Goodell says be ready for an uncapped 2010

the rams were finally going to have some cap space this offseason to make a few moves, and now most of the decent free agents are going to be restricted. not that campbell, austin, jackson, etc. were going to get far from their original teams, but this just makes it certain that they will never make it to the to the open market. this effectively ends the rams pursuit of fixing their QB problem through free agency, and that’s a huge disappointment.

I’m beginning to lean towards a QB with our first pick in the draft. If he looks good at the combine and his throwing session I would prefer him over Suh. The Rams missed on Sanchez last year and it would suck to let a franchise QB slip by us again. His shoulder is a major concern but if his workout goes well he might be well worth the risk. If not we may be able to snag McCoy or Tebow with our 2nd rounder.

In the event of an un-capped year in 2010, the Final 8 teams in the playoffs can’t sign free agents this off-season unless they lose one and they can only replace that player (not go hog wild if they only lose one).

That would mean that New Orleans, Indianapolis, New York Jets, Minnesota, Dallas, San Diego, Baltimore, and Arizona can’t really sign any free agents this year. Now, I have no idea how Warner’s retirement plays into this or effects this, and I’m not positive if the player they lost is required to sign somewhere before they get the chance to replace him, but nonetheless I thought this was very interesting.

The good news is that teams like New York and Dallas will be prevented from spending like crazy this offseason. However, we still have the Giants and Washington (among a few other teams) to have to deal with when it comes to opening the wallets.

Ultimately though, with all the RFAs, I think this is going to be a pretty uneventful offseason and it seems as if this whole thing was designed to keep teams from taking advantage of the situation. Frankly, a team is probably better off not over-spending this year because realistically, this “un-cap-ness” isn’t going to last forever. You could really hamstring yourself if you over-indulge this offseason.

One prediction for when a new agreement is reached……a rookie pay structure much like the NBA. Like the Players association is going to stand in the way of their members getting more money?

Coach’s crytal ball fortold the coming of the uncapped season

Hey, the right ones don’t come that often, so Ima take a minute to enjoy it!
:^)

An uncapped year will drive the value for premium NFL draft picks way up. The Rams may be able to trade the first overall pick this year for a lot more prospects (either veteran players or for more draft picks) since the only definable, inexpensive way to improve a team will be through the draft this year.

Go ask MLB how that works.