Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

Yes, and, no. 4:00 ET March 12 is the deadline for cap compliance concerning the top 51 cap figures. Restructures can, and will, continue to keep making additional space for all other purposes.

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

I meant for Carr's contract specifically

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

In a manner of speaking, probably. I mean, it may be possible to get to cap compliancy using every other restructure possible, but if his is vital to their plans, then yes, I suppose that would be their deadline.

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

Okay. Spotrac.com has a cool roster management tool that let's you apply conversions in a "what if" scenario. I was able to get the Saints to top 51 cap compliance without touching Carr using only base salary conversions to signing bonus. These take no input from the players.

Players converted:

Jordan
Hill
Kamara
Davis
Mathieu
Granderson
Ruiz
Shepherd

Total top 51 cap space available: $1,176,729

In other words, no, May 12th is not a hard deadline to restructure Carr.

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

Carr's 2025 base salary of $30 million becomes fully guaranteed on March 15, so March 15 would be the deadline to act if we cut Carr or if we did a restructure that involved an actual pay cut with the leverage of being able to cut Carr. After March 15, Carr would have no incentive to take any pay cut, because his salary would be guaranteed, so any restructure after that date would either be kicking the can, or adding future guarantees that exceed present reductions.

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

We definitely know how to kick the can.

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

We could also get a little further under the cap if any players elect to reduce salary to set up a June retirement, agree to a true salary reduction and restructure, or if any other players are willing to reduce their 2025 salary in return for a guaranteed 2026 bonus instead of a 2025 bonus (willing to get their check later). A restructure can reduce immediately salary 80% by being spread over 5 years, but if they take a true pay cut that reduces the total amount spread over those years, and if they take a 2026 bonus that could I believe be spread over 2026-2030 but they dont get their check until next March. If a player plans to retire, like Ram, they could reduce their salary to the vet minimum, then retire in June, so all the additional dead cap hits in 2026.

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

I think Kellen Moore makes a great coordinator. I'm not convinced he's a head coach though and I'm very worried about the hire. I hope I am very wrong.

When Payton was hired, he brought a wisdom and stability with him that I feel does not exist with Kellen Moore.

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

Payton also had Drew Brees. We got Carrbage now.

Re: CARR “STARTING” AS OUR QB NEXT YEAR?
 

The 17th I think is related to his injury or status thereof. Its salary implications could be big. Both dates are probably very relevant .