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NFL Franchises Using CBA Provision To Save Salary Cap Space A Growing Trend

The NFL's 32 teams are a combined $602M beneath the salary cap entering the '17 season, 36% higher than the amount of reserves around this time last year, which is an "average of nearly" $19M per team, according to Andrew Beaton of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. This is "possible because of a provision" in the CBA that "requires teams to spend 89% of their caps, but measured over a four-year window." This year "marks the beginning of a new four-year period so, in effect, all teams begin this season with the option to squirrel away cash." Teams "argue they are simply managing the system," while others "say it’s concerning -- most notably the players, who want those extra dollars to end up in their pockets." NFLPA President Eric Winston said, "If I’m a season-ticket holder, why do I want to renew my tickets if my team isn’t even trying to win?" The 49ers enter the season with $67M in cap room -- the "most in the league." Of the 49ers' cash reserve, almost $39M is the "result of carryover from prior years." The Browns, with more than $50M in carryover, "lead the league in that department." The Browns and 49ers had the two worst records in the NFL last season and both teams have been "undergoing major rebuilds." Beaton notes one of the "main reasons so many teams have reached a position to build such fluffy cushions is how much the cap has gone up." This season alone, it rose $12M. The $167M cap is $47M higher than in '12. Winston said that whether the floor for individual teams is "too low or if the four-year period is too long is something that will be examined before the next CBA talks" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/28).

JET SETTERS: In N.Y., Manish Mehta writes the Jets' "commitment to undergo a full-fledged rebuild this offseason has made" the team an "easy target for armchair general managers." But the team is "doing what needs to be done," as it is their "only real chance to break free from a two-decade vortex of mediocrity." Players, coaches and management will be the "butt of countless jokes during the next six months, but that’s short-term nonsense that will pass if/when the team’s plan to set a proper foundation." Meanwhile, players will "not be tanking the season." DT Leonard Williams said, "We play football to win." The Jets "simply don’t have the horses to make a legitimate playoff run this season, but that shouldn’t discourage the fanbase from the big picture." Although Jets ownership needs to "make several meaningful concessions to season ticket holders and hearty souls willing to fork over their hard-earned cash to watch games at MetLife Stadium this season given the likely low win total, there are reasons for Jets fans to be optimistic about several young cornerstone pieces that could become the foundation for future success" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/28).

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