The Arizona Cardinals have made another salary cap decision as they prepare to make their free agent moves once the new league year begins on Tuesday. As announced on his own Twitter account, Daryn Colledge has been cut.
Colledge was a free agent acquisition in 2011, when he signed a five-year, $27.5 million deal. He played in and started all 48 games at left guard in the three seasons he was in Arizona, although he was slated to be the starter at right guard until 2013 first round pick Jonathan Cooper was lost for the season with a broken leg.
The move saves the team $5 million in actual salary, as he was scheduled to make $4.8 million in salary and earn a $200,000 workout bonus. Against the salary cap, the team frees up at least $2.725 million, as cutting him creates $4.55 million in dead money against the salary cap.
The team will make him a June 1 cut, which you are allowed to do with these players yearly, and spread out the cap hit over two seasons. However, that requires the team to carry his whole cap hit until June 1. It won't free up any cap space for free agency. The Cardinals did that last offseason when they released guard Adam Snyder. However, they must carry that cap hit until June 1. It will not give the team any additional space for the start of free agency on Tuesday.
The move opens up the right guard position as a competition between last year's starter Paul Fanaika and second-year player Earl Watford, for whom the team has high hopes in his second year.
As for Colledge, was gracious to the fans, team and community and is simply looking ahead to his next opportunity. It shouldn't be long before he lands somewhere else.
Here is what he tweeted after learning the news.
Wanna thank you the fans and the Cardinals for an amazing opportunity. A great organization headed in the right direction. Wish ya the best.
— Daryn Colledge (@DarynColledge71) March 9, 2014
Thanks for all the support guys, it means a ton, I've enjoyed my time. Between the Pack and Card fans my next team has a lot to live up to.
— Daryn Colledge (@DarynColledge71) March 9, 2014
For now while I wait for FA and my future. I'm gonna watch Toy Story with my kids and put in an early ballot for Father of the Year. #NoBigs
— Daryn Colledge (@DarynColledge71) March 9, 2014