Each NFL group needs to create an edge for itself, in each method potential. It requires an understanding of the principles, the bounds of the principles, and the way through which any loopholes may be exploited.
The Raiders have taken benefit of a reasonably obvious loophole in an effort to present quarterback Kirk Cousins $20 million for 2026 whereas solely paying him $11.3 million.
It occurred like this. The Falcons owed quarterback Kirk Cousins $10 million for 2026, topic to offset. Different quarterbacks in recent times who’ve been lower with remaining ensures (Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa) signed one-year offers for the minimal wage, sticking their former groups for the stability.
As to Cousins, his market worth exceeded $10 million. When the Falcons didn’t lower Cousins after the 2024 season (regardless of a Sunday Splash! report from December 2024 that they were expected to do so), some concluded that the Falcons had been content material to ensure $10 million for 2026 since he doubtless would get greater than $10 million on the open market, permitting the Falcons to flee the ultimate installment.
Enter the loophole. If the Raiders had signed Cousins to a one-year, $20 million deal, Las Vegas would have owed Cousins all of it — and the Falcons would have owed nothing. As a substitute, the Raiders paid Cousins $1.3 million this 12 months, with a $10 million full assure in 2027.
As talked about on Thursday, it appears too easy. Too handy. Too apparent that the Raiders got here up with a approach to get Cousins to $20 million whereas paying solely $11.3 million of it.
Albert Breer of SI has questioned aloud whether or not the league will attempt to close that loophole. Frankly, it’s wonderful the loophole even exists.
It’s one thing different groups may have been doing, every time a participant has assured cash from one other group. Pay him the minimal now, and promise extra later.
Official or not beneath present guidelines, it appears as if the Raiders have pulled a quick one. Which ought to — as Michael Holley mentioned on Friday’s PFT Reside — dry any lingering crocodile tears concerning the Ravens’ resolution to not proceed with the Maxx Crosby commerce.
The foundations are the principles. The foundations allowed the Ravens to again out of the Crosby deal, at any time and for any motive earlier than the commerce grew to become official. The foundations apparently allowed the Raiders to discover a approach to pay Cousins greater than the $10 million he was assured to obtain from the Falcons this 12 months by placing the Falcons on the hook for $8.7 million.
All’s honest in love, battle, and soccer. And each NFL group must know the principles. To know the best way to use them to their benefit. And, extra importantly, to have a plan for retaining these guidelines from getting used in opposition to them.
