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Agreed, but saying that, I actually think Leo looked the part last year in limited action.

I feel like I remember him doing so a couple years back, but nothing to this magnitude. Maybe just like 1 void year for $2-$3m or so? Could be wrong there though.

Sure seems that way to me? For Ballard to add 2 void years saving an additional $7.2m, who will be 33 and 34 at the time(less likely to sign longer deal to get rid of dead cap at that point), seems as if a pretty decent move is upcoming?

Contract looks something like this:(just my thoughts looking at verbiage) 2024 - base $2.25m, SB $3.6m, Restructure Bonus $2.5m = $8.35m total 2025 - base $23m, SB $3.6m = $26.6m total 2026 - base $23m, SB $3.6m = $26.6m total 2027 - SB $3.6m(void years) = $7.2m total(if no new contract) 2028 - SB $3.6m(void years)

https://overthecap.com/player/deforest-buckner/4720 Contract Notes DeForest Buckner signed a two year, $46 million contract with the Colts on April 15, 2024. Bucker received $53.25 million in guarantees on the total contract value of which $43.25 million is fully guaranteed. The new money guarantee is $33 million with $23 million guaranteed at signing. Buckner received an $18 million signing bonus and his 2024 and 2025 salaries are fully guaranteed. There are two void years for salary cap purposes. The extension reduced Buckner's 2024 salary cap number by $14.4 million. 2024 original cap hit: $22.75m new extension cap hits: 2024 - $8.35m 2025 - $26.6m 2026 - $26.6m 2027 - $7.2m(void year) 2028 - $3.6m(void year) This is way outside the box for Ballard. Something probably in the works. $14.4m cap savings this year. New cap space per OtC(Spotrac not updated yet) $28,412,296 Spotrac - $28,194,348 (estimated with $14.4m savings)

Wowsers: https://overthecap.com/player/deforest-buckner/4720 Contract Notes DeForest Buckner signed a two year, $46 million contract with the Colts on April 15, 2024. Bucker received $53.25 million in guarantees on the total contract value of which $43.25 million is fully guaranteed. The new money guarantee is $33 million with $23 million guaranteed at signing. Buckner received an $18 million signing bonus and his 2024 and 2025 salaries are fully guaranteed. There are two void years for salary cap purposes. The extension reduced Buckner's 2024 salary cap number by $14.4 million. 2024 original cap hit: $22.75m new extension cap hits: 2024 - $8.35m 2025 - $26.6m 2026 - $26.6m 2027 - $7.2m(void year)(dead cap) 2028 - $3.6m(void year)(dead cap) This is way outside the box for Ballard. Something probably in the works. New cap space per OtC(Spotrac not updated yet) $28,412,296 Spotrac estimate - $28,194,348

Steichen said he(Steichen)was a defensive assistant early in his career and it gave him more insight as an offensive coach. Something to that affect. Defensive assistant 2011-2012 at San Diego Chargers.

jerseys sold out in an hour.

I've actually saw a couple articles talking about Aiyuk potentially being moved post draft for 2025 pick(s). Best of both worlds? Keep #15, trade 2025 pick? Would be quick way for massive upgrades. Saying that, I don't think it will happen, but you never know. We definitely have a history with SF. Maybe 2025 pick and Pierce so they get immediate help at WR since they don't get a 2024 pick?

It wasn't anyone's fault, just kind of morphed that way. I was complicit myself. Wasn't a big deal really, just figured it would be the best way to get back to Buckner talk if posters wanted, and to continue the TE talk of posters wanted. Although after I moved it here, I thought maybe the Ogletree thread might of been better, but it's here now, so will keep it here. EDIT: didn't realize I was in the Buckner thread, so TE talk will stay in the offseason thread, not here.

TE talk moved to off-season discussion thread Back to Buckner

Yeah, I don't have anything against Mo either, I actually like him, just a numbers game like most other things.(Roster spots + $$) Agree on Granson as well, although he did grade out as our worst TE last year despite the production. I think I'm going to move most of this last Mo talk over to a different thread though, just to get the thread back to Buckner. Edit: NVM, that would take the thread back like 6 hours or so. As long as no one has an issue we'll keep it here.

It's official, Caitlin Clark is an Indiana Fever.

Yeah, I've been pretty firm on them moving on from Mo, and I still think they will, but as you said. Getting close to time to worry about a potential injury and being on the hook. I legit can't wrap my head around why he is still on the team(I'm with you on what he actually brings to the team, not much), but there wasn't too much of a hurry, but it's starting to trend that way. Maybe we can find a taker during the draft(late pick swap)? Or maybe Mo will take a pay cut to stay afterwards. Numbers game and we aren't keeping 5, so something will have to give. This isn't even taking the possible consideration of Bowers. Of course some injuries could pop up, but I don't think I would let Mo get to training camp. Not as worried about our other off-season programs, but would be concerned come camp. Mo almost makes more than the other 4 combined:($5.9m) Granson - $3.3m(big salary escalator this year) Woods - $1.5m Ogletree - $960k Mallory - $990k $6.7m total Can't see Mallory going anyway, as Coach was in on that draft pick. Can't see Woods going anywhere Videos show he is healthy and looking like a beast As we know there is questions on Ogletree, but I expect him to be back as well. Down to Granson (contract year) and Mo(contract year). I guess either way, we save a good chunk of money, $3.1-$5.9m.

My projection for the Buckner extension cap hit: Current Cap Hit $22.75m Extension:(2yrs $46m) 2024 - $17.75m(saves $5m this season) 2025 - $25.5m 2026 - $25.5m New cap space afterwards: Spotrac - $17.1m OtC - $16.5m ***Not official, just my projections

Wanted to double back on this. Was little sporadic earlier. I understand what you are saying now. Yes, while saving money isn't the sole intent of the extension, it is a bonus with locking up our guy for longer. I will say though, I do think they looked at it as a way to move a little bit of funds around though, because we don't have too many legit options outside of Buckner. His doesn't hurt us in the future as much. Nelson restructure would create huge cap hits for last couple years of deal. Kelly has injury concerns and is risky to put future years on. Smith is kind the same boat, coming off of surgery, would be risky to add future cap right now on him.

Definitely helps if he wants to. Ballard is always working.

Definitely agree with this. That's the most important part.

Side bar: Then I will probably wait for a while to respond to some other things. Yes the Colts are in decent shape at the moment. $14-$14.6m in space. But have $2.8m(ish) for draft picks. $2.5m(ish) for practice squad. That leaves with $8-$9m(ish). That extra money just gives us more versatility in case we wanted to make another move. Not saying we are, but if not it will just roll over, pushing the money back isn't that big a deal. Even less so, when looking at what the cap is supposed to do the next couple years.

It could, but he represents one of the last options to free up money this year. Now we extended Franklin and gave him more money this year, but there is a big difference in a $3m deal and $20m+. No money to save on Franklin, his was strictly to lock up. Colts can take Buckners contract reduce it by $5m easily. 2024 - $17.5m 2025 - $25.5m 2026 - $25.5m. This wasn't all for you, just a little busy at the moment. So I'm on and off here. I will be beyond shocked if the Colts do not save some money this season. Like I said, even if we don't use it, it will just roll over to next year

But extending Buckner is the only way to free up money. Look around the league on many extensions, they are to keep the player yes, but they usually always free up money in the current season.

I don't know what the plan is, but I know it doesn't hurt to push $5m down the road from this year. $2.5m per year. And if it isn't used it will just roll over, so there is no downfall. Just gives more versatility this season.

I'll be quick to come back and own it if I'm wrong. (I doubt it) You don't restructure expiring contracts, you extend them