[Schneed10]

Excellent! I can take a set of numbers and analyze 'em to the extent that I know the rules governing the CBA, but that's where a guy like J.I. really helps, he knows all the little minute rules that govern the CBA. Granted it's expiring but still.

I've got some questions for him (some technical, but hopefully he's cool with that):

- Can you explain for the good people how the NFL owners benefit financially from the salary cap structure that's been in place for the last several years?

- How about for the players? And why would it be in their best interest to retain a salary cap environment?

- How do you think the competitive landscape of the league would be affected in a permanently uncapped environment? Will we see teams dropping spending drastically, or other big market teams spending like the Yankees once quality free agent classes become available?

- Let's assume we finish the 2010 season in an uncapped environment, but then a new CBA is struck before a possible 2011 work stoppage. If that new CBA were to retain a salary cap as we know it today, how would signing bonuses paid to players in 2010 (the uncapped year) be handled/allocated under a 2011 capped environment?

(I think I know the answer, it's impossible to know without knowing the details of the new CBA, but wondering what he thinks.)

- Hypothetically, assuming a salary cap existed this year, if Albert Haynesworth paid back his $21 million signing bonus in exchange for his release from the team, how would that get recognized against the cap books? Would the 'Skins see a credit to their cap ledger in 2010 of $21 million? Or would they simply wipe away the portion of the bonus allocated to the seasons from now up until the contract expiration date?

- Do you think the NFL is better off with or without a salary cap? Or does it not really matter?