Hobson - only $15 million of cap to work with?

[*ochocincos*]

(03-01-2017, 11:02 AM)THE PISTONS Wrote: Burfict may make about $7-8 million a year if they extend him.

They could chose to let him go to free agency and low ball him...as there are some teams that won't want his on-field antics. All it takes is one team to make a huge offer though.

He might. But as Hammerstripes pointed out, Burfict already counts $4.7 million toward the 2017 cap. If he goes up to $7-8 million, that's only a few million more per year. The only way Burfict would command a big consumption of the remaining 2017 cap is if his contract is front-loaded. Front-loading is great in terms of making the subsequent years cost less, but it weakens the first 1-2 years because it's money that could have been spent on other upgrades.

At some point, the Bengals need to try and go "all in" to win it all and quit doing these front-loaded contracts. Maybe sacrifice front loading somewhat and instead invest it in another impact FA. If they keep following the same model, they will stay stagnant. Not going back to the basement, but never reaching the promised land.