I have no idea how the Als could be in excess of the max. salary cap of $5.1 millions in 2016. I would definitely like to know how Didier arrives at these numbers.
Based on the actual roster -23 on defensive side and 23 on offensive side,incl. the K and LS and McGhee for Glenn, my numbers are much less below the max. cap.
I calculate that the 23 players on the defensive side have yearly salaries totalling $2,160,000; this amount includes a total of $648,000 for Cox,Venable and Woods.
I calculate that the 23 players on the offensive side have yearly salaries totalling $2,240,000; this amounts includes $252,000 for Duron,although suspended for 1 game, and $144,000 for Stafford, although on 6 game injured list 1 time. If I would take these into consideration, the total would be less.
From my calculations-mind you, the numbers are higher than smaller- I calculate that the yearly salaries on players on actual active roster are DEFINITELY NO MORE THAN $4.5 millions. On the present active roster, there are at least 10 players earning less than $60,000 yearly. The current active roster is the base for 2017.
In 2016, we also have to take into consideration: A: Signing bonuses to S.J. Green, Dominique Ellis, Mitchell White and probably Vaugh Martin: B: The fact that Kevin Glenn was on the roster for 11 games; C: S.J. on roster for 2 games and a few others for some games. These considerations could amount to a max. of $396,000. Added to the yearly salaries of players on active roster, the 2016 MAX.SALARIES EXPENSES AGAINST THE MAX. CAP AMOUNT TO $4,896,000. ROOM FOR ANOTHER $240,000.
From here till the end of the season, Jim Popp may take measures to reduce salary expenses,incl. ones on 6 game injured list, but it is not because the team is in excess of max. 2016 cap. Mind you, it is quite difficult to reduce salaries/costs, since the players with higher salaries are all veterans; if they were released the team would still have to pay there salaries for 18 games.
Richard