The Spotrac Podcast The NFL Salary Cap, a Vikings Stunner, Bellinger's Tax Clause, and the Aggressive As
Jan 30, 2026
Dan Soemann, a sports finance and roster analyst, breaks down a surprising Vikings personnel shakeup and its ripple effects on quarterback plans and roster accountability. He also covers the confirmed $300M+ NFL salary cap outlook, Cody Bellinger’s tax-structured Yankees deal, and the A’s strategy of early extensions to lock in young talent.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Simulate Offseason Moves Early
- Use Spotrac's roster manager and trade machine to simulate offseason moves and assess cap impacts before March 11th.
- Mike Ginnitti recommends experimenting with restructures, trades, and free-agent signings earlier to plan for the new league year.
QB Woes Likely Fueled Minnesota Move
- The Vikings' decision likely ties to quarterback instability and heavy recent spending that leaves limited roster flexibility.
- Both hosts suggest the team may shop for quarterbacks and consider trimming payroll or role players in upcoming weeks.
A's Buyouts Build A Controllable Core
- The Oakland Athletics are locking up young position players with early multi-year extensions to create a controllable core.
- Dan Soemann expects those deals to produce surplus value in arbitration years and help the A's build continuity pre-Vegas move.