In San Diego, Kevin Acee notes the Chargers' opening day "cash commitment for 2011, regardless of the precise makeup of the final 53-man roster, will be over $132 million." That number "represents a nearly $25 million increase over" the '10 opening day roster and comes despite the new CBA, "meaning the Chargers committed approximately $2 million less in first-year money to their eight 2011 draft picks than they did to their six picks in '10." It is "not known where the Chargers rank in cash spending this season, though it is believed the $132 million would put them in the top 10" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 8/17).
UNDER THE CAP: In Boston, Monique Walker cites an NFL source as saying that the Patriots began this week $9.2M "under the salary cap," but that number "does not include the up to $3 million veteran exception." The Patriots "have not informed the league they want" the exception. It is a "club option to take it." It is "not automatic." Teams "must spend at least 89 percent of the $120,375,000 cap this year" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/17).
CHANGING OF THE GUARD: In Indianapolis, Bob Kravitz notes Colts Vice Chair Bill Polian has "incrementally increased" son and team VP & GM Chris Polian's workload and responsibilities. Kravitz writes this "quiet changing-of-the-guard has been in the works for years. ... This year, Bill has stepped away some, hanging around simply to help with the transition, work with the organization through the post-lockout period, and to provide his son and his staff with a sounding board." Chris Polian yesterday said, "You can't be somebody you aren't. You always try to learn and grow from your own mistakes and watching things. One of the things (team owner) Mr. (Jim) Irsay told me was, 'Do it how you want to do it, but learn the good and the bad from what you've been around" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 8/17).
