Post by lazarus on Jun 1, 2003 9:52:45 GMT -5
Posted on Sun, Jun. 01, 2003
By IVAN CARTER
The Kansas City Star
Back in January when the Chiefs were mapping out a plan for the 2003 season, head coach thingy Vermeil talked about the off-season process.
"Well, we have the draft where I think we'll find a pretty good player with (the first-round) pick," Vermeil said. "And we'll look at free agency to see what's available. Then, you never know what might be out there in June."
It's a good thing the Chiefs took care of business it the draft and free agency because it looks like June won't be offering much in the way of help for anyone in the NFL.
Monday officially marks the day when teams can save salary-cap space by cutting players. If a player is on the roster as of today, teams can cut the player and spread pro-rated signing bonus money out over two seasons.
The Chiefs, for instance, will release cornerback Ray Crockett, thus saving $1,750,000 on this year's cap.
In past seasons, the post-June 1 market featured talented players who were simply too burdensome on their team's salary cap like Antonio Freeman and Keenan McCardell last year and Jerry Rice in 2001.
That doesn't appear to be the case this year, when most players that will be released are like Crockett -- an aging player whose best football is far behind him.
Perhaps Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said it best.
"Everybody thought June 1 would be another personnel Christmas," Angelo told the Chicago Sun Times. "It's not."
The biggest name expected to be released Monday is Brian Griese, who has been replaced by Jake Plummer in Denver. The Miami Dolphins are reportedly interested in signing Griese to back up Jay Fiedler.
After Griese, however, things get thin. The 49ers are expected to cut wide receiver J.J. Stokes, who has been supplanted by Tai Streets as Terrell Owens' running mate in San Francisco. The Ravens may release defensive end Michael McCrary, who may retire, and the Bengals could dump quarterback Akili Smith.
After those names, things get really thin. Now that they have Jason Sehorn, the Rams could cut safety Kim Herring. Other possible cuts include Steelers tight end Mark Bruener and Giants center Dusty Zeigler.
Two bigger names were taken off the potential post-June 1 list when Carolina officials said the team would not release wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad and when Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio indicated that the team would not release tight end Kyle Brady.
The bottom line for the Chiefs? Barring a strange turn of events elsewhere, the team that has been on the field for workouts this spring will be the same team that reports for training camp.
• LINEMAN SIGNED: The Chiefs have agreed to contract terms with Steve Morley, a 6-foot-7, 340-pound offensive lineman from Halifax, Canada. However, Morley's arrival has been delayed because he's still working to line up a visa.
• CAMP DATES: Training camp dates have been set. The Chiefs will report to River Falls, Wis., on July 19 and begin practice July 20. Camp will break Aug. 15. The Chiefs will work out with the Minnesota Vikings in River Falls on July 30 and
By IVAN CARTER
The Kansas City Star
Back in January when the Chiefs were mapping out a plan for the 2003 season, head coach thingy Vermeil talked about the off-season process.
"Well, we have the draft where I think we'll find a pretty good player with (the first-round) pick," Vermeil said. "And we'll look at free agency to see what's available. Then, you never know what might be out there in June."
It's a good thing the Chiefs took care of business it the draft and free agency because it looks like June won't be offering much in the way of help for anyone in the NFL.
Monday officially marks the day when teams can save salary-cap space by cutting players. If a player is on the roster as of today, teams can cut the player and spread pro-rated signing bonus money out over two seasons.
The Chiefs, for instance, will release cornerback Ray Crockett, thus saving $1,750,000 on this year's cap.
In past seasons, the post-June 1 market featured talented players who were simply too burdensome on their team's salary cap like Antonio Freeman and Keenan McCardell last year and Jerry Rice in 2001.
That doesn't appear to be the case this year, when most players that will be released are like Crockett -- an aging player whose best football is far behind him.
Perhaps Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said it best.
"Everybody thought June 1 would be another personnel Christmas," Angelo told the Chicago Sun Times. "It's not."
The biggest name expected to be released Monday is Brian Griese, who has been replaced by Jake Plummer in Denver. The Miami Dolphins are reportedly interested in signing Griese to back up Jay Fiedler.
After Griese, however, things get thin. The 49ers are expected to cut wide receiver J.J. Stokes, who has been supplanted by Tai Streets as Terrell Owens' running mate in San Francisco. The Ravens may release defensive end Michael McCrary, who may retire, and the Bengals could dump quarterback Akili Smith.
After those names, things get really thin. Now that they have Jason Sehorn, the Rams could cut safety Kim Herring. Other possible cuts include Steelers tight end Mark Bruener and Giants center Dusty Zeigler.
Two bigger names were taken off the potential post-June 1 list when Carolina officials said the team would not release wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad and when Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio indicated that the team would not release tight end Kyle Brady.
The bottom line for the Chiefs? Barring a strange turn of events elsewhere, the team that has been on the field for workouts this spring will be the same team that reports for training camp.
• LINEMAN SIGNED: The Chiefs have agreed to contract terms with Steve Morley, a 6-foot-7, 340-pound offensive lineman from Halifax, Canada. However, Morley's arrival has been delayed because he's still working to line up a visa.
• CAMP DATES: Training camp dates have been set. The Chiefs will report to River Falls, Wis., on July 19 and begin practice July 20. Camp will break Aug. 15. The Chiefs will work out with the Minnesota Vikings in River Falls on July 30 and