Maybe Tony Gonzales won’t retire after all.
NFL news roundup: Tony Gonzalez wavering, Jets clear cap space, salary cap increasing?
The New York Jets were the busiest team in the NFL on Tuesday, releasing five veterans and clearing more than $30 million in cap space. New York and the other 31 NFL teams may get some additional cap space as the final amount may exceed the rumored $121.1 million.
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Prior to the season, the 36-year-old tight end said he was 95 percent sure the 2012 season would be his last. It was apparent, for anyone who watched him play last season, that Gonzalez still had plenty left in the tank, but he maintained he intended to retire after the season. The Falcons didn't appear willing to take no for an answer as several members of the organization began pushing for Gonzalez to return another season. Those efforts appear to be working as Gonzalez is reportedly wavering on his decision to retire.
ESPN’s Ed Werder said the relentless campaign to convince Gonzalez to return is starting to have an impact as people in the organization believe they are making progress. According to Werder, one player close to Gonzalez said he thought if the circumstances were right Gonzalez would return. SB Nation’s Falcons blog The Falcoholic has more Gonzalez’ potential return.
While the Falcons continue to try to convince Gonzalez to return, the Jets were the busiest team in the NFL on Tuesday. The Jets have one of the worst salary cap situations in the NFL, but New York took some steps to fixing the situation on Tuesday. New York released five veterans on Tuesday, clearing more than $30 million in salary cap space. Linebacker Bart Scott was the most notable of the players released, saving New York roughly $7 million.
In addition to Scott, the Jets also released linebacker Calvin Pace, tackle Jason Smith, safety Eric Smith and tight end Josh Baker. Gang Green Nation has more on Tuesday's moves and as Scott Salmon wrote, this may only be the beginning for the Jets.
The Jets and the other NFL teams may receive additional cap relief as the 2013 salary cap could be higher than many were projecting. The 2013 salary cap has been projected at $121.1 million, but after some insight from the NFL Players Association, Pro Football Talk suggests the salary cap could end up exceeding $122 million.
The 2013 salary cap won’t be set until the league gets a complete revenue picture, but an additional $1 million or more in cap space could be a major benefit for teams struggling to get under the salary cap. Teams must be under the salary cap when free agency begins on March 12.
Tuesday also marked the unveiling of a new Adidas commercial featuring Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III. In the ad, Griffin talks about “blowing” up last season and looking forward to next season. While in the add Griffin says he is all in for Week 1, Griffin turned to Twitter to say while his goal is to start the season opener, he won’t compromise his career to do so:
Feel like I need to say this..Although my goal is to start Week 1, that doesn't mean I will compromise my career to do so.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 19, 2013
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