Super Bowl champs Eagles need to start sheering payroll
Here are the moves NFC teams need to make
NFL free agency begins Wednesday. Here’s a look at how NFC teams might approach the market. (Club’s projected cap space is noted in parentheses, courtesy of Overthecap.com as of March 8.)
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys ($3 million) Free agents: G Jonathan Cooper, LB Anthony Hitchens, RB Alfred Morris
Advice: The looming question centers on WR Dez Bryant and whether he will accept a pay cut. Such a move would likely be the best outcome for both sides, but the Cowboys shouldn’t be afraid to move on from Bryant. Hitchens is likely too expensive to keep.
New York Giants ($24M)
FAs: LB Jonathan Casillas, RB Orleans Darkwa, G D.J. Fluker, OL Justin Pugh, C Weston Richburg
Advice: Fixing the offensive front is new GM Dave Gettleman’s top priority, and he could start by giving a serious payday to Panthers G Andrew Norwell, whom he signed as an undrafted free agent four years ago. While the linebacking corps is getting an upgrade with the trade for Alec Ogletree, Gettleman could continue looking. Philadelphia Eagles ($9M over) FAs: RB LeGarrette Blount, LB Nigel Bradham, TE Trey Burton, RB Darren Sproles
Advice: The new champions already made their splashy move of the offseason, acquiring DE Michael Bennett. The focus turns to sheering salary. Bradham and Burton will likely be too expensive to keep, while DE Vinny Curry and WR Torrey Smith could be cap casualties. Washington Redskins ($48M) FAs: CB Bashaud Breeland, LB Zach Brown, QB Kirk Cousins, WR Terrelle Pryor
Advice: After acquiring QB Alex Smith, Washington is poised for a clean break from Cousins. But there’s work to be done. The receiving corps could use a boost, and Paul Richardson would give Smith the vertical threat he needs to remain an efficient deep passer.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears ($50M)
FAs: CB Prince Amukamara, QB Mark Sanchez, G Josh Sitton
Advice: The receiving corps is in line for an overhaul. Kansas City’s Albert Wilson might be a nice starting point given his familiarity with new coach Matt Nagy’s system, but the real prize would be Allen Robinson.
Detroit Lions ($27M)
FAs: CB Nevin Lawson, DT Haloti Ngata, LB Tahir Whitehead, S Tavon Wilson
Advice: Even with DE Ezekiel Ansah franchised, rookie coach Matt Patricia will need more help in the front seven to get the 27th-ranked defense up to snuff. RB Rex Burkhead would be a sensible fit for a backfield needing a jump start. Green Bay Packers ($20M) FAs: LB Ahmad Brooks, S Morgan Burnett, G Jahri Evans
Advice: GM Brian Gutekunst expressed a desire to be more “aggressive” in free agency, and there are sensible targets including DE Muhammad Wilkerson and TE Trey Burton. A tight cap outlook likely prevents many moves. Minnesota Vikings ($47M) FAs: QB Sam Bradford, QB Teddy Bridgewater, QB Case Keenum, RB Jerick McKinnon, CB Terence Newman
Advice: Ample cap space, a blank slate at quarterback and a loaded roster make Minnesota a sensible spot for Kirk Cousins. But the Vikings need to strike a deal that won’t hamper the long-term outlook of the defense, a point coach Mike Zimmer has stressed.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons ($15M)
FAs: DE Adrian Clayborn, WR Taylor Gabriel, DT Dontari Poe
Advice: With Poe poised to walk, Atlanta could consider a serious upgrade with Sheldon Richardson, who hasn’t tapped into his full potential but coach Dan Quinn’s scheme could be the perfect fit. Accommodating Richardson would force GM Thomas Dimitroff to get creative, especially given QB Matt Ryan is entering the last year of his deal. Carolina Panthers ($29M)
FAs: QB Derek Anderson, DT Star Lotulelei, G Andrew Norwell, DE Julius Peppers
Advice: Coach Ron Rivera said Carolina is pondering whether to add a dynamic receiver alongside Devin Funchess, and Sammy Watkins could be the desired upgrade. Norwell and Lotulelei will likely fetch deals too rich to match. New Orleans Saints ($28M) FAs: QB Drew Brees, QB Chase Daniel, S Kenny Vaccaro
Advice: Another deal for Brees is a virtual certainty given New Orleans would take an $18 million cap hit if one isn’t reached by Wednesday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($71M) FAs: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, CB Brent Grimes, S T.J. Ward
Advice: The Bucs have the spending power to make waves, but the pool of available talent doesn’t line up with their needs. With a scarcity of top-line pass rushers, GM Jason Licht might instead focus on a cornerback — perhaps Malcolm Butler — and maybe a safety.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals ($20M)
FAs: G Alex Boone, LB Karlos Dansby, QB Blaine Gabbert, QB Drew Stanton
Advice: With no quarterbacks on the roster and suboptimal positioning to address the spot in free agency or the draft, new coach Steve Wilks is in a bit of a bind. Teddy Bridgewater or Sam Bradford might make the most sense as low-cost, starting-caliber flyers.
Los Angeles Rams ($28M)
FAs: LB Connor Barwin, CB Trumaine Johnson, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, C John Sullivan, WR Sammy Watkins
Advice: GM Les Snead has agreed to acquire CBs Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib while crafting trades to move LBs Robert Quinn (Dolphins) and Alec Ogletree (Giants). Sullivan is worth keeping, but Robey-Coleman and Johnson are likely gone. Unless Watkins is amenable to a discount, L.A. should be prepared to walk away given DT Aaron Donald is in line for a massive extension.
San Francisco 49ers ($70M) FAs: RB Carlos Hyde, CB Dontae Johnson, S Eric Reid
Advice: After a measured approach in his first free agency go-round, GM John Lynch could reshape the roster this year. Trumaine Johnson fills the team’s profile and need at corner, while Allen Robinson would give QB Jimmy Garoppolo the jump-ball receiver he lacks. Dion Lewis or Jerick McKinnon could thrive as all-purpose threats in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Seattle Seahawks ($13M)
FAs: TE Jimmy Graham, OL Luke Joeckel, CB Byron Maxwell, WR Paul Richardson, DT Sheldon Richardson
Advice: With DE Michael Bennett shipped to Philadelphia and CB Richard Sherman’s future in doubt, Seattle must decide whether to go full tilt with a rebuild. Keeping either Sheldon Richardson or Paul Richardson would be nice, but GM John Schneider can probably afford only one right now.