The first cutdown day wasn't as harsh as expected. The Lions, Browns, Giants and Cowboys released a total of 16 players, saving those teams around $24 million in cap room.
There were very few surprises.
Sam Madison, Sammy Knight and Reuben Droughns of the Giants were in their 30s. Over the past two years, New York got younger at those positions. Of the six players released by the Lions, cornerback Leigh Bodden, guard Edwin Muliatalo and safety Dwight Smith were the only starters released. Cleveland's Ken Dorsey, Antwan Peek and Terry Cousins were backups making more than the minimum and had some age on them. Adam Jones was designated for departure a month ago by the Cowboys.
Cap room wasn't a problem for any of these teams. The Browns have about $14 million and the Giants about $9.7 million. The Lions have a robust $38 million of room. Jones' release gives them a little less than $9 million of room.
First things first: What is usually the case at the start of free agency is that teams have to first figure out what to do at quarterback. The Bucs' decision to give a two-year, $7.5 million contract to Luke McCown could push out Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia, and give McCown the edge for the team's starting job at quarterback unless they find someone else through free agency or trade. The $3.75 million average is a good backup salary, but the team built in enough incentives so that McCown could earn $7 million a season if he plays a lot. David Carr didn't waste time signing a one-year, $1 million deal to give him another year to re-establish himself as the Giants' backup. The Patriots decision to franchise Matt Cassel last week bought the team more time to see what his trade value is, but they also made the move knowing he might be a $14.65 million backup if Tom Brady is healthy.
Caught off guard: Clancy Pendergast was caught by surprise when he was fired by the Cardinals. He was called into the office Friday and told that the team was going in a different direction at defensive coordinator. There is no guarantee he will join former Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley in Kansas City. If he can't find anything, though, don't be surprised if he ends up with Wade Phillips in Dallas.
John Clayton
