Left guard Charlie Johnson seemed a likely candidate to be asked about a pay cut in 2013 and it turns out he already has been, and agreed to a new deal that gives the Vikings half a million more in cap room.
According to 1500 ESPN, his new deal increases his roster bonus from $500,000 to $750,000, but drops his base salary from $2.95 million to $2.45 million. The new deal also erased $250,000 worth of playing time incentives.
His 2013 cap hit went from $4.35 million to $3.85 million, giving the Vikings some much needed room.
Prior to striking deals with quarterback Matt Cassel and wide out Greg Jennings late last week the Vikings were thought to have about $13.8 million in cap space. After their deals are approved by the league office we should be able to learn more about what their adjusted cap numbers look like.
Armed with 11 draft picks, some speculation has included Johnson getting released outright if the Vikings find a promising young rookie, and nothing about this new deal should make it any less possible.
It is also possible, still, that other high priced veterans are approached about restructuring their contracts.
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k-will and allen have to be expecting that call
K will more than anybody else.
But both of those guys are being paid more than they deserve.
I still regret they let winfield go, without reconstrutring Allen and Williams.
I highly doubt that either one gets a call.
Because J Allen was part of the Jennings courting process... I believe he gave the Vikings the "Green light" to go get Jennings.
Meaning JA was probably ok with the idea that he may have to restructure to get it done.
I think JA wants to remain a Viking and I think JA wants to win.
Fans think JA is over paid, and maybe he is, but I think right now he is showing a willingness to work with the front office and he seems to be happy in his team leadership roll.
If JA was unhappy with the off season moves, or unhappy being a Viking, or worried about a restructure, I don't think he would have went out of his way to sell Jennings on being a Viking.
I have complete confidence that JA is completely invested in this team and is on board to do what it takes to win.
The reason why I don't think they will get a call is not because that are not good team mates or don't want to win, is it because I think the Vikings have made their splash and I think they are pretty much done with free agency.
I guess we'll find out when they get the actual cap #
You are right Charlie. It will be interesting to see how Jennings contract is structured and how much the cap hit is. Luckily we have one of the best if not the best cap gurus in the NFL in Brzezinski.
Clay Matthews Breaks Both Legs In Car Accident
http://clay.matthews.mediafetcher.com/news/top_stories/football_car_crash?location=Wisconsin
Fake news.
too bad... uh, i mean, oh, that's good! don't wanna see anybody get hurt like that
hehe
Hey Adam, maybe you wrote about this and I missed it. Or maybe a move was made that I missed. What now becomes of Joe Webb? Is he presumably a former Viking, or will they pursue the receiver thing again? Does the Bethel guy now assume the #3 and compete with a drafted rookie?
great question, coach.....what say you, adam?
I personally think the Vikings should seriously consider keeping Joe around, as a mobile QB, to run the scout team and help the defense prepare for the 10 mobile QB's on the 2013 schedule. After all, all six of their losses (seven including the playoffs) came against mobile QB's. We have Russell Wilson, Chip Kelly's offense, and RGIII on the schedule just to name a few. I think they kind of have to sell out and do EVERYTHING possible to deal with these option offenses and whatnot. And that might entail keeping Webb.
If they want to get rid of him, I hope they can trade him away and get a late round pick or something in return.
Webb has a low rookie contract... Why would he get cut now? We can fill the #3 QB spot and also a the #5 or 6 WR spot. Joe can also return kickoffs. Joe is a playmaker that adds roster spot value. I am not saying he will make the 53 man roster again this year... But I think you certainly should give him a shot in preseason to showcase something. BMT has no career NFL starts, he can't play WR, and he can't return kickoffs.
No reason to cut Joe right now. His trade value will be much higher in preseason when he is making some highlight plays... His value as a QB goes up when a few QBs start getting hurt in preseason.
Right now the QB market has a lot of quality backup QBs looking for work.
The Vikings need a kick returner and WR help... I think the Vikings will get a good look at Joe Webb as a "playmaker" this preseason and not "just" a QB.
Matt Cassel and BMT will both probably get a lot of reps in preseason. Joe should get a chance in preseason to prove he can be a playmaker at WR. Worst thing that can happen is Jennings or Wright gets hurt in preseason... Don't risk it! Let Webb carry some of the preseason WR work load.
Webb still adds value to this team!
doubt the vikes go after either Allen or Williams to restructure. Neither of them wants a pay cut, so for a restructure to do any good it means pushing more money into the future and probably guaranteeing more money. I'd say Speilman wants to keep these two high priced guys on a pay as you go basis, leaving the door open to release them outright after the season if production doesn't match the salary number. Team always wants to pay now and keep options open later for the cap, restructuring high priced veterans usually means future pressure on the cap. Restructure game works better with likes of Carlson and Johnson, where relief comes at least partially from a reduction in salary.