Saints Convert Carr's Salary

Michael GinnittiMarch 09, 2025

The New Orleans Saints further cemented their QB1 for the upcoming season, processing what is expected to be a full, simple salary conversion on Derek Carr's 2025 compensation.

Carr carried a $30M base salary plus a $10M roster bonus for the upcoming season. The conversion turns $28.745M of that salary, plus the roster bonus into a signing bonus that prorates over the next 5 seasons for cap purposes. The move frees up $30.9M of cap space for the upcoming season, bringing the Saints closer to cap compliancy for 2025.

Updated Cap Hits (dead cap)
2025: $20.462M
2026: $69.207M ($59.67M)
2027: Void ($40.463M)

Assuming the two sides part ways next offseason, the Saints will look to designate Carr a Post 6/1 release before the 5th league day of 2026 (when a $10M bonus is due). New Orleans will take on $19.2M of dead cap in 2026, and another $40.4M in 2027. 

nfl new orleans saints derek carr

Bills Extend DE Rousseau

Michael GinnittiMarch 08, 2025

The Buffalo Bills continued their busy winter, extending DE Greg Rousseau to a 4 year, $80 million contract through the 2029 season. The deal comes with a reported $54M guaranteed, an additional $40M over the $13.3M option salary he was set to earn in 2025.

The new contract makes Rousseau the 8th highest average paid DE in football, while the $54M guaranteed currently ranks 6th. Strong numbers for a player that has been a bit inconsistent through 4 years since been selected #30 overall back in 2021.

Rousseau carried a 4 year, $99M valuation in our system, but has been the case for most contending teams, Buffalo locks in a key player at fair value. The deal will almost certainly lower his current $13.3M cap figure for 2025. It's the third notable extension for the Bills this month:

WR Khalil Shakir: 4 years, $53M ($20M guaranteed)
LB Terrel Bernard: 4 years, $50M ($25M guaranteed)

Buffalo may also be in talks with CB Christian Benford (1 year, $3.2M remaining), RB James Cook (1 year, $5.3M remaining), and QB Josh Allen ($14.5M cash in 2025).

nfl buffalo bills greg rousseau

Washington Spirit win the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup

Taylor VincentMarch 08, 2025

The exciting rematch of the 2024 NWSL Championship ended regulation tied 1-1 after a 41st minute goal by Orlando's Rafaelle and a 72nd minute equalizer by Washington's Leicy Santos. In penalty kicks the Spirit were able to come away with the win and the first trophy of the 2025 season. As the winners, each of the Spirit players took home $3,500, while the Pride's consolation prize was $2,200 per player. 

Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury came up clutch throughout the night and during penalty kicks leading her to being named MVP for the match, which netted her an additional $2,000 for her performance. 

nwsl washington spirit orlando pride aubrey kingsbury

Raiders to Acquire QB Geno Smith

Michael GinnittiMarch 07, 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders made the latest trade splash, agreeing to acquire QB Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 3rd Round pick (#92 overall). Smith brings with him a $31M salary for the upcoming season, $16M of which is set to vest on March 16th. However, it is largely expected that an extension will be processed soon after the league year begins next Wednesday. The 34-year-old projects toward a 2 year, $87M extension in our system, after reeling in $50M in Seattle over the past two seasons.

Seattle on the other hand frees up another $31M of cap space with this move, now sitting with $62M of Top 51 room (7th most in the NFL). Their plans at the QB position are now TBD, though a free agent pitch for Sam Darnold may be in the cards. Sam Howell (1 year, $1.1M), Jaren Hall (1 year, $1.03M), & John Rhys Plumlee (1 year, $840k) are rostered Seahawks quarterbacks currently.

nfl seattle seahawks las vegas raiders geno smith

Cadillac to join Formula 1 in 2026; 11th Team on Grid

Scott AllenMarch 07, 2025

Cadillac has received their final approval to join Formula 1 in 2026. They will be the 11th team on the grid.

Drivers are to-be-determined at this point.

formula 1 cadillac expansion

MLS 2025 GAM Update

Scott AllenMarch 07, 2025

The MLS has released the updated General Allocation Money (GAM) amounts per team based on Feb 28, 2025.

MLB Extension Candidates

Dan SoemannMarch 07, 2025

The calendar has flipped to March which signals extension time in Major League Baseball and Spotrac examined 10 pre-arbitration or arbitration-eligible players that could be considered for long term deals before Opening Day and beyond.

Note:  These extensions typically include Club options, or Player opt-outs in certain situations . Predictions are only an estimate of potential guarantees and do not account for additional option years or opt-out scenarios.

RELATED: 
MLB Pre-Arbitration Extensions
MLB Arbitration Extensions

Jackson Merrill (OF - SDP)

Merrill blew away expectations in his first season, leading all rookies in hits (162), extra-base hits (61), RBIs (90), batting average (.292) and slugging percentage (.500). He became only the 16th rookie to win a Silver Slugger (since 1980) and finished 9th in MVP voting as a 21-year-old. The most impressive part? He did it while switching from shortstop to centerfield, a position he had never played professionally. We later discovered that San Diego had engaged in extension talks before Merrill debuted but nothing materialized. The baseline for a deal at that point might have been similar to the 8 year, $82 million extension Jackson Chourio signed prior to his first game. Now a Merrill extension could land somewhere between Corbin Carroll (8 year, $13.875M AAV) and Julio Rodriguez (12 year, $17.4M+ AAV). Perhaps the ownership battle complicates any short term spending but we know the Padres will commit to cornerstone players as we saw with Fernando Tatis Jr. (14 years, $340M).

Prediction:  7 years, $119M ($17M+ AAV); through age 28 season buying out two UFA years

Adley Rutschman (C - BAL)

This could easily have been Gunnar Henderson but it might already be too late for an extension on the heels of his 9 WAR season. Instead, Baltimore could try to lock up a different core piece in backstop Adley Rutschman. The former 1st overall pick will make $5.5M in 2025 and is on pace to earn an additional $20M across his final two years of arbitration. Negotiations will get increasingly difficult as Rutschman inches towards free agency in 2027 so the Orioles should move quickly if they have any hope of an extension. The organization has not made a long term commitment to a player under team control since Adam Jones in 2013 but there’s optimism the new ownership group could take a different approach with their top young players. Top prospect (C) Samuel Basallo is ready to contribute but likely shifts to 1B/DH at some point making him less of a long term replacement option for Rutschman.

Prediction:  6 years, $90M ($15M AAV); through age 32 season buying out three UFA years

Justin Steele (SP - CHC)

Steele received Cy Young votes after a breakout 2023 season and finished 2024 in similar form despite an early season hamstring injury suffered in the Cubs first game. In fact, his 2.65 ERA from June onward was on par with eventual Cy Young winners Chris Sale (2.53) and Tarik Sukbal (2.59) in that same period. With three full seasons until free agency, Steele might be incentivized to sign an extension and avoid hitting the market at age 32. His 2025 salary ($6.55M) is an obvious bargain for Chicago but that value will jump significantly in the final two years of team control. For example, Framber Valdez made $6.8M as a second year Super Two and $30.1M over the next two seasons. Steele has been with the organization since 2014 and the Cubs could view him as the piece to build around with Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga and Matt Boyd all likely off the payroll after 2026. A long term agreement could land near the 7 year, $131 extension Jose Berrios signed in 2022.

Prediction:  6 years / $105M (17.5 AAV); through age 34 season buying out three UFA years

Elly De La Cruz (SS - CIN)

Over a decade has passed since Joey Votto signed a 10 year, $225M contract with Cincinnati but there is at least precedent for a huge commitment to a cornerstone player within the organization. De La Cruz could be next after producing the Reds best offensive season (6.4 WAR) since 2015 but they would need to move fast before another MVP-caliber season skyrockets the value. But there is reason for optimism on a long term extension. De La Cruz signed a deal with the firm Big League Advantage (BLA) in 2018 and received a loan in exchange for 10% of his future earnings. Why is that important? Despite a relatively small footprint in MLB, several BLA players have already signed significant early career extensions including Fernando Tatis Jr., Keibert Ruiz, Brayan Bello, Ceddanne Rafaela and Christopher Sanchez. Perhaps De La Cruz receives similar guidance and seeks an early guarantee which could potentially land anywhere between Wander Franco (11 years, $182M) and Bobby Witt Jr. (11 years, $288M+)

Prediction:  11 years, $275M ($25M AAV); through age 33 season buying out six UFA years

Mason Miller (RP - ATH)

This seemed unthinkable as recently as November but the Athletics finally added payroll this offseason after years of relative inactivity. They signed Luis Severino via free agency but the 5 year, $60M arbitration extension for Brent Rooker is more important for this specific conversation considering it was the organization’s first long term agreement with a player under control since Trevor Cahill in 2011. We know they won’t fundamentally change how they handle cost controlled players but the A’s could utilize an expanded payroll to target situations that might produce long term savings. That would be the thought process with Miller, who established himself as perhaps the most dominant closer in MLB last year leading all qualified relievers in strikeout rate (41.8%) and K/9 (14.4). His pre-arbitration salary is a huge value this year but the next four seasons will get expensive. Miller will qualify for arbitration as a Super Two starting in 2026 and Josh Hader made $35.875M across his four arbitration seasons despite some early career usage detractors. He should have no issue clearing that total assuming health and similar results.

Prediction:  6 years, $45M (7.5M AAV); through age 31 season buying out one UFA year

Riley Greene (OF - DET)

The former 5th overall pick largely underwhelmed across his first two seasons but got on track last year ranking 20th in WRC+ (135) among all hitters. Detroit already signed Colt Keith through at least 2029 and could continue focusing on internal extensions after missing out on top free agents in recent off seasons. Riley is eligible for arbitration next year and free agency in 2029 but the Tigers could extend him now to ensure he’s part of the long term core as they keep building towards a potential Max Clark in 2027.

Prediction:  7 years, $92M ($13.1M+ AAV); through age 30 season buying out three UFA years

Gabriel Moreno (C - ARI) 

We know the Diamondbacks are open to these extensions, having signed Corbin Carroll in 2023 and Geraldo Perdomo earlier this offseason, and they could be searching for additional cost certainty amidst their highest ever payrolls in 2024 and 2025. Moreno is the next best candidate following an impressive but not expensive start to his young career. He provides above average offense and Gold Glove defense but lacks the counting stats that command high arbitration salaries making it more likely he’d prioritize an immediate guarantee rather than risk taking it year-to-year. Moreno could realistically target a deal approaching the 6 year, $73M extension Sean Murphy signed in his first year of arbitration.

Prediction:  7 years, $84M ($12M AAV); through age 31 season buying out three UFA years

Roman Anthony (OF - BOS)

This is a long shot but not unrealistic considering the low service time extensions signed by premium prospects in recent years. We saw Boston take this approach last April signing Ceddanne Rafaela to an 8 year, $50M extension following just 28 games in 2023 and they should consider something similar with Anthony who is the consensus top position prospect in baseball. Prospect Promotion Incentive could also factor in here and the Red Sox know how valuable those picks can be having drafted Roman Anthony with compensation from Eduardo Rodriguez.

Prediction:  8 years, $85M ($10.625 AAV); through age 28 season buying out two UFA years

Cade Smith (RP - CLE)

Cleveland extended Emmanuel Clase after a breakout rookie season but before establishing himself as one of the elite closers in MLB. They could try something similar with Cade Smith who showed comparable upside in his first full season. Think of Mason Miller but without the saves driving up his cost, although Smith could be a 9th inning option if Cleveland makes Clase available ahead of increasing Club option salaries in 2026/2027.

Prediction: 5 years, $15M ($3M AAV); through age 30 season buying out remaining years of Club control

Wyatt Langford (OF - TEX)

The Rangers have shown they’re willing to spend in free agency but that strategy is difficult to sustain long term. At some point they’ll need to lock in some cost controlled savings and that should start with an extension for the former 4th overall pick. His five tool profile has superstar potential and Texas likely saw enough in his first full season to at least discuss a long term extension before he starts earning MVP votes.

Prediction:  8 years, $100M ($12.5M AAV); through age 30 season buying out three UFA years

Texans Agree to Acquire Christian Kirk

Michael GinnittiMarch 06, 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars were prepared to release WR Christian Kirk, sending him to the open market before the start of the league year. However, the Houston Texans have reportedly swooped in at the final hour, agreeing to send the Jaguars a 2026 7th round pick in return for Kirk.

The 28-year-old WR is entering the final year of his contract, set to earn a non-guaranteed $16.5M for the upcoming season. Barring a renegotiation, Houston will acquire a $16.2M cap hit for 2025, while Jacksonville will take on a $10.5M dead cap hit per the move.

nfl houston texans jacksonville jaguars christian kirk

Trey Hendrickson on the Trade Block

Michael GinnittiMarch 06, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are allowing star DE Trey Hendrickson to test the trade waters this week, setting up what could be another blockbuster move at the start of the league year.

Hendrickson (36 sacks, 5 forced fumbles across the past 2 seasons), is entering a contract year in 2025, set to earn a non-guaranteed $16M. With edge defender numbers rising daily (Maxx Crosby $35.5M APY), Hendrickson's contract demands likely outpriced the Bengals, who are actively trying to lock down their top two wide receivers this spring.

The 30-year-old projects toward a 2 year, $61M extension in our system. His trade would leave behind just $2,666,666 of dead cap to Cincy, freeing the $16M. There is expected to be significant interest around the league.

nfl cincinnati bengals trey hendrickson

Deshaun Watson's Salary Converted

Michael GinnittiMarch 06, 2025

The Browns converted $44.745M of Deshaun Watson's 2025 salary into signing bonus, creating $35.79M of cap space. It's the third consecutive salary conversion for Watson's albatross of a contract, pushing future cap hits (and voidable dead cap) into historic tiers.

New Cap Hits (corresponding dead cap)
2025: $36.9M ($172.3M)
2026: $81.6M ($135.4M)
2027: $53.7M (void)

Cleveland is now salary cap compliant for 2025, currently holding $12.8M of Top 51 space. Will the Browns be willing to take on $135.4M of dead cap ($46M cash) next offseason to move on from Deshaun Watson? Even as a Post 6/1 move, the numbers would be historic 

nfl cleveland browns deshaun watson
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