A Colts offseason plan

21isSuperman · January 22, 2015

I spent a lot of time on http://overthecap.com/calculator/indianapolis-colts trying to play GM and manage our contracts. Through a combination of being very addicting and being very complex, it took me multiple days to figure it all out. However, I think I came up with a decent plan. I must preface it by saying I am not a cap geek in the least; I know very little about the salary cap. But it's now the offseason for the Colts, so it seemed like something fun to do. I didn't put in explanations for each player because that would just make the post nauseatingly long (it's already so long that I'm going to use spoiler buttons to shorten it). But I would be happy to explain my thought process with any of the things I list if anyone is interested. I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts! Be as painfully honest as you like haha

Current cap room for 2015: $37 358 059

Cuts:

1. Cut Cherilus to lose $1.8 mil in cap space this year, but save around $10 mil in 2016 and 2017

2. Cut Landry to save $1.4 mil this year and about $7.75 mil in 2016.

3. Cut Donald Thomas to save $3.25 mil this year and about $3.75 in 2016

4. Cut Shaun Phillips to save $2.65 mil this year

5. Cut Trent Richardson to save $0, but open a roster space for another player who can actually contribute

Contract extensions:

6. Sign Castonzo to a 4 year extension with a $4 mil signing bonus.
     a) 2015: $6 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     b) 2016: $6 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     c) 2017: $6 mil, $3 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     d) 2018: $7.5 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $750K workout bonus
     e) 2019: $8 mil, $4 mil guaranteed, $750K roster bonus, $750K workout bonus

7. Sign Luck to a 5 year extension with a $15 mil signing bonus.
     a) 2015: $18 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $2 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     b) 2016: $19 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $4 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     c) 2017: $21 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $4 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     d) 2018: $21 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $6 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     e) 2019: $24 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $7 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     f) 2020: $25 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $8 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus

Restructures:

8. Restructure Jean-Francois to a $4.755 mil base salary with no roster bonus, saving $3.8 mil this year, but lose around $2.5 mil in 2016

Re-signing our own free agents [edit: I should have noted this before. If the guys I have listed here want significantly more money than what I offer, I would let them go. For example, some have said Hasselbeck would demand more money. If he wants $3-4 mil per season, I would let him go. So what I have below is like the maximum of what I would offer, but they very well may reject, in which case I would let them go. Of course, with some players, I'd be willing to pay more money, like Butler]:

9. Re-sign Hasselbeck to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

10. Re-sign Wayne to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $300K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $100K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

11. Re-sign Adams to a 1 year, $1.3 mil deal with $600K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $150K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

12. Re-sign Studebaker to a 3 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
     a) 2015: $870K, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $885K., $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $900K, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus

13. Re-sign Redding to a 1 year, $970K deal with $250 K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $100K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

14. Re-sign Bradshaw to a 1 year, $1.5 mil deal with $600K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

15. Re-sign Butler to a 2 year, $2 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
     a) 2015: $1 mil, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus
      b) 2016: $1 mil, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus

16. Re-sign Nicks to a 2 year, $2.2 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $1.1 mil, $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $150K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $1.1 mil, $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus

17. Re-sign Brown to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $745K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

18. Re-sign Reitz to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $745K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

19. Re-sign Shipley to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $660K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

20. Re-sign Freeman to a 2 year, $5 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $1.5 mil, $600K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $3.5 mil, $1 mil guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $500K workout bonus

21. Re-sign Overton to a 4 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $660K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $775K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      d) 2018: $790K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

22. Re-sign Adongo to a 1 year, $585K deal with $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

23. Re-sign Herron to a 1 year, $585K deal with $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

Cap space for rookie contracts:

24. Set aside $7.5 mil to sign rookies and undrafted free agents

Signing free agents from other teams:

25. Sign one of Clint Boling, James Carpenter (I'm guessing he would be the cheapest of the 3?), or Orlando Franklin to a 4 year, $19.5 mil deal with $2 mil signing bonus
      a) 2015: $4 mil, $1.5 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $4 mil, $1.5 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $5 mil, $2 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      d) 2018: $6.5 mil, $3 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus

26-1. Sign Alan Branch to a 2 year, $4 mil deal with $0 signing bonus (for the purposes of this projection, I will go with the scenario where we sign Branch)
      a) 2015: $1 mil, $300K guaranteed, $250 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $3 mil, $1 mil guaranteed, $250 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
or
26-2. Sign Adrian Clayborn to a 2 or 3 year, $5 mil deal with $0 signing bonus, or
26-3. Sign Brandon Deaderick to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $0 signing bonus

27. Sign one of Louis Delmas, Stevie Brown, Jimmy Wilson, Jeron Johnson, or Major Wright to a 1 year, $1.1 mil deal with $300K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $150K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

Draft strategy:

I would go into the draft looking to focus on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, I think we're pretty good where we are. I brought in a guard in free agency to shore up the right side of the line (and I think Franklin and Carpenter can both play RT if needed), but I think we are fine otherwise. I think we need more talent on the defensive side of the ball, so I signed a defensive lineman and a safety, but I would still focus on that side of the ball in the draft. The OL started playing much better at the end of the year, and I think Luck's progression will help him make decent players around him seem very good. I think Freeman's play has been better than what most on here want to give him credit for (which is why I re-signed him), but another ILB would really help. However, it's not possible to go into the draft thinking you're just going to focus on the defensive side of the ball. You can't predict what will happen and reaching for a defensive player could very well end up hurting your team in the long run. So focusing on the defensive side of the ball is more of a general guideline as to how I would approach the draft.

That leaves us with around $1 mil left under the cap for 2015. What are your thoughts?

PuntersArePeopleToo · January 22, 2015

Some of the vet minimum deals would be great but just cant see the players wanting to sign for that low

zibby43 · January 22, 2015

First of all, well done.

One quick thought - I would draft a top-notch ILB in Round 1. It is a great draft for run-stuffing, 3-4 ILBs.

And I would make sure that we sign/draft at least 3 LBs (including an OLB that can generate pressure).

mintor · January 22, 2015

I spent a lot of time on http://overthecap.com/calculator/indianapolis-colts trying to play GM and manage our contracts. Through a combination of being very addicting and being very complex, it took me multiple days to figure it all out. However, I think I came up with a decent plan. I must preface it by saying I am not a cap geek in the least; I know very little about the salary cap. But it's now the offseason for the Colts, so it seemed like something fun to do. I didn't put in explanations for each player because that would just make the post nauseatingly long (it's already so long that I'm going to use spoiler buttons to shorten it). But I would be happy to explain my thought process with any of the things I list if anyone is interested. I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts! Be as painfully honest as you like

Current cap room for 2015: $37 358 059

Cuts:
1. Cut Cherilus to lose $1.8 mil in cap space this year, but save around $10 mil in 2016 and 2017

2. Cut Landry to save $1.4 mil this year and about $7.75 mil in 2016.

3. Cut Donald Thomas to save $3.25 mil this year and about $3.75 in 2016

4. Cut Shaun Phillips to save $2.65 mil this year

5. Cut Trent Richardson to save $0, but open a roster space for another player who can actually contribute

Contract extensions:
6. Sign Castonzo to a 4 year extension with a $4 mil signing bonus.
     a) 2015: $6 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     b) 2016: $6 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     c) 2017: $6 mil, $3 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     d) 2018: $7.5 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $750K workout bonus
     e) 2019: $8 mil, $4 mil guaranteed, $750K roster bonus, $750K workout bonus

7. Sign Luck to a 5 year extension with a $15 mil signing bonus.
     a) 2015: $18 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $2 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     b) 2016: $19 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $4 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     c) 2017: $21 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $4 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     d) 2018: $21 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $6 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     e) 2019: $24 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $7 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     f) 2020: $25 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $8 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus

Restructures:
8. Restructure Jean-Francois to a $4.755 mil base salary with no roster bonus, saving $3.8 mil this year, but lose around $2.5 mil in 2016

Re-signing our own free agents:
9. Re-sign Hasselbeck to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

10. Re-sign Wayne to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $300K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $100K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

11. Re-sign Adams to a 1 year, $1.3 mil deal with $600K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $150K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

12. Re-sign Studebaker to a 3 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
     a) 2015: $870K, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $885K., $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $900K, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus

13. Re-sign Redding to a 1 year, $970K deal with $250 K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $100K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

14. Re-sign Bradshaw to a 1 year, $1.5 mil deal with $600K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

15. Re-sign Butler to a 2 year, $2 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
     a) 2015: $1 mil, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus
      b) 2016: $1 mil, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus

16. Re-sign Nicks to a 2 year, $2.2 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $1.1 mil, $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $150K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $1.1 mil, $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus

17. Re-sign Brown to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $745K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

18. Re-sign Reitz to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $745K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

19. Re-sign Shipley to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $660K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

20. Re-sign Freeman to a 2 year, $5 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $1.5 mil, $600K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $3.5 mil, $1 mil guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $500K workout bonus

21. Re-sign Overton to a 4 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $660K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $775K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      d) 2018: $790K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

22. Re-sign Adongo to a 1 year, $585K deal with $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

23. Re-sign Herron to a 1 year, $585K deal with $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

Cap space for rookie contracts:
24. Set aside $7.5 mil to sign rookies and undrafted free agents

Signing free agents from other teams:
25. Sign one of Clint Boling, James Carpenter (I'm guessing he would be the cheapest of the 3?), or Orlando Franklin to a 4 year, $19.5 mil deal with $2 mil signing bonus
      a) 2015: $4 mil, $1.5 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $4 mil, $1.5 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $5 mil, $2 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      d) 2018: $6.5 mil, $3 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus

26-1. Sign Alan Branch to a 2 year, $4 mil deal with $0 signing bonus (for the purposes of this projection, I will go with the scenario where we sign Branch)
      a) 2015: $1 mil, $300K guaranteed, $250 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $3 mil, $1 mil guaranteed, $250 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
or
26-2. Sign Adrian Clayborn to a 2 or 3 year, $5 mil deal with $0 signing bonus, or
26-3. Sign Brandon Deaderick to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $0 signing bonus

27. Sign one of Louis Delmas, Stevie Brown, Jimmy Wilson, Jeron Johnson, or Major Wright to a 1 year, $1.1 mil deal with $300K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $150K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

Draft strategy:
I would go into the draft looking to focus on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, I think we're pretty good where we are. I brought in a guard in free agency to shore up the right side of the line (and I think Franklin and Carpenter can both play RT if needed), but I think we are fine otherwise. I think we need more talent on the defensive side of the ball, so I signed a defensive lineman and a safety, but I would still focus on that side of the ball in the draft. The OL started playing much better at the end of the year, and I think Luck's progression will help him make decent players around him seem very good. I think Freeman's play has been better than what most on here want to give him credit for (which is why I re-signed him), but another ILB would really help. However, it's not possible to go into the draft thinking you're just going to focus on the defensive side of the ball. You can't predict what will happen and reaching for a defensive player could very well end up hurting your team in the long run. So focusing on the defensive side of the ball is more of a general guideline as to how I would approach the draft.

That leaves us with around $1 mil left under the cap for 2015. What are your thoughts?

duron carter need be sign as a Fa

a06cc · January 22, 2015

No extension for Castonzo. Let him finish out the option. If we were going to offer a contract extension it would've been done this past season. They may look for a better option at LT. I'm saying "may" because I don't want people freaking out on me lol.

SteelCityColt · January 22, 2015

Good write up my man, appreciate the time and effort that's gone into this.

A couple of thoughts if I may?

Your Kryptonian brother will know better but I think just $1 Million in Cap Room might be a bit too tight to head into a season with. Especially when the inevitable injuries happen and we need flexibility to make some rosther moves.
The contract for Luck might be a little on the low side, I'd be happy if we get it sown up this off season.
~~Your extension for AC is a bit too rich for my liking, I'd reckon that would put him the top 5(?) for LTs and I don't think he's a top 5 LT. Pay the man certainly but not quite so high.~~
I'd rather cut RJF than restructure, especially if you're bringing Redding back.
Can't fault your resignings but I don't think we'll get Nicks back for that sort of money, someone will offer him more I'm sure. I'd not bring back Shipley either.
Draft wise, although I can understand wanting to go D heavy, I think we have enough holes that we couldn't go wrong just going BPA all the way.

Edit - I can't do Math this morning.

esmort · January 22, 2015

9 - Hasselbeck wont sign at what amounts to a vet minimum deal ... more like $3-4 million per year

10 - If Wayne does not retire/allowed to come back he will make more than that

13 - If redding does not retire/allowed to come back he will cost more

15 - Butler will cost more than that at least more like 3/10

17 - Sergio Brown will want a raise

20 - IMO Freeman will want a longer and higher contract

21 - Overton will ask for and get more than that. More like $1 mil per year.

esmort · January 22, 2015

Good write up my man, appreciate the time and effort that's gone into this.

A couple of thoughts if I may?
Your Kryptonian brother will know better but I think just $1 Million in Cap Room might be a bit too tight to head into a season with. Especially when the inevitable injuries happen and we need flexibility to make some rosther moves.
The contract for Luck might be a little on the low side, I'd be happy if we get it sown up this off season.
Your extension for AC is a bit too rich for my liking, I'd reckon that would put him the top 5(?) for LTs and I don't think he's a top 5 LT. Pay the man certainly but not quite so high.
I'd rather cut RJF than restructure, especially if you're bringing Redding back.
Can't fault your resignings but I don't think we'll get Nicks back for that sort of money, someone will offer him more I'm sure. I'd not bring back Shipley either.
Draft wise, although I can understand wanting to go D heavy, I think we have enough holes that we couldn't go wrong just going BPA all the way.

I think I would hold off a year on AC .. but

I don't think the AC contract is bad maybe a bit too much guaranteed .... but 5yr/$33.5 million overall (avg. $6,7 million) does not even put him in the top 15 LTs.

Almost exactly what Cherlus' contract is. Compare to Veldheer who signed with cards last year for 5yr/$35 mil $10.5 guaranteed

SteelCityColt · January 22, 2015

I think I would hold off a year on AC .. but

I don't think the AC contract is bad maybe a bit too much guaranteed .... but 5yr/$33.5 million overall (avg. $6,7 million) does not even put him in the top 15 LTs.

Almost exactly what Cherlus' contract is. Compare to Veldheer who signed with cards last year for 5yr/$35 mil $10.5 guaranteed

You know... I'm stupid sometimes... I read 21is post wrong and added the guaranteed on top. Silly me!

On that basis I'd be happy with the contract

TKnight24 · January 22, 2015

Re-Sign FA through Signing FA from other teams buttons didn't work for me so couldn't see those

But everything else is good, would bring tears to my eyes if Grigson ever wised up and cut that waste of space Laron Landry from the roster

:Cry:

Moopsiepuffs · January 22, 2015

Colts offseason plan should be to avoid the Pats in the playoffs next year.

12isthenew18 · January 22, 2015

lots of those players you sign dpn't it our system. plus too many resigningsof playrs who shouldn't be respect the work plus they'd cut ricky before restrutcturing

crazycolt1 · January 22, 2015

Colts offseason plan should be to avoid the Pats in the playoffs next year.

:offtopic:

lollygagger8 · January 22, 2015

Great job. That had to be difficult to do!

Cuts: I'm cool with all those cuts. Plus cut Cribbs, and Nixon.

Contract Extensions: Definitely re-sign Castanzo, but I'm guessing Luck gets even more than what you proposed. I hope there's no Luck/Wilson bidding war to see who gets the highest contract.

Restructure: agreed. We should try to restructure DQ too if possible.

Re-sign: I'm ok letting Hasselback and Nicks walk for that kind of money.

I hope Redding comes back this year.

Butler, Adams, Brown and Freeman will probably command more money, which is ok with me.

I'd like to have Shipley back. He's great depth.

Bradshaw and Adongo's contracts should be incentive based - like amount of games played.

Free Agents: Not bad picks. I would go for a RT, and get rid of Cherilus. We need a OLB badly. Sign Dulon Carter for WR.

Draft: O-lIneman, Safety, OLB, ILB, CB, NT, WR/KR.

Rich Cannon · January 22, 2015

I think if we can get a pass rushing DE along with other points 21isSuperman said

krunk · January 22, 2015

9 - Hasselbeck wont sign at what amounts to a vet minimum deal ... more like $3-4 million per year

10 - If Wayne does not retire/allowed to come back he will make more than that

13 - If redding does not retire/allowed to come back he will cost more

15 - Butler will cost more than that at least more like 3/10

17 - Sergio Brown will want a raise

20 - IMO Freeman will want a longer and higher contract

21 - Overton will ask for and get more than that. More like $1 mil per year.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Freeman handled in the same way that Dungy handled Mike Peterson.

When Peterson wanted a longer and higher contract Dungy said "Good player, but not a great player"

and he let him go afterwards. I don't know all the dynamics but it wouldn't surprise me to see it handled

in that type of way.

1959Colts · January 22, 2015

I think we need more new players.

If the mindset is to try to resign many (or all?) of our own existing free agents...

I don't see the team improving from the current frustrating situation.

For one, on defense, we need better tacklers.

We all witnessed the poor tackling many times this year, especially vs New England

Once we sign these guys to new contracts, then they will be entrenched as starters for the next few years.

If we cut D'Qwell Jackson (before the start of the new season) it saves 5 million.

swifty1812 · January 22, 2015

_{If I'm the Colts, I don't bring back Nicks or Wayne. They were both basically shut down by the Pats #4 Corner. We need to spend our money on a WR, hopefully one that is able to separate. My guess also is that Redding will retire.}

_{I thought Freeman is a RFA, so we could just put the tender on him and not spend as much. Same thing with Shipley.}

_{I would hold off on Luck's deal until next year, either his or Castanzo's, to save cap room for players.}

_{I would also bring in a Vet RB, maybe other than Bradshaw, We need to bring in a RB that has shown they can play a full season. Because if we bring him back, we go into the season with Bradshaw/Herron/Ballard/Tipton/Rookie, not a lot of trust in the depth there.}

ColtsHoosiersBB · January 22, 2015

We need a dominant nose tackle and pass rusher, which would stop the run

and pressure the QB on throwing downs on defense.

On offense, it all starts and ends in the trenches like Pags said. The team

needs to figure out how to bolster the lines first and foremost.

Good original post 21superman

rockywoj · January 22, 2015

I like that you would re-sign Reggie Wayne.

I don't think he is nearly as "done" as a lot of forum members seem to think. He suffered through and was playing with injuries that greatly diminished is play, but with an offseason to recover, I'd expect him to be back as a fantastic locker room presence, playing coach on the field, and wily veteran that will re-emerge as a go to guy on 3rd downs.

PLUS, Wayne did the Colts a big favor three years ago in re-signing with them in a below market price deal. Personally, I'd honor that loyalty with some reciprocity. I would not be opposed to a 2-year contract and signing bonus. Colts had a great deal on him and he deserves consideration for that. The future HOFer has more than earned it!

rockywoj · January 22, 2015

I'd love for the Colts to get James Carpenter. I wanted them to get him when he was in the draft. I really can't see why he'd leave the Seahawks, though, so I don't know that he could be afford-ably had.

rockywoj · January 22, 2015

We need a dominant nose tackle and pass rusher, which would stop the run
and pressure the QB on throwing downs on defense.

...

Suh?

ColtsHoosiersBB · January 22, 2015

Suh?

That would be nice. I wonder if he would take a little less to go to a contender?

rockywoj · January 22, 2015

That would be nice. I wonder if he would take a little less to go to a contender?

he's already said his agent will decide where he plays next. Implication being that money will talk. Ergo, I doubt there would be a contender discount. Plus he's already on a contender, technically speaking.

There are some attitude issues with him, pehaps, but one certainly cannot deny his premier talent, though.

COLTS449 · January 22, 2015

I just think in order to be a true Super Bowl contender we need to add a couple playmakers. On the D line we need a run stuffing brute like Knighton or Dan Williams too. I don't think guys like Clayborn, Deardrick, and Branch are worth bringing in. I think Grigs knows we need to add some solid players though, and I look for him to do so. I would be very happy with one of those guards however, and I wouldn't even mind Delmas at FS, but personally I'm hoping we draft Prewitt.

theanarchist · January 22, 2015

Yes to cutting Richardson, Thomas, Cherilus, Phillips, and Landry. Although I don't think they'll cut Landry, unfortunately.

I think as one of the posters said, Costanzo deal won't get done til next year and it'll be a little more expensive than what you have here.

Hasselbeck, Wayne, Nicks and Shipley are likely gone. JMO

If Hasselbeck is re-signed I don't really think he'll cost what your thinking. JMO

I like Freeman but I think he has his shortcomings and may not be a wise idea to give him a lot of money. Again, JMO

Adams and Redding are wild cards. They could go either way and I'd be fine with it.

swifty1812 · January 22, 2015

Here is what I have so far with Cuts and Street FAs. Some of my deals might be a little low, but I think they are close.

Sorry it looks so jank, not sure how to get it to show in table format.

Cuts

Player Dead Money Savings

RJF $ 625,000.00 $ 5,500,000.00

Laron Landry $1,750,000.00 $ 3,176,470.00

Eric Walden $ 250,000.00 $ 4,000,000.00

Donald Thomas $ 250,000.00 $ 3,500,000.00

Shaun Phillips $ - $ 2,650,000.00

FA's

Player Salary Years Salary/yr 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Michael Crabtree $ 8,550,000.00 3 $2,850,000.00 $1,800,000.00 $ 2,850,000.00 $4,050,000.00

Nick Fairley $10,500,000.00 3 $3,500,000.00 $1,716,666.00 $ 4,391,666.00 $4,391,668.00

Brian Orakpo $40,500,000.00 5 $8,100,000.00 $8,200,000.00 $ 8,200,000.00 $8,200,000.00 $7,700,000.00 $8,200,000.00

Clint Boling $22,500,000.00 5 $4,500,000.00 $2,800,000.00 $ 4,300,000.00 $5,300,000.00 $5,050,000.00 $5,050,000.00

Devin McCourty $28,000,000.00 4 $7,000,000.00 $4,250,000.00 $ 6,750,000.00 $8,450,000.00 $8,550,000.00

BOTT · January 22, 2015

No extension for Castonzo. Let him finish out the option. If we were going to offer a contract extension it would've been done this past season. They may look for a better option at LT. I'm saying "may" because I don't want people freaking out on me lol.

Saying "may" is just as silly. Castonzo played excellent this season.

Edited January 22, 2015 by 21isSuperman

rockywoj · January 22, 2015

I think Castonzo is a stud. Sure, he may be at times exposed by speed rushers, but it's very rare that any LT is never exposed by such. He's a key cog not to be let go.

throwing BBZ · January 22, 2015

I spent a lot of time on http://overthecap.com/calculator/indianapolis-colts trying to play GM and manage our contracts. Through a combination of being very addicting and being very complex, it took me multiple days to figure it all out. However, I think I came up with a decent plan. I must preface it by saying I am not a cap geek in the least; I know very little about the salary cap. But it's now the offseason for the Colts, so it seemed like something fun to do. I didn't put in explanations for each player because that would just make the post nauseatingly long (it's already so long that I'm going to use spoiler buttons to shorten it). But I would be happy to explain my thought process with any of the things I list if anyone is interested. I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts! Be as painfully honest as you like

Current cap room for 2015: $37 358 059

Cuts:
1. Cut Cherilus to lose $1.8 mil in cap space this year, but save around $10 mil in 2016 and 2017

2. Cut Landry to save $1.4 mil this year and about $7.75 mil in 2016.

3. Cut Donald Thomas to save $3.25 mil this year and about $3.75 in 2016

4. Cut Shaun Phillips to save $2.65 mil this year

5. Cut Trent Richardson to save $0, but open a roster space for another player who can actually contribute

Contract extensions:
6. Sign Castonzo to a 4 year extension with a $4 mil signing bonus.
     a) 2015: $6 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     b) 2016: $6 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     c) 2017: $6 mil, $3 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     d) 2018: $7.5 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $750K workout bonus
     e) 2019: $8 mil, $4 mil guaranteed, $750K roster bonus, $750K workout bonus

7. Sign Luck to a 5 year extension with a $15 mil signing bonus.
     a) 2015: $18 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $2 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     b) 2016: $19 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $4 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     c) 2017: $21 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $4 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     d) 2018: $21 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $6 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     e) 2019: $24 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $7 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     f) 2020: $25 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $8 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus

Restructures:
8. Restructure Jean-Francois to a $4.755 mil base salary with no roster bonus, saving $3.8 mil this year, but lose around $2.5 mil in 2016

Re-signing our own free agents:
9. Re-sign Hasselbeck to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

10. Re-sign Wayne to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $300K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $100K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

11. Re-sign Adams to a 1 year, $1.3 mil deal with $600K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $150K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

12. Re-sign Studebaker to a 3 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
     a) 2015: $870K, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $885K., $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $900K, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus

13. Re-sign Redding to a 1 year, $970K deal with $250 K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $100K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

14. Re-sign Bradshaw to a 1 year, $1.5 mil deal with $600K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

15. Re-sign Butler to a 2 year, $2 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
     a) 2015: $1 mil, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus
      b) 2016: $1 mil, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus

16. Re-sign Nicks to a 2 year, $2.2 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $1.1 mil, $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $150K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $1.1 mil, $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus

17. Re-sign Brown to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $745K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

18. Re-sign Reitz to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $745K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

19. Re-sign Shipley to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $660K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

20. Re-sign Freeman to a 2 year, $5 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $1.5 mil, $600K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $3.5 mil, $1 mil guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $500K workout bonus

21. Re-sign Overton to a 4 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $660K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $775K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      d) 2018: $790K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

22. Re-sign Adongo to a 1 year, $585K deal with $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

23. Re-sign Herron to a 1 year, $585K deal with $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

Cap space for rookie contracts:
24. Set aside $7.5 mil to sign rookies and undrafted free agents

Signing free agents from other teams:
25. Sign one of Clint Boling, James Carpenter (I'm guessing he would be the cheapest of the 3?), or Orlando Franklin to a 4 year, $19.5 mil deal with $2 mil signing bonus
      a) 2015: $4 mil, $1.5 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $4 mil, $1.5 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $5 mil, $2 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      d) 2018: $6.5 mil, $3 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus

26-1. Sign Alan Branch to a 2 year, $4 mil deal with $0 signing bonus (for the purposes of this projection, I will go with the scenario where we sign Branch)
      a) 2015: $1 mil, $300K guaranteed, $250 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $3 mil, $1 mil guaranteed, $250 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
or
26-2. Sign Adrian Clayborn to a 2 or 3 year, $5 mil deal with $0 signing bonus, or
26-3. Sign Brandon Deaderick to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $0 signing bonus

27. Sign one of Louis Delmas, Stevie Brown, Jimmy Wilson, Jeron Johnson, or Major Wright to a 1 year, $1.1 mil deal with $300K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $150K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

Draft strategy:
I would go into the draft looking to focus on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, I think we're pretty good where we are. I brought in a guard in free agency to shore up the right side of the line (and I think Franklin and Carpenter can both play RT if needed), but I think we are fine otherwise. I think we need more talent on the defensive side of the ball, so I signed a defensive lineman and a safety, but I would still focus on that side of the ball in the draft. The OL started playing much better at the end of the year, and I think Luck's progression will help him make decent players around him seem very good. I think Freeman's play has been better than what most on here want to give him credit for (which is why I re-signed him), but another ILB would really help. However, it's not possible to go into the draft thinking you're just going to focus on the defensive side of the ball. You can't predict what will happen and reaching for a defensive player could very well end up hurting your team in the long run. So focusing on the defensive side of the ball is more of a general guideline as to how I would approach the draft.

That leaves us with around $1 mil left under the cap for 2015. What are your thoughts?

Can you explain how Cherilus wouldn`t be an $8.7 M cap hit next season? Thanks.

If cut, Landry would still count $3.5M against the 2015 Cap correct? Thanks. He has a $4M salary & roster bonus for $2015 that we could save correct? And $6M for same in 2016?

Donald Thomas has a $3.5M salary for each of the next 2 season. Cutting him is surely a done deal of course. He would count for $500,000 in dead money for next season correct? Thanks

The re-signings $$ look like something a youth conjure up. Illogical. JMO

21isSuperman · January 22, 2015

Good write up my man, appreciate the time and effort that's gone into this.

A couple of thoughts if I may?
Your Kryptonian brother will know better but I think just $1 Million in Cap Room might be a bit too tight to head into a season with. Especially when the inevitable injuries happen and we need flexibility to make some rosther moves.
The contract for Luck might be a little on the low side, I'd be happy if we get it sown up this off season.
~~Your extension for AC is a bit too rich for my liking, I'd reckon that would put him the top 5(?) for LTs and I don't think he's a top 5 LT. Pay the man certainly but not quite so high.~~
I'd rather cut RJF than restructure, especially if you're bringing Redding back.
Can't fault your resignings but I don't think we'll get Nicks back for that sort of money, someone will offer him more I'm sure. I'd not bring back Shipley either.
Draft wise, although I can understand wanting to go D heavy, I think we have enough holes that we couldn't go wrong just going BPA all the way.

Edit - I can't do Math this morning.

Yeah, I'm not a big cap geek. $1 mil might not be enough space going into the season. Giving Luck a big deal really handcuffed me for the season (that's why I couldn't make a big splash in free agency), but I figured it would be best to get the deal done with now instead of waiting another year. If we wait another year, Luck could have another great statistical season, pushing his price higher. Plus, Wilson is set to make a lot of money; you can make the case that Luck deserves more money than Wilson. So if we can get Luck's deal done before Wilson, we can avoid having to pay him more just because the Seahawks are overpaying Wilson.

As for Luck's numbers, I figured he would demand somewhere between $20-$25 mil per season. The contract starts on the lower side of that ($18 mil in 2015), and ends on the higher side ($25 mil in 2020). The money I am giving him comes out to an average of $21.3 mil per season, which I think is about right. But again, I'm not a cap expert, so I may be way off.

I feel like RJF still has some ability. I would want to keep him on the roster instead of cutting him.

I brought back Nicks because I'm not overly comfortable with a WR corps of Moncrief, Wayne, and Hilton, then whatever we get in the draft. He knows the system, likes playing in Indy, and really impressed me towards the end of the season. As for Shipley, I like Holmes, but he's very injury prone. I'm also not very comfortable with Harrison as backup; I think he has potential, but he isn't quite there yet. Having Shipley as a backup makes me more comfortable if Holmes goes down with an injury again.

I agree with your comments on how to approach the draft.

9 - Hasselbeck wont sign at what amounts to a vet minimum deal ... more like $3-4 million per year

10 - If Wayne does not retire/allowed to come back he will make more than that

13 - If redding does not retire/allowed to come back he will cost more

15 - Butler will cost more than that at least more like 3/10

17 - Sergio Brown will want a raise

20 - IMO Freeman will want a longer and higher contract

21 - Overton will ask for and get more than that. More like $1 mil per year.

Hasselbeck - if that's the case, I'd let him go. I think his intelligence can help Luck for one more year, but not more. He doesn't see much playing time, so I wouldn't give him more than $1 mil per season. If he wants something in the $3-4 mil range, I'd let him go.

Wayne - I wouldn't be comfortable giving him more. He contributes more in the locker room and in meetings than he does on the field, based off of what he did last year. He might be able to come back and play well after healing up from his injuries. But I wouldn't want to give him more. If he wants significantly more, I'd be content to let him go.

Redding - he's getting older and I think we need an infusion of young talent along the DL. If he wants more than that, I wouldn't bring him back. He's been serviceable while he's been here, but he's not worth that much money at this point in his career

Butler - his play was somewhat sporadic this year. I'd be more inclined to give him the type of deal you mentioned, but I was restricted with my cap money this year because of Luck's contract.

Brown - I don't think he deserves much of a raise. He's been decent in coverage, but nothing spectacular. I think he's a very good backup, but I don't think he's starter material. I'd be willing to go as high as 2 year, $2 mil, but not more.

Freeman - he's good, but he's getting older. I think we need better play from our ILBs, which would include looking at some in the draft. If he wants a lot more money than I offered, I would be comfortable letting him go.

Overton - this was a tricky one. He's a long snapper, so he shouldn't get a big deal. But the chemistry he has with McAfee and Vinny is great. Again, 4 year, $4 mil would be a little higher than I'd want to pay, but I wouldn't mind paying him something a little lower (4 year, $3.5 mil?)

Great job. That had to be difficult to do!

Cuts: I'm cool with all those cuts. Plus cut Cribbs, and Nixon.

Contract Extensions: Definitely re-sign Castanzo, but I'm guessing Luck gets even more than what you proposed. I hope there's no Luck/Wilson bidding war to see who gets the highest contract.

Restructure: agreed. We should try to restructure DQ too if possible.

Re-sign: I'm ok letting Hasselback and Nicks walk for that kind of money.
I hope Redding comes back this year.
Butler, Adams, Brown and Freeman will probably command more money, which is ok with me.
I'd like to have Shipley back. He's great depth.
Bradshaw and Adongo's contracts should be incentive based - like amount of games played.

Free Agents: Not bad picks. I would go for a RT, and get rid of Cherilus. We need a OLB badly. Sign Dulon Carter for WR.

Draft: O-lIneman, Safety, OLB, ILB, CB, NT, WR/KR.

I believe Cribbs and Nixon are free agents, so I didn't re-sign them.

I didn't look at re-structuring DQ (but I should have). I believe he's fully guaranteed this year, but has no guaranteed money in his last 2 years, meaning we could cut him at the end of the 2015 season and take no cap hit. I think he's a good leader and role model, especially if we bring in a few young LBs from the draft.

Yes to cutting Richardson, Thomas, Cherilus, Phillips, and Landry. Although I don't think they'll cut Landry, unfortunately.

I think as one of the posters said, Costanzo deal won't get done til next year and it'll be a little more expensive than what you have here.

Hasselbeck, Wayne, Nicks and Shipley are likely gone. JMO

If Hasselbeck is re-signed I don't really think he'll cost what your thinking. JMO

I like Freeman but I think he has his shortcomings and may not be a wise idea to give him a lot of money. Again, JMO

Adams and Redding are wild cards. They could go either way and I'd be fine with it.

See above comments regarding Hasselbeck, Wayne, Nicks, Shipley, Freeman, and Redding.

Can you explain how Cherilus wouldn`t be an $8.7 M cap hit next season? Thanks.
If cut, Landry would still count $3.5M against the 2015 Cap correct? Thanks. He has a $4M salary & roster bonus for $2015 that we could save correct? And $6M for same in 2016?

Donald Thomas has a $3.5M salary for each of the next 2 season. Cutting him is surely a done deal of course. He would count for $500,000 in dead money for next season correct? Thanks

The re-signings $$ look like something a youth conjure up. Illogical. JMO

Cherilus might have some dead money, but we can still save by cutting him. See my original post for savings regarding cutting Landry.

In regards to my re-signings, I couldn't spend too much money because of the Luck contract. I went after an offensive lineman to shore up the right side of the line, a defensive lineman (especially a run stuffer, for obvious reasons) and a safety. I had to find cheap guys. What seems illogical about them? Am I offering too little money?

Superman · January 22, 2015

Can you explain how Cherilus wouldn`t be an $8.7 M cap hit next season? Thanks.
If cut, Landry would still count $3.5M against the 2015 Cap correct? Thanks. He has a $4M salary & roster bonus for $2015 that we could save correct? And $6M for same in 2016?
Donald Thomas has a $3.5M salary for each of the next 2 season. Cutting him is surely a done deal of course. He would count for $500,000 in dead money for next season correct? Thanks
The re-signings $$ look like something a youth conjure up. Illogical. JMO

If you designate Cherilus as a post-June 1 release, it's a cap penalty of $2.9m in 2015, and $5.8m in 2016. That's the smart way to do it.

Same with Landry. It would be $1.75m in 2015 and $1.75m in 2016.

Superman · January 22, 2015

@21, this is a big task. I was working on one the other day. I'm not ready to share yet, but some similar decisions.

I think, if Luck's deal gets done this offseason, it will be late in the offseason, maybe into camp or later. Same with the others from the 2012 draft class. Just a logistical/cap management/cash flow issue.

Smash Mouth · January 22, 2015

I like the approach to focus on the defense in the draft and to find some grisly vets in FA too. However, Grigson has to find more help at WR. What we thought was a strength ended up being underwhelming. The Colts also have to re-invest in a RB.

AntonMcG · January 22, 2015

I'd love for the Colts to get James Carpenter. I wanted them to get him when he was in the draft. I really can't see why he'd leave the Seahawks, though, so I don't know that he could be afford-ably had.

He's been a pretty big disappointment in Seattle. One of their few draft picks in this last 4 years that haven't worked out.

braveheartcolt · January 22, 2015

Why extend Luck when he has 2 years on his rookie deal? No one is really challenging it on here , so it must make sense, but not to me. But I'm stupid.

Valpo2004 · January 22, 2015

Why extend Luck when he has 2 years on his rookie deal? No one is really challenging it on here , so it must make sense, but not to me. But I'm stupid.

It's a good question if that's something we want to do or not but there is some value in it.

Here is what it is. . .

If you extend a player like Luck now the next 2 years of his contract still apply. However the signing bonus that you give him (which will be large) starts pro-rating immediately.

So you can start pro-rating the signing bonus right now while his salary is small in order to help out for later on. Basically it's taking bigger cap hits now to help control the cap hits later. Does this make sense?

Also another note is that politically we may get him at a better deal if we sign him before Wilson and Newton sign their extensions. If we let Wilson sign first, he sets the market and Luck will rightly demand higher pay then Wilson. But if Luck signs first he is doing so in a fog cause he doesn't know what Wilson will sign for.

Unfortunately Wilson is under far more pressure to sign sooner then Luck. Therefore Luck's uncle (who is his agent) will likely advise him to hold off on signing until after Wilson signs so as to get the most money. But if we could trick him into signing first it would be to our benefit.

Superman · January 22, 2015

He's been a pretty big disappointment in Seattle. One of their few draft picks in this last 4 years that haven't worked out.

They've had plenty of picks not work out, but he was a first rounder. He's a decent player, just wasn't a very good draft pick. I'd take him to play guard for us, and he can play tackle in a pinch.

braveheartcolt · January 22, 2015

It's a good question if that's something we want to do or not but there is some value in it.

Here is what it is. . .

If you extend a player like Luck now the next 2 years of his contract still apply. However the signing bonus that you give him (which will be large) starts pro-rating immediately.

So you can start pro-rating the signing bonus right now while his salary is small in order to help out for later on. Basically it's taking bigger cap hits now to help control the cap hits later. Does this make sense?

Also another note is that politically we may get him at a better deal if we sign him before Wilson and Newton sign their extensions. If we let Wilson sign first, he sets the market and Luck will rightly demand higher pay then Wilson. But if Luck signs first he is doing so in a fog cause he doesn't know what Wilson will sign for.

Unfortunately Wilson is under far more pressure to sign sooner then Luck. Therefore Luck's uncle (who is his agent) will likely advise him to hold off on signing until after Wilson signs so as to get the most money. But if we could trick him into signing first it would be to our benefit.

That makes a ton of sense. 'Extension' was a clue I missed! Very much appreciated kind sir. You get a like, which is rare from old grumpy pants....!

Valpo2004 · January 22, 2015

I spent a lot of time on http://overthecap.com/calculator/indianapolis-colts trying to play GM and manage our contracts. Through a combination of being very addicting and being very complex, it took me multiple days to figure it all out. However, I think I came up with a decent plan. I must preface it by saying I am not a cap geek in the least; I know very little about the salary cap. But it's now the offseason for the Colts, so it seemed like something fun to do. I didn't put in explanations for each player because that would just make the post nauseatingly long (it's already so long that I'm going to use spoiler buttons to shorten it). But I would be happy to explain my thought process with any of the things I list if anyone is interested. I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts! Be as painfully honest as you like

Current cap room for 2015: $37 358 059

Cuts:
1. Cut Cherilus to lose $1.8 mil in cap space this year, but save around $10 mil in 2016 and 2017

2. Cut Landry to save $1.4 mil this year and about $7.75 mil in 2016.

3. Cut Donald Thomas to save $3.25 mil this year and about $3.75 in 2016

4. Cut Shaun Phillips to save $2.65 mil this year

5. Cut Trent Richardson to save $0, but open a roster space for another player who can actually contribute

Contract extensions:
6. Sign Castonzo to a 4 year extension with a $4 mil signing bonus.
     a) 2015: $6 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     b) 2016: $6 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     c) 2017: $6 mil, $3 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     d) 2018: $7.5 mil, $3.5 mil guaranteed, $500K roster bonus, $750K workout bonus
     e) 2019: $8 mil, $4 mil guaranteed, $750K roster bonus, $750K workout bonus

7. Sign Luck to a 5 year extension with a $15 mil signing bonus.
     a) 2015: $18 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $2 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     b) 2016: $19 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $4 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     c) 2017: $21 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $4 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     d) 2018: $21 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $6 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     e) 2019: $24 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $7 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
     f) 2020: $25 mil, $10 mil guaranteed, $8 mil roster bonus, $500K workout bonus

Restructures:
8. Restructure Jean-Francois to a $4.755 mil base salary with no roster bonus, saving $3.8 mil this year, but lose around $2.5 mil in 2016

Re-signing our own free agents [edit: I should have noted this before. If the guys I have listed here want significantly more money than what I offer, I would let them go. For example, some have said Hasselbeck would demand more money. If he wants $3-4 mil per season, I would let him go. So what I have below is like the maximum of what I would offer, but they very well may reject, in which case I would let them go. Of course, with some players, I'd be willing to pay more money, like Butler]:
9. Re-sign Hasselbeck to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

10. Re-sign Wayne to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $300K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $100K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

11. Re-sign Adams to a 1 year, $1.3 mil deal with $600K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $150K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

12. Re-sign Studebaker to a 3 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
     a) 2015: $870K, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $885K., $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $900K, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $50K workout bonus

13. Re-sign Redding to a 1 year, $970K deal with $250 K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $100K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

14. Re-sign Bradshaw to a 1 year, $1.5 mil deal with $600K guaranteed, $100K roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

15. Re-sign Butler to a 2 year, $2 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
     a) 2015: $1 mil, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus
      b) 2016: $1 mil, $200K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus

16. Re-sign Nicks to a 2 year, $2.2 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $1.1 mil, $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $150K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $1.1 mil, $500K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus

17. Re-sign Brown to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $745K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

18. Re-sign Reitz to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $745K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

19. Re-sign Shipley to a 2 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $660K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

20. Re-sign Freeman to a 2 year, $5 mil deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $1.5 mil, $600K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $500K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $3.5 mil, $1 mil guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $500K workout bonus

21. Re-sign Overton to a 4 year, vet min deal with $0 signing bonus
      a) 2015: $660K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $760K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $775K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus
      d) 2018: $790K, $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0K workout bonus

22. Re-sign Adongo to a 1 year, $585K deal with $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

23. Re-sign Herron to a 1 year, $585K deal with $100K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $0 workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

Cap space for rookie contracts:
24. Set aside $7.5 mil to sign rookies and undrafted free agents

Signing free agents from other teams:
25. Sign one of Clint Boling, James Carpenter (I'm guessing he would be the cheapest of the 3?), or Orlando Franklin to a 4 year, $19.5 mil deal with $2 mil signing bonus
      a) 2015: $4 mil, $1.5 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $4 mil, $1.5 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      c) 2017: $5 mil, $2 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      d) 2018: $6.5 mil, $3 mil guaranteed, $500 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus

26-1. Sign Alan Branch to a 2 year, $4 mil deal with $0 signing bonus (for the purposes of this projection, I will go with the scenario where we sign Branch)
      a) 2015: $1 mil, $300K guaranteed, $250 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
      b) 2016: $3 mil, $1 mil guaranteed, $250 roster bonus, $250K workout bonus
or
26-2. Sign Adrian Clayborn to a 2 or 3 year, $5 mil deal with $0 signing bonus, or
26-3. Sign Brandon Deaderick to a 1 year, $1 mil deal with $0 signing bonus

27. Sign one of Louis Delmas, Stevie Brown, Jimmy Wilson, Jeron Johnson, or Major Wright to a 1 year, $1.1 mil deal with $300K guaranteed, $0 roster bonus, $150K workout bonus, $0 signing bonus

Draft strategy:
I would go into the draft looking to focus on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, I think we're pretty good where we are. I brought in a guard in free agency to shore up the right side of the line (and I think Franklin and Carpenter can both play RT if needed), but I think we are fine otherwise. I think we need more talent on the defensive side of the ball, so I signed a defensive lineman and a safety, but I would still focus on that side of the ball in the draft. The OL started playing much better at the end of the year, and I think Luck's progression will help him make decent players around him seem very good. I think Freeman's play has been better than what most on here want to give him credit for (which is why I re-signed him), but another ILB would really help. However, it's not possible to go into the draft thinking you're just going to focus on the defensive side of the ball. You can't predict what will happen and reaching for a defensive player could very well end up hurting your team in the long run. So focusing on the defensive side of the ball is more of a general guideline as to how I would approach the draft.

That leaves us with around $1 mil left under the cap for 2015. What are your thoughts?

Your contracts make no sense. You are giving them zero signing bonus but guaranteeing portions of their salary until the end of the contract? In other ones you are giving a signing bonus but not pro-rating it.

Do you understand how these contracts work? Do you understand only extremely low level players sign for no signing bonus and those that do arn't given guarantees on their salary??

I'm gonna try and re-do your contracts in a way that makes sense based on how real NFL contracts are structured.

Sign In

A Colts offseason plan

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites