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Tait's retirement would give Bears decison to make on bonus money

Not only will John Tait's expected retirement force the Bears to contemplate offseason moves on the offensive line, it will lead the organization to make a decision on money that has already been paid to the veteran right tackle.

Tait, who one source told the paper is definitely walking away from the game, has one year remaining on his contract at $4.8 million and his departure would create a salary-cap savings of $4.85 million, including a $50,000 workout bonus he has for this year.

When he departs it will create a void at offensive tackle for the club as Chris Williams, the 2008 first-round pick, will be the only player at the position under contract. When his retirement papers are officially filed--nothing is finalized right now--it will also create an opportunity for the organization to recoup a pro-rated portion of bonus money that has already been paid to Tait. There's no saying that would be a move general manager Jerry Angelo would elect to make but it would be an option.

Tait has been a good player for the Bears on and off the field. He started 73-of-80 regular-season games since being signed away from the Kansas City Chiefs as a restricted free agent in 2004. He was also very involved in charities sponsored by the organization.

The amount of money the Bears could seek is believed to be nominal--$500,000, the remaining portion of the $3 million signing bonus he received. The Bears had to front load the contract to prevent the Chiefs from matching it. Kansas City was in a tight bind with its salary cap so the Bears included the signing bonus but also a $7.5 million roster bonus. With a base salary of $535,000 and a $50,000 workout bonus, Tait's cap figure for that season was $11,085,000.

Chewie wrote:http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/02/taits_retirement_would_give_be.html#more

Tait's retirement would give Bears decison to make on bonus money

Not only will John Tait's expected retirement force the Bears to contemplate offseason moves on the offensive line, it will lead the organization to make a decision on money that has already been paid to the veteran right tackle.

Tait, who one source told the paper is definitely walking away from the game, has one year remaining on his contract at $4.8 million and his departure would create a salary-cap savings of $4.85 million, including a $50,000 workout bonus he has for this year.

When he departs it will create a void at offensive tackle for the club as Chris Williams, the 2008 first-round pick, will be the only player at the position under contract. When his retirement papers are officially filed--nothing is finalized right now--it will also create an opportunity for the organization to recoup a pro-rated portion of bonus money that has already been paid to Tait. There's no saying that would be a move general manager Jerry Angelo would elect to make but it would be an option.

Tait has been a good player for the Bears on and off the field. He started 73-of-80 regular-season games since being signed away from the Kansas City Chiefs as a restricted free agent in 2004. He was also very involved in charities sponsored by the organization.

The amount of money the Bears could seek is believed to be nominal--$500,000, the remaining portion of the $3 million signing bonus he received. The Bears had to front load the contract to prevent the Chiefs from matching it. Kansas City was in a tight bind with its salary cap so the Bears included the signing bonus but also a $7.5 million roster bonus. With a base salary of $535,000 and a $50,000 workout bonus, Tait's cap figure for that season was $11,085,000.

That a big cap savings. If the Panthers don't franchise Jordan Gross, I'm on the phone with his agent YESTERDAY.

emperorjones wrote:With Gross off the board, I see us going hard after Vernon Carey (OT Dolphins). If we don't get him, I think we will resign St. Clair (to start at Guard with Garza backing up) and draft an OT at #18 then an OG in the 3rd round. I wouldn't be mad at that scenario. We could be set on the OL for 10 years with Beekman moving to center, two stud tackles and a young guard. This would be the year for that I think.

That would leave us plenty of cash ($30 million under the cap?) to address S, WR, and backup QB (Sims) RB in FA. And if I could dream a bit - DL (Haynesworth)?

Nice article on OL prospects:

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribu ... f=outbrain

The chances of Vernon Carey heading north

ESPN.com - NFL Nation - Blog (17 hours ago)
It's probably a long shot, but I'm sure Chicago officials took note Thursday when Miami coach Tony Sparano said the team wouldn't use its franchise tag this year.

REPORT: DOLPHINS WANT TO RE-SIGN VERNON CAREY
Posted by Aaron Wilson on January 30, 2009, 8:32 a.m. EST

The Miami Dolphins have targeted impending free agent offensive tackle Vernon Carey as a priority and will try to keep him from hitting the open market, a source told the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel.

“The Dolphins want Carey back and they will continue to bolster their offensive line,” the anonymous source told beat writer Harvey Fialkov.

Not to get into the Sun-Sentinel’s business, but I’d be willing to bet that quote is from an agent. Just saying, that’s all, because Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano don’t talk much or leak much.

A former first-round draft pick from the University of Miami, Carey is expected to hear from the Dolphins for talks next month during the week of the NFL scouting combine. Free agency begins Feb. 27.

Meanwhile, it doesn’t look as promising for free agent linebacker Channing Crowder, as we’ve reported previously.

According to the article, Crowder was “lowballed” by the team’s initial offer.