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Post by tfundermann on Aug 2, 2023 8:28:38 GMT -6
If they do extend Jefferson this offseason, it would be pretty common to have a mechanic in the contract that lowers his 2024 cap hit. Something like converting part of his 2024 base salary into a roster bonus (that would then become a signing bonus) to prorate it as if it was an extension in 2024. This happens in cases where a 1st round rookie signs a deal with 2 years left on his rookie deal (see Kyler Murray and Justin Herbert). So Jefferson's 2024 cap hit could be as much as $10M lower without doing anything extraordinary. If Jefferson waits to sign until next offseason, it's also likely fine because that 2024 salary probably gets paid out in a bonus to lower that cap hit anyways.
I'd also be a bit surprised if Darrisaw signs before 2025. They will obviously pick up his 5th year option for 2025 and an extension then would put his first big money in 2026. I'm as big of a Darrisaw fan as there is (I'm literally one of about 3 dudes who wore a #71 jersey to games last year), but I don't know if he's the star QB / generational WR type of player who must absolutely be extended 2 years early. 1 year early, like all good players, of course, but he's still an O-Lineman, not a franchise QB.
I'd put a few extra million in Hockenson's pocket, but TE money isn't the money that breaks the cap. I do think the current comps for top TEs are misleadingly low because it's been several years since the TE market was really reset with Kelce and Kittle.
As for Darrisaw, I am going on the Andrew Thomas plan that the Giants just did. He was at the end of the 3 years and had his 5th year option picked up and they still extended him early. You want to do that sometimes to help keep the contract lower. The longer you wait the greater the chance another player comes along and resets the market to a higher number.
TJ is easily the hardest to nail down. Is the TE market what it is with Waller and Kittle at the top, or is there a big jump incoming and TJ will help to reset that market? I leant towards a lower jump, but easily could see the TE market skyrocket in the next 2 years and the AAV is more in the high teens or even 20 per year range. Only time will tell.
... and neither is this Chris guy.
