SALARY CAP NOTES: Graham and Oher Cash In

Based on their playing time in 2012, CB Corey Graham and OT Michael Oher saw their 2013 base salaries increased for 2013 due to playing-time escalators.  Graham, who was signed for his Special Teams prowess, became a starter after injuries to starting CB Lardarius Webb and former first round pick, Jimmy Smith.  Making the most of this opportunity – and becoming one of the biggest unsung heroes of the season – Graham saw his base salary increase by $250K from $1.8M to $2.05M.

Graham’s 2013 Cap number will be $2.65M.

Oher, who seemed to hit his stride once he returned to Right Tackle late in the season, saw his 2013 base salary increased by $700K from $3.085M to $3.785M.  This was the final salary escalator from Oher’s 2009 rookie contract.  Based on his playing time from 2009 to 2011, Oher had already earned salary escalators of $2.1M, which had raised his base salary to $3.085M.  Now, based on his 2012 playing time, he’s earned another $700K.

Oher’s 2013 Cap number will be $4.955M.

2012 SALARY CAP CARRYOVER:  Under the terms of the new CBA, as passed in July of 2011, teams can now carryover excess Salary Cap space from one season to the next.  The Ravens ended the 2012 season with $1,182,378 in Salary Cap space (as of 1/8/13).  Barring any late adjustments to this number, the Ravens will be able to carry this amount over to create some excess space for 2013.

PRESENT 2013 CAP COMMITMENT:  At this time, media reports indicate that the 2013 Salary Cap is expected to be in the $120.9M range.

With 42 players currently under contract for 2013, the Ravens have a present Salary Cap commitment of just under $110M.  That number does not include the tenders the team will offer in early March to his Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) and Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs).

The team’s Cap commitment will change next week, when the team signs its Practice Squad players to 2013 contract.