Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Which NFL teams have money to spend this offseason, and what franchises need to tighten their belts?
I t is important to know one’s budget and then follow it when planning renovations on a home, and the same principles apply when it comes to NFL teams upgrading their roster in the offseason.
Here’s a look at each team’s projected cap space, and a preview of their possible offseason agenda.
The cap space projection is based on the NFL salary cap being set at $200 million in 2020, and only factors in each team’s top 51 salaries, which is what counts against the salary cap.
Dolphins — $94.7 million in projected cap space
Colts — $87.1 million in projected cap space
The Dolphins are in the second season of a rebuild, which featured a scorched-earth restart in 2019. The entire roster has been gutted, and General Manager Chris Grier and coach Brian Flores will use the massive amount of cap space and bounty of draft picks to build a solid foundation that can help South Florida’s NFL franchise stabilize. That journey needs to start with a quarterback to invest in for the future because a 37-year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the long-term answer.
The Colts have a ton of money and draft capital at their disposal, but the biggest issue is whether Indianapolis wants to build around Jacoby Brissett, who produced a 88.0 passer rating last season while leading the team to a 7-8 record? Or would Indianapolis rather add a veteran such as Philip Rivers, who has history with Frank Reich from their time together with the Chargers, or use a firstround pick on a developmental quarterback like Utah
State’s Jordan Love?
Bucs — $86 million in projected cap space
Coach Bruce Arians is a quarterback whisperer who has helped Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Carson Palmer take their game to another level. We’ll find out this offseason if he’s still buying into Jameis Winston because the former Florida State standout is a free agent. Tampa Bay will either re-sign Winston, or go with a veteran quarterback to lead that highoctane offense. Defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and Shaquil Barrett, and right tackle Demar Dotson also are free agents.
Bills — $83.8 million in projected cap space
The Bills are banking on smart moves with the team’s cap space, draft picks and player development taking Buffalo to the next level as a franchise. Quarterback Josh Allen has a nice nucleus around him on offense with John Brown, Cole Beasley and Devin Singletary. But the Bills need a couple more playmakers on offense and defense to lighten Allen’s load because he’s not ready to carry the franchise yet.
Cowboys — $75 million in projected cap space
This is the biggest offseason the Cowboys have had in a decade, considering quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver Amari Cooper, cornerback Byron Jones, linebacker Sean Lee and pass rushers Robert Quinn and Michael Bennett
are all free agents. Owner Jerry Jones has plenty of cap space, but needs to figure out how to make it all work, especially Prescott. The Cowboys will likely use the franchise tag to lock up the quarterback. The Cowboys need to be concerned with losing Cooper or Jones to free agency, which is why getting a deal done early is critical.
Jaguars — $64.3 million in projected cap space
When owner Shad Khan decided to retain both coach Doug Marrone and General Manager Dave Caldwell after firing Tom Coughlin as the Vice President of football operations, he basically gave the duo one season to prove they deserve to stay. That hints the Jaguars will take an all-in approach this offseason. This offseason could lead to the release or trade of defensive end Calais Campbell, and maybe cornerback A.J. Bouye. And don’t be surprised if tailback Leonard Fournette gets moved in the final year of his contract, which pays him $4.16 million.
Seahawks — $60.7 million in projected cap space
The Seahawks are heading into the 2020 offseason with 19 players set to become unrestricted free agents, which should make for another busy spring and summer for coach Pete Carroll and General Manager John Schneider. Seattle’s two pass rushers – Jadeveon Clowney and Ezekiel Ansah – are both slated to become free agents, and so is linebacker Mychal Kendricks and left tackle George Fant.
Giants — $62.3 million in projected cap space
The Giants will be rebuilt this offseason in Joe Judge’s image, and there’s no telling as this point exactly what that means. But the journey probably starts with getting second-year quarterback Daniel Jones better weapons, improving the offensive line, and finding players who can give the defense more of a bite. Re-signing defensive lineman Leonard Williams is a priority, especially considering the Giants traded a 2020 third-round selection and a 2021 fifthround pick to acquire him from the Jets last October. But don’t be surprised when Williams signs with the highest bidder.
Texans — $57.5 million in projected cap space
Houston’s window to contend for a title is closing because J.J. Watt is 30 and the injuries are piling up. The Texans have a few tough financial decisions to make in the coming months. Carlos Hyde, who rushed for a career-high 1,070 yards, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent. Lamar Miller, who will be coming back from the ACL injury that cost him the 2019 season, is a free agent. The Texans need a reliable running game, and to stabilize the offensive line to lighten the load from Deshaun Watson’s shoulders.
Raiders — $55.7 million in cap space
The Raiders made it to 7-9 this season despite some significant talent deficiencies that coach Jon Gruden and General Manager Mike Mayock will look to address this offseason in free agency and via a draft where the team owns five picks in the first three rounds. The most important decision, however, is whether the Raiders will keep quarterback Derek Carr or move on from the five-year veteran, who produced a career-best 100.8 passer rating this season. If Tom Brady expresses an interest in signing with Las Vegas, expect Carr to be traded to the highest bidder.
Jets — $57.3 million in projected cap space
Coach Adam Gase and quarterback Sam Darnold likely have one more season to prove their marriage, which got off to a rocky start in 2019, can work. The Jets also are reportedly shopping Le’Veon Bell after getting buyer’s remorse on the four-year, $52.5 million deal he signed last offseason, a contract that guarantees the 27-year-old tailback another $17 million. Expect the Jets to spend a significant amount of resources fortifying the offensive line.
Broncos — $59 million in projected cap space
Drew Lock led the Broncos to four wins in his five late-season starts, so it’s possible that Denver finally has a quarterback the franchise can build around. Unfortunately, the Broncos once-forceful defense has gone stale, and that unit could potentially lose Pro Bowl cornerback Chris Harris, free safety Justin Simmons and pass rusher Derek Wolfe, who are all free agents. John Elway’s focus will likely be placed on building Lock a solid offensive line, and getting him more weapons this offseason.
Chargers — $52.8 million in projected cap space
Philip Rivers’ 16-year tenure with the Chargers has come to an end. The 38-year-old quarterback will sign elsewhere as a free agent, and the Chargers are shopping for an upgrade: everything from trading up to draft Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa to signing Tom Brady and Teddy Bridgewater are in play. Their decision will likely impact everyone else in the NFL. Tailback Melvin Gordon is also a free agent. Expect the two-time Pro Bowler, who held out four games trying to get a multi-year deal, to sign with the highest bidder.
Cardinals — $52.5 million in projected cap space
The Cardinals finished with a 5-10-1 record in Kliff Kingsbury’s first season as an NFL head coach and Kyler Murray’s first season as an NFL starting quarterback. Expect the Cardinals to invest in the offensive line, which features two starters as free agents, this offseason.
Arizona also has a tough decision to make at tailback, considering David Johnson, who got unseated by Kenyan Drake at the end of the season, is expensive ($10.2 million, which is fully guaranteed), and Drake is a free agent.
Browns – $49.9 million in projected cap space
The Browns drastically underachieved in last year’s 6-10 season and it cost the general manager and head coach their jobs. Now it’s on new General Manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski to turn a team with Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry and Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon as its nucleus into a winner and ends the dysfunction that has plagued Jimmy Haslam’s era as owner.
Titans — $49.1 million in projected cap space
The Titans advanced to the AFC Championship game riding Derrick Henry’s legs, and Ryan Tannehill’s arm. Unfortunately for Tennessee, the Pro Bowl tailback and quarterback are both free agents and will eat up a large portion of the team’s cap space to re-sign. The Titans can use the franchise tag on one of those offensive players, but must sign the other before free agency begins to prevent a bidding war. Cornerback Ryan Logan and right tackle Jack Conklin are also free agents who should draw plenty of interest.
Bengals — $48.6 million in projected cap space
The Bengals tanked in Zac Taylor’s first season as a head coach, doing what it took to secure the No. 1 pick, which will likely be used to select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. That means Andy Dalton’s days in Cincinnati are numbered, and don’t be surprised to see a massive exodus of veterans such as receiver A.J. Green, cornerback Darqueze Dennard and tight end Tyler Eifert. Getting Jonas Williams, the 2019 first-round pick, back from the season-ending shoulder injury he suffered last June should help the offense.
Lions — $46.1 million in projected cap space
Head coach Matt Patricia and General Manager Bob Quinn weren’t fired this offseason, but Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford wasn’t shy about placing expectations on 2020, which are to be “a playoff contender.” That means the Lions must use the draft and free agency to add playmakers that can deliver impact plays. There are rumors quarterback Matt Stafford is on the trade block, and would like to leave Detroit. And don’t be surprised if the Lions move veterans such as cornerback Darius Slay, who is entering the final year of a deal that will play him $10.5 million.
Patriots — $45.1 million in projected cap space
This could be the end of New England’s dynasty if Tom Brady, who is an unrestricted free agent, leaves the Patriots for another team such as the Chargers or Raiders. Brady needs to make sure the Patriots give him the offensive line, the weaponry and the money he deserves to make a title run for another two seasons. If he leaves, the Patriots must find another quarterback to build around unless they feel Jarrett Stidham is ready to replace the legend.
Eagles — $43.3 million in projected cap space
The Eagles had Super Bowl expectations in 2019 but fell short of making them a reality because of numerous injuries that led to inconsistent play on offense and defense. The Eagles need to use some of the team’s resources on improving the secondary, particularly at cornerback. Offensive tackle Jason Peters, safety Rodney McLeod, defensive end Vinny Curry and tailback Jordan Howard should all draw interest in the free agent market.
Redskins — $41.4 million in projected cap space
New coach Ron Rivera will remake the Redskins in his image, and whether the former Panthers coach envisions Dwayne Haskins as his starting quarterback is uncertain at this point, especially with Cam Newton on the trade market. Washington must also figure out what to do with offensive lineman Trent Williams, who sat out the 2019 seeking trade and still wants one. Tight end Vernon Davis retired and three members of last year’s starting offensive line — Brandon Scherff, Ereck Flowers, and Donald Penn — are free agents.
Panthers — $33.2 million in projected cap space
Matt Rhule, the Panthers new coach, has a tough decision to make on Cam Newton, who is being paid $19.1 million in the final year of his contract. The Panthers can continue building around the 31-year-old quarterback, who has battled some injuries the past two seasons, or start fresh with someone else after trading Newton. Luke Kuechly’s retirement means Carolina must find another linebacker to anchor the defense.
Ravens — $27.6 million in projected cap space
Everything new general manager Eric DeCosta touched turned into gold last year, and it allowed a rebuilding franchise to qualify for the playoffs a second straight season. Now the focus is on building a team around Lamar Jackson, which means beefing up the offensive line, which got beat in the trenches against the Titans in the playoff loss. The Ravens must also beef up the pass rush, which will require re-signing Matthew Judon or using the franchise tag to retain the outside linebacker.
Rams — $24.3 million in projected cap space
Tailback Todd Gurley is on the trade block, but don’t be surprised if the Rams can’t find anyone to take his $13 million salary, which is all guaranteed this season. Eric Weddle retired, which means the Rams must find a new starting free safety. The Rams traded a ton of assets to get Jalen Ramsey and need to extend his contract by making him the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback. And linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., who contributed 58 tackles and 11.5 sacks last season, won’t be easy to re-sign.
Packers — $23 million in projected cap space
The Packers, which finished 2019 with a 13-3 record and advanced to the NFC championship game, need to focus on avoiding regression. Aaron Rodgers recently turned 36, so he’s probably got a three-year window to play at his present level before his ability starts to depreciate. The Packers have a tough decision to make on Bryan Bulaga, who has started for Green Bay since 2010. The right tackle, who turns 31 in March, is a free agent. 49ers — $20.3 million in projected cap space
The 49ers were mere minutes away from being champions of Super Bowl LIV, but fell short. Getting back to the final game might be a challenge, considering how many starters in 2019 — defensive end Arik Armstead, safety Jimmie Ward, receiver Emmanuel Sanders — are free agents that will likely command big paydays. The 49ers also must address tight end George Kittle’s expiring rookie deal.
Chiefs — $17.5 million in projected cap space
The Chiefs finally got to the top of the mountain, allowing Andy Reid to win his first Super Bowl. Now the challenge is to stay there, and that won’t be easy considering Patrick Mahomes is due a new deal that should make him the highest-paid player in the NFL. To create that type of cap space the Chiefs might have to restructure or release a few players such as receiver Sammy Watkins, or let expensive free agents such as defensive lineman Chris Jones sign elsewhere.
Bears — $14.4 million in projected cap space
General Manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy will likely double down on their investment in quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, using this offseason to beef up his offensive line and get him better weapons. Kyle Long is taking a break from football, which makes fortifying the interior of the offensive line a priority. The Bears also have an important decision pending on outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, whose $13 million fifth-year option was triggered, but can be avoided by releasing or restructuring his deal.
Saints — $13.3 million in projected cap space
Drew Brees is expected to play another season or two, which means the Saints front office must do what they can to put New Orleans in position to make another title run. Finding Brees another big target to put opposite Michael Thomas should be the top priority. Secondary depth is an area to watch as well, considering P.J. Williams, Eli Apple and Vonn Bell are all scheduled to become free agents.
Vikings — $11.3 million over the projected cap
General Manager Rick Spielman’s moves that have helped make the Vikings postseason-bound for six of the last 12 seasons, but many of Minnesota’s players are trending on the wrong side of 30. It would benefit the Vikings to take an all-in approach considering this is the last year of Kirk Cousins’ three-year, fully guaranteed $79.5 million deal. Gary Kubiak being promoted to offensive coordinator should help the offense, but plenty of Minnesota’s top defenders — cornerback Trae Waynes and safety Anthony Harris — are free agents.
Falcons — $7.1 million in projected cap space
The Falcons started 1-7 last season and it nearly cost everyone in power their jobs. General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn likely get one season to turn things around, but they’ve got very little cap space to work with to do so. Expect a few players to be released, and don’t be surprised if tailback Devonta Freeman ($6.5 million) and cornerback Desmond Trufant ($10.75 million) get traded.
Steelers — $1.2 million over the projected cap
After missing the postseason for the second consecutive year, the Steelers must find a way to get the ship righted. Pittsburgh does get Ben Roethlisberger back from the elbow injury that cost him all but one game in 2019. Retaining pass rusher Bud Dupree, who produced a career-high 68 tackles, 11.5 sacks and forced four fumbles remains the top priority.
The Steelers typically make the most out of very little cap space, so expect the same in 2020.