NFL hits Cowboys, Redskins hard by docking salary cap space

[madinmaryland]

Yes, I am posting this...

Just about 24 hours before the start of the NFL’s free-agency period, the Cowboys and Redskins suddenly find themselves in much more trying salary cap situations. Both teams were punished by the league Monday for front-loading contracts during the 2010 uncapped year — something the league cautioned teams against doing. As a result of failing to heed those warnings, the Redskins were docked $36 million and the Cowboys $10 million.

Every other team in the league except the Raiders and Saints (presumably as a far-less severe punishment for similar missteps) will receive $1.6 million more money to spend under the 2012 cap. Washington and Dallas can choose how to split the money over the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

This is a huge penalty for both teams, but it may be especially painful for the Redskins, who sent their fan base’s excitement level soaring over the weekend by finalizing a trade for the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft. By all indications, they’ll use that pick on electrifying quarterback Robert Griffin III, who figures to be handed the reins to the franchise almost immediately.

The Redskins dealt their 2012, 2013 and 2014 first-round picks plus an additional second-round pick in 2012 to St. Louis for that No. 2 slot.

http://nfl.si.com/2012/03/12/nfl-hits-cowboys-redskins-hard-by-docking-salary-cap-space/?eref=sihp

$36 million??? That should really help the deadskins build an offensive line to help RGIII

[El Supremo]

1. Couldn't happen to two more deserving teams! n/m

[bluedigger]

2. That's unbelievable.

How many positions can RGIII play?

[Auggie]

3. Amazingly and surprisingly reckless

considering owners had an understanding not to front-load contracts. Nice to see the Redskins supplant the Raiders as the biggest fuck-ups in the NFL.

Griffin? I feel sorry for the guy.

[FBaggins]

4. Even that doesn't keep them from being active in free agency.

They started with one of the largest available cap figures in the league and have plenty of room to maneuver.

If anything, it just keeps them from just going to the local paper's list of top-ten free agents and offering double what they're worth.