The Redskins found a way to top the rest of the league in something. When it comes to the salary cap, they remain a consistent champion for putting together expensive rosters.
According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Redskins have the NFL’s highest salary cap figure for next year, with $131 million already devoted to 51 players (only 51 count toward the cap in the offseason). That’s seven million over the projected cap.
Recommended Stories
Meanwhile, Baltimore is in good shape at $20 million under the cap. The Ravens can try to re-sign their big-ticket guys like Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott and Ray Lewis.
The Saints, Colts and Jets are the only other teams over the cap. Arizona, Detroit, Kansas City and Tampa Bay have the most room — all more than $35 million.
Anyway, the Redskins now must get in compliance with the cap by Feb. 26, the day before free agency. Considering the cap number, don’t expect the Redskins to be very active in free agency.
But the Redskins could get under the figure rather easily by doing the one thing many fans would like: cutting Jason Taylor for an $8 million savings. Then again, how would they replace his 3 1/2 sacks?
Among other potential cuts:
Linebacker Marcus Washington (approximately $4 million in savings) » He’s often hurt and will be 32 in October. He’s still good, but they need a reliable full-time starter.
Corner Shawn Springs ($8 million) » Secondary coach Jerry Gray loves him; many have told us so; it’s doubtful he’ll be gone. But it could depend, too, on whether or not they can re-sign corner DeAngelo Hall and trade corner Carlos Rogers.
End Phillip Daniels ($1.6 million) » He’ll be 36 and coming off knee surgery. That’s a bad combination. He’s a respected member and if they cut Taylor they could use another end. However, that’s also a spot they’ll be looking at in the draft. Demetric Evans, a free agent, could be re-signed and used as a cheap starting alternative.
» They could save nearly $4 million by cutting defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, but he still has value on the field so this would be felt more than Taylor or Daniels.
