[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

Regarding Smith, i recall Sheehan saying that took out an insurance policy on him and, if its determined his injury is career-ending, the insurance policy would pay out, including a salary cap credit somewhere around $12M.

Its possible Smith really does have every intention to try and play again. Its also possible he and his family have decided that given his age and current contract, for his long-term health, the best thing is for him to never play again. However, in order for the team to collect the insurance policy, he needs to make it look like he tried his hardest, but ultimately was not medically cleared.

I'm not saying this is what is happening now, but throwing it out there as a possibility. So there is a scenario where, in 2020 or 2021, we could get that credit and have an additional 12M or so in cap space.

Absolutely correct. But from a planning perspective the team has to assume it will carry the entire cap charge until it's determined they can collect on this policy.