huge renovation of Lambeau field, building a mall/Packer HOF complex that generates extra income for them. They turn a profit every year, and you don't hear then crying poor.

The only people complaining are the Ralph Wilson's and Paul Brown's of the world. Neither paid a dime for the stadiums, and neither wants to invest anything beyond salaries. They just collect their money from the league and cry poor.

[Ultra Chimp 1]

How much debt does Ralph have? Bob Kraft built his own stadium and carries a boatload of debt because if it. People never take that side of the equation into account when talking about revenue.

Also, Kraft has turned his stadium into a year-round facility. The soccer team plays there. There are concerts, corporate events and other special activities to generate income. He is building a hotel and mall on adjacent property. He built his own TV studio on the premisis to develop additional media streams. He has sold naming rights to the stadium and practice facilities.

One has to wonder how hard Ralph has pursued additional revenue streams, and how come he always cries poor about revenue but never mentions he doesn't pay a dime in interest on his stadium or for maintenance.

It's funny, Green Bay is an even smaller market than Buffalo, but they aggressively market the team. They invested in a huge renovation of Lambeau field, building a mall/Packer HOF complex that generates extra income for them. They turn a profit every year, and you don't hear then crying poor.

The only people complaining are the Ralph Wilson's and Paul Brown's of the world. Neither paid a dime for the stadiums, and neither wants to invest anything beyond salaries. They just collect their money from the league and cry poor.

Ralph is about Ralph's pocketbook.

The Pack, on the other hand, are actually about winning, a devotion to their community and not making loads of cash for a select few (The Wilsons).

The Packers are currently the only non-profit, community owned major league professional sports team in the United States. Currently, a total of 4,750,925 shares are owned by 111,967 stockholders — none of whom receive any dividend.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bay_Packers

[YardRat]

And they'll remain the only one in the NFL at least, as current rules prohibit public ownership. The Packers are grandfathered in.

[don137]

How much debt does Ralph have? Bob Kraft built his own stadium and carries a boatload of debt because if it. People never take that side of the equation into account when talking about revenue.

Also, Kraft has turned his stadium into a year-round facility. The soccer team plays there. There are concerts, corporate events and other special activities to generate income. He is building a hotel and mall on adjacent property. He built his own TV studio on the premisis to develop additional media streams. He has sold naming rights to the stadium and practice facilities.

One has to wonder how hard Ralph has pursued additional revenue streams, and how come he always cries poor about revenue but never mentions he doesn't pay a dime in interest on his stadium or for maintenance.

It's funny, Green Bay is an even smaller market than Buffalo, but they aggressively market the team. They invested in a huge renovation of Lambeau field, building a mall/Packer HOF complex that generates extra income for them. They turn a profit every year, and you don't hear then crying poor.

The only people complaining are the Ralph Wilson's and Paul Brown's of the world. Neither paid a dime for the stadiums, and neither wants to invest anything beyond salaries. They just collect their money from the league and cry poor.
I am not disputing you at all. Ralph has done very little to generate extra revenue while NE maximized there opportunity. Ticket revenue is just one measure. It does help that they can also charge twice the ticket prices than Buffalo. Its just what the market bears. People are wondering how NE can sign all these guys and I am just saying if Buffalo had there revenue they would be much better off too. It is what it is.

[Ickybaluky]

I am not disputing you at all. Ralph has done very little to generate extra revenue while NE maximized there opportunity. Ticket revenue is just one measure. It does help that they can also charge twice the ticket prices than Buffalo. Its just what the market bears. People are wondering how NE can sign all these guys and I am just saying if Buffalo had there revenue they would be much better off too. It is what it is.

But the point is, how much of that ticket money goes toward paying for the stadium?

Kraft invested about $400M of his own money (or borrowed that much) toward building the stadium. He got $150 from the G3 program in the form of low-interest loans, and another $85M in infrastructure improvements from the state which he has to repay over 20 years. Additionally, since he owns the stadium he has to pay maintenance costs. Those costs have to be paid, so it costs more to go.

How much does Ralph Wilson pay for the stadium or it's maintenance? He pays nothing, since the state provides both at no cost. If he were willing to invest a little, perhaps he could mine a little more out of it. I realilze Western NY lacks the corporate base of some larger areas, but you can't tell me he couldn't do more. Instead, he chooses to sit back and complain about not getting large enough handouts from the NFL or from the state.

Wilson and Paul Brown are two peas in a pod. Neither guy pays a dime for their stadium, and both complain they don't get enough.

[Ickybaluky]

The Pats are signing all of these pretty good players.....why can't we sign more players like them?

Perhaps things aren't as they appear.

Bills:<table width='50%'>
<tr><th>Player</th><th>Contract</th><th>Guaranteed</th></tr>
<tr><td>Kelsay</td><td>5 Yrs/$23M</td><td>$14M</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dockery</td><td>7 Yrs/$49M</td><td>$18.5M</td></tr>
<tr><td>Walker</td><td>5 Yrs/$25M</td><td>$10M</td></tr>
</table>
The Bills have handed out about $97M in new contracts with $42.5M guaranteed.

Patriots:<table width='50%'>
<tr><th>Player</th><th>Contract</th><th>Guaranteed</th></tr>
<tr><td>Samuel</td><td>1 Yr/$7.79M</td><td>$7.79M</td></tr>
<tr><td>Thomas</td><td>5 Yrs/$35M</td><td>$20M</td></tr>
<tr><td>K. Brady</td><td>2 Yrs/$5.3M</td><td>$2M</td></tr>
<tr><td>Morris</td><td>4 Yrs/$7M</td><td>$1.5M</td></tr>
<tr><td>Welker</td><td>5 Yrs/$18M</td><td>$9M</td></tr>
<tr><td>Stallworth</td><td>1 Yr/$3.6M</td><td>$1M</td></tr>
</table>
The Patriots have handed out about $76.69M in new contracts with $41.29M guaranteed.

[don137]

Buffalo is kind of caught in a catch 22. Since players know management is tight financially and spend cash to cap it hurts the marketability of the team in landing free agents so they have to overspend to sign a quality player but as a result they won't be able to fill out most of the holes. If a player has to decide between going to NE or to Buffalo, New England would be more attractive because they are a lot closer to a championship so Buffalo has to maybe spend more to land the player but it hurts them fielding a overall better team.

[clumping platelets]

Perhaps things aren't as they appear.

Bills:<TABLE width="50%">
<TBODY><TR><TH>Player</TH><TH>Contract</TH><TH>Guaranteed</TH></TR>
<TR><TD>Kelsay</TD><TD>5 Yrs/$23M</TD><TD>$14M</TD></TR>
<TR><TD>Dockery</TD><TD>7 Yrs/$49M</TD><TD>$18.5M</TD></TR>
<TR><TD>Walker</TD><TD>5 Yrs/$25M</TD><TD>$10M</TD></TR>


</TABLE>
The Bills have handed out about $97M in new contracts with $42.5M guaranteed.

Patriots:<TABLE width="50%">
<TBODY><TR><TH>Player</TH><TH>Contract</TH><TH>Guaranteed</TH></TR>
<TR><TD>Samuel</TD><TD>1 Yr/$7.79M</TD><TD>$7.79M</TD></TR>
<TR><TD>Thomas</TD><TD>5 Yrs/$35M</TD><TD>$20M</TD></TR>
<TR><TD>K. Brady</TD><TD>2 Yrs/$5.3M</TD><TD>$2M</TD></TR>
<TR><TD>Morris</TD><TD>4 Yrs/$7M</TD><TD>$1.5M</TD></TR>
<TR><TD>Welker</TD><TD>5 Yrs/$18M</TD><TD>$9M</TD></TR>
<TR><TD>Stallworth</TD><TD>1 Yr/$3.6M</TD><TD>$1M</TD></TR>


</TABLE>
The Patriots have handed out about $76.69M in new contracts with $41.29M guaranteed.


Not all that guaranteed money is paid in 2006.............you really should list the Stallworth deal correctly

[Ickybaluky]

Not all that guaranteed money is paid in 2006.............you really should list the Stallworth deal correctly

What is incorrect?

[clumping platelets]

What is incorrect?


Not all of the guaranteed money listed for the Bills players is to be paid in 2007

Why don't you list Stallworth's deal as the 6 yr deal being reported?

Why do you not include all players re-signed?

[Ickybaluky]

Not all of the guaranteed money listed for the Bills players is to be paid in 2007

Neither is all the guaranteed money paid out to the Pats players. For instance, Thomas receives $12M this year and $8M next year.


Why don't you list Stallworth's deal as the 6 yr deal being reported?

Because it is only a 6-year deal if they pick up an option. Basically, it is a 1 Yr/$3.6M deal that includes a $1M SB. After this year, they have options to pick up additional years, but only if they elect the options.

Heck, even his agent is calling it a one-year deal (http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2007/03/dolphins_lose_o.html):


"[The money] was very comparable," Rosenhaus told WSVN-TV Sunday night. "It really was a matter of Donte' knowing that he's going to be in a one-year situation, and he needs to succeed. And, frankly, he wants to win.

"It was best for him to sign with New England because of Tom Brady. Donte' really thought a lot of [Dolphins coach] Cam Cameron. But Donte' [signed] a one-year contract, so it's imperative for him that he put himself in the best environment to succeed.


Why do you not include all players re-signed?

I didn't include the near-minimum level players because it really wasn't tangent to the point. If you want, I can include the likes of Larry Izzo and Heath Evans, but they make near-minimum money.

The point is, there isn't as big a difference in what the Pats and Bills have spent in FA, so when the poster asks "how can the Pats afford all these players", the answer is the same way the Bills did.

The only real big money the Pats have spent is on Thomas. Other than that, they haven't done anything out of the ordinary. They spent far more last year extending the likes of Tom Brady, Richard Seymour and Dan Koppen.