An in-depth analysis of where the Seahawks are in “True” cap space
By Geoff Shull
Failed physical designation for released players
The final piece to our “True” cap equation is the failed physical designation for released players. The Seahawks have released 4 players so far this off-season with this designation.
For each player released under this designation, the team will have to pay out a league-mandated injury settlement. An example: when Cliff Avril was released, he cost the Seahawks an additional $1.15 million against the cap because of his failed physical designation (this will be referenced as FPD going forward).
Per the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement): Any player released with an FPD designation will receive an additional payout of up to 50% of the player’s base salary. This amount is capped at $1.2 million.
Released Player Base Salary FPD Cap Hit
Ed Dickson $3 million $1.2 million
Justin Britt $2.8 million $1.2 million
Nazair Jones $758k $379k
Tedric Thompson $2.13 million $1.065 million
TOTAL $3.84 million
One keynote: if any of the players above signs with another team before the regular season starts, the team will be off the hook for the payout to that player. It seems likely that Nazair Jones, Tedric Thompson and Justin Britt will end up somewhere. So long as they sign before the regular season, their FPD cap hit will disappear for the Seahawks, freeing up to $2.64 million.
On the other end of the spectrum, Ed Dickson is likely done in the NFL. This means the floor for the Seahawks FPD cap hit will likely be $1.2 million. The ceiling is $3.84 million if none of the 4 signs before the regular season.
Final Cap Breakdown:
Cap Space (Start): $14 million
Practice Squad: $2.2 million
Injury Reserve: $3 million
Draft Pool: $2.123 million
FPD-Released: $3.84 million
“True” Cap Space: $2.837 million
Having $14 million in cap space seems like a lot. However, when you really dive into the numbers, you realize that the majority of the money has already been spent. It just hasn’t been realized yet.
Next. 5 Seahawks who might be facing their final season in Seattle. dark
Before you dip into depression with the idea that there is zero chance Jadeveon Clowney is coming back, keep an eye out for my next article “Several moves the Seahawks should make before the season.” I will outline several simple ways the team can create more than enough cap space to make a deal work.