Next week, you're going to see a bunch of numbers and contract terminology thrown around. In an effort to help you understand those dynamics, let's go over the basics of the salary cap and player contracts.
Spotrac has an article today projecting the 5th year options for those eligible this year, which includes Hutch. Falling in Tier 2, Hutch is projected to earn $19.9M, which the article says is based on the transition tag for DEs. Was surprised to see Tyler Smith of Dallas, also in Tier 2, projected to earn $1.3M more than Hutch. Seems odd that a guard would be paid more under the formula than a DE. Not a big deal (I would expect Hutch to be extended before the 2026 season) but what am I missing?
Interesting. Personally, I think the better argument is for the d-line to be grouped together as players seem to move around a lot more during the game than the o-line. Oh well, thanks for responding.
Man, this is a great write up! All of the cap gymnastics that teams do is so confusing. Thanks for taking the time to put all this information in a well thought out, easy to understand article.
That's the best explanation I've ever heard! Excellent job and it was cool to see your interview with Dannie Rogers. You're doing a great job with everything!
If a player gets cut, does only the guaranteed salary (plus any prorated bonuses) count against the cap?
How did the contract of Sutton affect us going forward?
An article about what makes a person a "cap guru" would be interesting. Didn't the Lions lose such a person this year?
Spotrac has an article today projecting the 5th year options for those eligible this year, which includes Hutch. Falling in Tier 2, Hutch is projected to earn $19.9M, which the article says is based on the transition tag for DEs. Was surprised to see Tyler Smith of Dallas, also in Tier 2, projected to earn $1.3M more than Hutch. Seems odd that a guard would be paid more under the formula than a DE. Not a big deal (I would expect Hutch to be extended before the 2026 season) but what am I missing?
Interesting. Personally, I think the better argument is for the d-line to be grouped together as players seem to move around a lot more during the game than the o-line. Oh well, thanks for responding.
Offensive linemen are grouped together, so he's getting OT money.
Man, this is a great write up! All of the cap gymnastics that teams do is so confusing. Thanks for taking the time to put all this information in a well thought out, easy to understand article.
Thank you Justin. A great explanation for fans.
Thanks for the detailed explanation. Sounds like a team needs an army of "cap" adjusters just to get it all figured out.
That's the best explanation I've ever heard! Excellent job and it was cool to see your interview with Dannie Rogers. You're doing a great job with everything!
Thank you for this article. Great reference material and written in a very easy to understand manner.