NFL Offseason Guide 2014: Team-by-Team Primer and Predictions

The new league year and free agency won't begin for more than a month, but that won't stop NFL fans like you from wondering how things might shake out in the meantime.

For instance: Will Jimmy Graham have to leave a cap-strapped New Orleans Saints? Maybe not.

Here we get you primed for the NFL offseason with this team-by-team slideshow of salary-cap situations, potential free agents, draft positions, team needs and—as a bonus—quick predictions on the more pressing winter question marks.

Arizona Cardinals

Ed Zurga/Associated Press

Quarterback

Yes. For now. The Cardinals likely need to rely on Carson Palmer to compete in the short term. They might draft a developmental quarterback, though.

Projected Cap Space

Around $2.3 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Alameda Ta'amu	23	DT	ERFA
Everrette Thompson	24	DT	ERFA
Andre Roberts	26	WR	UFA
Bryan McCann	26	CB	UFA
Jake Ballard	26	TE	RFA
Javier Arenas	26	CB	RFA
Rashard Mendenhall	26	RB	UFA
Alfonso Smith	27	RB	RFA
Antoine Cason	27	CB	UFA
Jim Dray	27	TE	UFA
Matt Shaughnessy	27	LB	UFA
Ronald Talley	27	DE	RFA
Andrew Rich	28	CB	RFA
Kory Sperry	28	TE	UFA
Marcus Benard	28	LB	RFA
Mike Gibson	28	C	UFA
Eric Winston	30	RT	UFA
Frostee Rucker	30	DT	UFA
Jeff King	30	TE	UFA
Karlos Dansby	32	LB	UFA
Yeremiah Bell	35	S	UFA
Jay Feely	37	K	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, pick 20

Top Needs

• Offensive line, particularly tackles
• Pass-rusher 

Offseason Prediction

The Cardinals figure to be a interested in the premium offensive tackles on the free-agent market this winter. They will suck up Branden Albert from Kansas City, assuming the Chiefs don't franchise-tag him again.

Atlanta Falcons

Quarterback

Yes. Matt Ryan is coming off a disappointing year, but a full season of health from Julio Jones and Roddy White should re-ignite Ryan as one of the game's best quarterbacks.

Projected Cap Space

Around $13.66 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Corey Peters	25	DT	UFA
Joe Hawley	25	C	UFA
Kevin Cone	25	WR	RFA
Robert McClain	25	CB	RFA
Dominique Franks	26	CB	UFA
Mike Johnson	26	RT	UFA
Chase Coffman	27	TE	UFA
Omar Gaither	29	LB	UFA
Peria Jerry	29	DT	UFA
Jeremy Trueblood	30	RT	UFA
Jonathan Babineaux	32	DT	UFA
Sean Locklear	32	T	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, sixth overall 

Top Needs

• Offensive line
• Defensive line
• Defensive backs 

Offseason Prediction

With so many teams needing quarterbacks before them in the draft order, the Falcons stand a good shot at getting offensive tackle Jake Matthews out of Teas A&M or pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney. We are going to give them Matthews. When you have a quarterback like Matt Ryan, you have to protect him and piece together your defense another way.

Baltimore Ravens

Quarterback 

Yes. You don't give Joe Flacco that contract after a Super Bowl and give up on him after one year.

Projected Cap Space

Around $11.5 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Brynden Trawick	24	S	ERFA
D.J. Bryant	24	LB	ERFA
Josh Bynes	24	LB	RFA
Tandon Doss	24	WR	UFA
Omar Brown	25	S	ERFA
Terrence Cody	25	DT	UFA
Adrian Hamilton	26	LB	RFA
Anthony Levine	26	S	RFA
Ed Dickson	26	TE	UFA
Eugene Monroe	26	LT	UFA
Jeromy Miles	26	S	UFA
Albert McClellan	27	LB	RFA
Arthur Jones	27	DE	UFA
Michael Oher	27	RT	UFA
Corey Graham	28	CB	UFA
Dennis Pitta	28	TE	UFA
Jacoby Jones	29	WR	UFA
James Ihedigbo	30	S	UFA
Daryl Smith	31	LB	UFA
Dallas Clark	34	TE	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 16th or 17th overall pending coin flip 

Top Needs

• Offensive line
• Wide receiver
• Tight end
• Defensive back 

Offseason Prediction

The Baltimore Ravens prided themselves as a running team, yet they had one of the worst rushing offenses in football. Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce figure to be given another year, so expect the Ravens to hammer offensive line in free agency and the draft. We are going to say they make the biggest offer to free-agent center Alex Mack, if only to drive up the price for the rival Browns to match it.

Buffalo Bills

Quarterback

Yes. EJ Manuel showed enough in his first year to at least get a few years of a leash on his development. 

Projected Cap Space

Around $19.2 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Antoine McClain	24	G	ERFA
Arthur Moats	25	LB	UFA
Chris Hogan	25	WR	ERFA
Alex Carrington	26	DE	UFA
Mike Caussin	26	TE	RFA
Thomas Welch	26	RT	UFA
Jairus Byrd	27	S	UFA
Dan Carpenter	28	K	UFA
Frank Summers	28	RB	ERFA
Scott Chandler	28	TE	UFA
Jim Leonhard	31	S	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, ninth overall

Top Needs

• Linebacker
• Tight end
• Wide receiver
• Right offensive tackle 

Offseason Prediction

The Bills need to keep their defense intact, which will require a second-year franchise tag or a long-term contract for Jairus Byrd. We will go with the latter and pencil in University of Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack (no relation to the writer) as their No. 1 pick. New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz should like that collection of talent he inherits.

Carolina Panthers

Quarterback

Yes. No one should question Cam Newton's place among the elite. Now, it is time to surround him with talent. 

Projected Cap Space

Around $21 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Bruce Campbell	25	RT	UFA
Byron Bell	25	RT	RFA
Captain Munnerlyn	25	CB	UFA
Greg Hardy	25	DE	UFA
James Dockery	25	CB	RFA
Chris Scott	26	G	RFA
Graham Gano	26	K	UFA
Jimmy Clausen	26	QB	UFA
Mike Mitchell	26	S	UFA
Brandon LaFell	27	WR	RFA
Garry Williams	27	G	RFA
Jason Williams	27	LB	UFA
Richie Brockel	27	FB	RFA
Dan Connor	28	LB	UFA
Jeff Byers	28	C	RFA
Ted Ginn Jr.	28	WR	UFA
Domenik Hixon	29	WR	UFA
Jordan Senn	29	LB	UFA
Derek Anderson	30	QB	UFA
Geoff Hangartner	31	G	UFA
Travelle Wharton	32	G	UFA
Ben Hartsock	33	TE	UFA
Colin Cole	33	DT	UFA
Drayton Florence	33	CB	UFA
Jordan Gross	33	LT	UFA
Quintin Mikell	33	S	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 28th overall

Top Needs

• Wide receiver
• Offensive line
• Defensive back

Offseason Prediction

The Panthers will have a huge offseason, signing Newton to a long-term deal, retaining Greg Hardy and bringing erstwhile receiver Hakeem Nicks home to North Carolina. Those three moves will set the Panthers up to be a perennial powerhouse.

Chicago Bears

Quarterback

Yes. Jay Culter signed a long-term extension and will be married to Marc Trestman for years. The emergence of Alshon Jeffery as a star will certainly help.

Projected Cap Space

Around $7.3 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Anthony Walters	25	S	RFA
Major Wright	25	S	UFA
Corey Wootton	26	DT	UFA
Eben Britton	26	RT	UFA
Nate Collins	26	DT	RFA
Sherrick McManis	26	CB	UFA
Taylor Boggs	26	G	ERFA
Craig Steltz	27	S	UFA
Henry Melton	27	DT	UFA
Landon Cohen	27	DT	UFA
Derrick Martin	28	CB	UFA
Blake Costanzo	29	LB	UFA
Dante Rosario	29	TE	UFA
Jordan Palmer	29	QB	UFA
Zackary Bowman	29	CB	UFA
James Anderson	30	LB	UFA
Kelvin Hayden	30	CB	UFA
D.J. Williams	31	LB	UFA
Devin Hester	31	WR	UFA
Jonathan Scott	31	LT	UFA
Charles Tillman	32	CB	UFA
Jay Ratliff	32	DT	UFA
Josh McCown	34	QB	UFA
Roberto Garza	34	C	UFA
Patrick Mannelly	38	LS	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 14th overall 

Top Needs

• Defensive line
• Defensive back
• Interior offensive line 

Offseason Prediction

Julius Peppers might have been the best part of a weak defensive line, but making him a cap casualty is a way to solve a huge problem. The Bears have the pieces on offense finally and now need to rework an aged defense that was the worst in football against the run. Cutting Peppers or at minimum reworking his deal will start a defensive makeover.

Cincinnati Bengals

Quarterback

Yes. Say what you will about Andy Dalton and his postseason indiscretions, but he had a solid regular season and is building something with A.J. Green and Co.

Projected Cap Space

Around $23.3 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Dane Sanzenbacher	25	WR	RFA
Taylor Mays	25	S	UFA
Brandon Ghee	26	CB	UFA
Brandon Tate	26	WR	UFA
Michael Johnson	26	DE	UFA
Vincent Rey	26	LB	RFA
Andrew Hawkins	27	WR	RFA
Zoltan Mesko	27	P	UFA
Anthony Collins	28	LT	UFA
Mike Pollak	28	G	UFA
Bernard Scott	29	RB	UFA
Dennis Roland	30	RT	UFA
Alex Smith	31	TE	UFA
Tank Johnson	32	DT	UFA
Chris Crocker	33	S	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 24th overall 

Top Needs

• Defensive back
• Wide receiver
• Linebacker

Offseason Prediction

The Bengals have one of the best cap situations in football. They have ample room to make significant additions to an already solid roster. Stealing a safety like T.J. Ward and a corner like Walter Thurmond in free agency would make them a AFC title contender. Free agent Michael Johnson will be gone, so they might need to find another defensive end to replace him, too.

Cleveland Browns

Quarterback

No way. The Browns have to draft one in the first round after missing on Brandon Weeden.

Projected Cap Space

More than $46 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Craig Robertson	25	LB	ERFA
Shawn Lauvao	26	G	UFA
T.J. Ward	27	S	UFA
Alex Mack	28	C	UFA
Oniel Cousins	29	G, T	UFA
Willis McGahee	32	RB	UFA
Billy Cundiff	33	K	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, fourth overall and 26th overall (from the Indianapolis Colts for Trent Richardson)

Top Needs

• Quarterback
• Interior offensive line
• Wide receiver 

Offseason Prediction

In T.J. Ward and Alex Mack, the Browns have two of the top free agents at their positions. The prediction here is that one leaves—Mack (no relation to this writer)—despite the fact the Browns have more cap space than almost anyone. They just are not prepared to win anytime soon. They have to build through the draft, so figure them to revamp the interior of an offensive line that couldn't generate any consistent running game.

The Browns will wind up with the third choice at quarterback in the draft, too: Teddy Bridgewater.

Dallas Cowboys

Quarterback

Yes. Despite the public hatred for Tony Romo, he is the franchise right now—for better or worse.

Projected Cap Space

Um, space? They are more than $24 million over, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Chris Jones	24	P	RFA
Danny McCray	25	S	UFA
Phillip Tanner	25	RB	RFA
Brandon Carter	27	G	UFA
Jarius Wynn	27	DE	UFA
Edgar Jones	29	LB	UFA
Ernie Sims	29	LB	UFA
Anthony Spencer	30	DE	UFA
Ryan Cook	30	C	UFA
Jason Hatcher	31	DT	UFA
Brian Waters	36	G	UFA
Jon Kitna	41	QB	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 16th or 17th overall pending a coin flip

Top Needs

• Defensive back
• Defensive line
• Offensive line
• Wide receiver

Offseason Prediction

Despite the cap issues, the Cowboys are just a few players short in the secondary from competing. Expect Jerry Jones to cook the numbers creatively for one more year and add some help to the defensive backfield, despite running the team that is most over the cap going into the offseason.

Denver Broncos

Quarterback

Yes. Peyton Manning is not retiring on that bummer of a Super Bowl. 

Projected Cap Space

About $12.4 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Brandon Marshall	24	LB	RFA
Chris Harris	24	CB	RFA
Duke Ihenacho	24	S	ERFA
Eric Decker	26	WR	UFA
Knowshon Moreno	26	RB	UFA
Mitch Unrein	26	DT	RFA
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	27	CB	UFA
Tony Carter	27	CB	RFA
Trindon Holliday	27	KR	ERFA
Wesley Woodyard	27	LB	UFA
Zane Beadles	27	G	UFA
Andre Caldwell	28	WR	UFA
Robert Ayers	28	DE	UFA
Winston Justice	29	LT	UFA
Michael Huff	30	S	UFA
Steve Vallos	30	C	UFA
Stewart Bradley	30	LB	UFA
Mike Adams	32	S	UFA
Shaun Phillips	32	DE	UFA
Dan Koppen	34	C	UFA
Quentin Jammer	34	S	UFA
Paris Lenon	36	LB	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 31st overall 

Top Needs

• Offensive tackle
• Defensive back
• Future franchise quarterback

Offseason Prediction

The Broncos will pony up the dough for Decker, but they afford to allow Moreno to walk, particularly since Montee Ball is ready to take over as the feature back. The real key is how they fix that suspect secondary, though. There is a lot of work to do there and not an awful lot to work with to do it. 

Detroit Lions

Quarterback

Yes. Matthew Stafford has a huge cap number, but he is not going anywhere for years.

Projected Cap Space

They are more than $5 million over, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Julian Stanford	23	LB	RFA
Chris Greenwood	24	CB	RFA
Dorin Dickerson	25	FB	UFA
Jason Fox	25	RT	UFA
Jeremy Ross	25	WR	ERFA
Kris Durham	25	WR	RFA
Matt Veldman	25	TE	ERFA
Kevin Ogletree	26	WR	UFA
Joique Bell	27	RB	RFA
Andre Fluellen	28	DT	UFA
Brandon Pettigrew	28	TE	UFA
Willie Young	28	DE	UFA
Leroy Harris	29	C	UFA
John Wendling	30	S	UFA
Dylan Gandy	31	G	UFA
Micheal Spurlock	31	WR	UFA
Rocky McIntosh	31	LB	UFA
Don Muhlbach	32	LS	UFA
Israel Idonije	33	DE	UFA
Rashean Mathis	33	CB	UFA
Shaun Hill	34	QB	UFA
Dominic Raiola	35	C	UFA
David Akers	39	K	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 10th overall

Top Needs

• Defensive back
• Wide receiver
• Tight end

Offseason Prediction

The Lions will get down to the salary cap by extending Ndamukong Suh, who is slated to be a free agent in 2016. They are talented enough and have a solid draft position to get better otherwise.

Green Bay Packers

Quarterback

Yes. Aaron Rodgers just needs to stay healthy for a full season.

Projected Cap Space

More than $27 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Andrew Quarless	25	TE	UFA
Jamari Lattimore	25	LB	RFA
M.D. Jennings	25	S	RFA
Marshall Newhouse	25	RT	UFA
C.J. Wilson	26	DE	UFA
Jermichael Finley	26	TE	UFA
Michael Neal	26	DE	UFA
Sam Shields	26	CB	UFA
B.J. Raji	27	DE	UFA
Evan Dietrich-Smith	27	C	UFA
James Starks	27	RB	RFA
Kahlil Bell	27	RB	UFA
Matt Flynn	28	QB	UFA
Rob Francois	28	LB	UFA
James Jones	29	WR	UFA
Johnny Jolly	30	DE	UFA
John Kuhn	31	FB	UFA
Seneca Wallace	33	QB	UFA
Ryan Pickett	34	DT	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 21st overall

Top Needs

• Defensive back
• Tight end
• Linebacker
• Defensive line

Offseason Prediction

The Packers have a very favorable salary-cap position that can help them address a secondary that has plagued them for years. They will become a Super Bowl favorite in the rugged NFC with the right additions to the secondary via free agency.

Houston Texans

Quarterback

No. The Texans have to pick one first overall or at least trade down a few slots and add picks while getting a quarterback.

Projected Cap Space

Around $3.3 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Ben Tate	25	RB	UFA
Terrell McClain	25	DT	RFA
Bryan Braman	26	LB	RFA
Darryl Sharpton	26	LB	UFA
Earl Mitchell	26	DT	UFA
Lestar Jean	26	WR	RFA
Andrew Gardner	27	RT	UFA
Deji Karim	27	RB	RFA
Elbert Mack	27	CB	UFA
Garrett Graham	27	TE	UFA
Ricky Sapp	27	LB	ERFA
Joe Mays	28	LB	UFA
Ryan Harris	28	LT	UFA
Antonio Smith	32	DE	UFA
Greg Jones	32	FB	UFA
Jarvis Green	35	DT	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, first overall 

Top Needs

• Quarterback
• Offensive tackle
• Defensive tackle
• Safety

Offseason Prediction

The Texans have a slew of options at No. 1 overall. It will be a quarterback, and Johnny Manziel is already a star in Texas. They won't risk trading down and just pick him a bit higher than he should go.

Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback

Uh, yeah. No one has a better young quarterback than Andrew Luck. Ever.

Projected Cap Space

More than $33.5 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Cam Johnson	23	LB	ERFA
Scott Lutrus	25	LB	RFA
Sergio Brown	25	S	UFA
Vontae Davis	25	CB	UFA
Cassius Vaughn	26	CB	UFA
Darrius Heyward-Bey	26	WR	UFA
Donald Brown	26	RB	UFA
Jeff Linkenbach	26	G	UFA
Joe Reitz	26	G	RFA
Josh Gordy	26	CB	RFA
Kavell Conner	26	LB	RFA
Pat McAfee	26	P	UFA
Ricardo Mathews	26	DE	UFA
Ahmad Bradshaw	27	RB	UFA
Lawrence Sidbury	27	LB	UFA
Patrick Angerer	27	LB	UFA
Fili Moala	28	DE	UFA
Justin Hickman	28	LB	ERFA
Mike McGlynn	28	G	UFA
Antoine Bethea	29	S	UFA
Aubrayo Franklin	33	DT	UFA
Adam Vinatieri	41	K	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

No first-round pick due to Trent Richardson deal. First selection is the 26th position in Round 2. 

Top Needs

• Wide receiver
• Offensive line
• Linebacker

Offseason Prediction

Greg Hardy might require being the highest-paid end in football, but the Colts need to balance their team with some defense. Hardy isn't a done deal to return to the Panthers, so he will give the Colts a premium defensive end. The Colts have a lot of cap space, even if they have a lot of free agents.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback

No way. The Jaguars need to put this to bed with their first-round pick. 

Projected Cap Space

Almost $50.4 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Austin Pasztor	23	RT	ERFA
Jordan Todman	23	RB	RFA
Mike Brown	24	WR	ERFA
Allen Reisner	25	TE	RFA
Brandon Deaderick	26	DT	UFA
Cameron Bradfield	26	LT	RFA
Clay Harbor	26	TE	UFA
Larry Hart	26	LB	RFA
Taylor Price	26	WR	UFA
Kyle Love	27	DT	UFA
Scotty McGee	27	KR	RFA
Will Ta'ufo'ou	27	FB	ERFA
Chad Henne	28	QB	UFA
Maurice Jones-Drew	28	RB	UFA
Will Blackmon	29	CB	UFA
Brad Meester	36	C	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, third overall 

Top Needs

• Quarterback
• Defensive end
• Right tackle 
• Wide receiver

Offseason Prediction

Despite the Jaguars' woes, they are well-positioned for a big offseason. They have the pick to draft a franchise quarterback and the cap space to add anything they so choose in free agency—if they can lure anyone to Jacksonville. They passed on Florida boy Tim Tebow, but they'll take Central Florida boy Blake Bortles as their face of the franchise.

Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback

Yes. For now. Alex Smith might never win a Super Bowl, but he has proved he can win games in this league. That's good enough for most.

Projected Cap Space

Just about $333,000, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Dexter McCluster	25	WR	UFA
Jon Asamoah	25	G	UFA
Kyle Williams	25	WR	UFA
Frank Zombo	26	LB	UFA
Jerrell Powe	26	DT	ERFA
Richard Gordon	26	TE	RFA
Ricky Henry	26	G	RFA
Akeem Jordan	27	LB	UFA
Geoff Schwartz	27	RT	UFA
Kendrick Lewis	27	S	UFA
Tyson Jackson	27	DE	UFA
Anthony Toribio	28	DE	UFA
Husain Abdullah	28	S	UFA
Quintin Demps	28	S	UFA
Branden Albert	29	LT	UFA
Robert James	30	LB	ERFA
Thomas Gafford	31	LS	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 23rd overall 

Top Needs

• Wide receiver
• Defensive line
• Linebacker 

Offseason Prediction

You don't draft Eric Fisher No. 1 overall to play right tackle his whole career. Expect Branden Albert to flee via free agency.

Miami Dolphins

Quarterback

Yes. Joe Philbin and the Dolphins have their wagon hitched to Ryan Tannehill. That might not be a terrible thing long term.

Projected Cap Space

More than $32 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Armon Binns	24	WR	ERFA
Jonathan Freeny	24	LB	ERFA
Pat Devlin	25	QB	RFA
R.J. Stanford	25	CB	RFA
Will Yeatman	25	LT	RFA
David Arkin	26	G	UFA
Marlon Moore	26	WR	UFA
Austin Spitler	27	LB	UFA
Christopher Owens	27	CB	UFA
John Jerry	27	G	UFA
Nolan Carroll	27	CB	UFA
Chris Clemons	28	S	UFA
Danny Watkins	29	G	RFA
Dustin Keller	29	TE	UFA
Brent Grimes	30	CB	UFA
Paul Soliai	30	DT	UFA
Randy Starks	30	DT	UFA
Richie Incognito	30	G	UFA
Tyson Clabo	32	RT	UFA
Bryant McKinnie	34	LT	UFA
Randy Thomas	38	G	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 19th overall

Top Needs

• Offensive line
• Defensive line
• Defensive back

Offseason Prediction

They need almost an entire offensive line, particularly help on the left side. The good news is they can retain their free agents and afford a number of pieces in free agency. Expect them to set the market higher for any available linemen, even if they don't land them. Failing to make those additions, they will draft a number of linemen in the middle of the first few rounds.

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback

No. If they don't land Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles in Round 1, this could be a depressing offseason for Vikings fans.

Projected Cap Space

Almost $24 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
J'Marcus Webb	25	RT	UFA
Larry Dean	25	LB	RFA
Chris Cook	26	CB	UFA
Everson Griffen	26	DE	UFA
Josh Freeman	26	QB	UFA
Marcus Sherels	26	CB	RFA
Matt Asiata	26	FB	ERFA
Toby Gerhart	26	RB	UFA
Jerome Simpson	27	WR	UFA
Joe Webb	27	WR	UFA
Seth Olsen	28	G	UFA
Charlie Johnson	29	G	UFA
Desmond Bishop	29	LB	UFA
Marvin Mitchell	29	LB	UFA
Fred Evans	30	DT	UFA
Jared Allen	31	DE	UFA
Joe Berger	31	C	UFA
Matt Cassel	31	QB	UFA
Kevin Williams	33	DT	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, eighth overall

Top Needs

• Quarterback
• Defensive line
• Defensive backs
• Linebackers
• Offensive line

Offseason Prediction

Jared Allen is going to have a new home, even if the Vikings have ample cap space. They need to also find a way to get Bridgewater, Bortles or Manziel. That would require an aggressive move up from the eighth spot, though.

New England Patriots

Quarterback

Yes. They might switch gears on their backup, though, dealing Ryan Mallett to a team that loses out on a first-round quarterback.

Projected Cap Space

Around $5.6 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Danny Aiken	25	LS	RFA
Michael Hoomanawanui	25	TE	UFA
Brandon Spikes	26	LB	UFA
Aqib Talib	27	CB	UFA
Dane Fletcher	27	LB	UFA
Julian Edelman	27	WR	UFA
LeGarrette Blount	27	RB	UFA
Ryan Wendell	27	C	UFA
Austin Collie	28	WR	UFA
Christian Cox	28	DT	RFA
Matthew Mulligan	29	TE	UFA
Will Svitek	32	LT	UFA
Andre Carter	34	DE	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 29th overall

Top Needs

• Linebacker
• Defensive line
• Offensive line
• Defensive back 

Offseason Prediction

They don't have a whole lot of room to operate, but consider re-signing Talib their No. 1 priority with what cap space they do have. Also, expect them to deal Mallett to a quarterback-needy team and draft a new developmental project later in May.

New Orleans Saints

Quarterback

Yes. The Saints need to rework Drew Brees' deal, though, to get under the salary cap and afford their premium free agents.

Projected Cap Space

More than $13.4 million over, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Trevin Wade	24	CB	ERFA
Bryce Harris	25	RT	ERFA
Isa Abdul-Quddus	25	S	RFA
Joseph Morgan	25	WR	RFA
Charles Brown	26	LT	UFA
Malcolm Jenkins	26	S	UFA
Rafael Bush	26	S	RFA
Ramon Humber	26	LB	UFA
Jed Collins	27	FB	RFA
Jimmy Graham	27	TE	UFA
Brian De La Puente	28	C	UFA
Keyunta Dawson	28	DE	UFA
Eric Frampton	29	S	UFA
Robert Meachem	29	WR	UFA
Tom Johnson	29	DE	RFA
Chris Carr	30	CB	UFA
Parys Haralson	30	LB	UFA
Will Herring	30	LB	UFA
Zach Strief	30	RT	UFA
Jonathan Vilma	31	LB	UFA
Luke McCown	32	QB	UFA
Kenyon Coleman	34	DE	UFA
Shayne Graham	36	K	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 27th overall

Top Needs

• Offensive tackle
• Linebacker
• Defensive back

Offseason Prediction

Brees helps the Saints get closer to the cap by restructuring his deal, while Jimmy Graham becomes the single most important franchise tag in football. He warrants the richest deal in NFL history for a tight end, but the cap-strapped Saints will need to write it creatively to make it work with the current cap restrictions.

New York Giants

Quarterback

Yes. They have the quarterback of the now, plus they have Ryan Nassib sucking up a roster spot.

Projected Cap Space

Around $9.2 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Chad Jones	25	S	UFA
Henry Hynoski	25	FB	RFA
Linval Joseph	25	DT	UFA
Spencer Paysinger	25	LB	RFA
Hakeem Nicks	26	WR	UFA
Jim Cordle	26	C	RFA
Louis Murphy	26	WR	UFA
Mark Herzlich	26	LB	RFA
Matt Dodge	26	P	UFA
Stevie Brown	26	S	UFA
Andre Brown	27	RB	UFA
Bear Pascoe	27	TE	UFA
Keith Rivers	27	LB	UFA
Brandon Myers	28	TE	UFA
Curtis Painter	28	QB	UFA
Peyton Hillis	28	RB	UFA
Ryan Mundy	28	S	UFA
Trumaine McBride	28	CB	UFA
Jon Beason	29	LB	UFA
Terrell Thomas	29	CB	UFA
Justin Tuck	30	DE	UFA
Kevin Boothe	30	G	UFA
Mike Patterson	30	DE	UFA
Aaron Ross	31	CB	UFA
Josh Brown	34	K	UFA
Shaun Rogers	34	DT	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 12th overall

Top Needs

• Offensive line
• Linebacker
• Defensive back
• Tight end

Offseason Prediction

Hakeem Nicks' departure is a foregone conclusion. His loss and the remaining cap room can be used to find a center, guard and right tackle...if not a left one. OK, that is far too optimistic. Perhaps the Giants just find one in the offseason and build the line through the draft.

New York Jets

Quarterback

No. They might have to give Geno Smith another year. We know Mark Sanchez won't be back.

Projected Cap Space

Almost $23.3 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Nick Bellore	24	LB	RFA
Aaron Berry	25	CB	UFA
Darrin Walls	25	CB	RFA
Austin Howard	26	RT	UFA
Ellis Lankster	26	CB	UFA
Jeff Cumberland	26	TE	UFA
Josh Mauga	26	LB	UFA
Konrad Reuland	26	TE	RFA
Vidal Hazelton	26	WR	ERFA
Vladimir Ducasse	26	G	UFA
Leger Douzable	27	DE	UFA
Brady Quinn	29	QB	UFA
Dallas Reynolds	29	C	ERFA
Darius Reynaud	29	RB	UFA
Garrett McIntyre	29	LB	RFA
Lex Hilliard	29	RB	UFA
Nick Folk	29	K	UFA
Joshua Cribbs	30	WR	UFA
Kellen Winslow	30	TE	UFA
Willie Colon	30	G	UFA
Isaiah Trufant	31	CB	UFA
Calvin Pace	33	LB	UFA
David Garrard	35	QB	UFA
Ed Reed	35	S	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 18th overall

Top Needs

• Quarterback
• Wide receiver
• Offensive line
• Running back 

Offseason Prediction

Mark Sanchez is long gone as a cap casualty, even if the Jets do not have faith in Smith. They don't have a pick to get a true franchise quarterback, so expect him to open the year as the starter.

Oakland Raiders

Quarterback

No. They should draft one over considering Michael Vick as a free-agent starter. They might not be left with a choice, though.

Projected Cap Space

More than $63.6 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Lamar Mady	23	G	ERFA
Brandian Ross	24	S	ERFA
Jamize Olawale	24	FB	ERFA
Jeremy Stewart	24	RB	RFA
Kaelin Burnett	24	LB	ERFA
Matt McCants	24	C	ERFA
Chimdi Chekwa	25	CB	RFA
Phillip Adams	25	CB	UFA
Darren McFadden	26	RB	UFA
Jacoby Ford	26	WR	UFA
Jared Veldheer	26	LT	UFA
Jeron Mastrud	26	TE	UFA
Lamarr Houston	26	DE	UFA
Vance Walker	26	DT	UFA
Tracy Porter	27	CB	UFA
Mike Jenkins	28	CB	UFA
Rashad Jennings	28	RB	UFA
Usama Young	28	S	UFA
Daniel Muir	30	DT	UFA
Jason Hunter	30	DE	UFA
Khalif Barnes	31	LT	UFA
Tony Pashos	33	RT	UFA
Andre Gurode	34	C	UFA
Charles Woodson	37	S	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, fifth overall 

Top Needs

• Quarterback
• Offensive line
• Wide receiver
• Defensive back

Offseason Prediction

The Raiders figure to be left out of the mix for a quarterback early in Round 1, as Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater go in the top four. That will force the Raiders to rely on Vick as their temporary answer at the position.

Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback

Sort of. Nick Foles clearly earned a full-season look. Heck, his half-season performance made him appear to be a future star.

Projected Cap Space

Almost $21 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Arrelious Benn	25	WR	UFA
Cedric Thornton	25	DE	RFA
Jeremy Maclin	25	WR	UFA
Kurt Coleman	25	S	UFA
Clifton Geathers	26	DE	UFA
Jorrick Calvin	26	CB	RFA
Nate Allen	26	S	UFA
Riley Cooper	26	WR	UFA
Jeff Owens	27	DT	RFA
Colt Anderson	28	S	UFA
Phillip Hunt	28	LB	RFA
Donnie Jones	33	P	UFA
Michael Vick	33	QB	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 22nd overall

Top Needs

• Defensive back
• Linebacker
• Defensive line

Offseason Prediction

Ample cap room allows the Eagles to retain all of their best free agents, namely Jeremy Maclin (knee) and Riley Cooper. There is even plenty left over to bolster the secondary and the pass rush, adding Jared Allen to harry opposing quarterbacks and helping the secondary that way.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarterback

Yes. Ben Roethlisberger will be getting an extension, too. 

Projected Cap Space

About $10.5 million over, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Brian Arnfelt	24	DE	ERFA
Eric Olsen	25	C	RFA
Jason Worilds	25	LB	UFA
Stevenson Sylvester	25	LB	UFA
Al Woods	26	DE	UFA
David Johnson	26	FB	UFA
Emmanuel Sanders	26	WR	UFA
Evander Hood	26	DE	UFA
Felix Jones	26	RB	UFA
LaRod Stephens-Howling	26	RB	UFA
Michael Palmer	26	TE	UFA
Fernando Velasco	28	C	UFA
Jamaal Westerman	28	LB	UFA
Guy Whimper	30	G	UFA
Rashad Butler	30	LT	UFA
Jerricho Cotchery	31	WR	UFA
Will Allen	31	S	UFA
Greg Warren	32	LS	UFA
Mat McBriar	34	P	UFA
Ryan Clark	34	S	UFA
Brett Keisel	35	DE	UFA
Plaxico Burress	36	WR	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 15th overall

Top Needs

• Offensive line
• Wide receiver
• Defensive back
• Defensive line

Offseason Prediction

The Steelers get closer to the cap by giving Big Ben a long-term contract extension. A well-written deal should help alleviate a lot of the current-year cap stress. They still will need to address the offensive line and aging secondary in the draft, though.

San Diego Chargers

Quarterback

Yes. The answer is much more convincing after Philip Rivers' rebound year.

Projected Cap Space

Around $2.7 million over, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Bront Bird	24	LB	RFA
Danario Alexander	25	WR	UFA
Donald Butler	25	LB	UFA
Steve Schilling	25	G	RFA
Darrell Stuckey	26	S	UFA
Seyi Ajirotutu	26	WR	UFA
Cam Thomas	27	DT	UFA
Lavelle Hawkins	27	WR	UFA
Reggie Walker	27	LB	UFA
Rich Ohrnberger	27	G	UFA
Chad Rinehart	28	G	UFA
Larry English	28	LB	UFA
Richard Marshall	29	CB	UFA
Charlie Whitehurst	31	QB	UFA
Ronnie Brown	32	RB	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 25th overall

Top Needs

• Cornerback
• Safety
• Offensive guards
• Linebacker

Offseason Prediction

The Chargers are in for a tough offseason if they cannot fix their woeful corners because of salary-cap issues. The draft can help, but this team was hoping to compete now. Drafting secondary help can take some time to develop.

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback

Yes. Colin Kaepernick should be much better with a full year of health from Michael Crabtree.

Projected Cap Space

More than $5.1 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Anthony Dixon	26	FB	UFA
Demarcus Dobbs	26	TE	RFA
Colt McCoy	27	QB	UFA
Mario Manningham	27	WR	UFA
Michael Wilhoite	27	LB	ERFA
Perrish Cox	27	CB	UFA
Donte Whitner	28	S	UFA
Eric Wright	28	CB	UFA
Tarell Brown	29	CB	UFA
Anquan Boldin	33	WR	UFA
Kassim Osgood	33	WR	UFA
Jonathan Goodwin	35	C	UFA
Phil Dawson	39	K	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 30th overall

Top Needs

• Wide receiver
• Defensive back
• Defensive line

Offseason Prediction

One of the worst passing offenses in football sorely needs some weapons. Kenny Britt could be a good fit on the cheap. The fact the 49ers are a contender will also help lure him to the West Coast on an incentive-laden, one-year deal.

Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback

Yes. Russell Wilson already has won a Super Bowl in his second year. He is here to stay.

Projected Cap Space

Around $2.55 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Doug Baldwin	25	WR	RFA
Golden Tate	25	WR	UFA
Jeron Johnson	25	S	RFA
Anthony McCoy	26	TE	UFA
Lemuel Jeanpierre	26	C	RFA
Michael Morgan	26	DE	RFA
O'Brien Schofield	26	LB	UFA
Walter Thurmond	26	CB	UFA
Chris Maragos	27	S	UFA
Clinton McDonald	27	DT	UFA
Breno Giacomini	28	RT	UFA
Kellen Davis	28	TE	UFA
Michael Bennett	28	DE	UFA
Steven Hauschka	28	K	UFA
Brandon Browner	29	CB	UFA
Tony McDaniel	29	DT	UFA
Michael Robinson	30	FB	UFA
Paul McQuistan	30	LT	UFA
Tarvaris Jackson	30	QB	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 32nd overall 

Top Needs

• Wide receiver
• Tight end
• Offensive line

Offseason Prediction

This will be the team that is hardest hit via free agency. That is what happens when you win a Super Bowl. You do it with depth, but then all those role players get paid to be starters and stars elsewhere. Sure, they could be some exceptions—like the "appetizer" wide receivers—but guys like Michael Bennett and Walter Thurmond deserve more money to start for someone else. 

St. Louis Rams

Quarterback

Maybe not. Sam Bradford is coming off injury, and the Rams have the picks to go in a different direction at quarterback. It will be one of the more interesting offseason decisions to watch.

Projected Cap Space

Less than $1 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Justin Veltung	22	WR	ERFA
Rodger Saffold	25	LT	UFA
Darian Stewart	25	S	UFA
Mike McNeill	25	TE	RFA
Tim Barnes	25	C	ERFA
Quinton Pointer	25	S	ERFA
Shelley Smith	26	G	UFA
Chris Williams	28	G	UFA
Jo-Lonn Dunbar	28	LB	UFA
Kellen Clemens	30	QB	UFA
Matt Giordano	30	S	UFA
Will Witherspoon	33	LB	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, second overall (from Washington Redskins for Robert Griffin III) and 13th overall

Top Needs

• Offensive line
• Defensive back
• Wide receiver
• Quarterback

Offseason Prediction

The Rams have enough defense and pass-rushers, so they eschew defensive end Jadeveon Clowney or another quarterback project and pick Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson with the second overall pick. The Rams have enough picks to take a developmental quarterback later and give Bradford one more year with his young receiving corps.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback

No. Mike Glennon hasn't shown enough to be considered a franchise quarterback, but the Bucs have bigger holes to fill this winter.

Projected Cap Space

More than $11 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Eric Page	22	WR	RFA
Deveron Carr	23	CB	ERFA
Bradley McDougald	23	S	ERFA
Jacob Cutrera	25	LB	UFA
Dekoda Watson	25	LB	UFA
Nate Byham	25	TE	RFA
Jonathan Casillas	26	LB	UFA
Ted Larsen	26	C	UFA
Daniel Te'o-Nesheim	26	DE	UFA
Tiquan Underwood	26	WR	UFA
Bobby Rainey	26	RB	RFA
Kyle Adams	26	TE	UFA
Erik Lorig	27	FB	UFA
Jamon Meredith	27	G	UFA
Danny Gorrer	27	CB	UFA
Adam Hayward	29	LB	UFA
Spencer Larsen	29	FB	UFA
Brian Leonard	30	RB	UFA
Dan Orlovsky	30	QB	UFA
Gary Gibson	31	DT	UFA
Andrew Economos	31	LS	UFA
Lawrence Tynes	35	K	UFA
Rian Lindell	37	K	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, seventh overall

Top Needs

• Pass-rusher
• Offensive line
• Tight end
• Quarterback 

Offseason Prediction

The Bucs could become one of the best defenses in football with a big-time play for a pass-rusher like the Panthers' Greg Hardy. Failing that, they use their cap space to bolster the offensive line and draft a pass-rushing defensive end.

Tennessee Titans

Quarterback

Not yet. The jury is still out on Jake Locker, but he likely deserves one more year to prove worthy of being an NFL starter.

Projected Cap Space

Around $6.5 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Alterraun Verner	25	CB	UFA
Damian Williams	25	WR	UFA
Kenny Britt	25	WR	UFA
Kevin Matthews	26	C	UFA
Marc Mariani	26	WR	UFA
Rusty Smith	27	QB	UFA
Ropati Pitoitua	28	DE	UFA
Antonio Johnson	29	DT	UFA
Bernard Pollard	29	S	UFA
Robert Turner	29	C	UFA
Jackie Battle	30	RB	UFA
Michael Otto	30	LT	UFA
Chris Spencer	31	G	UFA
Leon Washington	31	RB	UFA
Kevin Walter	32	WR	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

Round 1, 11th overall

Top Needs

• Defensive back
• Defensive end
• Running back
• Quarterback

Offseason Prediction

Chris Johnson is still a productive player, but making him the highest-profile cap casualty of this offseason could help the Titans improve as a whole. The NFL draft has rendered some very good value in the late rounds at running back. Johnson just doesn't warrant his paycheck. Imagine him in a place like New York? Wow.

Washington Redskins

Quarterback

Yes. In fact, they are going to trade Kirk Cousins,because they are so committed to Robert Griffin III.

Projected Cap Space

Almost $15 million, per Spotrac estimates.

Potential Free Agents

Player	Age	Pos	Status
Dezmon Briscoe	24	WR	UFA
Aldrick Robinson	25	WR	ERFA
Jose Gumbs	25	S	ERFA
Perry Riley	25	LB	UFA
Chris Baker	26	DE	UFA
Doug Worthington	26	DE	RFA
E.J. Biggers	26	CB	UFA
J.D. Walton	26	C	UFA
Brian Orakpo	27	LB	UFA
Fred Davis	28	TE	UFA
Josh Morgan	28	WR	UFA
Josh Wilson	28	CB	UFA
Rob Jackson	28	LB	UFA
Bryan Kehl	29	LB	UFA
Darryl Tapp	29	LB	UFA
DeAngelo Hall	30	CB	UFA
Reed Doughty	31	S	UFA
Nick Barnett	32	LB	UFA
Rex Grossman	33	QB	UFA
Santana Moss	34	WR	UFA
London Fletcher	38	LB	UFA

Information from Spotrac.

Draft Position

No first-round pick due to the RG3 trade with the St. Louis Rams. First pick is the second pick of Round 2. 

Top Needs

• Offensive line
• Defensive line
• Defensive back
• Wide receiver

Offseason Prediction

After giving Orakpo the biggest deal for a linebacker in the NFL, the Redskins need to turn their focus to propping up RG3 as a superstar. It will require beefing up the line and getting him some weapons to target downfield.

Follow @EricMackFantasy

Eric Mack, one of the giants among fantasy writers, is the Fantasy Football Lead Writer for Bleacher Report this season. Follow him on Twitter, where you can ask him endless questions about your team, rip him for his content and even challenge him to a head-to-head fantasy game.