The cap is just so complicated, most people, myself included usually, see a number and think its that simple. We're just lucky to have a guy like Miguel who really knows his stuff and keeps us informed of what the situation really looks like, at least on the Patriots' side of things. It takes time to realize things like when you see a deal in March, wait a few days. The initial number is going to be the absolute max value, driven by the agent to make it look better for his player and himself, then the next number to come out is the team source leaked deal, making the team appear they have a steal, then finally all of the numbers are leaked and you see guarantees, incentives, etc. And that's just for one player, now imagine the average joe reading a forum trying to figure that out for 51 players who count against the cap, seeing a cap number, and understanding what money actually exists and what isn't really there. I don't blame people are all when they don't understand, just try to help when I can with my limited knowledge and access to sources others may not even know exist.
You also need to look at next year. Right now with many of the contracts they pushed back there are some big hits next year. Of course teams always find ways to make room but it is far better to be looking at $43.05M in cap space next year for the Jets than $3.65M for the Pats. http://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space Base Salary Cap: $140,000,000 Team.....Cap Space Raiders..$54,781,162 Jets...$43,055,680 Jaguars...$41,411,563 XXXXXXX Patriots...$3,658,583 Chiefs...$3,530,325 Cowboys...$2,689,145 Steelers...$2,425,765 Dolphins...($1,441,177) Cardinals...($6,323,495) 49ers...($8,225,962) Saints...($18,890,404)
Geno and several others miss a meeting - Geno ripped Revis missed a whole practice by himself - nothing Jets make a trade - horrible Pats make a trade - great move
It's all about context. If the Jets were 5-2 like the Pats then they would be geniuses for not overspending on FA. If Jets spent every last dollar and went deep in the playoffs, they would be credited for spending money on the right talent. If they spent the entire salary cap and missed the playoffs then they're idiots for spending without thinking. No way Pats should get any of the media drama Jets are enduring for leaving so much cap space for rollover. They earned that peace of mind by winning 5 out of seven games. If the Pats were 1-6, they would be ripped apart for not spending money.
