How Increase in 2014 Salary Cap Will Affect Every Team's Free Agency Spending

“Monday, Monday, so good to me; Monday morning, it was all I hoped it would be.”

Those are the words of the fabled rock group known as The Mamas and the Papas.

Monday, Mar. 3, was an extremely busy day around the NFL. Depending on your perspective, it was good to you and all you hoped it would be.

But first things first and that’s the salary cap for 2014, which is now apparently set at $133 million according to last week’s report by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

So what does that mean for each of the 32 clubs in the league? Well, depending on how you have managed your money, you either have more or less money to spend on not only your own players but potential free-agent additions as well.

We will take a look at each team’s situation, point out some key players who the team may want to re-sign and make some suggestions in terms of where to spend their money (if they have any). That even includes the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, who remain over the projected cap as of this writing on Tuesday morning.

As usual, kudos to Spotrac (subscription required) for their assistance when it comes to the salary-cap information and potential unrestricted free agents for each of the 32 teams. Here is also a big thank you to Ourlads and their outstanding depth charts and free-agent information.

The National Football League’s free-agency period begins on Mar. 11.

This next week or so should be incredibly interesting.

Arizona Cardinals: Under $17.9 Million

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Talk about pleasant surprises? The Arizona Cardinals were just that in 2013, finishing 10-6 and just missing the playoffs in head coach Bruce Arians’ debut in the desert.

But can the Big Red make a big move within the rugged NFC West? The Cards were led by the league’s sixth-ranked defense this past season, and one that gave up the fewest rushing yards in the league.

A big part of that defense was the team’s top tackler in inside linebacker Karlos Dansby. While Arizona didn’t use the franchise tag to secure the veteran defender’s services, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reports that it appears that it’s just a matter of time before the parties are reunited.

The Cards have some money to play with cap-wise, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them re-up with any number of their other 13 potential unrestricted free agents.

Atlanta Falcons: Under $26.3 Million

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Following five straight winning seasons and four playoff appearances over that span, the Atlanta Falcons took quite a big fall in 2013.

Tied for the NFL’s best record at 13-3 in 2012, Mike Smith’s club won nine fewer games this past season and at 4-12, finished eight games behind the division-champion Carolina Panthers.

Injuries were a factor, but so was philosophy. The team finished last in the NFL in rushing and next-to-last in the league when it came to stopping the run.

The Falcons have the money to bring in someone who could possibly rectify the situation. They also have potential free-agent defensive linemen such as Jonathan Babineaux, Peria Jerry and Corey Peters who could return. In any case, help is needed for Mike Nolan’s unit as only four teams in the league allowed more total yards per game.

Baltimore Ravens: Under $28.1 Million

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Late last week, the Baltimore Ravens made sure one of quarterback Joe Flacco’s most reliable targets wasn’t going anywhere. According to CBS Sports Jason La Canfora, the team reached an agreement with potential free-agent tight end Dennis Pitta.

However, there’s still lots of work to be done for a Ravens team that finished 8-8 this past season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Among the players that could hit the free-agent market next week are tackles Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher, wide receiver Jacoby Jones, cornerback Corey Graham and inside linebacker Daryl Smith. The latter led the club in tackles in 2013.

Buffalo Bills: Under $25.7 Million

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Will Jairus Byrd fly the coop?

Take your pick in terms of potential clever headlines for the Buffalo Bills, who stand to lose one of their best defenders—and overall players—on the team.

A year ago, the productive free safety was given the franchise tag, which he eventually signed. Byrd would miss the first six games of 2013 due to injury but would still tie for the team lead with four interceptions.

It’s safe to say new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz wouldn’t mind having Byrd back.

Elsewhere, retaining tight end Scott Chandler has to be on the team’s priority list. The veteran led the team with 53 catches and 655 receiving yards in 2013.

Carolina Panthers: Under $8.6 Million

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

Designated Franchise Player: DE Greg Hardy

Are the Carolina Panthers the NFL’s next powerhouse?

It may take some time to find that out. But if Ron Rivera’s team is to continue to progress, retaining Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy was essential. The four-year veteran was given the franchise tag designation last week, as reported by Brian Strickland of Panthers.com last Friday.

Still, the team doesn’t have a lot of money to spend and still some notable players that they might want to retain. The list includes cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and wide receivers Ted Ginn and Brandon LaFell, three of potential 19 unrestricted free agents for the defending NFC South champions.

Chicago Bears: Under $8.5 Million

David Richard/Associated Press

Along with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears have been another busy team the last week or so when it comes to securing their own players.

The team recently re-signed center Roberto Garza and tight end Dante Rosario to one-year contracts, as reported by Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com.

Of course, there are some other prominent names on the team’s potential free-agent list, including former Pro Bowlers in defensive tackle Henry Melton, cornerback Charles Tillman and kick returner Devin Hester. Safety Major Wright and defensive tackle Corey Wootton are on the list as well.

Then again, the Bears’ defense had a ton of issues last season, be it due to injury or performance. So it will be interesting to see just who returns to the Windy City in 2014.

Cincinnati Bengals: Under $30.4 Million

Al Behrman/Associated Press

Let’s play connect the dots.

Last offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals were extremely diligent when it came to taking care of their own. The club inked defensive tackle Geno Atkins and defensive end Carlos Dunlap to long-terms deals. The team also re-signed more than half of their dozen potential defensive free agents and slapped the franchise tag on defensive end Michael Johnson.

While the sturdy defender saw his sack production dip from 11.5 sacks in 2012 to 3.5 sacks this past season, he actually enjoyed a better overall season than the previous year.

Still, some expect Johnson to take the free-agent highway out of town and possibly head to Minnesota to join former Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, now the Vikings head coach.

However, he remains a priority for the team to bring back. The Bengals could also look to retain tackle Anthony Collins.

Could the team be looking to get quarterback Andy Dalton, entering his final season under his current deal, signed to a new contract sooner than later?

Cleveland Browns: Under $56.9 Million

David Richard/Associated Press

Designated Transition Player: C Alex Mack

Eight head coaches in 16 years certainly screams of transition.

So it is somewhat ironic that the Cleveland Browns, with a ton of money under the cap, chose to give two-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack the seldom-used transition tag, as pointed out by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

The franchise, now under the guidance of general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine, only has five more potential unrestricted free agents to deal with. However, one of those is Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward, one of the team’s more reliable players in recent years.

Given their cap space, it will be interesting to see if Ward actually does hit the open market next week.

Dallas Cowboys: Over $16.5 Million

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

No team is more cap-strapped than the Dallas Cowboys these days.

Very late Monday night, they did a little something to alleviate the situation. Clarence Hill reported on Star-Telegram.com that the team had reworked the contracts of linebacker Sean Lee and cornerback Orlando Scandrick. Note: Those recent numbers are not yet reflected in the team’s cap number in the heading.

This past season, the team dealt with its share of injuries on the defensive line. Now owner/president/general manager Jerry Jones must deal with getting Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jason Hatcher re-signed, as well as finding a way to keep high-priced defensive end DeMarcus Ware with the team.

Denver Broncos: Under $17.9 Million

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

The defending AFC champion Denver Broncos are well under the projected salary-cap number.

However, general manager John Elway has some decisions to make in terms of who the team hopes to retain before next week. Super Bowl XLVIII starters such as running back Knowshon Moreno, wide receiver Eric Decker, left guard Zane Beadles, defensive end Shaun Phillips and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are all potential unrestricted free agents.

So what does that mean in terms of the Broncos being a major player in the market? The team has some big-time needs on defense, but that help may have to come via May’s draft.

Detroit Lions: Under $11.7 Million

David Richard/Associated Press

In recent weeks, the Detroit Lions opened up some cap space by releasing veterans such as wide receiver Nate Burleson and free safety Louis Delmas.

However, the club still has some decisions to make in terms of who they want to bring back. The Lions have 16 potential unrestricted free agents, a list that includes former first-round pick and tight end Brandon Pettigrew, defensive end Willie Young and cornerback Rashean Mathis.

New head coach Jim Caldwell is the latest possible solution in the Motor City. Jim Schwartz was let go after his team dropped six of its final seven games following a 6-3 start.

Now we will soon see how many players may drop from the Lions’ plans in 2014.

Green Bay Packers: Under $35.1 Million

Associated Press

As has been well-documented, the Green Bay Packers are rarely big-time players when it comes to free agency.

General manager Ted Thompson does an outstanding job of restocking the cupboard when it starts to become bare.

That cupboard has some pretty tasty selections these days. Defensive end B.J. Raji, cornerback Sam Shields, wide receiver James Jones and tight ends Jermichael Finley and Andrew Quarless are among 17 potential free agents for the defending NFC North champions.

Shields would appear to be the priority here. Green Bay’s defense finished 25th in total yards allowed and 24th in pass defense in the NFL in 2013. The four-year veteran finished sixth on the team with 61 tackles and was the leader of the Pack in terms of interceptions (four) and passes defensed (17).

Shields put up terrific numbers this past season. Now we will apparently soon see what kind of numbers will be thrown at him by teams in March.

Houston Texans: Under $9.2 Million

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It’s pretty safe to say that the Houston Texans are a team without a lot of pressing personnel needs.

That doesn’t mean that the talented club doesn’t have a lot of issues.

Anytime you are riding a 14-game losing streak, there is plenty of blame to go around. New head coach Bill O’Brien has his work cut out for him as he is in the evaluation process when it comes to his quarterbacks, namely struggling veteran Matt Schaub.

What the Texans do with the top pick in May’s draft is a story for another time. In terms of free agency, the team would probably like to have veteran defensive end Antonio Smith and possibly tight end Garrett Graham back. However, despite running back Arian Foster’s injury concerns, Houston seems to be resigned to the fact that running back Ben Tate won’t be returning to the club.

Indianapolis Colts: Under $40.9 Million

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The fact that the Indianapolis Colts did not slap the franchise tag on cornerback Vontae Davis on Monday may have surprised some.

What would be an even bigger surprise is if general manager Ryan Grigson didn’t once again attack the free-agent market like he did when it came to the defense last offseason.

The team wound up with four current starters in the form of defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois, outside linebacker Erik Walden, cornerback Greg Toler and free safety LaRon Landry via free agency in 2013.

Of course, bringing back Davis and veteran strong safety Antoine Bethea have to be on Grigson’s list. As far as additions on offense, the Colts could be looking at some wide receiver help considering veteran Reggie Wayne is coming off an injury-shortened season.

Look for the team to be active in the next few weeks, especially with money to spend. Keep in mind that the Colts totaled a respectable 42 sacks in 2013, but nearly half (19.5) came from Pro Bowl outside linebacker Robert Mathis.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Under $56.1 Million

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Give credit where credit is due.

Under first-time NFL head coach Gus Bradley, the Jacksonville Jaguars split their final eight games last season following a franchise-record 0-8 start.

The team doesn’t have a lot of potential free agents to bring back. Veteran quarterback Chad Henne is certainly a possibility. It will be interesting to see where the club’s all-time leader in touchdowns, running back Maurice Jones-Drew, winds up in 2014.

With plenty of money to spend, could the Jaguars make a run at possible free agents such as defensive ends Jared Allen (Minnesota Vikings) and Michael Bennett (Seattle Seahawks) to bolster their troubled pass rush? In 2013, Jacksonville totaled 31 sacks, tied with the Chicago Bears for the fewest sacks in the league.

A year earlier, the Jags managed only 20 sacks. Do the math and that’s just 51 sacks in their last 32 games. To put that in perspective, the Carolina Panthers totaled an NFL-high 60 sacks in 2013.

With some cash availability and the third overall pick in May at their disposal, Bradley and his team may be able to find some defensive help sooner than later.

Kansas City Chiefs: Under $9.8 Million

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

From talk of a huge season to yet another playoff disaster.

Hence the somewhat-recent fortunes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Including their incredible playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Andy Reid’s team allowed 239 points in its final eight games. This after the Chiefs gave up only 111 points during their 9-0 start this past season.

That’s the past. Will the future for the club include Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert, wide receiver Dexter McCluster and defensive end Tyson Jackson? All three were pivotal parts of last season’s success, and the trio is part of the club’s 11 potential unrestricted free agents.

Kansas City spent their share of money in 2013. Will history repeat itself?

Miami Dolphins: Under $39.2 Million

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Last year during the offseason, there were very few teams more aggressive that the Miami Dolphins.

Will that be the case once again in 2014?

One thing we know for sure. One of their prized free-agent acquisitions from a year ago isn’t going anywhere.

Per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes signed a four-year contract with the club. The former Atlanta Falcons’ standout totaled 60 tackles and led the club with four interceptions and 16 passes defensed in 2013.

But who else figures to be back on Joe Philbin’s club this upcoming season? Defensive tackles Randy Starks and Paul Soliai and safety Chris Clemons are slated to hit the market next week.

Minnesota Vikings: Under $35.0 Million

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

Looking for a defensive lineman?

The Minnesota Vikings come off a very disappointing 5-10-1 mark in 2013, this after winning 10 games and reaching the playoffs the previous season.

Now consider that no team in the league gave up more points than Leslie Frazier’s club in 2013. Hence one reason the team now welcomes new head coach Mike Zimmer, who used to be the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator.

Speaking of that side of the ball, defensive ends Jared Allen and Everson Griffen and defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Fred Evans may all be available in a week or so. It will be interesting to see who will return in 2014.

Then again, the Vikings certainly have some money to spend. Could Zimmer be reunited with talented defensive end Michael Johnson, a member of the Bengals the last four seasons, sooner than later?

New England Patriots: Under $12.7 Million

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Are the New England Patriots getting ready to dig deep in their pockets to bring back any of their potential unrestricted free agents?

Only time will tell. The list includes wide receiver Julian Edelman, who led the team in receptions in 2013, and Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib, who picked off four passes this past season.

There is a pair of tight ends on the list as well in the form of Michael Hoomanawanui and Matthew Mulligan. Could one or both be back until the Pats know how healthy oft-injured Rob Gronkowski will be? Has veteran linebacker Brandon Spikes worn out his welcome in Foxborough?

There are plenty of questions for the reigning dynasty of the NFL. But this is a franchise that always seems to come up with more answers than any other team in the league.

New Orleans Saints: Under $1.6 Million

Bill Haber/Associated Press

Designated Franchise Player: TE Jimmy Graham

Let the “fun” begin?

Sean Payton’s New Orleans Saints were back to being a playoff team in 2013. One reason is that Payton was back to being the team’s head coach after serving a one-year suspension by the league.

Another was Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham, who led the NFL in touchdown receptions this past season. In four seasons in the league, the prolific performer has totaled 301 catches for 3,863 and 41 touchdowns in 62 regular-season games.

Yes, that’s tight end Jimmy Graham.

Not wide receiver Jimmy Graham.

John Breech of CBSSports.com points out that even Graham believes he is a tight end, as does the NFL via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. But we could see the talented pass-catcher challenge that ruling.

By the way, the Saints also have 12 other potential unrestricted free agents on their roster.

New York Giants: Under $19.3 Million

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

This past season, the New York Giants rebounded to win seven of its final 10 games following a 0-6 start.

This offseason, Tom Coughlin had his contract extended one more year.

This month, we’ll find out quickly how many of the team’s 22 possible unrestricted free agents will be around to work with the two-time Super Bowl champion head coach.

There are a lot of prominent names, including defensive end Justin Tuck, safety Stevie Brown, tackle David Diehl and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.

But the player to keep an eye on is veteran linebacker Jon Beason, obtained from the Carolina Panthers via trade last fall. In 12 games this past season, he totaled 93 tackles, which ranked second on the club in 2013.

New York Jets: Under $23.6 Million

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Designated Franchise Player: PK Nick Folk

Did you ever notice that any time a team designates a punter or kicker as a franchise player that there’s this giggle that sweeps the nation?

Okay, that’s a little strong. But keep in mind that the franchise tag is nothing more than a financial decision and a way to buy time to re-sign a player.

Back in the day, the New England Patriots designated Adam Vinatieri as a franchise player on more than one occasion (2002 and 2005). No one was giggling then.

Back to the business of the New York Jets, who felt that securing the dependable Folk was the correct move indeed. The team still has 16 potential unrestricted free agents to make decisions on, the most significant being up-and-coming tight end Jeff Cumberland.

Veteran outside linebacker Calvin Pace, who finished second on the team with 10 sacks in 2013, could also be brought back.

There’s little doubt than Rex Ryan and Co. are also in search of a veteran quarterback to back up young signal-caller Geno Smith.

Oakland Raiders: Under $66.4 Million

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Take the under?

That seems to be the operative word in this part of the Bay Area these days. No team in the league has more cap room than the Oakland Raiders.

Hopefully it will mean something in 2014. Another number that won’t make fans of the Silver and Black happy is the fact that this club is 70 games under the .500 mark (53-123) dating back to 2003.

With an abundance of cap room, it was certainly no surprise that the organization didn’t use the franchise tag this year. Still, in terms of re-signing their own players before next week, the team figures to make offers to tackle Jared Veldheer and defensive end Lamarr Houston.

Also keep in mind that general manager Reggie McKenzie rebuilt his defense via free agency, many of those players via one-year contracts.

Last but not least, are running back Darren McFadden’s days in Oakland getting ready to end?

It certainly won’t be boring in Oakland this month.

Philadelphia Eagles: Under $26.4 Million

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It has been a busy few days in the City of Brotherly Love.

For weeks, it has been debated on whether the Philadelphia Eagles would bring back potential free-agent wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (who missed all of 2013) and Riley Cooper in 2014.

The answer is: Yes to both.

Copper received a new five-year contract and Maclin a one-year deal, according to Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com. And Kempski speculates that those deals could mean the “DeParture” of speedy wideout DeSean Jackson.

Once again, look for these Birds to spend a little money when it comes to aiding the league’s 29th-ranked defense. No doubt the team will save a little cash to bring back potential free-agent punter Donnie Jones.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Over $5.9 Million

Don Wright/Associated Press

Designated Transition Player: OLB Jason Worilds

Is it somehow coincidental that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys are the only current franchises over the projected salary cap at the moment?

We only bring that up because over the last two seasons both of these proud franchises have finished 8-8 each year (Dallas also finished 8-8 in 2011).

With no money to spend, it will be interesting to see the makeup of a team many fans have gotten to know in recent years. Three Super Bowl appearances since 2005 will do that.

Meanwhile, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the club put the transition tag on outside linebacker Jason Worilds, who led the club with eight sacks in 2013. He could still leave the club if another team signs him to an offer sheet and the Steelers opt not to match it. Pittsburgh would receive no compensation if Worilds departures.

St. Louis Rams: Under $7.3 Million

L.G. Patterson/Associated Press

There’s a little symmetry when it comes to the St. Louis Rams and their finish in 2013.

There were nine losses this past season and now nine potential unrestricted free agents to deal with.

Jeff Fisher’s club wound up bringing up the rear in the NFC West but may not be that far from making a run at the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals. Those three clubs all won at least 10 games, the Seahawks and Niners battled in the NFC title game and Seattle wound up winning Super Bowl XLVIII.

Still, there’s hope for optimism. Quarterback Sam Bradford missed considerable time in 2013 but is expected to return, and a number of the team’s young players have come through.

Speaking of which, the Rams are hoping that offensive lineman Rodger Saffold’s days in St. Louis aren’t through. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the four-year veteran is No. 1 on the team’s radar these days.

San Diego Chargers: Under $3.9 Million

Denis Poroy/Associated Press

Here’s a little breaking news from the West coast.

Well, it’s not really little when it comes to the San Diego Chargers, who don’t have a lot of room to play with this year when it comes to the salary cap.

As reported by Michael Gehlen of U-T San Diego, veteran wide receiver Eddie Royal has restructured his contract to give the club a little more room cap-wise. Note: Those recent numbers are not yet reflected in the team’s cap number in the heading.

The bigger news in San Diego the last week or so was the fact that the team was able to re-sign emerging inside linebacker Donald Butler, which was first reported via Twitter by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and summarized here via Brendan Maloy of SI.com.

It would be a surprise to see the Chargers overly active in free agency. But never say never when it comes to an offer too good to pass up.

San Francisco 49ers: Under $10.5 Million

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

For those hoping to see wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin together for a full season (here's a vote from quarterback Colin Kaepernick), the possibility is once again there for the San Francisco 49ers.

The team announced that the 11-year veteran re-signed with the team, and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport says that it is a two-year deal worth $12 million.

So where does that leave the Niners in terms of some of their other potential free agents? Strong safety Donte Whitner would appear to be a priority, but the team also did not use the franchise tag on him.

Don’t be surprised to see the club prevent veteran placekicker Phil Dawson, also a potential free agent, from hitting the market.

Seattle Seahawks: Under $17.8 Million

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

The defending Super Bowl champions don’t appear to be a team with a lot of pressing needs.

Still, the Seattle Seahawks wouldn’t mind bringing back several of their key performers who could be headed elsewhere starting next week.

Defensive end Michael Bennett, wide receiver Golden Tate, placekicker Steve Hauschka and cornerback Walter Thurmond all figure to be on the organization’s wish list.

The first three players mentioned all have one very big distinction from Thurmond, and that’s as team leaders...as in statistical leaders.

In 2013, Bennett totaled a club-high 8.5 sacks, Tate led the club in catches (64) and receiving yards (898) and Hauschka amassed a team-high 143 points, connecting on 33-of-35 field goal attempts.

Can the champs get all three re-signed before next Tuesday? Two out of three may not be so bad.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Under $18.8 Million

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

For the third time in six seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open the season with a new head coach.

Lovie Smith, the sideline leader of the Chicago Bears from 2004-12, inherits a very talented and intriguing team that has now finished in last place in the NFC South each of the last three years.

The Bucs have done well in both free agency and the draft in recent years and by all indications don’t have a pressing need to bring back any of their 18 potential free agents.

So does that mean we could see the team active in the free-agent market in March? Don’t be surprised. And with Smith and new defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier (late of the Minnesota Vikings), the Buccaneers may have more than a few familiar names from the NFC North flying south for the fall.

Tennessee Titans: Under $13.0 Million

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

A year ago, the Tennessee Titans were one of the league’s busiest team during the offseason. Free-agent additions such as guard Andy Levitre, running back Shonn Greene, tight end Delanie Walker and strong safety Bernard Pollard were solid pickups.

Speaking of Pollard, the intimidating defender signed a two-year deal with the club on Monday, as reported by Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean.

Of course, all that movement didn’t pay off with a ton of victories. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt inherits a club that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2008.

Still, the return of Pollard is good news. But what about Pro Bowl cornerback Alterruan Verner, who led the team with five interceptions last season? He could hit the free-agent market next week if the team doesn’t re-sign the four-year veteran before Mar. 11. And Wyatt speculates that if the talented defender is going to get big money, it won’t be with the Titans.

It will also be interesting to see if former first-round wideout Kenny Britt, another potential free agent, remains with the team.

Washington Redskins: Under $17.1 Million

Richard Lipski/Associated Press

Designated Franchise Player: OLB Brian Orakpo

It is the latest new era for the Washington Redskins, who managed to win an NFC East title in 2012 but have finished last in their division five of the last six seasons.

Now it is up to first-time NFL head coach Jay Gruden to reverse the team’s fortunes. This past season, Washington dropped its final eight games to finish 3-13.

The franchise made sure it didn’t drop the ball on losing three-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Orakpo. The five-year veteran was given the franchise tag, as announced by the team and reported by Chris Wesseling of NFL.com.

"I don't have a problem with the decision (the Redskins) made,” said Orakpo to Josina Anderson of ESPN. “But I still want a long-term deal.”

That would probably suit the team just fine. Now Washington can concentrate on the rest of its defense, which includes six linebackers that could become unrestricted free agents next Tuesday.