Facing salary cap surgery
Key names to watch as Raiders address $ 7.6 million overage with 2021 salary cap
At first glance, the 2021 salary cap paints a bleak picture for the Las Vegas Raiders — and players such as Derek Carr, Trent Brown and others could be affected.
First, a little background.
In the early days of the salary cap, the Raiders would think nothing of going into a season anywhere from $ 20 million to $ 50 million in overages the following season only to magically come in under the required amount at the deadline.
Not only that, but senior assistant ( the Raiders didn’t have “general managers” under Al Davis) Bruce Allen would still find ways to sign new players to big deals.
The Raiders would release some players, others would get restructured, lowering their salary to the minimum, adding years to the end of the contract and paying out the rest of a scheduled salary in bonus money — thereby lowering the cap figure for that year. The money against the cap immediately would come due if the player was released in future years, so the Raiders simply did the same thing with different players.
You can only do that for so long. It was general manager Reggie McKenzie’s task to play a 2012 season with more dead money under the cap than actual dollars, and the Raiders paid for it. But Allen’s way of doing things is still out there, although used far more infrequently.
With that in mind, the Raiders being approximately $ 7.6 million over a projected cap of $ 176 million with 39 players under contract isn’t as daunting as it sounds. No one is sure whether the eventual cap ceiling will be higher or lower, based on
reduced revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic. Those figures will be pored over by director of football administration Tom Delaney in conjunction with the wishes of coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock with owner Mark Davis having the last word on any decisions.
Regardless, here are players with contracts the Raiders can work with — with release being a possibility and maybe even a probability in some cases ( all figures from OverTheCap. com): QUARTERBACK DEREK CARR » Due $ 19.525 million in salary — middle of the road for an NFL starting quarterback — the Raiders aren’t of a mind to cut or trade Carr after three efficient seasons learning to become the CEO quarterback Gruden wants. His deal runs through 2022.
If they wanted some cap relief here, they could renegotiate now, adding years to Carr’s deal, paying him bonus money and reducing his cap figure.
TACKLE TRENT BROWN » More than $ 37 million has already been paid out to Brown in salary and bonus money. He is scheduled for $ 14 million in 2021. Releasing him erases that amount from this year’s cap immediately, and they’re instantly under instead of over.
If Brown were to play 16 games, as he did with New England in 2018, he’d be worth $ 14 million. But he’s played in 16 games over two seasons. Does Brown’s immense talent trump Gruden’s desire for availability?
WIDE RECEIVER TYRELL WILLIAMS » Remember him? Williams’ contract was structured so that his $ 11.6 million cap number this year comes right off the top.
That’s a good chunk of change, especially if the the Raiders have designs on bringing back Nelson Agholor, who did statistically in 2020 what the Raiders were hoping to get from Williams when he signed a four- year deal worth a maximum of $ 44 million going in to the 2019 season.
GUARD GABE JACKSON » The extension Jackson signed in 2017 has a $ 9.6 million cap number with no acceleration.
At age 29, Jackson played 16 games for the first time since 2016 and only Rodney Hudson played better among the offensive linemen.
A short extension could lower the cap number. Unless the Raiders have concerns about how he’ll hold up after 100 games in his career, he likely stays put.
CORNERBACK LAMARCUS JOYNER » In the third year of a four- year contract, Joyner has an $ 11.2 million cap number with $ 2.5 million in acceleration should he be released. He’ll be 32 when his contract expires after 2022 so any move to extend the deal seems unwise.
QUARTERBACK MARCUS MARIOTA » Signed to a twoyear deal last offseason, Mariota had one memorable performance in an overtime loss to the Chargers. If healthy, he’s one of the better backups in the NFL at the most important position in football. But at $ 10 million?
Gruden likes what Mariota has to offer. Only Mariota knows if he’d play for less money or look to parlay his one game into another deal.
DEFENSIVE END CARL NASSIB » Given $ 5.75 million in dead money that a release would bring, Nassib likely gets another year to get straightened out. But release isn’t as prohibitive as some other deals because it would still clear $ 3.75 million.
GUARD RICHIE INCOGNITO »
Has one more year on his extension at $ 6.35 million with no acceleration. Departed in the Raiders’ second game with an Achilles injury and never returned. At age 37, Raiders may be inclined to redirect that money to Denzelle Good, who is seven years younger and scheduled for unrestricted free agency.
RUNNING BACK JALEN RICHARD » On the second year of a two- year extension, Richard would represent $ 3.5 million in relief. Gruden loves the idea of a Darren Sproles- type runner/ receiver but Richard’s use was down in 2020 even when healthy enough to play. His 41 touches were the lowest total of his fouryear career.
SAFETY JEFF HEATH »
There’s still a year left on Heath’s two- year contract and a potential clearance of $ 3.5 million should the Raiders decide to move on. Was probably the Raiders’ most effective safety.