Hope is a beautiful thing for an NFL fan, and it's
what the upcoming free-agency period will bring for many. Beginning March 13,
teams can officially sign new players, execute trades and otherwise improve
their rosters for the 2019 season.
Even if a team only won a handful of games in 2018, it has a
legitimate chance to build a playoff-caliber squad.
However, teams can only improve during free agency if they
have the salary-cap space to make the right moves. Squads that are dangerously
close to the cap—which is set at $188.2 million for 2019, according to Several
Media Outlets—need to focus more on maintaining the pieces they have. In some
cases, even that will be difficult.
So, where does your favorite team sit on the salary-cap
spectrum? Here you'll find updated cap numbers for all 32 franchises, along
with roster analysis, major needs and an overall gauge of cap situations.
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
Projected Cap Space: $15.9 Million
The Pittsburgh Steelers' approach to the offseason will
depend on two things: a potential trade of wide receiver Antonio Brown and
getting a contract extension done with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
According to Several Media Outlets here in Pittsburgh
are reporting, the Steelers have been discussing an extension for
Roethlisberger. A creative one could push some of his salary back to next
season. Brown, meanwhile, is due to earn $22.1 million.
Both of these moves could free up cash for a team that desperately
needs it.
The Steelers have some major needs, most notably at
cornerback and at linebacker. Pittsburgh doesn't have a reliable starter
opposite Joe Haden, and it never found a quality replacement for Ryan Shazier.
Pittsburgh also has some notable pending free agents of its
own to deal with, including starting guard Ramon Foster, linebacker Anthony
Chickillo and punter Jordan Berry.
The Steelers will only really be in trouble if they're
forced to carry the current contracts of Roethlisberger and Brown in 2019.
Cap Situation: Manageable
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Projected Cap Space: $39.6 Million
New Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury inherited a
roster in need of several upgrades. Arizona desperately needs help along the
offensive line and in the secondary, and it could use another quality
pass-catcher.
There is enough cap space for Kingsbury and general manager
Steve Keim to be somewhat active in free agency. They already have been—adding
cornerback Robert Alford, tight end Charles Clay and defensive end Brooks
Reed—but one or two big-name players should be on the shopping list.
Of course, a lot is going to depend on what Keim and
Kingsbury do at the quarterback position. Arizona has 2018 first-rounder Josh
Rosen on the roster, but the team is "almost universally" believed to
be targeting Oklahoma's Kyler Murray at No. 1 overall, according to NFL
Network's Kimberly Jones.
Murray and Rosen have completely different skill sets, so
the Cardinals' plan at quarterback should partially determine which pieces they
bring in as support.
Cap Situation: Good
ATLANTA FALCONS
Projected Cap Space: $7.4 Million
The Atlanta Falcons had a disappointing season in 2018, and
they may have to take another step back before they get better—at least on
paper.
The team used the franchise tag on defensive tackle Grady
Jarrett, which eats $15.2 million in cap space. Unless an extension
gets done that lowers Jarrett's cap hit—and Several Media Outlets have reported that
the two sides aren't close to a deal—Atlanta won't even be able to retain its
own free agents.
The Falcons already dumped Robert Alford and Brooks Reed to
help make room for Jarrett's deal. Running back Tevin Coleman, guards Andy
Levitre and Zane Beadles and wideout Justin Hardy are likely gone as well.
Strengthening the roster through free agency isn't going to happen.
If the Falcons are going to improve in 2019, it's going to
happen through the draft and because the roster is healthier. Atlanta cannot
afford to be a player on the open market.
Cap Situation: Troublesome
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Projected Cap Space: $57.6 Million
The Baltimore Ravens have decided not to franchise-tag
linebacker C.J. Mosley, according to Several Media outlets. This is a tad
surprising because Baltimore has the cap space to do so.
Of course, this also means the Ravens have the cap space to
give Mosley a fair-market deal. Re-signing key players such as linebacker
Terrell Suggs, backup quarterback Robert Griffin III and wideout John
Brown will be possible if the Ravens want.
In addition, Baltimore should be able to upgrade some
positions in free agency. If it wants to add a wide receiver like Adam
Humphries or Cole Beasley, it can. If it wants to add a pass-rusher like Justin
Houston—who the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to release, if it can. The
Ravens aren't as flush with cap space as some potential contenders are, but
they have more than enough room to be active participants in the free-agency
frenzy.
Cap Situation: Terrific
BUFFALO BILLS
Projected Cap Space: $77.3 Million
For the Buffalo Bills, this offseason has to be about
surrounding second-year quarterback Josh Allen with talent. Fortunately,
Buffalo has plenty of cap space to do just that.
The biggest needs around Allen are at wide receiver and
along the offensive line. While there aren't any elite options expected to be
available, adding a wideout like Adam Humphries, John Brown or Tyrell Williams
is a possibility. The Bills could also afford to add a guard like Mike Iupati
or steal offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James from the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins.
Buffalo has the cap space to go after some big-time talent
on defense too, though it's much less of a priority. The Bills ranked second in
overall defense in 2018 (294.1 yards allowed per game), but adding another
pass-rusher or strengthening the depth in the secondary are possibilities.
Cap Situation: Ideal
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Projected Cap Space: $15.2 Million
Injuries were partially to blame for the Carolina Panthers'
disappointing 2018 season. Tight end Greg Olsen suffered a season-ending foot
injury, and Cam Newton's lingering shoulder issues hampered the offense
over the second half of the season.
A lack of talent wasn't Carolina's biggest problem, and
that's fortunate because the Panthers don't have the cap space to be major
players in free agency.
Carolina has already decided to part with longtime
linebacker Thomas Davis, and other notable players like safety Mike Adams and
wideout Devin Funchess are set to hit the open market. It would be surprising
for the Panthers to spend big to keep their own free agents, and going after
notable external free agents is unlikely.
The team may be able to add a little depth on the open
market, but any real talent upgrades are going to have to come via the draft.
Cap Situation: Troublesome
CHICAGO BEARS
Projected Cap Space: $12.7 Million
The Chicago Bears don't have a ton of cap space, but they
don't have any notable holes to fill either. While pending free agents like
safety Adrian Amos and cornerback Bryce Callahan could create some needs if not
retained, there isn't a single position that the team has to
address in free agency.
The biggest need is at kicker, and there are some notable
ones set to hit the market. If general manager Ryan Pace doesn't like his
options in the 2019 draft class, he has enough cap room to go after a veteran
like Jason Myers, Matt Bryant or Sebastian Janikowski.
Chicago can otherwise afford to build through the draft and
continue to develop young players like quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and
running back Tarik Cohen. The Bears were a 12-win team in 2018, and they can
afford to be conservative in the offseason.
Cap Situation: Manageable
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Projected Cap Space: $50.5 Million
Can new head coach Zac Taylor get the Cincinnati Bengals
back to the postseason for the first time since 2015? It's possible, especially
if key players can get back to 100 percent.
Injuries were the biggest problem for the Bengals in 2018.
Cincinnati started 4-1 and was at 5-3 eight weeks into the campaign before the
injured-reserve list started to look more like the starting lineup. If healthy,
the Bengals can be relevant in the AFC North, and with a few upgrades, they may
even have a shot to reach the playoffs.
They aren't set to lose many key contributors. Tight end
Tyler Eifert has loads of upside but a significant injury history. Cornerback
Darqueze Dennard is a serviceable starter but not irreplaceable.
Cincinnati's biggest needs are along the offensive line (37
sacks allowed in 2018) and at linebacker. It has the cap space to go after some
of the top free agents at these positions. The question is whether notoriously
cheap owner Mike Brown will open up his pocketbook.
Cap Situation: Terrific
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Projected Cap Space: $70.7 Million
The Cleveland Browns took a big step in 2018, winning seven
games after having zero victories the year before. General manager John Dorsey
has built a strong foundation for the franchise in just over a year, and he has
an excess of cap space to work with this offseason. However, Dorsey doesn't plan
to spend recklessly.
Cleveland will likely build through the draft again while
adding one or two key pieces in free agency. Going after Justin Houston, who
has that Chiefs connection with Dorsey, would make sense. So would going after
a complementary receiver, as the Browns don't seem likely to re-sign Breshad
Perriman.
Don't expect the Browns to scoop up every big-name player in
free agency, though the team could financially afford that approach if it
wanted.
Cap Situation: Ideal
DALLAS COWBOYS
Projected Cap Space: $28.4 Million
The Dallas Cowboys are in a surprisingly strong situation,
even after committing $20.6 million to pass-rusher Demarcus Lawrence
via the franchise tag. Dallas doesn't have a ton of needs—getting back tight
end Jason Witten helps take care of one—and there is enough cap space to add
one or two starting-caliber players in free agency.
However, the Cowboys shouldn't be too active this offseason.
They will need to get extensions done with quarterback Dak Prescott, running
back Ezekiel Elliott and wideout Amari Cooper in the near future, and each deal
is going to be sizable.
Realistically, Dallas can afford to add another receiver or
bring in a quality defensive player, but it should focus on saving money and
rolling over cash for those future deals. Don't expect the Cowboys to go
star-shopping or to overpay to keep players like Beasley, who wants a deal with
$20 million guaranteed, according to Several Media Outlets.
Cap Situation: Good
DENVER BRONCOS
Projected Cap Space: $17.6 Million
Assuming the trade for quarterback Joe Flacco becomes
official when the new league year begins March 13, the Denver Broncos will have
a little under $18 million in projected cap room. Unfortunately, this may not
be enough for them to be a major free-agency player, and the Broncos do have
some notable needs—primarily at wide receiver and along the offensive line.
Adding depth in the secondary could also be a concern.
Bradley Roby is set to hit free agency this year and Chris Harris Jr. will
reach it in 2020.
Denver can potentially free up some cap space by releasing,
trading or restructuring the contract of quarterback Case Keenum. He is set to
earn $21 million in 2019 but only carries $10 million in dead money.
If Keenum goes, Denver could try to get a free-agent tackle
or wide receiver or even re-sign pending free-agent center Matt Paradis.
Otherwise, major talent upgrades will have to come via the draft.
Cap Situation: Manageable
DETROIT LIONS
Projected Cap Space: $35.4 Million
The Detroit Lions appear to have the ammunition needed to
dramatically improve this offseason. The most notable loss is safety Glover
Quin, who was released in February. The team still needs to make a decision on
pass-rusher Ezekiel Ansah, though.
The Lions potentially need new pieces at safety and
edge-rusher. They also could use additional depth in the secondary, another
quality pass-catcher and a versatile linebacker to help execute head coach Matt
Patricia's multiple-look defense. Targeting former Patriots who are familiar
with Patricia—like wideout Chris Hogan, defensive end Trey Flowers or
cornerback Jason McCourty—would both make sense and be fiscally feasible.
Fortunately, the Lions have the cap space to address most of
their needs in free agency and can then select the best player available at No.
8 overall in April's draft.
Cap Situation: Good
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Projected Cap Space: $33.4 Million
The Green Bay Packers aren't as far away from contention as
last year's 6-9-1 record might indicate. As long as new head coach Matt LaFleur
is able to get the best out of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, there won't be
many holes to fill.
Green Bay needs to add to its pass rush, especially if
veteran Clay Matthews departs in free agency. It also could use upgrades along
the offensive line—53 sacks allowed in 2018, tied for third-worst in the
league—though the best place to address that may be in the draft with its two
first-round picks.
The Packers may be best served by bringing back players such
as Matthews, Randall Cobb and Bashaud Breeland while adding new
pieces through the draft. If general manager Brian Gutekunst wants to pursue a
top-tier free agent or two, though, he has the cap space to do so.
Cap Situation: Good
HOUSTON TEXANS
Projected Cap Space: $68.4 Million
Even after giving pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney the
franchise tag, the Houston Texans have plenty of cap space to use in free
agency.
The biggest need is improving the offensive line in front of
quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was sacked a league-high 62 times in 2018.
Whether this comes in the form of a tackle like Ja'Wuan James, a center like
Mitch Morse or a guard like Josh Sitton, the Texans should attack the line in
free agency and in the draft.
Aside from the line, the Texans should focus on retaining
players like safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson, adding some depth to
the cornerback position and possibly grabbing another pass-catcher to
complement DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller V.
The Texans won't need to spend big in free agency, but they
can afford to.
Cap Situation: Terrific
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Projected Cap Space: $105.8 Million
The Indianapolis Colts are poised to take a significant leap
in 2019. General manager Chris Ballard has already assembled a playoff-caliber
roster, and head coach Frank Reich had the team playing like a legitimate
contender in 2018.
The needs for Indianapolis aren't great—a
healthy Andrew Luck already solidifies the game's most important
position—but the Colts could use help at wide receiver, along the defensive
front and in the defensive secondary. Fortunately, Ballard has more cap space
to play with than any team in the league.
The Colts can pretty much outbid anyone on the open market
for a pass-catcher or a potential No. 1 cornerback like Ronald Darby. Ideally,
Indianapolis will pick up one or two top-tier players in free agency while also
adding depth. That, combined with another strong draft, should have the Colts
battling for a first-round bye in the fall.
Cap Situation: Ideal
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
Projected Cap Space: $263,136
The good news is that the Jacksonville Jaguars don't need
many pieces to be legitimate contenders in the AFC. The bad news is that one of
the needed pieces is at quarterback, and the answer isn't going to come
cheaply.
According Several Media Outlets, the Jaguars are expected to
land Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles. Depending on Foles' contract demands,
Jacksonville may have to clear several players cleared off its payroll.
Jacksonville already has well under $1 million in projected cap space.
Cutting quarterback Blake Bortles would save about $4.5
million but would require the Jaguars to pay out $16.5 million in
dead money. Other players will probably have to go as well, and it's unlikely
the Jaguars will be able to bring back pending free agents such as Donte Moncrief,
T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant.
Still, if Foles is a significant upgrade over Bortles in the
regular season, it might be enough to get Jacksonville back into the playoffs.
Cap Situation: Dire
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Projected Cap Space: $8.9 Million
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is in charge of a championship
roster already. That's good for him because Kansas City doesn't have much cap
space to be adding to it in free agency.
The caveat here is that the Chiefs can clear about $14
million in cap space by trading Justin Houston or cutting Justin Houston.
It's unclear which route they will take.
Several Media Outlets have reported that the Chiefs
plan to release Houston. Other Media Outlets are reporting that the Chiefs
are still gauging interest from potential trade partners.
Kansas City may have the cash to add a couple of role
players in free agency. However, the Chiefs aren't likely to overspend. Star
quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be eligible for a contract extension after the
season. Wideout Tyreek Hill is entering the final year of his contract and is
in negotiations for a "record-setting" deal. The Chiefs won't be in
trouble if they part with Houston, but moving him in order to add another
pricey player makes zero sense.
Cap Situation: Manageable
LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS
Projected Cap Space: $25.1 Million
The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to have a fair amount
of cap space, but it's unlikely they'll be major players on the open market.
Philip Rivers is entering the final year of his contract and will
need an extension sooner than later. Running back Melvin Gordon will be due an
extension soon as well.
Even if the Chargers put those deals off until next
offseason, they'll likely focus on retaining key pending free agents in 2019.
Players like Tyrell Williams, Adrian Phillips, Denzel Perryman, Brandon Mebane
and Donnie Jones are set to hit the open market. The Chargers should focus on
keeping at least some from this group.
If Los Angeles does re-sign some of its own, it's unlikely
there will be much cap space left to bring in additional talent. That will
instead go toward signing draft picks and toward future deals for other key
players.
Cap Situation: Manageable
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Projected Cap Space: $35.4 Million
The Los Angeles Rams have more cap space than quite a few
other teams. However, they also have a large list of players scheduled to hit
the open market. Retaining just one or two of them is going to eat away the cap
space L.A. does have.
Scheduled to become free agents March 13 are Ndamukong Suh,
Rodger Saffold, Lamarcus Joyner, Dante Fowler Jr., C.J. Anderson and Sam
Shields—all starters or key contributors during Los Angeles' Super Bowl run.
L.A. freed up cap space by releasing Mark Barron and John
Sullivan, though they could return with lower salaries, according to
Several Media Outlets.
The Rams may lose a piece or two, but they have enough cap
space and enough players under contract to keep the core intact for another
season.
Cap Situation: Good
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Projected Cap Space: $16.5 Million
The Miami Dolphins got their new head coach in Brian Flores.
Now, they have to address numerous questions on the roster—starting with what
to do at quarterback. A decision must be made on Ryan Tannehill, and it could
affect the team's plans in free agency. He's due to carry a cap hit
of $26.6 million.
Miami also needs to decide the futures of offensive tackle
Ja'Wuan James and pass-rusher Cameron Wake—though if Tannehill stays, affording
either may be nearly impossible.
In addition, the Dolphins could use an upgrade to the pass
rush and at guard. There are options available in free agency, though Miami
doesn't currently have the resources to go after them. Unless Miami is able to
dump Tannehill's contract, any roster upgrades will most likely come via the
draft.
Cap Situation: Troublesome
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Projected Cap Space: $5.4 Million
For Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, the
tough decisions this offseason are going to involve in-house free agents. The
Vikings have little room to work with and several high-end players scheduled to
hit the market.
As things stand, Minnesota could lose linebacker Anthony
Barr, running back Latavius Murray and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson—two
starters and a quality role player from 2018. None of these players will return
unless cuts at other positions are made.
The Vikings could also stand to improve the offensive line.
Again, however, there isn't the cap space to go after a player like Ja'Wuan
James or Jared Veldheer in free agency. Armed with eight picks, Minnesota can
afford to make a few deals in April's draft, but it's likely to be quiet early
in free agency.
Cap Situation: Dire
NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
Projected Cap Space: $20.5 Million
We've become accustomed to seeing the New England Patriots
plug in pieces each offseason with mostly positive results. However, head
coach Bill Belichick may need to do more plugging than usual this
offseason, as several key contributors are set to hit free agency.
Players New England could lose include Trey Flowers, Danny
Shelton, Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Malcom Brown, Chris Hogan, Cordarrelle
Patterson and Phillip Dorsett. Most of these players were starters or notable
contributors during New England's latest Super Bowl run. The Patriots might be
able to retain one or two of them.
New England could potentially clear up a little cap space
with a team-friendly restructure/extension for quarterback Tom Brady, who is
scheduled to make $27 million. Barring that, though, we're likely to see
an exodus of Patriots and only a few notable additions in free agency.
Still, given the core pieces in place, New England will
still probably be a contender in 2019.
Cap Situation: Manageable
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Projected Cap Space: $9.1 Million
The New Orleans Saints don't have many glaring roster
weaknesses, which is good because the team is projected to have less than $10
million in cap space in 2019.
There are some decisions to be made with pending free agents
like running back Mark Ingram, defensive end Alex Okafor and safety Kurt
Coleman. New Orleans also needs a replacement for recently retired tight end
Benjamin Watson. It wouldn't hurt to add another pass-catcher to the receiving
corps either.
Unfortunately, the Saints have little cap space and only one
pick in the first four rounds of the draft, so it's hard to see much
improvement to the roster. As is the case with Tom Brady, quarterback Drew
Brees could provide cap relief by restructuring/extending his
contract—he's set to carry a cap hit of $33.5 million. Barring that, the Saints
could be in trouble.
Cap Situation: Troublesome
NEW YORK GIANTS
Projected Cap Space: $26.2 Million
According to Several Media Outlets, the New York Giants
are unlikely to give the franchise tag to safety Landon Collins. This means the
Giants will have a need at safety, but it also means they'll have a good amount
of cap space with which to address other needs.
Aside from Collins, the Giants don't have any pending free
agents worth breaking the bank to retain.
New York could use help along the offensive and defensive
lines, depth in the secondary and, with Collins out, another safety. If the
Giants want to go after a tackle like Ja'Wuan James or a safety like Adrian
Phillips, they have the cash to do so. While the Giants can't go on a shopping
spree, they can target one or two top-tier free agents.
The Giants could end up with more free-agency ammunition as well.
Other Media Outlets have reported that New York is considering
trading defensive lineman Olivier Vernon, who is set to carry a cap hit
of $19.5 million in 2019.
Cap Situation: Good
NEW YORK JETS
Projected Cap Space: $99.1 Million
It's time for the New York Jets' rebuild to officially
begin. New York has a young quarterback in Sam Darnold and a new head coach in
Adam Gase. The front office can now fill out the roster with supporting talent.
A lot of this talent is going to be fresh. It makes sense to
retain backup quarterback Josh McCown and possibly cornerback Morris Claiborne
or cornerback Buster Skrine, but there aren't any pending free agents who have to
be brought back in 2019.
However, several positions of need must be addressed this
offseason if Darnold is going to have a successful second season. The Jets need
help along the offensive line, could use a true No. 1 receiver and a workhorse
running back, and desperately need a high-end pass-rusher.
Fortunately, the Jets are armed with nearly $100 million in
cap space, so they can address many of these needs before April's draft.
Cap Situation: Ideal
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Projected Cap Space: $69.5 Million
If new general manager Mike Mayock is eager to put his stamp
on the Oakland Raiders, he's in luck. Not only are the Raiders armed with three
first-round draft picks, but they're also flush with cap space and have few
players they must retain—aside, possibly, from tight end Jared Cook.
This doesn't mean the Raiders are going to go overboard in
free agency. If spending big was the plan, they would have paid Khalil Mack
last season instead of trading him. The Raiders will likely punt their spending
spree for at least another season.
However, Oakland won't have any trouble signing a big-time
free agent like running back Le'Veon Bell or trading for a player like Antonio
Brown—a move that Several Media Outlets are reporting the Raiders are
interested in making.
Cap Situation: Ideal
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
Projected Cap Space: $12.6 Million
The Philadelphia Eagles would be in a much worse cap
situation if they had decided to hang on to backup quarterback Nick Foles.
Instead, they're betting that Carson Wentz can stay healthy for an entire
season and looking at retaining other players. Defensive end Brandon Graham
already received a new three-year, $40 million deal.
Even with Foles out, Graham's new deal leaves some tough
decisions on the table. The Eagles don't have a ton of cap space and have
players like Ronald Darby, Timmy Jernigan, Golden Tate, Jay Ajayi and Darren
Sprole scheduled to hit free agency.
While Philadelphia may retain one or two of the
aforementioned players, it is unlikely to be a buyer in free agency. There
aren't many glaring holes on the roster—as long as Wentz can stay at 100
percent.
Cap Situation: Manageable
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
Projected Cap Space: $69.0 Million
This should be a fun offseason for San Francisco 49ers fans.
The team is armed with a boatload of cap space, has the No. 2 pick in April's
draft, doesn't have many key players to retain and should have quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo back at 100 percent sooner than later.
It would make sense for the 49ers to bring back fullback
Kyle Juszczyk and possibly safety Jimmie Ward. Otherwise, the bulk of San
Francisco's cap space could and should be used to bring in fresh talent.
While general manager John Lynch shouldn't spend recklessly
in free agency, he has the money to pursue several top free agents. He could
conceivably bring back Michael Crabtree, add safety Earl Thomas and
pass-rusher Justin Houston, and still have money to roll over to next
offseason.
Cap Situation: Terrific
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Projected Cap Space: $33.3 Million
For a team that isn't too far away from being a title
contender, the Seattle Seahawks are in great shape in terms of cap space.
Giving the franchise tag to pass-rusher Frank Clark does take up more
than $17 million in room, but it also prevents a major hole from
opening up.
Even with Clark getting the tag, general manager John
Schneider finds himself in the top half of the league in terms of average cap
space, and he doesn't have too many holes to fill.
Seattle could use upgrades along the offensive and defensive
lines, and it wouldn't hurt to bolster the receiving corps. The Seahawks can
afford to add one or two premier players in free agency retain K.J. Wright or
J.R. Sweezy and still roll over some cash for Russell Wilson's eventual
extension—he's entering the final year of his current contract.
Cap Situation: Good
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
Projected Cap Space: $13.7 Million
New Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians and general
manager Jason Licht have some tough decisions to make.
The Buccaneers reached a new three-year deal with
tackle Donovan Smith, which means they don't have to use the franchise tag and
have a little breathing room. However, there isn't a lot of free cash to play
with.
Tampa is already set to lose guys like Adam Humphries, Vinny
Curry, Brent Grimes, Chris Conte and Ryan Fitzpatrick in free agency, so the
roster is going to look far different than it did in 2018. The Buccaneers
also have some notable needs including running back, secondary help and
pass-rushers.
Tampa may have to release wideout DeSean Jackon or
restructure his contract—he's set to earn $10 million—and may have to
prematurely extend quarterback Jameis Winston (fifth-year option) to do more
than sign a couple of depth players and draft picks. Adding a top-tier free
agent is likely out of the question.
Cap Situation: Troublesome
TENNESSEE TITANS
Projected Cap Space: $45.7 Million
In his first year as Tennessee Titans head coach, Mike
Vrabel had to navigate a roster devoid of receiving talent and hampered by
injury, including quarterback Marcus Mariota. He would presumably prefer
to avoid both of those issues in 2019.
The Titans have a lot of cap space and few critical players
headed to free agency. Retaining pass-rusher Derrick Morgan would make sense,
especially with Brian Orakpo retiring, but the Titans can afford to use most of
their cap space on talent upgrades.
Adding another high-end pass-catcher has to be a top
priority. After that, the Titans should focus on adding to their pass rush and
improving the interior of the offensive line.
Tennessee should be able to fill multiple voids with quality
players before entering the draft in April.
Cap Situation: Terrific
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
Projected Cap Space: $15.9 Million
The Washington Redskins are in real trouble, mostly because
quarterback Alex Smith is expected to miss the 2019 season with a
broken leg. He carries a cap hit of $20.4 million this year, which is
a lot for someone who won't play. But with $42 million in dead money remaining
on his contract, cutting him isn't a realistic option.
This means the Redskins either have to go with Colt
McCoy in 2019 or try to add another quarterback on the cheap. Washington
also needs to flesh out its receiving corps—Jamison Crowder could leave in free
agency—strengthen the offensive line and bolster its backfield depth.
According to Several Media Outlets are reporting, that a
new deal with Adrian Peterson could take care of that last need sooner
than later.
With some creative moves, Washington can navigate free
agency and the draft, but bringing in Foles at quarterback or trading for Brown
at receiver will be financially difficult.
Cap Situation: Troublesome
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