2009 Cap

[bckey]

Do the Texans have enough cap room to pay Dunta nearly $10 million if he signs the agreement for the franchise tag?

[cadams]

i am guessing that is factored in to that number, but that is just a guess.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by bckey

Do the Texans have enough cap room to pay Dunta nearly $10 million if he signs the agreement for the franchise tag?

Yes, tendered amounts are already reflected on the cap, even if they are unsigned. The available cap room would increase by almost $10 million if the tender was rescinded.

Given the four unsigned rookies, once signed, they will probably lower the cap room by another $3 million or so. I haven't done any estimates, but in case anyone is concerned from that angle, don't be. There is plenty of cap space for them... the question is really just fitting them under the rookie cap, which probably shouldn't be all that concerning either, esp since the team didn't draft a cap-busting QB or anything.

[bckey]

We still have Owen Daniels and DeMeco Ryans to sign also.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by bckey

We still have Owen Daniels and DeMeco Ryans to sign also.

Yes, but both are already on the cap this year with $2.8M and $1.3M cap figures, respectively.

It's possible (though maybe unlikely) Daniels' 2009 cap figure could decrease a little with a new contract. Ryans' would almost certainly go up if re-signed before the end of the season, but the larger cap figures would most likely come in future years (assuming there is a cap, of course).

[bckey]

Sounds like the Texans are in pretty good cap shape this year. Thanks Keith.

[Keith]

Info on the timing of the option bonus for Matt Schaub coming up, courtesy of a former front office employee of the Redskins (via Kuharsky's blog):

"...the Texans have until the 5th day after the 2009 League Year Super Bowl (Feb. 2010) to exercise the option for 2010-2012 contract years. For the purpose of salary cap accounting, the option is assumed exercised and the proration currently counts against the cap. However, if they choose to not exercise the option, the club will receive a credit for the option as there is no non-exercise fee paid to Schaub if they choose to not exercise."

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcsouth/...ap-number.html

Thanks to aj_ for asking Kuharsky to clarify what has apparently mystified the media in recent months...