Interesting Comparison
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- March
- 3
Gotta love what’s going on on the other side of the river from the Giants offices. While general manager Jerry Reese, Lombardi Trophy tucked safely under his desk, is conserving that $15 million or so of remaining salary-cap space, Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum is spending it like it’s nobody’s business.
Now comes news that Arizona linebacker/defensive end Calvin Pace has agreed to a six-year, $42 million deal that calls for a $20 million signing bonus and $22 million in guaranteed money. Just a feeling, but I don’t think that first year can possibly be too cap-friendly, no? That comes on heels of signing Alan Faneca to a five-year, $40 million deal ($20 million guaranteed) and redoing trade-acquired Kris Jenkins’ contract to give him $9.5 million guaranteed and a $5.8 million salary cap figure.
Now, I know these bonuses are pro-rated and all, and there’s a lot of ways you can work a cap. But the sheer numbers indicate that the Jets, who started at about $22 million under the $116 million cap, are spending an awful, awful lot of money, with more to go as Lions guard Damien Woody has agreed to terms to complete their offensive line restructuring. And remember, they still have economical Pats safety Eugene Wilson heading in for a visit today and Vikings running back Tony Richardson visiting at some point. No big pricetags there, but even the little things add up.
Reese? He just spent $5 million over three years, with a $1 million signing bonus, on Sammy Knight to plug a starting hole at free safety. He’ll spend more as he eventually re-structures Plaxico Burress’ contract, and hands Michael Strahan a bit more money to come back.
Not making any predictions here, but historically these big free agent makeovers generally don’t work out for the better. Guess when you’re 4-12, though, might as well try.
Ciao for now.
This entry was posted
on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm by Ernie Palladino. 
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Ernie Palladino
its a shame i just watched the giants super bowl dvd it looked like wilson really enjoyed playing with the giants and seemed like he was having a grand old time, working with his colleagues and under the control of spags, i really have to think his agent really pushed him to go for the gold and get as much money as possible, because my heart tells me gibril loved it in new york and wanted to stay, i no this is irrevelant but i think gibril will play for the giants again. just thought id put my two sense in. anyways hes ancient news bring on sammy knight
After his success this past season, you sure have to give Reese the benefit of the doubt. As all these big money free agents are signed and teams reach their caps, some good players end up getting released and become available at far more reasonable prices.
Last year, people panicked when Reese took it slow. Now we can have confidence that he know what he’s doing.
JETS organization is desparate, & spending way too much money on these guys. I’m glad its not the Giants in panic mode like the J e t s.