Although
there is a Hail Mary's chance of getting a collective
bargaining extension, the 32 teams are preparing for an
uncapped season. An uncapped year means capped enthusiasm
as far as improving teams is concerned.
The
uncapped year is the NFL's version of the Texas Hold 'em.
Teams with good cards win. Teams with bad cards have
limited chances of getting much better. In the weeks
ahead, we'll explain exactly what an uncapped year would
mean, but here's a basic rundown:
Free
agency won't offer much hope for teams trying to improve.
The
uncapped year raises the threshold for unrestricted free
agency from four to six years. Approximately 212 players
-- including Braylon Edwards and Brandon Marshall -- will
become restricted free agents instead of unrestricted free
agents, severely shrinking the pool of potential starters
for teams in need of help. Not only do teams have a
franchise tag to prevent top players from leaving, but
they will also have an extra transition tag, further
watering down the free-agent market. More
