2020 LA Rams Salary Cap anatomy

Math Magic

So how do teams like the LA Rams fill roster holes with numerous positions with cap limits?  Well part of the magic is the algorithm whereby the NFL only includes the top 51 contracts into the calculation.  That takes just the slightest of pressure off the cap.

Another trick of the trade is to use tags. In NFL free agency, a team can use either the franchise tag, transition tag, or the non-exclusive franchise tag.  We’ll revisit these later. For now, it’s good to know that the Rams can act to retain players, but doing so will lower available cap space even further.

The true power of math when brushing upon the salary cap dynamics is reconciling dollars in terms of base salary, bonus dollars, incentive dollars, and guaranteed dollars.  I apologize in advance for the topic to uninterested readers.

Now it’s time to refresh everyone on salary cap terms.  If you wish to avoid the salary cap terminology slide, just scroll past the next one.  If you stay with me, I won’t be too long winded though.