No Salary Cap means No Parity?

by lifelongvike on Dec 11, 2009 12:18 PM CST

Under the current collective bargaining agreement ( CBA) all signing bonuses are spread out over the life of the contract for Cap computation purposes. So say you give JaMarcus Russell 20 million signing bonus. If you fire him the 20 mil goes against your cap space in one year. If you put him on the bench it goes against the cap over 6 years. Now that the CBA is expiring I'm thinking that every team with bad contracts will dump those contracts this March. No cap until the next contract means a one time opportunity to clean house. Who will take advantage of this opportunity? Large market teams with great earnings like the Cowboys, Giants, New England, and Pittsburg can dump and hire new. Small Market teams can only dump since earnings might not be enough for new hire. I'm thinking Oakland might not want to re-hire a high priced QB. Cleaveland can dump Anderson or Quinn or both. Will they Re-hire? My guess is that they will want to re-hire under whatever Salary Cap guidelines come out of this. Therefore I imagine many dumps and few hires this year.

This is just food for thought. Does anyone have a better feel for how this might change the complexion of the NFL?

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.

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Another nail in the coffin...

The Minnesota Vikings will go extinct. How soon we forget. In the olden days before salary-capped sports, the big market teams used the weaker markets like a farm system.

The talent flows where the money grows. There are 10 to 20 times as many people withing driving distance of your state of the art stadium (or soon-to-be-stadium) in L. A. or N. Y. when compared to the Metrodome. Your big market town headquarters more larger businesses which have the budgets to buy loge suites to entertain business clients and give perks to their executives. You have a ton of sponsors seeking advertising on your broadcasts. Got to herd all those working stiffs and fashion-crazed millionaires into the cattle chutes of the economy. How would those bankers live without us?

Money talks, and it uses words that won’t come off like great Shakespeare, except that there shall be tragedies. Building dynasties like the New York Yankees is the result of a difference in scale. The big franchises become like giant black holes, sucking in the talent from other galaxies. The more talent you have, the more championships you win, the more the mobs cheer, the more the money rolls in, until you reach the point where the other patsy teams are like the losers in professional wrestling. It moves out of the sporting-chance category and becomes melodrama or carnival side show stuff, like the Jersey Generals playing the Harlem Globetrotters. Is it entertainment? Well, it passes the time and takes your mind off global warming and sleeper cells and rising health care costs, just like the coliseum in ancient Rome did, where the final score is always a dependable Lions 38, Lucky Christians 0 (unless ticket sales lag and they have to toss in a novelty week).

The Vikings will move to L. A., and people in Minnesota will go back to mostly being Packer fans, just like it was before 1961. This will give the Pack a brief boost, since the team is publicly owned, like some Soviet hockey team, but in the long term, entropy will prevail, and Madden will become the only real football in existence that is making money.

After that, we’ll be watching whatever sport the Chinese find to be amusing.

Or maybe the NFL owners and NFLPA will see the light. After all, we’ve got the internet, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what is going on in the world.

Naw, we’ll most likely end up like Rodney King, wondering why we all can’t get along.

As Pogo said long ago in the funny papers, we have met the enemy, and he is us. Those who don’t learn from history get that nasty refresher course.

Roller Ball anyone?

by Elgar on Dec 11, 2009 1:38 PM CST reply actions

LOL. Winter has arrived in Vikinglandia

We are forsaken. All is lost.

You make Vican’t look like a wide-eyed optimist.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?" -Joe Kapp

by less cowbell, more 'neau on Dec 11, 2009 6:45 PM CST up reply actions

lol, yep, it is all lost

I’ve had a few other posts before and his optimism hasn’t wavered. I’ll give him this much, at least he’s consistent. Me, I’d rather go out in a blaze of glory!

Besides, I just put my hand to the floor, still warm, so hell hasn’t froze over. lol

"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 8:55 PM CST up reply actions

All is not doom and gloom.

If you look at how things break down, no. In actual order NFL rankings, we are larger then Denver, San Diego, Cleveland, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Nashville, Jacksonville, Buffalo, New Orleans and Green Bay. While Washington DC and Baltimore are smaller as well, they are considered the same area. So that put’s us in mid range. Looking at some of the teams, they have no issues generating money. The big difference between us and them, they are able to bring in alot of extra cash flow as the majority of them have better home situations. Either a new place or a majorly overhauled one. So the big market/little market in the NFL is more or less a mute point.

As for the CBA going bye-bye this spring, there is still a chance a new one will be in place before hand. As for dumping of salaries, my understanding at this point, and I may be wrong, is that those under contract still abid by the contract under the old CBA unless they are cut or elect/become a Free Agent. If that is the case, I don’t really see a big panic for one year as for the most part our guys are locked in. The only ones I could see being cut to save room would be big time bust’s like JaMarcus Russell or players who are in the twilight of their careers and they sure won’t catch much money in the “uncapped” Free Agency. Also, I don’t see owners spending top dollar for a semi decent F.A. like they do in baseball.

In the short term, yeah, some folks are gonna freak. In the long run, by not reneweing the CBA and union contracts, the owners are trying to force a whole new contract agenda. Who knows, we may see our thrid strike in the last 30 years out of this. But I do remember when people were worried the last few times and overall, things got worked out and everyone has pretty much benefitted. Just another storm that we all are going have to weather but the sunny sky is behind it.

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 1:57 PM CST reply actions

new CBA

I’m in agreement that a new CBA will be entered into. I was simply trying to question whether the larger market teams could take advantage of the situation between contracts by being able to dump and replace. Its probably a lot more complicated issue than I am trying to focus on.
No matter what happens the NFL is a very strong sports franchise and the reason for its success has a lot to do with the fact that there are many viable teams nationwide. I’m not as pessimistic as Elger.

by lifelongvike on Dec 11, 2009 2:32 PM CST up reply actions

lol

I know, dont think anyone is. I know what you were asking, and not sure if I came out as answering/sharing my thoughts are arguing as it wasn’t an argument. The “Doom and Gloom” was more of a reference to our friend at the top.

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

I think large market teams

understand what makes football such a great sport it’s the fact that everyone has a chance. (well at least sort of) a team that was 5 -11 can be 9-4 this year. That is what makes football great even terrible teams can have a chance at glory. Basketball, Hockey and baseball don’t have that.
That’s why I think we’ll see the NFL continue to seek parity.

by Grime on Dec 14, 2009 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

Not all gloom and doom

Your assessment of the size of those markets is correct; however, the quality of the players/roster still makes a HUGE difference. In KC, we love football more than most markets anyway, and Arrowhead is legendary for the volume of the crowd (despite being an open air stadium) and almost 99% of fans will be wearing at least 1 item of NFL merchandise. Our BBQ/tailgating tradition ensures that there will be enough fans even in times like these, but without question, the team makes several times the money when they have had marketable players like Priest Holmes, Tony Gonzalez, Joe Montana, Derrick Thomas, Will Shields and even Tamarick Vanover and/or Dante Hall vs. the less talented teams with Larry Johnson, et al.

To answer the original question, I think the answer will be a resounding yes…coastal big money teams (and perhaps Chicago) will certainly pick up whatever talent is being put down while they can. Whenever the new salary cap (if there is one) is set, it could be like baseball’s payroll tax — based on keeping the mighty teams mighty, even if that level is out of reach of the average team.

It is difficult to imagine that the new CBA will be as good as the existing one has been for owners and players alike. The big criticism of the existing CBA/salary cap was that it would mean no more dynasties, and that has been blown out of the water multiple times (Rams, Patriots, Steelers), so I fail to understand how this upcoming mess will lead to progress. I certainly hope that it does, though. Allowing teams to have more franchise/transition/RFA/draft compensation procedures could make up for a lot the difference between what has been and what will be.

by KC Viking on Dec 11, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

Perhaps

But alot of player decisions still come down to assessing talent. K.C. is making more money in their home then the Vikings even tho K.C. is going thru one of their worst times. Yet, we have one of the most talented teams in the NFL, regardless of the fact we rank 32 out of 32 as far as our wealth. Yet, the Redskins are 2nd and the Bears are 9th and suck. Not because of money, but because they have people who get suck talent. The cap and CBA has helped this team alot because the Metrodome situation does blow chunks. Lambaeu has gone through enough revisions and updates to still be the class of the NFL and bring in more then enough money and being the smallest local market, I doubt they would have any problems forging through a possible uncapped NFL.

Wilf would more then likely hang onto the product he has assembled instead of devaluing the team just because one season may go uncapped. But if it were to become uncapped permantely, yes, we would be introuble as the Metrodome would become whoafully inadequate. So yes, this is where the new stadium argument takes center stage regardless of a new CBA and cap or not. I just wished they had figured in a Vikings stadium into all this in when things were better and they approved Target and TCF Field’s. And the latest rumor is that Jacksonville, Buffalo and St. Louis are the ones that Roski has been talking with to buy the teams and move them to L.A.. While I wont say the Vikings are not on the list, I just don’t think Wilf would have invested all the time into the Vikings and Minnesota and the land around the Metrodome just to say “see ya” and head out regardless of out less then optimistic friend above said.

I think the NFL and the owners are going to come up with a larger cap then the old CBA, perhaps less revenue sharing, but I don’t think there will be a free for all as they really dont want to see the wide spance of MLB between smaller cities and larger cities. Though again there, it still has to do with talent assessment to a degree. So yeah, it may or may not be a rough year for some teams, but I think we will be ok next year. I hope I made some sense a little? I did kinda ramble on that one. lol

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 8:51 PM CST up reply actions

You’re just a little wrong about KC right now. They were still profitable last year, but that’s partly because people were still buying LJ and Gonzo jerseys. That is no longer true. Cassell is the big name on the team now, and not as big as those 2 once were. If the Chiefs are a loser again next year, they will be near the bottom of the profitability rankings in the next year or two. Success on the field is still required for the KC market to rank as high as it did a few years ago.

I agree with you that Wilf is not likely to suddenly dump talent, although I’d make an exception re: Madieu Williams or Ben Leber or Bernard Berrian. Anyone who underperformed would be more likely to get the axe with no cap penalties to worry about.

The revenue sharing is really important to the smaller market teams because in the NFL, teams have been virtually guaranteed some degree of profitability provided that they didn’t go all the way to the cap while having a bad team and a bad stadium (but were almost assured of having a large enough revenue stream to spend up to the cap as long as they spent wisely). The new system must provide the same virtual guarantee to the owners again.

It’s really hard to avoid sounding gloomy and doomy since we have no idea what will be different and how. On the other hand, we know that they wouldn’t allow this system to go away in order to do the same thing in a year, too.

by KC Viking on Dec 11, 2009 9:36 PM CST up reply actions

Not saying you were wrong or anything

But the fact is, they still make more money then the Vikings due to better lease arrangements or do they own Arrowhead outright? But looking at the figs right now, K.C. is ranked 17th so they aren’t doing too bad all things considered.

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 9:51 PM CST up reply actions

The Chiefs do not own Arrowhead

They lease it from Jackson County, and a bi-state tax funded the renovations to Arrowhead and the K (<——— always was beautiful, but now is GORGEOUS!)

The Chiefs have been more profitable because they spent so little on payroll. Even the high salary players like Gonzo were low for being at a low-paid position or nearly outdated (LJ) provided that the player in question was productive. They will find themselves ranking lower and lower in profitability until they are competitive again.

by KC Viking on Dec 11, 2009 10:07 PM CST up reply actions

Ah, ok

Yeah, even tho the Royals have been the doormat of the Central, Kauffman has always bee one of the ones Ive been impressed with. Hope Target Field can obtain that kind of stature!

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 11, 2009 10:26 PM CST up reply actions

Arrowhead and the K

…have always been among the best stadiums because KC is home to at least 2 of the best sports/venue/event architecture firms in the world. The former HOK S+V+E division is now called Populous and the KC office of Ellerbe Beckett did all of the sports venue event designs (even though EB is officially HQd in Minneapolis) starting in 1988.

by KC Viking on Dec 11, 2009 11:30 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah

I always liked both places and in all honesty, wouldnt mind visiting both. They way they did Target Field, I could see that being around for many mny years. I wish we could get something that would turn into an instant classic for the Vikings that could use a few nip and tucks here and there over the years like Arrowhead but be considered something of a landmark that even the team wouldn’t want to leave.

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 12, 2009 8:37 AM CST up reply actions

Parity has made the NFL great

Before the salary cap and revenue sharing, it was just another sports league. With parity, any team can beat any team.

I hope the salary cap and revenue sharing are reinstated ASAP. Clearly, though, they will not be in effect in 2010. The first year out of the gate should still have a good deal parity. The longer it goes, though, the worse it could be for the NFL.

by medicineball on Dec 11, 2009 4:19 PM CST reply actions

Prime Example: the NFC South

one rule: you finish last one year, you’ll finish first the next year

From the only TRUE North division

by thewild_viking_twins on Dec 11, 2009 9:45 PM CST up reply actions

The one good thing

Everyones version of destruction is that a rich team can buy a superbowl through free agency. Fortunately a football team has 22 starters and with the draft and free agency restrictions a team can be strong with proper talent evaluations. In fact many high priced free agents have been busts due to age and injury. I like the Vikings talent evaluators and the executive office seems to understand the game that is played in contract negotiations. As long as the owner is willing to pay to play I think we will continue to succeed.

by lifelongvike on Dec 12, 2009 11:55 AM CST up reply actions

The NFL can continue more or less as it is without a salary cap.

The thing to watch is revenue sharing. They’ve already rolled back some of the revenue sharing that came in under the last CBA. If the amount or kinds of revenues shared gets narrowed, then the NFL will become the MLB: a few haves and a whole lot of have nots who can’t compete.

What begins in fear usually ends in folly.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Dec 12, 2009 9:50 PM CST reply actions

I would watch a lot less NFL if that happened

by medicineball on Dec 13, 2009 10:42 PM CST up reply actions

Sure it will

The upside is thay football frives crowds so all the more reason to build a stadium soon.
The commissioon need to reword their offer to: We will give you 2 year free and some insentives with parking and concessions if you let us buy that time to work it out.
Fans will have to sevure tickets at a higher price (pre purchase) a 2-4 year pack to show the Vikes we will be there. Y a gotta remember the TCF Vault will be home for couple years.
We may not be hit hard by a cap if we put a few thousand more seats in.
Caps are good if used the way the NFL does. That is why I can’t watch an NBA team and their so called cap. Funny how LA and other teams can have tons of superstars and T wolves keep getting worse. Losing 3 picks for signing Joe Smith. A team who sucks mire than any other and never gets a #1 pick.
No lottery either NFL
We will be a dinosaur if we don’t stary acting on a stadium
Build the dang thing without the retractable and save $. Add the cover later. Vikes fans will love being outside again.
Look back at the Anoka site. If not, run a rail from the fairgrounds parking (which sits emty most the year and have some [lace for tailgating, camping, licenced vendors to make some bucks selling food and stuff. Locence fees fo to the stadium along with parking and camping fees. There are tons of college teams where people come from mikes and camp for the weekend Could you imagine the fun on a Gopher Vikings weekend.
This will bring revenue to help. I also say another lotto ticket that goes directly to the stadium fund.
OK Long story. But a cap WILL maatter if we don’t buod ASAP

by CitrusFLViking on Dec 13, 2009 9:09 PM CST reply actions

Siry on spelling srror

working in the dark. Drives crowds, secure advanced ricket sales. start not stary.
Just remember-it’s just me. You guys are used to it. Thanks for working thru my “pig latin”
Merrry Christmas all.
Did you guys love seeing Stinko getting his head tore off as much as I..

by CitrusFLViking on Dec 13, 2009 9:16 PM CST reply actions