Biggest Needs for NFL Teams with the Most 2023 Salary Cap Space
Although the ideal NFL roster is built through the draft, every franchise looks to find value in free agency.
Finding a cost-effective addition can be challenging since all 32 teams can target any player. However, some available players are worth a calculated financial risk to fill specific needs on the depth chart.
Organizations can maneuver around the NFL's salary cap via restructured contracts, trades or cuts. But as the 2023 offseason nears, eight teams have currently have $20-plus million in effective cap space, per Over the Cap.
Here, we'll look at the primary needs for each of those franchises in free agency.
The Overlap: Expiring QBs
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Three franchises have an identical question: How much should they pay their current quarterback?
The Baltimore Ravens could not agree to an extension with Lamar Jackson before the 2022 campaign began. Although a second straight late-season injury has clouded this conversation, Jackson is clearly a special player who's worth top-level quarterback money.
Since the Ravens have $24.1 million in effective cap space, they'll need to make a few moves to clear enough room for Jackson—whether that's an extension or a franchise/transition tag.
Baltimore's offseason hinges entirely on his situation, which conceivably might end with the Ravens trading Jackson. Beyond him, though, the offense has no threatening wide receiver.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants ($42.8 million) also lack a standout top receiver, and the Seattle Seahawks ($21.6 million) have to improve their defensive line. But first, they have to settle the respective futures of breakout quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Geno Smith.
New York's new coaching staff unleashed Jones' mobility, but he remained a low-volume, low-upside passer. Smith emerged from his backup role to post strong efficiency numbers, yet he struggled against top competition.
How much is either one worth? Should the Giants or Seahawks commit long-term money to Jones or Smith despite their evident flaws? Will either team plummet out of playoff contention if those quarterbacks walk in free agency?
How these three teams resolve their respective quarterback conundrums will dictate which other needs they can fill in free agency.
Houston Texans
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More than anything, the Houston Texans need a quarterback. They own the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and are likely to select a signal-caller with that pick, whether it's Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud or Kentucky's Will Levis.
Houston should first use its $27.6 million in effective cap space to support its quarterback of the future.
At receiver, the Texans have Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins and John Metchie III, who missed his the 2022 season after being diagnosed with a form of leukemia. That could be a workable group if Cooks is back, but he's expressed an interest for a trade multiple times.
Otherwise, interior linemen are the Texans' primary need on offense. Houston will probably bank on left guard Kenyon Green to move past a disappointing rookie year, but center and right guard should be open competitions.
On defense, Houston has only a few locked-in starters. That shouldn't be a surprise, given the team's 13 losses this season. Nevertheless, edge-rusher is the major area to address, while the Texans desperately need depth on both the interior defensive line and in the secondary.
New England Patriots
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As the New England Patriots work to actually hire an offensive coordinator—what a wild concept!—they are undoubtedly focused on improving their receiving corps with their $28.9 million of effective cap space.
Top wideout Jakobi Meyers is worth keeping, but he's headed into free agency. Meanwhile, the Patriots shouldn't re-sign Nelson Agholor. Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker are both cut candidates, as Parker has no guaranteed money left on his deal, while the Patriots would be left with only a $1.4 million dead-cap hit if they cut Bourne.
At this moment, Tyquan Thornton is the Patriots' lone contributing receiver whom we can confidently project to return next season.
New England must consider adding a new starting offensive tackle, or two if Isaiah Wynn leaves in free agency. Unless the Pats are comfortable leaning on soon-to-be second-year players Jack Jones and Marcus Jones, cornerback is also a top position of need.
Cincinnati Bengals
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After heavily investing in their offensive line during the 2022 offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals may be shifting their attention to their defense in 2023 free agency with $33.7 million of effective cap space in hand.
The Bengals' rebuilt O-line hasn't exactly thrived. Cincinnati must explore any option to better protect Joe Burrow—particularly at tackle—and a playmaking tight end could be helpful, too.
But the Bengals, who seemingly are on the verge of fielding an elite defense, have several key players set to hit free agency. Star safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell highlight the group, along with linebacker Germaine Pratt and starting corner Eli Apple.
Knowing that list, Cincinnati may prioritize its familiar faces instead of landing free agents from elsewhere. Either way, safeties and cornerbacks are likely to command the most money from the Bengals this spring.
Atlanta Falcons
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Before the Atlanta Falcons make any significant moves this offseason, they need to decide whether they're committed to 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder as their quarterback of the future. They have $51.7 million of effective cap space, and they'll gain an extra $12 million if they release Marcus Mariota as expected.
Maybe the Falcons attempt to bring in Lamar Jackson or Derek Carr, sign a marquee free agent such as Jimmy Garoppolo or trade up in the draft. Either way, their decision at quarterback will shape how they attack the rest of the offseason.
Those ensuing steps should be centered on the defensive line, as only the Chicago Bears (20) registered fewer sacks than the Falcons (21). Edge-rusher is a pressing issue, while depth is needed on the interior.
The Falcons have promising, young headlines such as wide receiver Drake London and cornerback A.J. Terrell, but both positions around them are thin. The offensive line may join the list of offseason priorities if left guard Elijah Wilkinson and right tackle Kaleb McGary head elsewhere in free agency.
Chicago Bears
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The Chicago Bears finished with a league-worst 3-14 record, but they have two major reasons for hope this offseason. Beyond owning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, they have a league-high $82.6 million in effective cap space.
The Bears had the league's fewest sacks (20), so defensive line figures to be an offseason priority. Their offensive line is thin beyond left tackle Braxton Jones and right guard Teven Jenkins, too.
Chicago has to focus much of its attention on strengthening the trenches, particularly to support Justin Fields or a rookie quarterback. From there, the goal should be adding playmakers.
Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool could be a solid receiving duo, and tight end Cole Kmet is a quality piece. But the Bears don't have much pass-catching depth beyond that trio.
Chicago cannot fix everything in one offseason, but upgrading the offensive and defensive lines while adding a competent receiver or two would be a respectable start.
All financial data via Over the Cap.
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