Hey Clump

[ryjam282]

Patriots | Smith's Time Running Short? - from www.KFFL.com
Sun, 8 Feb 2004 12:44:09 -0800

Updating ongoing reports, Michael Smith, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots and RB Antowain Smith, 31, exchanged contract proposals over the weekend. The Patriots are interested in finding a cheaper way to keep Smith on board. He's due a $500,000 option payment for 2004 and is set to receive $2.4 million in salary. If the Patriots decline the option, Smith would immediately become an unrestricted free agent and the Patriots would have to absorb $2.025 million against the salary cap. If the team treats the bonus as a signing bonus and prorates it over the remaining three years, it would only delay the inevitable. Smith is due a $2 million option payment for 2005 and 2006 due after next season.



Since he was released and they have to take that hit, how does this affect there cap now? I thought they were pretty close to being over as it is. Any updated news?

[clumping platelets]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1730693

According to this article, the Pats save a bit less than $2 million on the 2004 cap, but also free up future cap space as well

[ryjam282]

Do you know where they stand on the cap after dumping Smith? Thanks a lot.

[clumping platelets]

I believe they are slightly under the cap........try this link

http://www.patsfans.com/miguel

[ryjam282]

That's what I was looking for. Thanks Clump. They are going to have to make some changes, they still have to sign those 2 first and second rounders also.....