Michael GinnittiJanuary 30, 2020

Cousin Dan, Scott Allen, & Mike Ginnitti offer a roundtable look at team, player, & wild prop bets to jump on (or steer clear of)this Sunday. Plus a few approaches to consider for Super Bowl Daily Fantasy Showdown contests.

 

Michael GinnittiJanuary 30, 2020

A journey through the life of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, & a discussion on how business & broadcasts react to such tragedy. Plus, numbers & picks for Sunday's big game, & offseason outlooks for the Bengals, Redskins, Lions, & Giants.

 

 

Michael GinnittiJanuary 23, 2020

Mike Ginnitti breaks down what will be a very different NFL offseason thanks to the expiring CBA, including dead cap changes, contract structure restrictions & more. Plus, Scott Allen joins to break down a way too early look at the financial future of Zion Williamson.


Michael GinnittiJanuary 11, 2020
  POS OFFERED ASKING
Archie Bradley, ARZ SP $3,625,000 $4,100,000
Nick Ahmed, ARZ SS $6,600,000 $6,950,000
Shane Greene, ATL RP $6,250,000 $6,750,000
Eduardo Rodriguez, BOS SP $8,300,000 $8,975,000
Andrew Benintendi, BOS OF $3,775,000 $4,150,000
Tony Wolters, COL C $1,900,000 $2,475,000
Trevor Story, COL SS $10,750,000 $11,500,000
George Springer, HOU OF $17,500,000 $22,500,000
Aledmys Diaz, HOU SS $2,000,000 $2,600,000
Joc Pederson, LAD OF $7,750,000 $9,500,000
Chris Taylor, LAD UTIL $5,250,000 $5,800,000
Max Muncy, LAD 1B $4,000,000 $4,675,000
Pedro Baez, LAD RP $3,500,000 $4,000,000
Jesus Aguilar, MIA 1B $2,325,000 $2,575,000
Josh Hader, MIL RP $4,100,000 $6,400,000
Brent Suter, MIL P $825,000 $1,250,000
Jose Berrios, MIN SP $4,025,000 $4,400,000
J.T. Realmuto, PHI C $10,000,000 $12,400,000
Hector Neris, PHI RP $4,250,000 $5,200,000

 

Team Arbitration Spending 2020 Tax Payroll
Arizona Diamondbacks $19,385,000 $139,353,833
Atlanta Braves $15,305,000 $156,985,833
Baltimore Orioles $11,590,000 $80,643,000
Boston Red Sox $46,212,500 $230,380,833
Chicago Cubs $41,685,000 $210,214,774
Chicago White Sox $30,292,500 $164,961,334
Cincinnati Reds $28,587,500 $146,308,405
Cleveland Indians $28,050,000 $105,835,833
Colorado Rockies $25,030,000 $178,215,166
Detroit Tigers $12,210,000 $108,754,500
Houston Astros $29,000,000 $228,858,476
Kansas City Royals $10,400,000 $84,557,000
Los Angeles Angels $20,800,000 $187,595,881
Los Angeles Dodgers $29,075,000 $171,351,333
Miami Marlins $13,475,000 $67,853,000
Milwaukee Brewers $11,450,000 $117,924,596
Minnesota Twins $20,985,000 $133,586,500
New York Mets $48,512,500 $195,010,500
New York Yankees $29,925,000 $257,803,714
Oakland Athletics $36,650,000 $107,868,833
Philadelphia Phillies $11,460,000 $201,879,282
Pittsburgh Pirates $21,865,000 $76,934,000
San Diego Padres $35,237,500 $155,773,486
San Francisco Giants $4,880,000 $152,830,190
Seattle Mariners $6,160,000 $106,765,214
St. Louis Cardinals $1,300,000 $180,967,605
Tampa Bay Rays $17,335,200 $87,295,867
Texas Rangers $15,200,000 $156,752,095
Toronto Blue Jays $15,850,000 $122,824,714
Washington Nationals $16,850,000 $195,541,209
Michael GinnittiJanuary 01, 2020

A look at a few prospective NFL free agents who are trending toward a franchise or transition tag this coming February, including the projected costs for each. Bold indicates our educated guess as to which tag the player receives (no bold means we don't believe a tag will actually happen).

Exclusive to 2020: Because of an expiring CBA, teams are allowed to use both a franchise tag AND a transition tag in 2020. This benefits teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Tennessee Titans, who have multiple candidates.


Related Links:

2020 Tag Candidates
Player POS TEAM Transition Tag Non-Exclusive Tag Exclusive Tag
Dak Prescott QB DAL $25,000,000 $27,000,000 $31,000,000
Ryan Tannehill QB TEN $25,000,000 $27,000,000 $31,000,000
Jameis Winston QB TB $25,000,000 $27,000,000 $31,000,000
Derrick Henry RB TEN $8,500,000 $10,250,000 $13,450,000
Amari Cooper WR DAL $15,800,000 $18,000,000 $18,800,000
A.J. Green WR CIN $15,800,000 $18,000,000 $18,800,000
Austin Hooper TE ATL $9,200,000 $10,750,000 $11,400,000
Hunter Henry TE LAC $9,200,000 $10,750,000 $11,400,000
Brandon Scherff OL WAS $13,600,000 $15,000,000 $18,250,000
Chris Jones DE KC $15,300,000 $16,300,000 $19,800,000
Yannick Ngakoue DE JAX $15,300,000 $16,300,000 $19,800,000
Arik Armstead DE SF $15,300,000 $16,300,000 $19,800,000
Matt Judon LB BAL $14,000,000 $16,000,000 $21,650,000
Bud Dupree LB PIT $14,000,000 $16,000,000 $21,650,000
Shaquil Barrett LB TB $14,000,000 $16,000,000 $21,650,000
Justin Simmons S DEN $10,000,000 $11,750,000 $15,000,000
Michael GinnittiDecember 24, 2019

For many NFL franchise, the final few weeks of the 2019 season mean the beginning of the 2020 offseason. We've already seen a few notable contract extensions post of late. Here's a look at a player or two on each NFL roster who may be inline for a new deal in the coming weeks, and a player who's trending toward the trade block or roster bubble in 2020.

Keep the conversation going @spotrac

 

Arizona Cardinals

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $74.3M
Extension Candidate

Budda Baker (SS, 23)
Baker becomes extension-eligible after 2019, & has now consistently been a Top 30 safety according to PFF for three straight years. He's a tackle machine, and appears to be a solid part of the Arizona core going forward.

Trade/Release Candidate

Patrick Peterson (CB, 30)
The relationship between Peterson and the Cardinals has gone back and forth this season, ending now with reports that an extension may be forthcoming. If it doesn't, consider him back on the trade block this offseason. The 30-year-old has 1 year, $12.5M remaining.

Atlanta Falcons

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: -$795k
Extension Candidate

Austin Hooper (TE, 24)
Along with George Kittle, should help reset the TE market. His baseline valuation sits right at $10M (even with time missed in 2019), but another cap adjustment should help get the top tier of TEs at the $12M threshold.

Trade/Release Candidate

Devonta Freeman (RB, 28)
The Falcons are a better offense when Freeman is active, but an injury-filled 2019, and a $9.5M cap hit in 2020 don't bode well for his status. His outright release would clear $3.5M of cap space.

Baltimore Ravens

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $56.2M
Extension Candidate

Marcus Peters (CB, 26)
Peters has bounced around, but there’s no question the Ravens defense improved when he was acquired. He’ll be part of a major market reset for the CB position. He projects to a deal worth around $14M per year currently.

Trade/Release Candidate

Brandon Carr (CB, 33)
On the flip side, keeping Peters probably means moving on from Brandon Carr, who will be 34 by the start of next season. He holds a $7M option for 2020 that clears $6Mif declined.

Buffalo Bills

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $90.9M
Extension Candidate

Tre'Davious White (CB, 24)
Was asked to fill the shoes of Stephon Gilmore and has developed into exactly that type of player. He’s under team control for two years, but the Bills would be smart to get out in front of this deal, especially with players like Josh Allen ready for a pay day in 2021.

Trade/Release Candidate

Tyler Kroft (TE, 27)
It could be a one and done year for Kroft in Buffalo, who have the benefit of hitting on two TE draft picks of late. With ample cap space, this won't be a required move, but it does clear $5M of space.

Carolina Panthers

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $42.3M
Extension Candidate

Christian McCaffrey (RB, 23)
Despite an interim coaching regime, Carolina extended LB Shaq Thompson recently, somewhat signaling that a major ripdown isn’t imminent. But any coach or GM should be thrilled to throw money at McCaffrey, who’s been a real-life and fantasy dream for three years. He’s the top rated RB according to PFF by nearly a full point, and he projects to a 6 year, $108M ($18M per year) contract according to our valuation.

Trade/Release Candidate

Cam Newton (QB, 30)
The Kyle Allen era appears to be here, though it doesn't appear to be a slam dunk that the Panthers are set to move on from Newton, especially with a new coaching regime still to come. What we do know is trading or releasing the 30-year-old clears $19.1M of cap space.

Chicago Bears

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $13.8M
Extension Candidate

HaHa Clinton-Dix (S, 26)
The Bears have had an up & down season to say the least, but they’ve gotten great value out of Clinton-Dix’s $3M “prove it” contract. While Chicago clearly needs to spend most of the time & money on the offensive side of the ball this offseason, rewarding the 26-year-old free safety should also be on the agenda.

Trade/Release Candidate

Kyle Long (OG, 31)
Long's given the Bears plenty of good years, but has been in decline the past 3 or so. Toss in an injury plagued 2019, and $8.1M to be cleared should his option for 2020 be declined and the writing may be on the wall here.

Cincinnati Bengals

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $61.8M
Extension Candidate

Josh Tupou (DT, 25)
The Bengals appear ready to dress down this roster in a lot of places. But as the rest of the defensive line begins to age out, Tupou appears to be entering phase two of his career. Hes’ bounced on and off the Cincy practice squad in past years, but a low-level, low-risk extension makes sense to keep some consistency in the fold.

Trade/Release Candidate

Andy Dalton (QB, 31)
Dalton has 1 year, $17.7M remaining on his contract. While the Bengals are certain to take a QB with their high draft pick in 2020, it may also be in their best interest to keep Dalton on for the transition process. Dalton is certainly a trade option, but Cincy can afford to carry his contract either way.

Cleveland Browns

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $54.1M
Extension Candidate

Kareem Hunt (RB, 24)
The Browns can’t even consider extending Nick Chubb until after the 2020 season, so locking in pending restricted free agent Kareem Hunt makes sense, as long as the price remains in check. Chubb & Hunt have settled into a strong 1-2 punch in the second half of 2019. Ideally this deal stays under the $5M per year mark.

Trade/Release Candidate

Odell Beckham, Jr. (WR, 27)
Is it one and done for OBJ in Cleveland? The answer is likely no, but the conversation about him being traded elsewhere is already picking up steam. With 4 years, $60M left on his deal, Beckham doesn't have much leverage for a new contract, but it's certainly not out of the question should he land elsewhere this spring.

Dallas Cowboys

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space:$88.8M
Extension Candidate

Dak Prescott (QB, 26); Amari Cooper (WR, 25)
Dallas has the means to extend both of these players right now. But a turn for the worse in 2019 and a likely new coaching regime coming put things on hold indefinitely. Dak currently carries a $33M valuation, while Cooper's has risen to just under $19M. One of these players is almost certainly tagged in February.

Trade/Release Candidate

Tyrone Crawford (DT, 30)
Crawford's been a very solid option for the Cowboys defensive line, but Dallas will be looking to get younger & cheaper, especially on the defensive side of the ball, as they increase the cost of their offense in 2020. This would be a cap casualty & nothing less.

Denver Broncos

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space:$66.7M
Extension Candidate

Justin Simmons (S, 25)
The 3rd rounder out of Boston College is the top graded safety in all of football according to PFF. He’ll look to cash in on a safety market that was wildly reset in 2019 thanks to Earl Thomas, Tyrann Mathieu, & Landon Collins.

Trade/Release Candidate

Joe Flacco (QB, 34)
No brainer of course. The Joe Flacco experiment never really got out of the laboratory, and the Broncos seem inclined to roll with newcomer Drew Lock and/or another acquisition for 2020. Flacco has $44.5M due over the next two seasons, but none of it is guaranteed. Denver will take son $13.6M of dead cap to move on, clearing $10M of space.

Detroit Lions

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $49.1M
Extension Candidate

Kenny Golladay (WR, 25)
The 3rd rounder out of Northern Illinois has really hit his stride in 2019, no matter the QB. Detroit should feel comfortable locking in him for another 3 years guaranteed at this point. He projects somewhere between Stefon Diggs ($14.4M), & Brandin Cooks ($16.2M).

Trade/Release Candidate

Matthew Stafford (QB, 32)
The importance of Matthew Stafford to the Lions has never been more evident than in the past few weeks as the team as bottomed out in his absence. However, what comes next for Detroit seems a bit unknown, as the franchise has been mired in mediocrity for a decade or so. Shipping Stafford to a contender for major assets could be the shakeup the organization needs to reboot. Even still, this is highly unlikely.

Green Bay Packers

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space:$25.8M
Extension Candidate

Aaron Jones (RB, 24)
The last time the Packers paid a RB a decent dollar was James Starks, who locked in a 4 year, $20M extension back in 2008. Jones is arguably the most productive RB they’ve ever had, and less arguably the most important playmaker on the team right now. He’ll be seeking David Johnson ($12M+) type money.

Trade/Release Candidate

Jimmy Graham (TE, 33)
Graham's role in the offense has diminished each of the last few years, & while his cap figure actually drops $1M down to $11.6M, that price still seems too high to swallow. His release clears $8M.

Houston Texans

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $77M
Extension Candidates

D.J. Reader (DT, 25)
The 6th-highest rated interior defender according to PFF is a pending free agent after 2019. An increased role has pushed Reader into a new tier, though he’s now put together three solid seasons in a row. An early valuation points him right at the $12M mark.

Deshaun Watson (QB, 23)
The 24-year old has been a bit underrated behind the noise that Patrick Mahomes & now Lamar Jackson have made in the past two seasons. But Watson is right there with him productively, & a strong postseason run in 2019 could vault him to another level financially. He becomes extension-eligible after this season, & currently holds a $35.7M valuation.

Laremy Tunsil (OT, 25)
Houston gave up two first round picks and then some to acquire Tunsil & WR Kenny Stills, and he’s rewarded them with his usual Top 10 tackle production. A recent uptick of right tackle & guard money vaults the top left tackle pay north of $18M.

Trade/Release Candidate

Vernon Hargreaves (CB, 24)
Houston claimed the former Bucs 1st rounder off of waivers to add depth to a banged up secondary, but it's been OK at best. Hargreaves' $9.9M 5th year option fully guarantees on March 18th, so he'll likely be released prior.

Indianapolis Colts

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space:$85M
Extension Candidate

Anthony Castonzo (OT, 31)
After a bit of a step back season in 2018, Castonzo is back in the Top 5 of offensive tackle according to PFF, and it’s a little peculiar that the 31-year-old hasn’t yet received a new deal (especially as the Colts have already begun the process in locking down TE Jack Doyle). The pending free agent will join Laremy Tunsil as notable tackles seeking a deal this offseason. His starting price should be $16M per year. Darius Leonard, Marlon Mack, & Jacoby Brissett are likely candidates here as well.

Trade/Release Candidate

Margus Hunt (TE, 33)
Hunt signed a 2 year $9M contract this past March, but has had a minimal role thus far. While a $4M cap figure is nothing the Colts can't handle, he'll be considered a bubble player heading into the offseason.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space:$6M
Extension Candidate

Yannick Ngakoue (EDGE, 24)
While the coach is on the hot seat and the high priced QB is on the bench, the reality is the financial health of Jacksonville likely means they will continue to push forward in 2020, rather than rip down. He comps well with Z’Darius Smith, who scored $16.5M from the Packers last March.

Trade/Release Candidate

Marcell Dareus (DT, 30)
Dareus restructured prior to 2019 in order to stick with the Jags and found himself on the IR 8 weeks later. There's not a chance his $22.5M cap figure for 2020 is even considered, meaning Dareus will likely test the market for the first time in his career. Jacksonville will take on a $2.5M dead cap hit for his removal.

Kansas City Chiefs

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $22.2M
Extension Candidate

Chris Jones (DL, 25)
The sexy answer here is Mahomes of course, but with two years remaining on his contract it’s likely the Chiefs take care of other business first. Jones posted back to back peak years in 2017-2018, and his production has slipped a bit of late. Unfortunately for KC, this means his valuation rings in at $18.5M per year instead of $20M - still a big number for a team without much wiggle room financially.

Trade/Release Candidate

Sammy Watkins (WR, 26)
The former #4 overall pick back in 2014 might be the 4th most productive passing game weapon right now. Not good news for a player whose cap figure rises to $21M in 2020. The Chiefs can clear $14M of much needed space by moving on this offseason.

Los Angeles Chargers

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $57.7M
Extension Candidate

Austin Ekeler (RB, 24)
The Chargers have been one of the more disappointing teams of 2019, a year that began with the ugly holdout of RB Melvin Gordon. Gordon’s done little to make anyone think he’s the weapon LA will bring to the new stadium with them next year. Ekeler is a pending restricted free agent, the second best rated running back in all of football (PFF), and projects north of $11M...and rising.

Trade/Release Candidate

Denzel Perryman (LB, 26)
Perryman locked in a 2 year, $12M extension in LA this past March, but his cap figure soars to $8.575M in 2020. He's a solid interior defender, but might not post the production to warrant the price tag.

Los Angeles Rams

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $25.3M
Extension Candidate

Jalen Ramsey (CB, 24)
Much of the Rams’ up and down 2019 has erred on the side of disappointing. But the fact remains that LA gave up a mountain to replace Marcus Peters with Ramsey mid-season, who holds a $13.7M 5th-year option in 2020. LA will have trouble getting themselves financially right this offseason, so a Ramsey extension may need to wait a bit until the roster shuffles thin out. It’s also possible the Rams flip him in a trade to clear some cap, and get back some of their traded assets.

Trade/Release Candidate

Clay Matthews (OLB, 34)
Matthews can still hold his own, but the Rams will need to be creative to pick up some space in 2020, and unfortunately that likely means casualties will happen. On a $5.75M cap & cash figure, Matthews is potentially tradable.

Miami Dolphins

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $108.9M
Extension Candidate

DeVante Parker (WR, 26)
Parker restructured his 5th-year option in order to remain with the team prior to 2019, and has really put together a solid campaign, especially with the hand he’s been dealt around him. He’s no longer targeted top-tier dollars, but rather logical starting WR pay, which comes in at or around the $9M-$10M per year mark. If he’s allowed to hit the market there’s a chance he’s valued even higher.

Trade/Release Candidate

Albert Wilson (WR, 27)
Wilson has 26 grabs and just 1 touchdown in 10 2019 games, offering little hope that he'll be a part of the next iteration of the Dolphins. Miami can clear $9.5M of his $10.8M cap figure per a relase.

Minnesota Vikings

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: -$1.2M
Extension Candidate

Kirk Cousins (QB, 31)
The reality here is that Cousins has done 99.9% of what the Vikings were asking for when they locked him in $84M guaranteed 2 years ago. If they feel he’s not the QB who can take them to the finish line, then this extension will never come. But if they like enough of what they’ve seen, converting the $30M already guaranteed in 2020 into some sort of bonus and tacking on a few extra years to this deal will clear some much needed space for Minnesota as they continue to contend. Dalvin Cook will also become extension-eligible after 2019.

Trade/Release Candidate

Xavier Rhodes (CB, 29)
This is now back to back tough years for Rhodes in the Minnesota secondary, putting his $12.9M cap figure on high notice for 2020. The Vikings can clear up $8.1M of space by moving on.

New England Patriots

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $42.1M
Extension Candidate

Jamie Collins (OLB, 29)
After a disastrous stint in Cleveland, Collins returned to NE and made an immediate impact alongside with Hightower & Van Noy. The 29-year-old has been a force in both the run and pass game, factoring into a Patriots’ defense that has posted high marks all year long.

Trade/Release Candidate

Tom Brady (QB, 42)
This is it, right? Reduced to a game manager, no longer able to make any set of mediocre weapons appear to be great, the end is finally here? It's far from certainty, but should the two sides agree to cut ties, New England will be left with a $13.5M dead cap hit (this dead cap will transfer to a new deal should he be extended).

New Orleans Saints

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $18.8M
Extension Candidate

Drew Brees (QB, 40)
There’s been plenty of speculation that 2019 is a curtain call season for Brees, especially with a hand injury that kept him out of a chunk of games. But the Saints are still legitimate contenders, and Brees is still massively productive most weeks. His current contract contains an automatic void that will leave behind $21.3M of dead cap in 2020 should the Saints not re-sign him.

Trade/Release Candidate

Patrick Robinson (CB, 32)
Robinson turned a major role in the Eagles postseason run 2 years ago into a 4 year, $20M free agent contract with the Saints. It simply hasn't worked out. New Orleans can clear $3.1M of space by moving on this offseason.

New York Giants

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $63.3M
Extension Candidate

Leonard Williams (DE, 25)
The Giants front-office likely isn’t pining to throw money at anyone on the current roster, but they sacrificed a 3rd & a 5th round pick to bring in Williams from the Jets a month ago, so it makes a decent amount of sense to keep him around a little longer. With slightly above average production to boot in 2019, we’re not talking about a bigtime payday.

Trade/Release Candidate

Alec Ogletree (LB, 28)
The 60th-rated linebacker according to PFF has 2 years, $19M left on his deal, but his release can clear $8.25M in 2020. The Giants are expected to sweep a lot of areas clean in the coming weeks (fellow defensive starter Janoris Jenkins is a top trade candidate as well).

New York Jets

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $66M
Extension Candidate

Jamal Adams (S, 24)
Right, they tried to trade him for a huge haul a month ago, and the relationship appeared to be rocky at best. But money buys love, and Adams becomes extension eligible after 2019. He’s been durable, reliable, and opposing WRs simply don’t catch the ball against him. The 24-year-old will be seeking Landon Collins’ $14M per year.

Trade/Release Candidate

Trumaine Johnson (LB, 28)
The Jets will tell you there are better ways to spend $34M, but that's what Johnson has earned in New York the past two seasons. They'll eat $12M of dead cap ($3M saved) to move on from him this winter.

Oakland Raiders

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $71.1M
Extension Candidate

Richie Incognito (OG, 36)
A composed Incognito is still one of the best guards in all of football. The 36-year-old has been playing 2019 on a prorated veteran minimum, and has done enough to earn at least another year in the fold. Doubling his current pay should get the job done.

Trade/Release Candidate

Zay Jones (WR, 25)
The Raiders threw Buffalo a 5th round pick to acquire Jones in October, but he's made little impact since. Oakland may feel his $1.3M cap/cash figure for 2020 is worth another year, but he'll cost them nothing to release if not.

Philadelphia Eagles

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $42.6M
Extension Candidate

Jason Peters (OT, 37)
One more year? The converted TE is likely headed to Canton someday as a left tackle, but Philadelphia should consider postponing that for another season. Peters missed a few games with a knee injury, but has been as solid as ever when he's been active on Carson Wentz's blindside. He and right tackle Lane Johnson are two of the top five rated tackles in all of football according to PFF. The Eagles should certainly find his heir apparent this offseason, but bringing him back on a healthy 1 year deal also makes sense.

Trade/Release Candidate

Nigel Bradham (LB, 30)
The Eagles don't have a lot of options to move on from contracts right now due to recent signings, or unfavorable dead cap structures. Bradham holds options from here out, including a $9.7M figure in 2020. Philly can clear $4.4M by moving on.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $5.4M
Extension Candidate

Cameron Heyward (DE, 30)
He’s been remarkably consistent for 9 seasons and doesn’t appear to be slowing down just yet. Heyward is due $9.5M in 2020 (non-guaranteed), but could be inline for an extension similar to the one the Bills gave Jerry Hughes (2 years, $21.5M, 90% guaranteed). Though Heyward can command an extra year.

Trade/Release Candidate

Mark Barron (LB, 30)
Reduced to a depth role in 2019, Barron's actually been fairly productive for Pittsburgh. But with the Steelers in cap trouble, and Barron's figure set to jump up to $8.1M next year, the writing may be on the wall.

San Francisco 49ers

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $18.1M
Extension Candidate

George KittleTE, 25)
Even when he’s banged up, he’s better than 99% of the TEs in the league. A player who rarely caught the ball in his college days, Kittle is one of the most versatile, productive tight ends the game has seen since early Gronk. A position in need of a market reset, Kittle’s baseline valuation comes in around $11.5M, but it’s highly likely a $12M+ contract is in his future.

Trade/Release Candidate

Jerick McKinnon (RB, 28)
San Francisco signed McKinnon to a 4 year, $30M contract in March of 2018. He's yet to see the field as a Niner due to injury, reeling in $16.25M despite. San Fran can free up $4.55M of space by moving on after 2019.

Seattle Seahawks

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $72.8M
Extension Candidate

Jadeveon ClowneyDE, 26)
Seattle gave up two players and a 3rd round pick to acquire Clowney on an $8M tag, and also agreed not to tag him in 2020. While it’s not a slam dunk that the Seahawks lock him in, the 26-year-old is a Top 10 rated edge defender according to PFF, and fills a much needed voided on a thin Seattle D-Line. His baseline valuation comes in at $20.7M.

Trade/Release Candidate

Ed Dickson (TE, 32)
A move that probably should've happened prior to 2019, Dickson just hasn't been the weapon Seattle hoped. An injury plagued 2019 should be the nail in the coffin for this 3 year, $10.7M contract. His release will clear $3.4M of cap.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $93.2M
Extension Candidate

Shaq Barrett OLB, 26)
Signed to a 1 year, $4M “prove it” deal out of Denver this offseason, Barrett’s answered the bell and then some. The 27 year old has 15 sacks, 45 tackles, and 6 forced fumbles through 14 weeks. It’s possible he’s inline for a deal north of the $13.5M per year that Shaq Thompson locked in with Carolina.

Trade/Release Candidate

Ronald Jones II (RB, 23)
The Bucs haven't been able to find a viable running back since moving on from Doug Martin. With a laundry list of veteran backs set to become available, and plenty more awaiting to be drafted, moving on from Jones makes sense, even if the cap savings ($300,000) are minimal.

Tennessee Titans

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $61.5M
Extension Candidate

Ryan Tannehill QB, 31)
Obviously Derrick Henry & Jack Conklin belong here as well, but the entire franchise changed course when Tannehill took the ball from Marcus Mariota. The $27M(ish) franchise tag is certainly in play, but a cap-adjusted version of Nick Foles’ deal in Jacksonville could also be in the cards.

Trade/Release Candidate

Delanie Walker (TE, 36)
Walker found the injured reserve list for the second season in the row, and while he vows to return in 2020, the Titans may be thinking otherwise. Tennessee has plenty of mouths to feed this offseason, making the $6.7M to be freed up per Walker's release somewhat necessary.

Washington Redskins

Projected 2020 Top 51 Cap Space: $39.6M
Extension Candidate

Brandon Scherff OG, 27)
With the QB situation in flux, and Trent Williams certain to vacate the left tackle spot for good this offseason, locking in Scherff seems a likely priority for Washington. It’ll cost them though, as the interior lineman price has soared the past two offseasons. Scherff is likely seeking a deal at or above $16M.

Trade/Release Candidates

Jordan Reed (TE, 29)
Josh Norman, (CB, 32)
Paul Richardson, (WR, 28)
Trent Williams, (OT, 32)

Keep the conversation going @spotrac

 

Related Links:

Michael GinnittiDecember 13, 2019

A look at the NBA players that become trade-eligible on Sunday December 15th. These players were recently restricted from trade due to signing free agent contracts elsewhere this past July.


Related Links:

PlayerTeamPos2019-20 Cap
Kevin Durant BKN SF $38,199,000
Kawhi Leonard LAC SF $32,742,000
Kemba Walker BOS PG $32,742,000
Jimmy Butler MIA SG $32,742,000
Kyrie Irving BKN PG $31,742,000
Al Horford PHI C $28,000,000
D'Angelo Russell GSW PG $27,285,000
Harrison Barnes SAC SF $24,147,727
Malcolm Brogdon IND PG $20,000,000
Terry Rozier CHA PG $19,894,737
Julius Randle NYK PF $18,000,000
Bojan Bogdanovic UTH SF $17,000,000
Ricky Rubio PHX PG $16,200,000
Jonas Valanciunas MEM C $16,000,000
Marcus Morris NYK PF $15,000,000
Bobby Portis NYK PF $15,000,000
Danny Green LAL SG $14,634,146
J.J. Redick NOP SG $13,486,300
Dewayne Dedmon SAC C $13,333,334
Thaddeus Young CHI PF $12,900,000
Terrence Ross ORL SG $12,500,000
Trevor Ariza SAC SF $12,200,000
Brook Lopez MIL C $12,093,024
Cory Joseph SAC PG $12,000,000
Jeremy Lamb IND SG $10,500,000
Tomas Satoransky CHI SG $10,000,000
DeAndre Jordan BKN C $9,881,598
Delon Wright DAL PG $9,473,684
Tyus Jones MEM PG $9,258,000
Al-Farouq Aminu ORL PF $9,258,000
George Hill MIL PG $9,133,907
Taj Gibson NYK PF $9,000,000
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope LAL SG $8,089,282
Wayne Ellington NYK SG $8,000,000
Elfrid Payton NYK PG $8,000,000
Seth Curry DAL SG $7,461,380
Derrick Rose DET PG $7,317,073
Darius Miller NOP SF $7,250,000
DeMarre Carroll SAS SF $7,000,000
Jabari Parker ATL PF $6,500,000
Ishmael Smith WAS PG $6,000,000
Rodney Hood POR SG $5,718,000
Trey Lyles SAS PF $5,500,000
Frank Kaminsky PHX PF $4,767,000
Justin Holiday IND SG $4,767,000
JaMychal Green LAC PF $4,767,000
Richaun Holmes SAC PF $4,767,000
Avery Bradley LAL SG $4,767,000
Enes Kanter BOS C $4,767,000
Garrett Temple BKN SG $4,767,000
Ed Davis UTH PF $4,767,000
Robin Lopez MIL C $4,767,000
Mike Scott PHI PF $4,767,000
Nicolo Melli NOP PF $4,102,564
JaVale McGee LAL C $4,000,000
Patrick McCaw TOR SG $4,000,000
Reggie Bullock NYK SG $4,000,000
Stanley Johnson TOR SF $3,623,000
Jake Layman MIN SF $3,581,986
Danuel House HOU SF $3,540,000
T.J. McConnell IND PG $3,500,000
DeMarcus Cousins LAL C $3,500,000
Boban Marjanovic DAL C $3,500,000
Markieff Morris DET PF $3,200,000
Quinn Cook LAL PG $3,000,000
Marko Guduric MEM SG $2,625,000
Rajon Rondo LAL PG $2,564,753
Wesley Matthews MIL SG $2,564,753
Vincent Poirier BOS C $2,505,793
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson TOR SF $2,500,000
Luke Kornet CHI PF $2,250,000
Willie Cauley-Stein GSW C $2,177,483
Austin Rivers HOU SG $2,174,318
Mike Muscala OKC PF $2,028,594
Ben McLemore HOU SG $2,028,594
Edmond Sumner IND PG $2,000,000
Noah Vonleh MIN PF $2,000,000
James Ennis PHI SF $1,882,867
Mario Hezonja POR SG $1,737,145
Cheick Diallo PHX PF $1,678,854
David Nwaba BKN SG $1,678,854
Dragan Bender MIL PF $1,678,854
JaKarr Sampson IND SG $1,620,564
Anthony Tolliver POR PF $1,620,564
Patrick Patterson LAC PF $1,620,564
Jared Dudley LAL SF $1,620,564
Dwight Howard LAL C $1,620,564
Vince Carter ATL SG $1,620,564
Troy Daniels LAL SG $1,620,564
Udonis Haslem MIA PF $1,620,564
Jeff Green UTH SF $1,620,564
Emmanuel Mudiay UTH PG $1,620,564
Kyle Korver MIL SG $1,620,564
Isaiah Thomas WAS PG $1,620,564
Jordan Bell MIN C $1,620,564
Jose Barea DAL PG $1,620,564
Nerlens Noel OKC C $1,620,564
Justin Patton OKC C $1,620,564
Tim Frazier DET PG $1,620,564
Michael Carter-Williams ORL PG $1,620,564
Alec Burks GSW SG $1,620,564
Glenn Robinson III GSW SG $1,620,564
Trey Burke PHI PG $1,620,564
Kyle O'Quinn PHI C $1,620,564
Raul Neto PHI PG $1,620,564
Furkan Korkmaz PHI SG $1,620,564
Tyson Chandler HOU C $1,620,564
Gerald Green HOU SG $1,620,564
Nigel Williams-Goss UTH PG $1,500,000
Derrick Walton Jr. LAC PG $1,445,697
Brad Wanamaker BOS PG $1,445,697
Theo Pinson BKN SG $1,445,697
Thanasis Antetokounmpo MIL SF $1,445,697
Shake Milton PHI PG $1,445,697
Carsen Edwards BOS PG $1,228,026
Terance Mann LAC SG $1,000,000
Jalen Lecque PHX PG $898,310
Justin James SAC SG $898,310
Javonte Green BOS G $898,310
Terence Davis TOR SG $898,310
Dewan Hernandez TOR C $898,310
Nicolas Claxton BKN C $898,310
Matt Thomas TOR G $898,310
Daniel Gafford CHI PF $898,310
Shaquille Harrison CHI PG $898,310
Justin Robinson WAS PG $898,310
Naz Reid MIN PF $898,310
Ignas Brazdeikis NYK SF $898,310
Alen Smailagic GSW PF $898,310
Michael GinnittiDecember 09, 2019

Cousin Dan joins the show for a look back at contract busts, booms, trades, top earners, top spenders, & general thoughts about the decade that was in MLB. Plus, Stephen Strasburg is back with the Nationals to the tune of $245M. Note: We had an error in our research when prepping for this pod. Here’s an updated look at the Top Spending #MLB Teams of the Decade.

 

Michael GinnittiDecember 05, 2019

Just how much are kickers been kicked to the curb? How impactful have backup QBs been? What's wrong with Tom Brady? Plus. 2020 is a very important year for the NFL in terms of contracts & dead cap. And, Zack Wheeler gets MLB Free Agency off the ground.

Michael GinnittiNovember 06, 2019

This year's crop of MLB free agents is dominated by starting pitchers, a good sign for those of you who like to see big dollars thrown around. Here's a look at 8 of the more notable players, including a sure to be wrong prediction on where he may end up soon, and for how much.

Related:

 

Gerrit Cole, Astros, RHP

Age: 29

Cole’s dominance from May to October in 2019 was unparalleled, which should lead to an AL Cy Young award, and pen to paper on the largest pitching contract in MLB History.

Prediction: 8 years, $275M, Los Angeles Angels

 

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals, RHP

Age: 31

The World Series (and postseason for all intents) MVP took a major step forward in a contract decision year - always a recipe for plenty of zeros. His opt-out puts the Nationals on notice, and his hometown Padres will come in swinging big, but if Washington can do without some of the deferred language they’ve become notorious for, they should win out here.

Prediction: 6 years, $210M, Washington Nationals

 

Anthony Rendon, Nationals, 3B

Age: 29

The best position players on the market, and a Top 15 player in all of MLB, Rendon’s wait for a big time payday has finally come to an end. Washington will push hard to keep their veteran star, but a multi-team bidding war could drive his price too rich for their blood. A return home to another up and coming team makes sense.

Prediction: 7 years, $230M, Texas Rangers

 

Zack Wheeler, Mets, RHP

Age: 29

Over the past 30 or so months, Wheeler has rounded into the pitcher many believed he could become when selected #6 overall back in 2009. There are detailed concerns about him physically, but he’s been an accurate, consistent workhorse for the Mets, who will certainly attempt to keep him in house. The Twins, Angels, & Yankees should be able to offer him more though.

Prediction: 5 years, $120M, Minnesota Twins

 

Madison Bumgarner, Giants, LHP

Age: 30

One of the best postseason pitchers statistically speaking of all-time, Bumgarner will be looking to latch on with a franchise destined for October. He’d be a viable replacement to Strasburg in Washington should those negotiations fall apart, or much the same for the Astros with Gerrit Cole expected to walk. But the Yankees need him more - and should be willing to pay accordingly.

Prediction: 4 years, $95M, New York Yankees

 

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers, LHP

Age: 32

One of the most dominant starters the past two seasons, Ryu accepted a $17M qualifying offer last season to remain with the Dodgers. It appears likely he’ll remain in Los Angeles, one way or another…

Prediction: 4 years, $88M, Los Angeles Angels

 

Josh Donaldson, Braves, 3B

Age: 33

Donaldson has bounced around the league a bit, and has been productive, though oft-injured, everywhere he’s been. He was a major contributor to a young, outstanding Braves lineup in 2019, and there’s no reason to believe that shouldn’t continue.

Prediction: 3 years, $60M, Atlanta Braves

 

Marcell Ozuna, Cardinals, OF

Age: 29 (soon)

Ozuna has been a bit inconsistent, which will drive his overall value down in comparison to some of the other names here, but he brings power and speed to any lineup. The Cardinals will be the favorites until they’re not.

Prediction: 5 years, $96M, St. Louis Cardinals

Top