09-08-2023, 10:39 AM
(09-08-2023, 10:13 AM)KillerGoose Wrote: I saw your post down the way as well - no need to apologize. I was wrong and spreading some misinformation. However, I do think there is something there. Looking at Herbert, Allen and some other QBs, their option year pays them significantly more than the option is supposed to. However, their cap hit is relatively low. For instance, here is Justin Herbert's Spotrac page. His option year is 2024, but his yearly cash payout is $56MM. However, he has a low cap hit. The same is true for Josh Allen. His option year was 2022, but he made $46MM with a low cap hit.
I am not a cap expert by any means, and I would wager your stronger on contracts than I am, but I think I was getting mixed up in this detail. From a players perspective, the fifth year option is irrelevant as far as details go because it gets renegotiated. It still exists but all of the payment details get changed so they get their money starting immediately, but the cap hit is pushed down the road. I could still be misunderstanding something, but this feels better than just saying it is voided.
I believe that cash in the 5th year is all the cash from the signing bonus (or at least a big chunk). For cap purposes, it gets distributed evenly, but in reality, I believe the player gets it all up front. Again, I am not a cap expert, but I think that is how it works. Thus, the divergence for what the player gets and what the cap hit is.
The 5th year option is a big raise + a signing bonus cash makes it appear like the player's new deal has "voided" the 5th year option because the cash is on par with the beginning of the new deal.
IDK, if a real cap wiz can come on and correct that. A better bet is to just look at OTC and the cap number & forget the cash column altogether. It gives a better, clearer view of the contract.
https://overthecap.com/player/justin-herbert/8746
