Yeah, the cap works out the same either way. If the Patriots are pretty sure they intend to franchise him next year then maybe what they do is throw some money at him. You offer him, say, 2/18 with $10 million guaranteed and that might give him a really tough choice. He gets $10 million guaranteed and gets a raise of over $8 million this year. Pretty good for a guy who has only made $4 million. He gives up the right to franchise money or becoming an unrestricted free agent in a good market next year. But the hypothesis is the Patriots we're going to franchise him anyway most likely so he gives up about $5 million that he would have gotten next year if he stays healthy or doesn't play and suck.
Patriots save $5 million but lose the flexibility to let him go if he is hurt or plays poorly.
A three-year deal starts to look more attractive for both sides but runs the risk of sinking even more money for a backup.
Patriots save $5 million but lose the flexibility to let him go if he is hurt or plays poorly.
A three-year deal starts to look more attractive for both sides but runs the risk of sinking even more money for a backup.