FRENZY NEWS: Insects Running Wild in RFA

[Flaxwless]

RFA Bids May Cost Team
Associated Press

Today the with tendered contracts for RB Ahman Green of the Liquid Swords and RB Ricky Williams and RB Shaun Alexander of the Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers passing the 48 hour period with no other bids, Frank Alonzo and the Insects may find themselves in salary cap hell. With contracts tendered by the BABI at 2,800 cbs, 3000 cbs, and 2750 cbs, respectively, the current Franchises of these backs maybe reluctant in matching. If this were the case it would leave the Insects 4000 cbs over the 10,500cb cap. GM and Coach Frank Alonzo said, "This could potentially be a devastating situation, but we're talking about the worst case scenario here. We are still fairly confident that the teams will be compelled to match the contracts for these stud RBs. We entered the RFA period intent on signing 1 of these 3 backs, and we may end up with all 3."

The problem is that the rumblings around the league have suggested that the Insects have overpriced the RBs and overestimated the market for the young running backs. Last year the highest paid RBs were Ricky Williams (3250cb), Deuce McAllister (2400cb), Edgerrin James (2310cb), Stephan Davis and Marshall Faulk (2200cb) for an average of 2502. With the contracts tendered by the Insects, the league average will raise to 2821cb and increase of 319cb. When asked about the thought process for tendering such large contracts GM Frank Alonzo said, "I guess I misjudge the market, but to me these contracts are not out of hand. Deuce is slated to make 2640 cbs this year, 2900 next year, and 3000 the year after I don't think these prices are that out of line. Green, Alexander, and Williams are all still young and productive."

Maybe the Insects have not misjudge the market, but that his fellow league mates are smelling blood. It is arguable that these prices are not out of line.

First, franchises this year gained extra cap space after the Rookie Contract Scale was adjusted.

Second, the average cap space for the league is at 3694cb, a large amount considering the average players per team is 10. Leaving roughly 1000cbs per roster spot to meet the minimum requirement.

Third, the prices of the RBs last year were affected by their age and/or injury concerns. Last year Edge and Faulk were coming of an injury riddle year and Davis changed teams. All three preformed subpar in 2002. Faulk finished 16th RB overall, James 22nd, and Davis 27th. In comparison Williams and McCallister finished 3rd and 5th respectively in 2003. This year’s crop of RBs are much better, all are young, healthy, finished in the Top 10. So obviously the prices are not too expensive considering their performance last year, their age, and the circumstances of last years free agents.

So what is keeping franchises from bidding on these players? The main reason is many expect the RBs to hit the market, as the Insects cannot keep all three. Most are expecting the Insects to cut two RBs to get under the cap. However, Frank Alonzo described another scenario, "There is no way we can keep all three. We'd love to, but it is just not possible. However we are strongly looking at keeping two of the three RBs if they all fall to us. We'd have to make some moves, cut some players, and let some players walk, but we're planning to keep two of the three." It is possible for the Insects to do this by releasing one of the two RBs, not matching Steve McNair and Eddie George, trading one of their young WRs for cheap role-players, and releasing one other player. A lot of action but a very feasible scenario.

Reporters asked how it would affect the Insects' season and he replied, "We'd basically be tanking the season but we'd get a high lottery pick next year, as well as possibly two 1st round compensation picks. That's a total of THREE 1st Round picks for a blown season, not too bad. But I'm a competitive guy and we'll see if we could trade one of the two once we are allowed too." One reporter asked if the interests in these RBs mean the team is looking to trade Portis and Frank said, "HELL NO! We'd sacrifice this year and comeback and win it next year for sure. With Portis and either Green, Williams, or Alexander the team will be contenders once we fill around. We have small speedy WRs perfect to stretch the field and we have two young QBs we really like. If not this year definitely next."

So how this news affects the decisions of other franchises is not known but with young, stud RBs few and far between and the UFA period only offering old and past stud RBs in the obvious decline the Insects may find themselves off the hook. "That would be great if we just acquired one of the RBs but if we are stuck with all three then we would definitely keep two. No bones about it. By keeping two of the RBs we'd have the option of trading them during the season or receiving future compensation."

One other thing is for sure; the next 72 hours will be very interesting.