NFL FREE AGENCY 2019

3 TARGETS FOR EACH TEAM

NFL free agency will be here before you know it. Here are the top three targets for all 32 teams.

The NFL offseason is here. It’s officially that time of the year where rumors dominate the headlines, and draft talk fills the bleak mid-winter days.

With some teams loaded with cap space, and others looking to re-tool or rebuild, who are the top 3 targets each team should look to sign in free agency this offseason?

The New England Patriots capped off the 2018 season as the league’s champions. Now, Bill Belichick will have some major positional needs to fill this offseason.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Trey Flowers, EDGE: Belichick must make re-signing Flowers the team’s top priority this offseason. Regardless, retaining Flowers is not only a must, but also a challenge. The Patriots currently sit with just over $14 million in available cap space, and Flowers has a market value above $15 million a year.

Jermaine Kearse, WR: New England’s wide receiver depth was pushed to the limits in 2018, and most of those players that made up the receiving corps are now going to be free agents. Cordarrelle Patterson, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett are unrestricted free agents. Josh Gordon is a restricted free agent, but his NFL future is unknown.

Therefore, the Patriots need to rebuild their wide receiver corps, and a veteran like Kearse would be an ideal free agent to target. The 29-year old would serve as a great second wide out, a role he’s played his whole career, for Tom Brady.

Although Kearse was hampered with an injury last season, he had a career-year in 2017 with the New York Jets with 65 catches, 810 yards and five touchdowns.

Tyler Eifert, TE: With a lot of speculation surrounding Rob Gronkowski and his possible retirement, the Patriots should bring in another tight end. Even if Gronkowski returns, Eifert can be a second option in an offense that often features two tight end formations.

Yes, Eifert has been injury prone for the greater part of three seasons, but he is a low-risk, inexpensive signing that may be able to become an integral part to the team’s offense. He has been a go-to, vertical-threat tight end when healthy.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Even with the Super Bowl loss, 2018 was a big year for the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Sean McVay showed off his dynamic offense, while Jared Goff took a big step in his progression. However, key starters on defense will need to be replaced.

Shane Ray, EDGE: Dante Fowler Jr. came over from the Jacksonville Jaguars during the season. He played well, but he is set to become a free agent, and he may be priced too high for the Rams.

Rather than take a chance on a veteran, aging player like Clay Matthews or Terrell Suggs, the Rams should sign Ray to a prove-it deal. The 25-year old played in 11 games last season but only had one sack.

Ray still holds value at a young age, and he could just need a change of scenery. Wade Phillips may be able to tap into Ray’s full potential.

Tre Boston, S: In 2018, Lamarcus Joyner played under the franchise tag after a breakout 2017 season. However, Joyner slightly underwhelmed this past campaign and he’s likely too pricey for the Rams.

Boston plays a different brand of safety compared to Joyner. He is a physical, play-making safety who has 11 career interceptions in 72 games. At age 26, He can still grow a little bit more as a player.

After three teams in five seasons, Boston can find a short-term home as a safety for the Rams.

Danny Shelton, NT: As is the case with Fowler and Joyner, the Rams may also let Ndamukong Suh walk in free agency. Suh formed a dynamic pass rush duo with Aaron Donald, but its doubtful the team can match what other’s may shell out for the defensive tackle.

Shelton would slot into the noise tackle position with ease. Suh is more of an interior pass rusher, where Shelton is a run-stuffing tackle.

With Donald, Michael Brockers and Samson Ebukam putting pressure on the quarterback, Shelton can be cycled in and out to stop the run and create havoc up the middle.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

A heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship game brought the New Orleans Saints season to a sudden end. As Drew Brees’ career approaches a nearing close, the Saints need to work with little cap space to re-tool for 2019.

Jesse James, TE: Ben Watson led Saints tight ends in receptions (35), yards (400) and touchdowns (2) last season. The 38-year old has since retired, and it seems unlikely that Josh Hill is a suitable number one tight end.

James would fit into the role Watson occupied, and he would bring more upside to the position. Since 2016, he has averaged just about 37 receptions for roughly 377 receiving yards and around two to three touchdowns a season.

The former fifth-round pick also has experience playing in a vertical offense, as he did so with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Denzel Perryman, ILB: Last offseason, the Saints briefly addressed their inside linebacker needs by signing Demario Davis. This offseason, they will look to do the same and Perryman could be the addition.

Perryman has been dealt a bad hand of injuries since he came into the NFL in 2015. However, he was a key part to the Los Angeles Chargers defense when he was on the field.

Yes, there is some buyer beware with Perryman due to his injury history, but he would partner well with Davis up the middle. He would join Davis, A.J. Klein and Alex Anzalone to solidify the linebacker position.

Spencer Ware, RB: Mark Ingram will be an unrestricted-free agent and he isn’t going to be back with the Saints unless he takes a heavily discounted contract. Therefore, the team needs to find a second running back to pair with Alvin Kamara.

Ware would be a great signing as his style of play would fit right in with the Saints. In a limited role in 2018, he was productive for the Chiefs. In 2016, he nearly ran for 1,000 yards and had 33 catches for 447 yards. His pass-catching is what would fit in very well with the Saints.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Patrick Mahomes led the charge for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. He won MVP, and the team’s success surprised many. Although they lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, the team looks poised to be back with a few roster tweaks.

Adrian Phillips, S: The Chiefs have around $25 million in available cap and that may increase if they cut some players. Signing Phillips would address perhaps the team’s greatest need: a safety.

Eric Berry was out most of the season in 2018, which glorified the need for safety help. However, adding Phillips with a healthy Berry would make a glaring weakness a legitimate strength.

Phillips, a 2018 All-Pro and Pro Bowler, won’t be cheap, but his versatility to play various defensive back positions and even some linebacker would be worth every dime.

Shane Ray, EDGE: Sacking the quarterback wasn’t an issue for the Chiefs in 2018. They were tied for the league-lead with 52. Nine of those came from Justin Houston, but he is a strong cut candidate this offseason.

Therefore, the Chiefs should look to add Ray on a short-term deal. At age 25, newly hired team defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo may be able to mold him into a real threat as an edge-rusher, whether that’s from outside linebacker or defensive end.

In Ray’s last full season in 2016, he racked up a career-high eight sacks. With a new team and coaches like Andy Reid and Spagnuolo, he could really re-launch his career.

Jason Verrett, CB: The addition of Phillips would slightly alleviate the dire need for another cornerback for the Chiefs. However, if they miss on him, or if the market is low, they should pursue Verrett.

Again, Verrett is much like Ray where the team could sign him for a short-term deal. He missed all of 2018 due to an Achilles injury; therefore teams may be lukewarm on him after sustaining such a major injury.

The 27-year old is a former Pro Bowl corner, but his health has limited his progression. He would be worth the risk for the Chiefs, and the cornerback pool isn’t too eye-popping this free agent class.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

A forgetful game and dreadful performance in the Divisional round of the playoffs against the Patriots overshadowed a great year by the Los Angeles Chargers. Now, the team pivots to what may be one final shot at winning with Philip Rivers.

Sheldon Richardson, DT: Corey Liuget, Darius Philon and Brandon Mebane are all preparing for free agency this offseason, leaving the defensive tackle position vacant for the Chargers.

Richardson and the Chargers make a match, and he can be both a run-stopper and someone who can get to the signal-caller. After signing a one-year deal last offseason, he may be in the market for another short-term contract this go around.

Now 28-years old, Richardson is probably not going to become anything more than he already is, and that’s fine for the Chargers. Although, he did have his best season since 2015 last year. He had 4.5 sacks in 16 games, as well as 16 quarterback hits.

C.J. Mosley, ILB: The Chargers have had trouble securing the middle linebacker position. Denzel Perryman looked to be the answer, but he was often injured and now an unrestricted free agent.

Mosley would pacify the middle linebacker conundrum. While his market value is pretty high, the four-time Pro Bowler is worth it.

The 26-year old would become the defensive captain, and he has a little bit of everything in his game. He can get into the backfield and pressure the quarterback, make enough plays in coverage and he is a sure-tackler.

It’s tough to win in the NFL without strong inside linebacker play, and Mosley would add to an already talented defense.

Rodger Saffold, OG: Saffold’s name will appear a lot when guards are discussed in free agency. He is a veteran offensive lineman who has played all around the line.

The 30-year old has been a Ram for his whole career, where he has helped create holes for many 1,000-yard rushers and has been a key part to some great offensive lines.

Saffold would be an upgrade at the position for the Chargers, and he joins other seasoned-veterans in Mike Pouncey, Russell Okung and Michael Schofield. As Rivers nears the end of his career, keeping him off his back is crucial and Saffold would provide muscle to the interior offensive line.

DALLAS COWBOYS

After a 3-5 start, the Cowboys finished with an overall-record of 10-6 to win the NFC East and made some noise in the playoffs before losing in the Divisional round to the Rams. With some favorable cap space, they should be active in free agency.

DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE: Lawrence was franchise tagged last offseason. After playing well under the tag in 2018, his market value sits just south of $20 million a year.

Jerry Jones wants Lawrence back with Dallas for the long haul, and the team would be in a bind without him. The defense totaled a pedestrian 39 sacks last season, and 10.5 of those were credited to Lawrence.

Lawrence would anchor the pass rush on what has become one of the league’s best defenses. He has become one of the most premiere-pass rushers in the NFL over the last two seasons.

Earl Thomas, S: How long have the Thomas to the Cowboys rumors been swirling? Well, he may finally end up in Dallas this offseason.

Just a week after putting on a two-interception show against the Cowboys, Thomas suffered a horrible, season-ending injury in Week 4. The injury essentially capped his time in Seattle. This offseason, he will undoubtedly be looking for a new home and Dallas could be the favorite.

Xavier Woods can play more strong safety to form a partnership with Thomas.  Jeff Heath could be more of a situational player. The three-time All-Pro would help what was a top defense become even better in 2019. Of course, he won’t be cheap.

Darius Philon, DE: David Irving will be an unrestricted free agent, and it appears that he and the Cowboys may part ways. When he was on the field, he was productive, but injuries and suspensions curtailed his time in Dallas.

Philon would be a great signing to fill that position. Signing him would allow Tyrone Crawford to play more end, while Philon, Antwaun Woods and Maliek Collins occupy the tackle positions.

The 25-year old gathered 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons for the Chargers, and his means to get to the quarterback would fit into Rod Marinelli’s 4-3 that features two true-defensive tackles to apply the most pressure possible.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Indianapolis Colts General Manager, Chris Ballard, drafted extremely well, which helped setup the team for their 10-6 season. Now, with the most available cap space in the NFL, the Colts can be big players for the best free agents on the board.

Le’Veon Bell, RB: The Colts, led by a resurgent Andrew Luck and dominant offensive line, were one of the best passing offenses in the NFL in 2018. However, their rushing game could have been better.

Bell, the most coveted offensive player on the market, would improve that rushing offense and also be a factor in the passing game. Marlon Mack played well last season for the Colts, but he would be a more than suitable backup as well.

Bell has recently turned 27-years old and he has a fresh body heading into 2019. He would make what was one of the best offenses even better next season and boost that rushing attack.

Trey Flowers, EDGE: If Flowers doesn’t stay in New England; the Colts are positioned to be able to blow him away on the open market. He could join another former Patriot, Jabaal Sheard, on the defensive line.

Sometimes teams will worry about former Patriots players and their ability to play outside of the Belichick way. However, that shouldn’t be the worry with Flowers, and his sack numbers may get better with players like Sheard and Darius Leonard on his side.

The Colts should focus on their defense, which was sub-par in certain areas in 2018. Flowers would address the need for more pass rushers, after the team only sacked the quarterback 38 times last season.

Golden Tate, WR: When you comb through the wide receivers the Colts had last season, you’d probably have a tough time understanding how Luck threw for 39 touchdowns. A breakout year from Eric Ebron helped, but the receiving corps were less than spectacular outside of T.Y. Hilton.

Tate would be an ideal wide receiver to sign in free agency. Even at age 30, he is a shifty, sure-handed inside receiver who can move the chains and be dangerous underneath.

The veteran would be the perfect complement to a downfield target like Hilton, and he has had three 1,000+ receiving yard seasons in the last five years.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Philadelphia Eagles went 9-7 last season, which was good enough for a wild card spot and a playoff win. Now, they face a big offseason with an abysmal cap space situation.

T.J. Yeldon, RB: For the past two seasons, it’s impressive how the Eagles have made do with what they have had at the running back position. However, Darren Sproles and Jay Ajayi are both free agents; therefore they need to address the position yet again.

Yeldon isn’t a big name but can certainly play. He can be a three-down back who is a dual threat as a rusher and receiver. In 14 games in 2018, he ran for 414 yards and had 487 receiving yards.

Last year, the team’s leading rusher was Josh Adams with 511 yards in 14 games. Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement made up the rest of the running back carousel.

John Brown, WR: The Eagles have two primary targets in Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery, as well as some secondary options with Dallas Goedert and Nelson Agholor. However, they still need one more guy for Carson Wentz.

Brown wouldn’t be expensive, and he put up decent numbers in 2018 with 42 catches, 715 yards and five scores. With Agholor operating the slot and Jeffery as a physical outside receiver, Brown could be a downfield target.

For what he will cost, and what the Eagles need and can spend, he should be an option.

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR: One of the more intriguing free agents on the market will be Patterson. In his lone season with the Patriots in 2018, he did a little bit of everything.

Patterson made a name for himself as one of the most elusive and dangerous kick returners in the league when he was on the Minnesota Vikings. The Patriots did use him in that role, but he also was used as a receiver and a rusher.

This is why the Eagles should try to come to terms with the six-year veteran. He probably won’t demand a large amount of money, and he could do many things for them. With Sproles leaving, Patterson is the perfect player to do what Sproles did for the Eagles.

CHICAGO BEARS

First-year head coach Matt Nagy led the Chicago Bears to a 12-4 record and a divisional crown. However, they came up just short against the Eagles in the Wild Card round. The team now has to try and fill some big holes on defense.

Buster Skrine, CB: Bryce Callahan‘s consecutive strong seasons have probably made him too expensive to retain. In 13 games in 2018, he had two interceptions and two sacks for that vaunted Chicago defense.

Skrine is a guy who can slide right into the vacancy left by Callahan. He has been injured and sometimes criticized during his four-year stint with the New York Jets. However, has still been a noticeable player when he has been healthy.

Change of scenery to a dominant defense like the one the Bears have could make Skrine a dynamic defensive back again.

Clayton Geathers, DE: As is the case with Callahan, Adrian Amos performed very well in the back end of his contract. So, he too will garner a much larger deal than the Bears can handle.

Geathers isn’t the play-making safety that Amos is, but he is a consistent player. Also, with Eddie Jackson picking off passes it’s not as if the Bears will be without any ball-hawking in the secondary.

In 12 games last season, Geathers recorded 89 combined tackles and had three passes defended. Some may be alarmed at the fact that he doesn’t have any career interceptions, but that will change if he joins the Bears.

Adrian Amos, S: The Bears are relying heavily on their defense them both back into the playoffs and then further come the 2019 season. While the offense should continue to improve under head coach Matt Nagy and third-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, the defensive unit still rules the day.

With new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano in the house, general manager Ryan Pace should be doing everything he can to bring back the success form a year ago. In that vein, both cornerback Bryce Callahan and safety Adrian Amos should be chief concerns.

Luckily for the cash-strapped Bears, Amos may end up being a very good value. The market is saturated with safeties including Earl Thomas, Landon Collins and Tyrann Mathieu all getting large deals, Amos could come in at a reasonable price.

HOUSTON TEXANS

The Houston Texans started 0-3 and then rode a nine-game winning streak to punch their tickets to the playoffs as the AFC South division winners. With the fifth-highest current cap space, the Texans may be one the phone with a lot of player agents this offseason.

Tyrann Mathieu, S: With Jadeveon Clowney now taken care of with the franchise tag, it’s time for the Texans to sign another member of their defense. Tyrann Mathieu played well after coming to the team late in the offseason last year on a one year, $8 million deal. With corner Kareem Jackson likely gone, Mathieu returning would make sense.

Additionally, general manager Brian Gaine has the money to retain Mathieu. Houston has the third-most cap space of any team in the league.

Trent Brown, OT: It is an honest miracle that the Texans were successful on offense last season due to the amount of hits quarterback Deshaun Watson took. The offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL.

Fans saw the offensive line surrender a league-leading 62 sacks. Watson was banged up for the majority of the season and that is why.

Brown would fill one of the many holes the Texans have on the offensive line. He was given a grade of 71.0 by Pro Football Focus, and he was room to improve at age 25 (soon to be 26). Finding a tackle is important for the Texans, and Brown would be more than suitable.

Bashaud Breeland, CB: Houston’s pass defense was poorly ranked last season. They were torched for the fifth-most receiving yards (4,167) and surrendered the fifth-highest passing-yards per game (260.4).

Tyrann Mathieu, Kareem Jackson and Kayvon Webster are preparing for free agency, so the team can use another defensive back who plays corner. Breeland would be a nice addition to go with Johnathan Joseph.

After some contractual mishaps, Breeland suited up in seven games for the Green Bay Packers last season.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

In a season of sudden change, the Baltimore Ravens went 10-6 to win the AFC North after John Harbaugh benched Joe Flacco for rookie Lamar Jackson. Flacco will join the Denver Broncos when the league year begins, so what’s next for the Ravens?

Shaquil Barrett, EDGE: At age 36, Terrell Suggs is still playing well. However, the Ravens may decide to move on from him as he is a free agent this offseason.

With Matt Judon and Patrick Onwuasor, Barrett would fill out the linebacker corps. He may also be able to fill the edge role that Suggs occupied. Regardless, he would be an upgrade to the team’s outside linebackers and would allow the team to cycle he and Judon in and out of the edge spot.

Barrett has 14 sacks, 137 combined tackles and 35 quarterback hits in 61 career games.

Donte Moncrief, WR: The Ravens were the owners of one of the best rushing offense in the NFL. Jackson helped the cause with 695 rushing yards by himself. However, as we saw in the playoffs against the Chargers, you still need to be able to move the ball through the air to be successful.

John Brown led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, but he is set to be a free agent. Moncrief would be a fitting, value-signing for the Ravens.

Moncrief had 48 catches, 668 yards and three touchdowns for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. Even without recently released Michael Crabtree, Moncrief would add to a quality group of pass catchers with Willie Snead, Mark Andrews and Hayden Hurst.

Mario Edwards, DE: Brent Urban took most of the reps as the team’s defensive end last season. He wasn’t much of a factor, and he isn’t a suitable every-down starter.

It’s unlikely the Ravens would open up their pockets for one of the elite defensive ends in free agency. Therefore, Edwards would be a good bridge-gap option and a rotational player.

Edwards is more of a speed-rusher and that’s something the team could use alongside defensive tackle Michael Pierce.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Seattle Seahawks. Instead, they went 10-6 to make the playoffs. This offseason will be a tough task as starters are free agents and finding replacements may not be cheap.

Frank Clark, EDGE: The Seahawks racked up 43 total sacks last season. 43 isn’t bad, but they must re-sign Clark if they have any aspirations of doing that again.

Clark had a career-high 13 sacks in 2018. Since 2016, his 32 sacks rank sixth in the league among defensive ends, behind the likes of Khalil Mack, Cameron Jordan and Danielle Hunter. Over that some duration of time, his 66 quarterback hits are also top-10.

Clark’s market value is roughly $15.5 million a year, which makes him a possible franchise tag candidate.

Daryl Williams, OT: Even with the Seahawks top-rated rushing offense, the team’s offensive line needs work. This unit didn’t rate too well in either pass or run blocking, and they surrendered 51 sacks.

Other than tackle Duane Brown, the rest of the offensive line can use upgrades. Williams would put a stamp on the two tackle positions if brought on board.

Williams only appeared in one game for the Carolina Panthers last season before being injured. But when he is healthy, he is one of the better tackles in the NFL.

Jared Cook, TE: Gone are the days of Russell Wilson dropping back to hit his big-bodied tight end Jimmy Graham in the end zone. In three seasons in Seattle, he had 2,048 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Now Graham is in Green Bay and the Seahawks could use a tight end like Cook. Will Dissly had some nice games before he got hurt, but Cook is a veteran, vertical threat.

Cook had the best season of his 10-year career in 2018. He hauled in 68 passes for 896 yards and six touchdowns for the Oakland Raiders, which resulted in his first Pro Bowl. The team should be cautious not to throw too much money at a player coming off a career-year, but he would add another weapon for Wilson.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a trying regular season as the team missed the playoffs. However, the offseason is even bigger for the team as Le’Veon Bell has become a free agent and Antonio Brown is on his way out of town.

Bradley Roby, CB: The Steelers are certainly in the market for another cornerback to add to their secondary. Joe Haden has sufficed, but they need to add to that position.

Roby played well when he was alongside Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. However, he struggled on his own with Talib in Los Angeles and Harris injured. Pro Football Focus gave him a rating of 59.8 in 2018, which is not good.

With a new staff and scheme, Roby can have a rebound season. This past season, he had one interception in 15 games to go with 12 passes defended.

Kwon Alexander, OLB: The devastating injury that Ryan Shazier sustained left a big hole in the Steelers defense, specifically at the inside linebacker positions. As he works towards a remarkable recovery, Alexander would satisfy the demand at the position.

Last season, the Steelers went with Vince Williams and Jon Bostic as the two primary linebackers. Both were stable, but Alexander would be a clear-cut improvement over the two.

Alexander just needs to stay on the field more often than he has, as he has only played a full-season once. When he is healthy, he is a Pro Bowl-caliber player. While his market value is high, trading Brown will help this season’s financials and the team has some more financial freedom in years ahead.

Cameron Wake, EDGE: Here is an interesting candidate that comes with an idea the Carolina Panther employed with a similar, aging pass rusher in Julius Peppers.

Yes, the Steelers are seemingly set at the two defensive end positions with Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. However, they could use pass rush depth from the edge, and Wake could be just the fit.

Where this relates to the Panthers and Peppers is here; Wake used to play some outside linebacker, so bringing him in to play between the line and linebacker as an edge-rusher, as the Panthers did with Peppers, would help the Steelers continue to be one of the top-pass rushing teams.

Tennessee Titans: A late-season surge by the Tennessee Titans came up just short at the end. The team has about $40 million in available cap to try and form a playoff team for 2019.

Za’Darius Smith, EDGE: Brian Orakpo has announced his retirement, so the Titans now have to find another edge defender for their defense. Smith would be a viable addition.

Smith played some defensive end and linebacker with the Ravens, but his primary role was usually the edge-rusher. The 26-year old had a career-high of 8.5 sacks last season and has a total of 18.5 in 58 career games.

The versatility that Smith brings would allow the team to position him multiple ways within the 3-4 scheme. He has familiarity with that type of defense, as he played in that scheme with the Ravens. Adding him with Jayon Brown and Harold Landry would give the team a lot of potential to get after the quarterback.

Randall Cobb, WR: Signing Cobb probably won’t take much. The Titans pounded the rock well last season, but various things led to struggles moving the ball in the passing game.

Corey Davis led the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns in 2018, while Taywan Taylor and Tajae Sharpe were steady second-options.  Cobb would add depth and he can do a little bit of everything, from being a downfield target to an underneath threat.

Henry Anderson, DL: The Titans run a base 3-4 alignment, which would make Anderson a great addition to insert into the team’s defense line. His seven sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 2018 were career-highs.

Adding Anderson alongside a player like Jurrell Casey would benefit both players. The addition of Anderson would also give the team a consistent player who can get pressure on the quarterback, which would open lanes up for Casey and company to get into the backfield.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

After being one game way from the Super Bowl the year prior, the Minnesota Vikings shelled out a lot of money to players in hopes they would be right back in that position in 2018. That wasn’t the case as the team went 8-7-1 and now management must get creative with very limited cap space this offseason.

K.J. Wright, OLB: Outside linebacker Anthony Barr will be a very popular free agent this offseason, which means he will be well priced out of the Vikings range.  He was a key player on the team’s defense, which means it’s crucial that they find a way to replace him.

Compared to Barr, Wright may be more limited in his range at age 29. However, the veteran can still play and would bring a lot of experience as a Super Bowl champ.

Before an injury limited Wright to only five games last season, he was on a four-year stretch where he averaged just about 119 combined tackles and around 75 solo tackles a season while missing one game during that time.

Rodney Gunter, DT: Sheldon Richardson was brought in on a one-year deal last offseason. He played well and now he, like Barr, will be fielding many calls as a free agent.

With a ton of money already divulged to members of the team’s defensive line, the Vikings need to look for lower-tier free agents at this position. Gunter has four years of experience in the NFL, and he has eight sacks in 64 games.

Gunter would benefit from the talent that would surround him on the team’s defensive line. He is a value signing waiting to happen and Pro Football Focus gave him a rating of 70.1 in 2018.

James Carpenter, OG: There are a plethora of reasons behind the Vikings unsuccessful season. However, the offensive line was one of the most glaring reasons. Pro Football Focus ranked them 29th in the league after Week 17, and Footballoutsiders.com had them as the 23rd ranked run-blocking team and ninth in pass protection.

Carpenter isn’t going to be anything too special as far as coming to town and reshaping the line on his own. But he could be an option to bring in to see what he can do.

The 29-year old (soon to be 30) has had himself some strong years in the past, and the Vikings need some help with the interior offensive line spots.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

With what appears to be much brighter days ahead, the Cleveland Browns and their fans are finally optimistic about the future. The team went 7-8-1 last season and made serious progress. John Dorsey has the fourth-most current cap space to play with, so they will be players for the top free agents.

Grady Jarrett, DT: The Browns could use an improvement at the defensive tackle position. Larry Ogunjobi can be a rotational piece, but they need an elite tackle inside.

Jarrett fits that elite criteria, and the Browns should be all over him if he doesn’t get franchise tagged by the Atlanta Falcons. Even with a market value around $15 million a year, bringing in one of the league’s best is worth it.

Pro Football Focus gave him a 91 rating after he piled up six sacks and had 16 quarterback hits in 14 games in 2018. In 61 career games, he has 14 sacks and 40 quarterback hits.

Ja’Wuan James, OT: The Cleveland Browns had one of the best offensive lines in football last season after being led by guards Kevin Zeitler and Joel Bitonio. With all that muscle inside, the Browns need a boost at tackle.

James is only 26-years old and has played right tackle during his career. He isn’t an All-Pro or a Pro Bowl player, but he’s a consistent and stable option who would help enhance an already satisfactory offensive line.

Cameron Wake, EDGE: The Browns were down towards the bottom league with 37 total team sacks. Of course, Myles Garrett was a large reason why with his 13.5 sacks.

Wake may be 37-years old coming off relativity down year. But get him into a confident locker room alongside someone like Garrett and he may be able to turn back the clock a bit.

The 10-year veteran is an ideal fit for the team, as he can play defensive end and be an adequate edge-rusher. Last season he had six sacks after back-to-back double-digit totals in 2017 and 2016.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Carolina Panthers started the season 6-2 and had their sights set on the playoffs. However, a seven-game losing streak put those hopes to bed and Cam Newton needed season-ending shoulder surgery. General Manager Marty Hurney has his work cut out for him.

Ezekiel (Ziggy) Ansah, EDGE: Mario Addison led the Panthers in sacks last season with nine. In total, the defense was ranked 27th in the NFL with 35 sacks. The recently retired Julius Peppers had the second-highest total with five.

Ansah may be tough to swing, but if the Panthers can work through their cap situation, he would be a huge addition. Although, his current projected market value may be less after only playing seven games in 2018.

After six years in the NFL, Ansah has 48 sacks in 80 games.

Jared Veldheer, OT: Daryl Williams will hit free agency soon, and that will leave a void at right tackle. Taylor Moton wasn’t bad as he played 16 games at the tackle position last year, but Veldheer is a veteran option who can play both tackle spots.

Veldheer has moved around the line, which has resulted in some tough stretches of play. However, he looked comfortable at right tackle before getting hurt last season with the Denver Broncos. He is an inexpensive option who can make an impact right away.

Matt Paradis, C: The team’s long-time starting center, Ryan Kalil, has retired. With a quick fix in mind, the Panthers could sign someone on a short-term deal.

Paradis, Veldheer’s former and brief teammate with the Broncos, should be an option. Paradis has been a balanced player during his five-year career, but he was injured and limited to nine games last season.

Paradis is the perfect holdover player. Meaning, he could provide stability at center for a year or two to give the team time to work through their tough cap space, or to draft a better option.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Last season was not kind to the Washington Redskins. The team lost rookie running back Derrius Guice to a torn ACL prior to the season, and Alex Smith suffered a terrible knee injury. They started 5-2 and finished with a 7-9 record.

Ramon Foster, OG: Left tackle Trent Williams has been a mainstay on the Washington offensive line. Since coming into the NFL in 2015, right guard Brandon Scherff has become a major piece to the unit as well.

With the interior offensive line high on the team’s to-do list this offseason, Foster is a great free-agent option.

Foster has played his whole 10-year career with the Steelers. He has been somewhat of an unsung hero on some very dominant offensive lines.

Signing Foster would address the left guard position. Even at age 33, he is still rated well by Pro Football Focus. He’d bring a night and day difference over Shawn Lauvao.

Randall Cobb, WR: Tight end Jordan Reed led the team in receptions and yards, and was tied for the team lead in touchdowns with two. Although, he led with only 558 yards and 54 catches.

Josh Doctson was the team’s best receiver, and even he underwhelmed with only 532 yards and 44 receptions. Paul Richardson, who was signed last offseason, only played seven games, and Jamison Crowder is a free agent.

Meaning, Cobb could find a brief home with the Redskins. Yes, Cobb has been hurt and has looked to be on the decline over the past few seasons. However, when healthy, he can still be productive, and the team needs depth at receiver.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB: Bridgewater signed a one-year deal last offseason with the New York Jets. He was then traded to the Saints. He got one start as the backup to Drew Bees.

As mentioned before, Smith’s leg injury was much worse than thought. Therefore, his timetable to return is unknown. If the price is right, Bridgewater on a short-term deal makes a lot of sense for the Redskins.

Bridgewater would be able to hold the fort until Smith’s future is known, or until the team finds another option.

ATLANTA FALCONS

The 2018 Atlanta Falcons walked into the 2018 season with a lot of promise. They had the talent on both sides of the ball to make another Super Bowl run. Injuries quickly shut the door on the team’s season as they finished 7-9.

Johnathan Hankins, DT: Grady Jarrett may or may not be back. The team may franchise tag him or let him walk in free agency. No one in free agency can replace him, but Hankins could be a nice fallback option.

Hankins was a member of the Oakland Raiders last season and he didn’t really do too much. But with some talent around him he can take up double teams and be productive.

Over his six-year career, Hankins has 12 sacks in 82 games. Alongside Vic Beasley and Takkarist McKinley, he would be a balanced defensive tackle.

Ziggy Ans, EDGE: If the Falcons can maneuver through their cap, or create more space, they should pursue Ansah. Even if this is one of the only big moves the team does, he would be a terrific signing.

The defensive end, paired on the opposite side of McKinley, would grant the Falcons some serious pressure. Also, this signing could warrant Beasley being moved back to linebacker as an edge-rusher, a role he has thrived in.

Bashaud Breeland, CB: Desmond Trufant has been, and continues to be, the team’s number-one cornerback. However, the Falcons need to address the positions depth outside of the former Pro Bowl corner.

Robert Alford has been released, and Justin Bethel and Brian Poole are diving into the open market this offseason. Breeland would add to the much-needed depth, and he could be a number-two cornerback.

Last season Breeland never appeared to be comfortable after contract misfortunes limited him to only seven games. After a full training camp, the 27-year old can be a reliable, depth addition.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Change is in the air in south beach. After another middling, 7-9 season, the team fired former head coach Adam Gase. Belichick disciple Brian Flores has been brought in as the new head coach, and Ryan Tannehill looks to be on his way out of town.

Markus Golden, EDGE: The Dolphins sacked the quarterback 31 times last season, and one of their leaders in that category, Cameron Wake, is a free agent now. That total was ranked 29th in the league.

Currently limited in cap space, it’s unlikely that Chris Grier opens up the checkbook to sign one of the top pass rusher available in free agency. Yes, if and when they cut Tannehill, they will have more space to work with.

Nevertheless, Golden would be a pure-edge-rusher for Flores to employ within his defense. He has had a tough time staying on the field over the past two seasons, but in 2016 he played a full season and had 12.5 sacks.

Tyrod Taylor, QB: As mentioned before, it’s been reported that the Dolphins are moving on from Tannehill and they will release the quarterback. While the team looks for their next franchise gunslinger, Taylor would be a stop-gap option.

Brock Osweiler played in seven games last season, but he is now a free agent. Taylor would be a nice option, and a better one than Osweiler, because he can do more things as an athletic signal-caller.

Taylor is a good veteran to have on your team, and he still has something to prove at age 29. No, he isn’t anything to go crazy over, but he would suffice the team’s need for now.

T.J. Yeldon, RB: Frank Gore led the team in rushing last year with 722 yards in 14 games. Now, soon to be 36-years old, Gore’s time in Miami may be up. Kenyan Drake was the team’s second-leading rusher.

Drake played well when he was the lead-back but adding a player like Yeldon would solidify the backfield. Drake and Yeldon play a similar way and they’re both good pass-catchers out of the backfield.

Unless someone blows Yeldon away and promises him a starting job, the Dolphins should look into him. He would give the team two dynamic running backs.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Mike McCarthy is out, Matt LaFleur is in, and the Green Bay Packers want to bury last year’s 6-9-1 season. Some longtime players will walk this offseason, but upgrades should be on the way with slightly more than $34 million in available cap space at the moment.

Landon Collins, S: After an inconsistent four and half seasons, the Packers decided to trade former first-round pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix last season. This has left a hole, and need, at the safety position.

Collins’ days with the New York Giants could be limited. The team may franchise tag him, but there seems to be tension in the air surrounding his return to big blue.

The 25-year old would help the Packers in many ways. Yes, he struggles in pass coverage, but he is one of the best safeties in the NFL when it comes to playing in the box. He is a three-time Pro Bowl player, and he has been named an All-Pro once.

With a current market value of $9.3 million a year, he’d become the backbone of the defense.

Bruce Irvin, EDGE: After one Super Bowl win, six Pro Bowls and one All-Pro selection, Clay Matthews has probably played his last down for the Packers. He collected 83.5 sacks in 10 years with the team.

Now, that edge-rusher role from the outside linebacker spot is vacant. Irvin has been moved around from defensive end and linebacker throughout his career, but he always finds a job because of his ability to play well as an edge-rusher.

Irvin had 6.5 sacks last season, and he has 43.5 in 106 career games.

Cole Beasley, WR: Davante Adams has become one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. He had a monster 2018. Two other young receivers played well too after Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison sustained injuries. Those two players were Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown.

With Cobb a free agent this offseason, the team should bring in a veteran receiver to go with Adams and the two second-year receivers.

Beasley is a shifty, third-down target that could play well with Rodgers. He won’t be a downfield threat, but he could move the chains in crucial moments.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Following another mediocre season under Marvin Lewis, the Cincinnati Bengals fired him. A branch of the Sean McVay tree has fallen to them, as Zac Taylor is the team’s new head coach. Their cap situation is favorable, as they have over $51 million.

Jordan Hicks, DT: The Bengals defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season. The team struggled to defend both the run and the pass.

A large part of the team’s inability to stop the run was because of the substandard linebacker play. The team’s need for linebacker help is evident, and Hicks is one of the top-tier linebackers on the market.

Hicks was one pace to have a career-year in 2018, but he was limited to just 12 games. The former-Super Bowl champion had 91 combined tackles and three sacks last season, which landed him an 80.7 rating by Pro Football Focus.

Jesse James, TE: It feels as though James will be one of the most heavily pursued tight ends on the market this offseason after Jared Cook. The Bengals should be one of the most aggressive teams in his pursuit.

Tyler Eifert had a good run in Cincinnati, but he has been too injured as of late. He, Tyler Kroft and C.J. Uzomah will be free agents. Uzomah led Bengals tight ends last season with 43 catches, 439 yards and three scores.

James is familiar with the division and he has gotten better each season during his four-year career.

Trent Brown, OT: The right side of the team’s offensive line needs work. Yes, Brown played left tackle for the Patriots last season, but he has played right tackle in the past with the 49ers.

It may take a bidding war to sign Brown, but the Bengals have the means to heavily pursue him if that’s the case. It is easier said than done in regard to moving him back to right tackle after having a great season at left, but that’s something the team can worry about after they sign him.

Brown doesn’t have a lot of miles on his legs yet at age 25 and he’d be a long-term solution.

DENVER BRONCOS

Vic Fangio is running the show for the Denver Broncos now. After a 6-10 season, Vance Joseph was let go. John Elway has already made a big move by trading for Joe Flacco, so the team’s cap space will be higher than it currently is when they part ways with Case Keenum.

C.J. Mosley, ILB: Denver will likely decline an option on Brandon Marshall’s contract, which will make him a free agent. Now the team will look for their next defensive leader.

One guy that makes a ton of sense is Mosley. The market will pick up for the four-time Pro Bowler, but the Broncos will be positioned to bid on him after Keenum is gone.

The former-first round pick does it all from the linebacker position, and he’d be another dominant player on a defense that features Von Miller, Bradley Chubb and Chris Harris.

Jason Verrett, CB: Harris played to an All-Pro level last year, but the rest of the team’s cornerbacks were commonplace. Bradley Roby did not fare well, and now he is a free agent.

Verrett’s market is unknown, but as mentioned earlier he sustained a career-threatening injury that may leave teams timid on bringing him in. Regardless, some team will take a shot on him, and the Broncos are a logical landing spot.

If Verrett can find some of the form he had when he was a Pro Bowl corner for the Chargers, he will be a solid second cornerback alongside someone like Harris.

Jared Cook, TE: Jake Butt only played in three games last season. He had eight catches for 85 yards in that time. Jeff Heuerman took the lead tight end role, and he did a modest job with 31 catches, 281 yards and two scores in 11 games.

Heuerman is hitting the free agent market, and a vertical tight end is needed with Flacco in town. With the team’s roster is built to compete now, adding a soon-to-be 32-year old like Cook isn’t an issue.

Cook’s career-year in 2018 may result in someone overpaying for his services. Adding a vertical-threat downfield like Cook would be beneficial to Flacco next season.

BUFFALO BILLS

The Buffalo Bills may have slightly turned the corner. Of course, the team still needs a lot of work. However, after a 6-10 season and over $78 million in available cap, the Bills may be able to form a competitive team.

Tyrell Williams, WR: The Bills had the 31st ranked-passing offense in the NFL in 2018. The team ranked 31st in yards (2,794) and yards a game (174.6) and ranked last in touchdowns (13) and. obviously, this isn’t purely the fault of the wide receivers but getting another target for Josh Allen is a must.

Zay Jones was the team’s leading receiver last season. No doubt, he was good for the Bills, but they need another receiver and William is a proven wide out.

$9.6 million a year is the current market value for Williams. In 2016, he was a one-thousand-yard receiver. Last year, he had 41 catches, 653 yards and five touchdowns. He wasn’t the go-to guy with the Chargers, but he could be back to that one-thousand-yard form as the top target for the Bills.

Clay Matthews, EDGE: The team’s offense was abysmal, but the defense was good enough to keep them in a lot of games. They had one of the best pass defenses in the league but need some reinforcements to stop the run and get to the quarterback.

Purely being used as an edge defender, Matthews would be an inexpensive signing who can still get after it. Even with his pedestrian 3.5 sacks in 2018, he still applied pressure and had 12 quarterback hits.

At age 32, Matthews isn’t the double-digit sack artist he used to be. But he is only one year removed from 7.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hits in 2017.

Ndamukong Suh, DT: After 13-years of anchoring the team’s defensive line, Kyle Williams is riding off into the sunset and retiring. In 183 games, the defensive tackle had 48.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl six times.

Suh is one of the best defensive tackle options on the market. He can still produce at this stage of his career. Pro Football Focus gave him an 82.6 rating, and he had 4.5 sacks and 19 quarterback his in 16 games for the Rams in 2018.

Suh’s market value is $9.3 million a year, and the Bills can handle that on a short-term deal.

DETROIT LIONS

Matt Patricia went 6-10 in his first year as the head coach of the Detroit Lions. Entering year two, free agency will be an important vehicle to improve the team. With their current cap space they can’t go too crazy, but they can still add practicable pieces.

Trey Flowers, EDGE: Ezekiel Ansah was hurt for the majority of the 2018 season. He will be a free agent this offseason, and a former Patriot could be his replacement.

Flowers played under Patricia for three seasons from 2015-2017. He had 13.5 sacks in 31 games during that stretch. Patricia may want to bring in Flowers because he is familiar with him, and at age 25 he is an upgrade from Ansah.

Bryce Callahan, CB: Darius Slay is the number-one cornerback on the team’s defense. However, finding a number-two is necessary. Corners are very limited in this free agent class, but Callahan is a legitimate player at the position.

Callahan was a part of Chicago’s top-flight defense and a member of one of the best secondaries in the NFL in 2018. He had a big contract-year with two interceptions and two sacks in 13 games.

Patricia would have a versatile, slot corner with Callahan, which is becoming an ever-so important position.

Adam Humphries, WR: Kenny Golladay had a breakout season in 2018, as he led the team in receiving. Marvin Jones is still a threat, although he was injured last season. With two outside receivers in Golladay and Jones, the team needs to replace the underneath, inside receiver that they traded away when they sent Golden Tate to Philadelphia.

Humphries had the best season of his career last year with 76 catches, 816 yards and five touchdowns. However, with a market value of $10.4 million a year the team will have to determine if he is worth it.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The most disappointing team in 2018 was the Jacksonville Jaguars. After having the Patriots up on the ropes in the AFC championship game the year prior, the team scuffled and went 5-11 in 2018. Free agency will be a challenge as they currently have the worst cap situation in the NFL.

Nick Foles, QB: Blake Bortles was bad in 2018, which resulted in his benching. Cody Kessler got some starts in his place, but that just amplified the team’s need for a quarterback.

The thought is that with a strong quarterback and the players already on the roster, the team could be right back towards the top of the league in 2019. Foles and the Jags have also been heavily linked this offseason.

Foles is set to be a free agent, and the Jaguars need to get him alongside John DeFilippo again and make a run in 2019.

Jeff Heuerman, TE: Austin Seferian-Jenkins only played in five games last season and he was underwhelming when he did take the field. His absence really put the team behind at the position, and now they are in the market for a tight end again this offseason.

Heuerman may be one of the only options that is within the team’s price range. With 31 receptions, 281 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season, he may be able to produce more with a full season.

D.J. Fluker, OG: A.J. Cann is a free agent, and the team doesn’t really have the cap space to go spend on one of the top guards on the market. Andrew Norwell and Brandon Linder carried the load for the offensive line in 2018.

Fluker’s best days are well behind him. However, he will benefit from playing alongside Norwell and Linder. While a member of the Chargers, he was a consistent player, but he struggled the past two seasons with the Giants and the Seahawks.

NEW YORK GIANTS

For the second straight year, the New York Giants had a disappointing season. The team went 5-11, and they know have figure out what they want to do at the quarterback position. If they move on from Eli Manning, they’ll have much more cap to work with, as they currently have a bit over $27 million.

Rodger Saffold, OG: The Giants drafted well last year. The team’s second-round pick, Will Hernandez, had a promising season at left guard. While he and Nate Solder struggled at times, they did form a nice duo on the left side of the offensive lines as the season went on.

Jamon Brown did an OK job at right guard, but Saffold would be a better option. Brown is also a free agent this offseason, which makes bringing Saffold in and moving on from him easier. The offensive line allowed 47 sacks.

Tyrann Mathieu, S: Landon Collins may not be returning to the Giants. Therefore, Mathieu would be the best replacement for him.

Why? Current team defensive coordinator, James Bettcher, was the defensive coordinator of Arizona Cardinals during Mathieu’s best seasons. If the team lets Collins walk, signing an experienced player within the team’s defensive scheme like Mathieu would be ideal.

Mathieu is more versatile than Collins, and he was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro player under Bettcher in 2015.

Frank Clark, EDGE: The New York Giants defense was a liability in 2018, which was largely due to the lack of pass rush the team could manufacture. With only 30-total sacks as a team, the Giants needs to sign a defensive end

Clark has been inconsistent at times during his career. However, the team would certainly welcome his 35-career sacks and 72 quarterback hits. Even when he isn’t getting sacks, he is pressuring the pocket.

A game-wrecking pass rusher is high on the team’s wish list and signing Clark would make that wish come true.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Bruce Arians has taken over as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach following a 5-11 2018 season. Cap space is at a premium for the Bucs, so it may be a challenge to bring in any big-time free agents.

Aaron Lynch, LB: Jason Pierre-Paul had a comeback season in his first year with the Buccaneers. He led the team with 12.5 sacks. Carl Nassib did a nice job on the other side of JPP, but they need some more depth edge-rushers.

Lynch is one of those mid-level free agents. Last season, he had three sacks for the Chicago Bears. He has value as a rotational player, and he has 18 sacks and 54 quarterback hits in 57 games in the NFL.

George Iloka, S: The safety positions have become a mystery for the Buccaneers. That uncertainty at the position can be seen in the teams 26th-ranked pass defense in 2018.

Iloka is a very intriguing free agent. He didn’t play too much on the Vikings last season, only 16 combined tackles in 16 games, but he has been a starting player for the bulk of his career.

The 28-year old has played in 99 games and has nine interceptions and 362 combined tackles under his belt.

Mark Ingram, RB: Ronald Jones didn’t impress much when he was on the field, and Peyton Barber was a decent holdover at the running back position for the team in 2018.

However, if the team can get more financial flexibility, inking Ingram would give Jameis Winston another skill position weapon. Last season, Ingram was suspended for the first four games of the year.

Prior to that, he had back-to-back 1,000+ rushing yards campaigns. He is also a handful in the passing game out of the backfield.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Jon Gruden’s return to coaching did not live up to the hype. He traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper and the Oakland Raiders played to a 4-12 record. With a slew of picks and just over $70 million in available cap, Gruden has a busy offseason ahead of him.

DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE: This is the dream, but it has to be mentioned. If the Cowboys don’t tag Lawrence — and at the time of publish, they haven’t — he would be a tremendous steal for Oakland. The Raiders ability to get to the quarterback in 2018 was so bad it was almost comical. Of course, the Mack trade was just adding insult to injury to the matter.

Oakland mustered up a league-low 13 sacks. Maurice Hurst led the team with four. Case and point as to why Lawrence should be a big target for the Raiders this offseason.

Lawrence almost had more sacks than the whole Raiders team in 2018 with 10.5. The Raiders cap space positions them so even if they add Lawrence for his market value, it really wouldn’t put a dent in their financials.

Kareem Jackson, CB: Oakland was the worst team as far as sacking the opposing quarterback goes, and they were also at the bottom of the league with 17 takeaways.

The team’s secondary is already pretty barren to begin with, but now the team really needs to address the spot as Rashaan Melvin hits free agency. Jackson is a physical corner who is good enough in coverage.

In 2018, Jackson picked off two passes, had 87 combined tackles and one sack.

Tevin Coleman, RB: Marshawn Lynch only appeared in six games, so the bulk of the running back duties went to Doug Martin and Jalen Richard in 2018. However, Martin and Lynch are both free agents now.

Coleman has primarily been a second-back for most of his career, as he has played behind Devonta Freeman in Atlanta for the last four seasons. Although, last season he was the lead-back with Freeman hurt and he ran for 800 yards and four scores, as well as 32 receptions for 276 yards and five touchdowns.

With a market value of $5 million a year, it’s worth a shot to see what he can do as a featured-back.

NEW YORK JETS

The Todd Bowles-era came to an end with a 4-12 2018 season for the New York Jets. The team has since hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase as Bowles’ replacement, as well as former interim-Browns head coach Gregg Williams to be the team’s defensive coordinator. The days ahead seem to be brighter with Sam Darnold and Jamal Adams, and over $100 million in available cap doesn’t hurt.

Le’Veon Bell, RB: The Jets need to surround Darnold with as much talent as possible. On many occasions he demonstrated how talented he is and how much potential he has, but he needs game-changers at the skill positions.

Bell is an obvious must. He can be a workhorse out of the backfield, and he is skilled enough to line up as a receiver. He is also great at catching passes out of the backfield. However, the Jets have reportedly expressed concern about Bell and the shape he is in after sitting out the 2018 season.

Regardless, the Jets should do what they can to pursue him and sign him. He would help Darnold mightily.

Ezekiel (Ziggy) Ansah, EDGE: It feels like a lifetime ago that the Jets had one of the best defensive lines in football with Sheldon Richardson, Damon Harrison and Muhammad Wilkerson. Since then, the team has cycled a ton of players through the line to try and find a fit.

Williams loves to get pressure on quarterbacks and adding Ansah would do just that. Ansah is not only a proven-pass rusher, but he is someone who could also help Leonard Williams. Putting those two on the line could create havoc and open up blitzing gaps for the linebackers.

Ansah does come with some health concerns, but he is a force when he’s fully healthy.

Anthony Barr, EDGE: Avery Williamson was an under-the-radar signing by the Jets last offseason. The middle linebacker came in and had himself a phenomenal season with 120 combined tackles and three sacks in 16 games. Darron Lee played well before his suspension, but the linebacker corps still could use an upgrade outside.

Barr has been in the NFL for five seasons, all of which have been played with the Vikings. He has made the Pro Bowl four years in a row, and he’d be a huge get for the Jets.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The San Francisco 49ers took a minor step back in their progression in 2018. Jimmy Garoppolo tore his ACL early in the season, which left the team in a hole. The team enters the offseason with over $74 million in available cap, which is the sixth-most in the NFL and they will look to continue to take steps forward.

Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE: DeForest Buckner led the charge for the 49ers on the defensive line. He had 12 sacks and 20 quarterback hits, which resulted in a Pro Bowl selection. Some other players had nice seasons like Cassius Marsh and Ronald Blair, but an edge-rusher is still something the defense needs.

Fowler seems to be the perfect 4-3 edge-rusher, a scheme that team defensive coordinator Robert Saleh runs. He can play as a down lineman, but he can also line up as an outside linebacker. A poor’s man Jadeveon Clowney in a sense.

The 24-year old had four sacks in 2018, splitting time between the Jaguars and Rams. In 2017, he had a career-high eight sacks to go with 10 quarterback hits.

Adrian Amos, S: Pro Football Focus ranked the Niners’ secondary as the worst in the NFL after Week 17. So yes, much is needed in order to improve such an abysmal unit. Richard Sherman played decently at corner, but the rest of the secondary, corners and safeties, was very unimpressive.

In a complete 180-turn, Adrian Amos was playing on the top-ranked secondary after Week 17 with the Chicago Bears. It seems unlikely the Bears can afford to retain him, so the 49ers should bring the safety to town. Pro Football Focus gave him an 82.7 rating, as he had two interceptions and 73 combined tackles in 16 games for the playoff Bears.

Ronald Darby, CB: As mentioned above, Sherman was probably the team’s best corner last season. He was banged up but played well following the major injury he suffered the season before, and for being 30-years old.

Adding another corner to the mix would take pressure, and reps, off Sherman, which makes Darby an option. The past two seasons have not been nice to Darby, as he has only been able to suit up for 17 games. But in that limited time, he has still intercepted four passes and defended 21 passes.

Darby’s current market value is $13.4 million a year, which seems high for such an often-injured player. That price may come down, and the 49ers should be all over him.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Arizona Cardinals were the owners of the worst record in the NFL for the 2018 season. After a 3-13 season, Steve Wilks was fired and a young offensive guru in Kliff Kingsbury was poached from USC to be the team’s new head coach. Now, the team will look to add around Josh Rosen, and they should be in fine shape to land some free agents with about $39 million in available cap space.

Anthony Barr, EDGE: The Cardinals should dig deep into their pockets to sign Barr when he hits the open market.

Yes, the team already has a pass rusher at defensive end with Chandler Jones. He led the team in sacks with 13 last season. However, Barr is so coveted for his ability to be an edge-rusher from defensive end and outside linebacker.

If Minnesota moves on from Barr, the Cardinals should pair the versatile pass rusher with Jones.

Ja’Wuan James, OT: The Arizona Cardinals had hands down the worst offense in the NFL this past season. They ranked dead last in both rushing and passing offense, which is tough to digest when you’re trying to develop a young quarterback like Rosen.

A large part of the inability to do anything on offense was the offensive line, which Pro Football Focus ranked as the worst line in the NFL after Week 17. The unit allowed 52 sacks as well.

James would help secure the right tackle spot, a position that needs an upgrade badly.

Morris Claiborne, CB: One thing that the Cardinals did somewhat well was defend the pass. Pro Football Focus ranked them as the 20th best secondary in the NFL, but that was mainly because outside of Patrick Peterson, Budda Baker and Tre Boston, the team’s personnel were simply bad.

Claiborne is not an attention-grabbing name, but he is a steady, short-term corner who the Cardinals can bring in. At times he has been exposed in games, but that’s because he cannot be a team’s number-one corner. Meaning, he could play much better with Peterson.

In 2018, Claiborne had two interceptions and 14 passes defended.