Salary Cap Analysis: Cornerbacks
February 2, 2011
Samuel is signed for three more seasons at cap values of 9.335M, 9.5M, and 11.5M, with 3M of cap overhang remaining. He now enters the phase of his contract where he must continue to remain an elite player, as the team can realize significant cap savings by releasing him. But at his current level of production, a cap value in the 9-11M range is reasonable. The Eagles structured this contract very advantageously, as the large roster bonuses in the first two years of the deal have led to very little dead money risk in the second half of the contract.
Hanson will count 2.235M against the cap this year, and the team can create 870K in cap room if they were to release/trade him. In addition, the Eagles would save the 1.68M base salary he is slated to make, and potentially the 100K workout bonus as well. Because of this, Hanson needs to show that he is clearly better than the Hughes/Calvin/Lawson/Wall contingent. If the team brings in a notable free agent/draft pick/trade acquisition to play opposite Samuel, and Lindley beats him out for the 3rd CB role, then I could envision the team opting to go younger and cheaper for a 4th CB unless Hanson is demonstrably better than the other candidates. However, if he remains in the mix for legitimate playing time, his cap number is acceptable for this season. Going forward though, as his cap number rises above 3M and his cap overhang falls below 1M, he will be a candidate for cap savings.
As a 2010 draftee, Lindley is signed for 3 more seasons, with cap values of $536,250; $621,250; and $706,250; with total cap overhang of $393,750. It’s hard to imagine him not making the team, as his cap number is fine even for a 5th CB. If he can ascend to the 3rd CB spot, or even the starting spot opposite Samuel, then his contract provides great value to the team for several years.
The team also has several players locked up to minimum salary contracts: Jorrick Calvin (405K, signed through 2013), Brandon Hughes (405K, 2012), Gerard Lawson (480K, 2012), Jamar Wall (405K, 2013). These players figure to compete for the 5th CB spot, but most of them will likely fall out of the Top 51 as the offseason progresses.
This roster group currently possesses one premium talent (Samuel), two capable sub-package defenders (Hanson and Lindley), and a bunch of end-of-the-roster types (Calvin, etc.). Samuel and Lindley would appear to be locks to return, and Hanson should make the team unless he is beat out by the minimum salary players. Ellis Hobbs is also a free agent, but will most likely not be re-signed, let alone ever even play again due to injury. It is therefore extremely likely that the team invests serious resources into finding another starting CB, whether it be a free agent signing or a high draft pick. If that does in fact happen, this group will be one of the priciest on the team, but as a “defensive skill position”, it will be perfectly warranted.
