Montreal Gazette

NFL’S VERSION OF LET’S MAKE A DEAL

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The salary cap has been set at $ 143.28 million US for the 2015 regular season and the shopping spree will begin when free agency opens Tuesday. Here are the teams with the most and least cap space.

MOST CAP SPACE

Jacksonvil­le Jaguars: Estimated $ 68 million. Coming off a 3- 13 season, the Jaguars have plenty of needs to fill except at quarterbac­k, after drafting Blake Bortles in the first round last year.

Oakland Raiders: Estimated $ 64 million. Another 3- 13 team. The Raiders finished the 2014 season last in the league in total offence and rushing. Running back Maurice Jones- Drew announced his retirement Thursday and defensive end LaMarr Woodley was released.

New York Jets: Estimated $ 53 million. With several holes to fill, new GM Mike Maccagnan will have lots of chances to improve the Jets. The Jets finished 4- 12 last season.

Cleveland Browns: Estimated $ 49 million. Despite taking Johnny Manziel in the first round last year, the Browns’ QB situation is still muddled with Manziel in rehab.

Tennessee Titans: Estimated $ 41 million. Tennessee, which tied for the worst record in the league last season at 2- 14, has had only one winning season since 2008.

LEAST CAP SPACE

New Orleans Saints: GM Mickey Loomis has been working to bring the payroll down by more than $ 20 million. Running back Pierre Thomas was released.

New England Patriots: The Super Bowl champs told defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and cornerback Darrelle Revis the team would not be picking up their options for 2015.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs saved about $ 3 million by parting with veteran linebacker Joe Mays on Thursday. They have made modest savings by also releasing wide receivers Donnie Avery and A. J. Jenkins and tight end Anthony Fasano. They still could restructur­e the contract of wide receiver Dwayne Bowe.

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