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http://espn.go.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/14714638/five-nfl-teams-equipped-spend-big-2016
At some point prior to the start of the NFL's new league year on March 9, the owners and the NFL Players Association will mutually agree upon a value for the 2016 salary cap. Shortly thereafter, much of the discussion will turn to how much cap space each of the 32 franchises has at its disposal for this year.
There's a tendency to assume that more cap space -- and in turn the flexibility to spend aggressively -- is better than less space. But there's also a reality rooted in having a ton of cap space: It often means a team either has a roster with several holes (after all, good players are most commonly paid commensurate with their abilities) or a significant number of players on rookie contracts who are soon to be due for raises. There's no magic number of cap space a team wants to have; rather, NFL franchises hope to maintain a healthy cap by having a roster full of talent with flexibility to fine tune (add to it, extend players, trade for players, etc.) as needed.
For the sake of laying out which teams have the resources to spend big this offseason, let's overview the five teams currently projected to have the most rollover space for the 2016 season and assign a primary need. A few notes: These numbers will assume a salary-cap projection of $153 million and do not factor in restricted free-agent tenders, which will be handed out prior to the league year.
These numbers also account for rollover space, as the NFL allows teams to push unused cap space from one year forward to the next. Of course, these numbers are also subject to change at any moment by a team either extending a current player or parting ways with one that creates more space.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Approximately $78 million in cap space
The primary need for Jacksonville is easy: defense. The Jaguars finished 31st in scoring defense, 29th in pass defense, tied for 26th in interceptions and tied for 20th in sacks. The franchise has taken a patient approach (and wisely so), and good news this offseason includes the healthy return of 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr. and the bevy of cap space.
So let's narrow the focus of the need: a playmaker in center field. The Jags pushed hard to land safety Devin McCourty last offseason, as he has precisely the range, route recognition and on-ball production the defense lacks. Safety Eric Weddle would represent a bit of a deviation from Jacksonville's path of youth, as he's 31, but here's what Weddle does: He quarterbacks a defense, mans the back end, plays basically every snap (plus contributing on special teams) every week (he has missed just seven games in nine seasons) and would add some veteran leadership to a team that would benefit from it. Yes, there's risk in signing a player who would be close to his mid-30s at the expiration of the deal, but Jacksonville needs stability in the secondary.
2. Oakland Raiders
Approximately $72 million in cap space
This team has an arrow that is unquestionably pointing up. Defensively, the roster will take shape around Khalil Mack. However, the secondary needs immediate treatment at both safety and cornerback, and cornerback is a particular area of need. David Amerson -- acquired midseason on waivers -- was a really nice find, but former first-round pick D.J. Hayden has not met expectations.
The prize of the cornerback class in free agency is Josh Norman, though it seems unlikely he'll be leaving Carolina. Janoris Jenkins is a sticky cover corner who played well for the Rams in 2015, as did his teammate and fellow free agent Trumaine Johnson (6-foot-2, 208 pounds). Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara is also likely to be coveted this offseason.
3. Chicago Bears
Approximately $58 million in cap space
The defensive theme of this piece continues with the Bears, who desperately need playmakers in the middle of the defense. For a long, long time the Bears' defensive huddle was quarterbacked by a dynamic linebacker (be it Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs or both), though an infusion of speed and reliability would be a boost. The team owns the No. 11 pick in the draft, but a free agent who might make sense is Danny Trevathan, currently of the Broncos. He's only 25 and has familiarity with Bears head coach John Fox, Trevathan's head coach for his first three pro seasons.
Denver has a checklist of free agents to take care of this offseason, led by Von Miller, Malik Jackson and potentially Brock Osweiler. Trevathan will be likely hit the open market, and he'd represent a dependable, affordable and useful addition to Chicago's defense.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Approximately $56 million in cap space
I'm of the opinion that San Francisco's top priority this offseason (aside from sorting out the quarterback puzzle) is to address the offensive line. Only the Titans allowed more sacks than San Francisco's 53 this season, and it's not just upgrading the personnel; the 49ers must find the right fits.
Offensive linemen in Chip Kelly's system must be able to play in space with nimble footwork and have the stamina to play at a rapid pace. Although right tackle Anthony Davis might un-retire after a year away from football, there are other positions to still address. If Alex Mack opts out of the final three years of his deal in Cleveland, he'd become an intriguing option to anchor the middle of the line. He's 30, but Mack has been a rock throughout his career, playing all 16 games in six of seven seasons.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Approximately $54 million in cap space
There will be an obvious theme for Tampa Bay this offseason: defense. But let's look at the importance of an edge rusher, as Tampa Bay lacked a true difference-making pressure player at that spot this season. The Bucs would be wise to look at disruptive defensive end Olivier Vernon, an exceptional talent who has 25.5 sacks over the past three seasons in Miami. He's just 25 and will only get better over the next handful of years. Miami may choose to use its franchise or transition tag on the up-and-coming rusher, but if Vernon hits the open market, he's sure to be a sought-after sack artist in free agency.
At some point prior to the start of the NFL's new league year on March 9, the owners and the NFL Players Association will mutually agree upon a value for the 2016 salary cap. Shortly thereafter, much of the discussion will turn to how much cap space each of the 32 franchises has at its disposal for this year.
There's a tendency to assume that more cap space -- and in turn the flexibility to spend aggressively -- is better than less space. But there's also a reality rooted in having a ton of cap space: It often means a team either has a roster with several holes (after all, good players are most commonly paid commensurate with their abilities) or a significant number of players on rookie contracts who are soon to be due for raises. There's no magic number of cap space a team wants to have; rather, NFL franchises hope to maintain a healthy cap by having a roster full of talent with flexibility to fine tune (add to it, extend players, trade for players, etc.) as needed.
For the sake of laying out which teams have the resources to spend big this offseason, let's overview the five teams currently projected to have the most rollover space for the 2016 season and assign a primary need. A few notes: These numbers will assume a salary-cap projection of $153 million and do not factor in restricted free-agent tenders, which will be handed out prior to the league year.
These numbers also account for rollover space, as the NFL allows teams to push unused cap space from one year forward to the next. Of course, these numbers are also subject to change at any moment by a team either extending a current player or parting ways with one that creates more space.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Approximately $78 million in cap space
The primary need for Jacksonville is easy: defense. The Jaguars finished 31st in scoring defense, 29th in pass defense, tied for 26th in interceptions and tied for 20th in sacks. The franchise has taken a patient approach (and wisely so), and good news this offseason includes the healthy return of 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr. and the bevy of cap space.
So let's narrow the focus of the need: a playmaker in center field. The Jags pushed hard to land safety Devin McCourty last offseason, as he has precisely the range, route recognition and on-ball production the defense lacks. Safety Eric Weddle would represent a bit of a deviation from Jacksonville's path of youth, as he's 31, but here's what Weddle does: He quarterbacks a defense, mans the back end, plays basically every snap (plus contributing on special teams) every week (he has missed just seven games in nine seasons) and would add some veteran leadership to a team that would benefit from it. Yes, there's risk in signing a player who would be close to his mid-30s at the expiration of the deal, but Jacksonville needs stability in the secondary.
2. Oakland Raiders
Approximately $72 million in cap space
This team has an arrow that is unquestionably pointing up. Defensively, the roster will take shape around Khalil Mack. However, the secondary needs immediate treatment at both safety and cornerback, and cornerback is a particular area of need. David Amerson -- acquired midseason on waivers -- was a really nice find, but former first-round pick D.J. Hayden has not met expectations.
The prize of the cornerback class in free agency is Josh Norman, though it seems unlikely he'll be leaving Carolina. Janoris Jenkins is a sticky cover corner who played well for the Rams in 2015, as did his teammate and fellow free agent Trumaine Johnson (6-foot-2, 208 pounds). Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara is also likely to be coveted this offseason.
3. Chicago Bears
Approximately $58 million in cap space
The defensive theme of this piece continues with the Bears, who desperately need playmakers in the middle of the defense. For a long, long time the Bears' defensive huddle was quarterbacked by a dynamic linebacker (be it Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs or both), though an infusion of speed and reliability would be a boost. The team owns the No. 11 pick in the draft, but a free agent who might make sense is Danny Trevathan, currently of the Broncos. He's only 25 and has familiarity with Bears head coach John Fox, Trevathan's head coach for his first three pro seasons.
Denver has a checklist of free agents to take care of this offseason, led by Von Miller, Malik Jackson and potentially Brock Osweiler. Trevathan will be likely hit the open market, and he'd represent a dependable, affordable and useful addition to Chicago's defense.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Approximately $56 million in cap space
I'm of the opinion that San Francisco's top priority this offseason (aside from sorting out the quarterback puzzle) is to address the offensive line. Only the Titans allowed more sacks than San Francisco's 53 this season, and it's not just upgrading the personnel; the 49ers must find the right fits.
Offensive linemen in Chip Kelly's system must be able to play in space with nimble footwork and have the stamina to play at a rapid pace. Although right tackle Anthony Davis might un-retire after a year away from football, there are other positions to still address. If Alex Mack opts out of the final three years of his deal in Cleveland, he'd become an intriguing option to anchor the middle of the line. He's 30, but Mack has been a rock throughout his career, playing all 16 games in six of seven seasons.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Approximately $54 million in cap space
There will be an obvious theme for Tampa Bay this offseason: defense. But let's look at the importance of an edge rusher, as Tampa Bay lacked a true difference-making pressure player at that spot this season. The Bucs would be wise to look at disruptive defensive end Olivier Vernon, an exceptional talent who has 25.5 sacks over the past three seasons in Miami. He's just 25 and will only get better over the next handful of years. Miami may choose to use its franchise or transition tag on the up-and-coming rusher, but if Vernon hits the open market, he's sure to be a sought-after sack artist in free agency.
