Smith was due a $7 million option bonus late next week. By releasing him, the Lions clear his contracts off their books without a lingering dead-money cap hit.
Posted in the chat, which you should definitely use if you're not already, but Davenport's deal is extremely incentive-heavy. He'll count just $1.75M against the cap this year.
Not happy about this. I do trust Holmes, but what is his plan? A rookie would be nice, but not a guarantee. A free agent? How much can they legitimately pay given that Hutch’s floor is now $40 million per year? SMH. Trust the process I guess.
This is a surprise to me, you had this right Justin. Maybe they are looking for a little cheaper overall contract with him. It will be interesting to see how much other teams are willing to pay Smith.
I doubt Holmes is finished on the D line. He typically doesn't try to go into the draft with obvious holes and I don't think that Davenport can't be it.
This basically puts them exactly where they were at the start of the 2024 season though so maybe he's OK with it. I hope something else is in the works. I don't think that it's good enough at all.
I still don’t understand why they’d resign him when the price of the dead money etc. exceeds a market + deal. You’d rather pay over market a little than sustain that hit, no?
Thought this was going to happen...Brad doesn't want that much dead cap space and aging vets on multi year deals is not his m.o. I am sure Davenport is not plan A to start across from Hutch and we will not go into the draft with obvious holes on this team, just like he has always done.
He is looking for an extension in the $30 mil a year range. So as much as I would like to see him here, he just isnt worth the draft picks and contract requirements with Hutch due soon for an extension.
Posted in the chat, which you should definitely use if you're not already, but Davenport's deal is extremely incentive-heavy. He'll count just $1.75M against the cap this year.
DE FA or draft pick next.
Not happy about this. I do trust Holmes, but what is his plan? A rookie would be nice, but not a guarantee. A free agent? How much can they legitimately pay given that Hutch’s floor is now $40 million per year? SMH. Trust the process I guess.
This is a surprise to me, you had this right Justin. Maybe they are looking for a little cheaper overall contract with him. It will be interesting to see how much other teams are willing to pay Smith.
I doubt Holmes is finished on the D line. He typically doesn't try to go into the draft with obvious holes and I don't think that Davenport can't be it.
This basically puts them exactly where they were at the start of the 2024 season though so maybe he's OK with it. I hope something else is in the works. I don't think that it's good enough at all.
Maybe they bring him back on a new team friendly contract?
That’s exactly what I’ve been wondering.
I still don’t understand why they’d resign him when the price of the dead money etc. exceeds a market + deal. You’d rather pay over market a little than sustain that hit, no?
Thought this was going to happen...Brad doesn't want that much dead cap space and aging vets on multi year deals is not his m.o. I am sure Davenport is not plan A to start across from Hutch and we will not go into the draft with obvious holes on this team, just like he has always done.
They're going to shore up the d-line in free agency and the draft, both. That's the hope. Brad and crew have earned some trust.
Gotta clear that cap space for Hendrickson.
He is looking for an extension in the $30 mil a year range. So as much as I would like to see him here, he just isnt worth the draft picks and contract requirements with Hutch due soon for an extension.
Don’t like this move. The cap hits were reasonable for the player. Springs another hole to have to plug.
I expect there is something else in the wind. Gotta trust Brad since he has been so successful.
This is fine as long as we obtain a proven vet who is as good as or better plus a draft pick for the future.
I don't like either of these moves. I guess I'll wait to pass judgement until we see what else happens.
Needs to be another move in the works.