FanShot

NFC South cap room update - NFC South Blog - ESPN

3
Although he got a five-year, $100 million contract, Brees actually helped the 2012 cap situation. Instead of counting for more than $16 million as the franchise player, Brees now counts $10.4 million against this year’s cap. That puts the Saints right at $8 million under the cap. The Saints also would free up an additional $4.95 million for this year if the season-long suspension for linebacker Jonathan Vilma is upheld. The Saints still have some areas of need, particularly in the pass rush. Now that they’ve got some cap room, don’t be surprised if they use it to try to give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo some more guys that can get after opposing quarterbacks.