TallySaint

Deadline not as ominous
Saints aren't expected to release any players because of salary cap

Thursday, June 01, 2006
By Mike Triplett
Staff writer - Times Picayune

June 1 typically is a meaningful day on the NFL calendar, when teams are allowed to begin releasing veteran players while pushing back the majority of their salary-cap hits to the next season.

But little activity is expected around the league this year, for a number of reasons.

First, every team received close to $10 million in salary-cap room when the league and the players' union reached a new collective bargaining agreement in March. Second, the new CBA included a clause that allows teams to release players before June 1, but still designate them as a "June 1 release."

Finally, teams and agents have wised up to the salary-cap loopholes through the years, making the June 1 relief less necessary. For example, many agents have included roster bonuses earlier in the year to force teams to decide whether to keep a player or release him sooner.

Among the biggest names that might be possible June 1 cuts this year are St. Louis Rams linebacker Dexter Coakley, Oakland Raiders defensive end Bobby Hamilton and Washington Redskins receiver David Patten.

The Saints aren't expected to release any players in the coming days. They already have cut ties with several veterans this offseason and have been in good shape under the salary cap all year -- although they need to save a good chunk of space for first-round draft pick Reggie Bush.

Eventually, the Saints likely will release or trade at least one of their veteran safeties and one of their veteran tailbacks, most likely Michael Bennett, who was signed in the offseason. But everyone is expected to participate in this weekend's final full-squad minicamp, which is open to the public Saturday for two practices at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.


8)

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

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