NFL Offseason Guide 2015: Team-by-Team Primer and Predictions
What’s happening?
Well, we just got done watching the New England Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks in thrilling fashion in Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Arizona. Congratulations to the champions.
Pause…
OK, now it’s time to get you ready for NFL 2015. Here is our offseason guide as we take a brief look at every club and offer some analysis and predictions regarding each one's offseason.
We'll provide the latest 2015 salary-cap info for each team, which includes any rollover from 2014. By the way, the complete list of potential free agents for all 32 franchises is linked on each slide.
From coaching hires to possible salary-cap moves to recent acquisitions and re-signings, we will get you up to date on the latest with the teams and speculate on what we may see in the next few weeks.
Hope you all enjoyed Super Bowl XLIX. Now…get back to work.
UPDATE: Since going to press at 7 am ET on Feb. 1, the salary-cap numbers for all 32 teams have changed per Spotrac. We apologize if the original text does not match the newest figures and we are in the process of correcting.
All free-agent information, transactions and salary-cap info comes courtesy of Spotrac. Meanwhile, the 2015 draft-pick lists for each club come via Drafttek.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
- CB Antonio Cromartie
- OLB John Abraham
- DT Dan Williams
- OLB Sam Acho
- G Paul Fanaika
- ILB Larry Foote
- QB Ryan Lindley
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
After owning the best record in the NFL for most of 2014, injuries at quarterback caught up with the Arizona Cardinals down the stretch. Still, the team reached the playoffs for the first time since 2009 thanks mainly to Bruce Arians (AP Coach of the Year) and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles (AP Assistant Coach of the Year).
Now Bowles is in charge of the New York Jets, so the Cards are in line for a new defensive boss. It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Jets’ new head coach take a few defensive free agents with him, perhaps inside linebacker Larry Foote and cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
Meanwhile, every indication is that veteran quarterback Carson Palmer is recovering well from that knee injury he suffered in November. Look for him to be the main man behind center once again.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
- OLB Osi Umenyiora
- OLB Sean Weatherspoon
- OLB Kroy Biermann
- PK Matt Bryant
- RB Jacquizz Rodgers
- DT Corey Peters
- CB Robert McClain
- CB Javier Arenas
- FS Dwight Lowery
2015 Draft Choices (8)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
This past season, the Atlanta Falcons finished dead last in the NFL in total defense and also gave up the most passing yards in the league. The previous year, only four teams in the NFL gave up more total yards per game, and only the Chicago Bears allowed more yards rushing.
Nothing is official yet, but the new head coach of the team will be current Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He’s been a little busy as of late with Super Bowl prep, but in stark contrast to the Falcons, the Seahawks have allowed the fewest total yards and fewest points in the league each of the past two seasons.
Kyle Shanahan (offense) and Raheem Morris (co-defense) will be the team’s new coordinators. You can also look for general manager Thomas Dimitroff to emphasize defense in April’s draft.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
- WR Torrey Smith
- TE Owen Daniels
- G Jah Reid
- OLB Pernell McPhee
- RB Justin Forsett
2015 Draft Choices (6)
Round Pick
5 None
Analysis and Predictions
If things stand as they are right now, the Baltimore Ravens have some creative bookkeeping to do.
The consistent franchise, in the playoffs this past season for the sixth time in seven years under head coach John Harbaugh, has some work to do to get comfortably under the cap while trying to re-sign the likes of running back Justin Forsett and wide receiver Torrey Smith.
Could the team ask veterans such as Joe Flacco, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Marshal Yanda, Elvis Dumervil, Daryl Smith and Chris Canty to take pay cuts or restructure their current deals? Could Canty wind up a salary-cap casualty?
Already this offseason, the Ravens released defensive tackle Terrence Cody, who was slated to become an unrestricted free agent in March. It would be a surprise if Forsett and Smith weren’t back in 2015, potentially very good news for new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
- DE Jerry Hughes
- G Erik Pears
- ILB Brandon Spikes
- FS Da’Norris Searcy
- DE Jarius Wynn
2015 Draft Choices (6)
Round Pick
1 None
4 None
Analysis and Predictions
The Buffalo Bills, who finished 9-7 this past year, come off their first winning season since 2004.
However, out is Doug Marrone after two seasons, and in is new Bills head coach Rex Ryan, the team’s sixth different sideline leader since 2004.
Shortly after the season ended, quarterback Kyle Orton announced his retirement from the NFL. Does that mean the team and new offensive coordinator Greg Roman are sold that they can develop EJ Manuel?
Look for general manager Doug Whaley to bring in a veteran quarterback via free agency. And look for Whaley and Ryan to take a run at inside linebacker David Harris (Jets) and cornerback Darrelle Revis (Patriots), both potential free agents come March.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
- DE Greg Hardy
- T Byron Bell
- DT Dwan Edwards
- DT Colin Cole
- OLB Chase Blackburn
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
The Carolina Panthers were your ultimate late bloomers this past season, overcoming a 3-8-1 start to win their final four games and the dreadful NFC South. But the Panthers also won a playoff game before falling to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round.
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the franchise may actually have nothing to do with the team. What is the football future for former Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy? He missed all but one game in 2014 and faces a new trial later this year in regard to domestic abuse charges. Michael Gordon of The Charlotte Observer has some new details regarding the matter.
There’s been speculation that veteran DeAngelo Williams could be on his way out, as recently suggested by David Newton of ESPN.com. If that is indeed the case, general manager Dave Gettleman may look for a running back within the first three rounds of April's draft.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
- OLB Lance Briggs
- CB Charles Tillman
- FS Chris Conte
- MLB D.J. Williams
- DT Stephen Paea
- C Brian De La Puente
- QB Jimmy Clausen
2015 Draft Choices (6)
Round Pick
5 None
Analysis and Predictions
Exit general manager Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman. Enter new general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox.
The team’s new coordinators are Adam Gase (offense) and Vic Fangio (defense), late of the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers respectively.
Yes, there have already been plenty of changes in the Windy City as the Chicago Bears just suffered through the franchise’s worst season since finishing 5-11 in 2004.
But will the team be looking elsewhere in terms of a quarterback? It’s highly doubtful despite the fact that Jay Cutler just suffered through a miserable 2014.
However, it’s the Chicago defense that has struggled in consecutive seasons. For the second straight offseason, the Bears will concentrate their efforts on fixing that side of the football every way possible.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
- TE Jermaine Gresham
- LB Rey Maualuga
- CB Terence Newman
- G Clint Boling
- PK Mike Nugent
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
It is a franchise with a plethora of young talent and certainly some room to play with in terms of the salary cap ($36.2 million, per Spotrac).
It is also a team that continues to have problems in the postseason despite reaching the playoffs four consecutive years.
The Cincinnati Bengals rarely delve heavily into free agency and have drafted extremely well in recent years. Head coach Marvin Lewis remains the man in charge, and by all indications, the team won’t be parting with much-maligned quarterback Andy Dalton.
Look for the Bengals to re-up both tight end Jermaine Gresham and linebacker Rey Maualuga before they even hit the open market.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
- TE Jordan Cameron
- DT Ahtyba Rubin
- WR Miles Austin
- OLB Jabaal Sheard
- CB Buster Skrine
- QB Brian Hoyer
2015 Draft Choices (10)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
The Cleveland Browns just can’t seem to get out of their own way.
It has already been a troubling offseason for the team. Mary Kay Cabot of Northeast Ohio Media Group updates us on the latest issue surrounding troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon.
The club also parted ways with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. John DeFilippo takes over those duties.
Are the Browns sold on quarterback Johnny Manziel? Or will veteran Brian Hoyer return in 2015?
One thing is for sure: The Browns will be extremely busy come draft time, and with Gordon’s future very much in doubt, they could opt for a pair of wide receivers in the early rounds.
And potential free-agent tight end Jordan Cameron isn’t going anywhere, especially considering the Browns have a ton of cap room at their disposal.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
- WR Dez Bryant
- RB DeMarco Murray
- T Doug Free
- OLB Bruce Carter
- DE Anthony Spencer
- DE George Selvie
- DT Nick Hayden
- MLB Rolando McClain
- WR/KR Dwayne Harris
2015 Draft Choices (6)
Round Pick
6 None
Analysis and Predictions
This past season, the Dallas Cowboys returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Now they look to build on that success with the help of two offensive standouts who must be re-signed this offseason.
Running back DeMarco Murray led the NFL with 1,845 yards rushing and was just named the 2014 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Kudos to Scott Linehan, who took over the play-calling duties this season and is now the team’s offensive coordinator going forward.
Wide receiver Dez Bryant caught a league-high 16 touchdown passes this past season, and like Murray, he can become an unrestricted free agent in March.
At the moment, the Cowboys are just over $10 million above the adjusted cap. The team could let go of a few players for the sake of retaining Murray and Bryant. Stay tuned.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
- WR Demaryius Thomas
- TE Julius Thomas
- WR Wes Welker
- DT Terrance Knighton
- TE Jacob Tamme
- C Will Montgomery
- G Orlando Franklin
2015 Draft Choices (6)
Round Pick
7 None
Analysis and Predictions
Talk about a reunion.
The new head coach of the Denver Broncos is Gary Kubiak, who was once upon a time a member of the organization as both a player and an assistant coach.
The new defensive coordinator is Wade Phillips, who just over 20 years ago was the Broncos' head coach for two years. Rick Dennison is the new offensive coordinator, and he also has past ties to the organization.
But the biggest return we are all waiting for is whether veteran quarterback Peyton Manning will come back for a fourth season in the Mile High City.
It would be a major surprise if Manning retires. If he does return, he’s hoping that a pair of Thomases—wide receiver Demaryius and tight end Julius—is back with the team as well.
It sounds as if Demaryius Thomas hopes to be back next year. Thomas told Maggie Gray at SI Now, "I'd love to be a Bronco, but I have no idea what they have planned for me next."
You figure that will be the case. But what of the future of wide receiver Wes Welker, who has had some concussion issues as of late?
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
- DT Ndamukong Suh
- DT Nick Fairley
- DT C.J. Mosley
- C Dominic Raiola
- G Rob Sims
- OLB Ashlee Palmer
- FB Jed Collins
- CB Rashean Mathis
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
The slogan for the 2015 Detroit Lions could be…Suh me?
The team stands to lose its top three defensive tackles via free agency.
Well, maybe two.
According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, the front-runner in the Ndamukong Suh sweepstakes this year appears to be…the Lions.
It will take some doing. As of now, the team is roughly $15.5 million under the salary cap. But this much-improved defense would not be the same without the Pro Bowl defender up the middle.
Will Suh break the bank with whoever he re-ups with? Would Detroit go as far to franchise him? General manager Martin Mayhew has some other key veterans to re-sign as well.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
- WR Randall Cobb
- FB John Kuhn
- CB Tramon Williams
- T Bryan Bulaga
- DE/NT B.J. Raji
- CB Jarrett Bush
- QB Matt Flynn
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
It is somewhat hard to figure.
The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl in 2010 as a wild-card team.
Mike McCarthy’s club has won four straight NFC North titles. But over that span it hasn’t been able to get back to the Big Game. And that’s despite a 16-point third-quarter lead in the NFC title game at Seattle.
Perhaps no team has more notable players who could hit the free-agent market this March. Wide receiver Randall Cobb would appear to be a priority, as could Pro Bowl fullback John Kuhn and tackle Bryan Bulaga. Veteran cornerback Tramon Williams and defensive lineman B.J. Raji could hit the open market as well.
Look for Bulaga and Kuhn to be the first to re-sign, while Cobb may wait to see what he could command on the open market. It’s a busy time for general manager Ted Thompson.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
- QB Case Keenum
- QB Ryan Mallett
- CB Kareem Jackson
- OLB Brooks Reed
- T Derek Newton
- NT Jerrell Powe
- FS Kendrick Lewis
- FS Danieal Manning
- NT Ryan Pickett
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
Are the Houston Texans truly on the way back?
First-time NFL head coach Bill O’Brien inherited a 2-14 team and turned it into a 9-7 squad. And the future could be very promising IF the franchise can find a quarterback who can stay healthy.
Romeo Crennel did a tremendous job in his first year as the club’s defensive coordinator. The Texans led the league in takeaways, and defensive end J.J. Watt was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons.
Houston may have a problem re-signing some of its veteran free agents considering it is $12.5 million under the cap. Priorities would appear to be free safety Kendrick Lewis (the team leader in tackles), cornerback Kareem Jackson and outside linebacker Brooks Reed.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
- WR Reggie Wayne
- DE Cory Redding
- WR Hakeem Nicks
- CB Darius Butler
- FS Sergio Brown
- RB Ahmad Bradshaw
2015 Draft Choices (8)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
Deflated-football accusations aside, the Indianapolis Colts are probably still licking their wounds from that 45-7 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in the AFC title game.
If the team expects to get at least that far in 2015, it needs to get quarterback Andrew Luck some help in the form of a running game and a competent defense. First, will veteran wideout Reggie Wayne return for another season?
As for that defense, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if general manager Ryan Grigson used all eight draft selections (for now) on the unit. The Colts could use some of their salary-cap (roughly $35 million) room to extend some their young stars' contracts such as wideout T.Y. Hilton and tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
- OLB Geno Hayes
- WR Cecil Shorts
- CB Alan Ball
- OLB J.T. Thomas
- S Sherrod Martin
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
The Jacksonville Jaguars own an NFL-worst 22-58 record over the last five seasons.
But is the franchise ready to make some major moves? No team in the league has more room to play with when it comes to the salary cap ($64.6 million).
Free-agent additions such as defensive ends Red Bryant and Chris Clemons were big pluses for a defense that showed some signs of improvement. But a lot more help is needed, and it will take more than one good draft to make this team competitive again.
As for that draft, look for general manager David Caldwell to get young quarterback Blake Bortles some help in terms of the skill positions. The second-year signal-caller will have a new offensive coordinator in 2015 with the arrival of Greg Olson.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
- OLB Justin Houston
- C Rodney Hudson
- G Jeff Linkenbach
- CB Christopher Owens
- S Ron Parker
- ILB Josh Mauga
- WR Jason Avant
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
When you lead the NFL with 22 sacks and you’re about to become an unrestricted free agent, it’s good to be Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston.
However, it’s not good when your employer is over the salary cap. Can you say franchise tag?
Changes are coming for head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City brain trust, which may have to make a tough decision in regard to well-paid wide receiver Dwayne Bowe as well as outside linebacker Tamba Hali. Sam Mellinger of The Kansas City Star wrote last month about what the team could save if it releases the former Pro Bowler.
The bottom line is that the Chiefs may have to let a few good players go this offseason or at least make significant alterations to their current contracts.
And what of the team’s recent signing of quarterback Terrelle Pryor?
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
- QB Matt Moore
- FS Louis Delmas
- RB Knowshon Moreno
- DT Jared Odrick
- G Daryn Colledge
- C Samson Satele
- TE Charles Clay
- FS Jimmy Wilson
- RB Daniel Thomas
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
The Miami Dolphins have not finished with a winning season and/or made the playoffs since 2008.
The organization likes what it sees in quarterback Ryan Tannehill and some of its other young players. But the team is right up against the salary cap, so expect plenty of changes.
One could be the departure of wideout Mike Wallace, who just hasn’t delivered as expected since signing that five-year, $60 million contract in 2013.
Meanwhile, look for the team to make sure underrated tight end Charles Clay returns to South Beach.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
- QB Christian Ponder
- FB Jerome Felton
- DT Tom Johnson
- MLB Jasper Brinkley
- G Vladimir Ducasse
- C Joe Berger
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
Thanks mainly to head coach Mike Zimmer, the 7-9 Minnesota Vikings won two more games in 2014 than they did the previous season and look like a franchise with an extremely promising future.
While the franchise is under the salary cap, look for general manager Rick Spielman to rework a few contracts and make some room to make a run into free agency.
This is a club with a lot of young talent. The 2014 first-round draft class of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and linebacker Anthony Barr enjoyed a successful debut.
Of course, the real question is what is the future for troubled running back Adrian Peterson? And more importantly, where will that future take place?
New England Patriots
19 of 32
- CB Darrelle Revis
- FS Devin McCourty
- G Dan Connolly
- PK Stephen Gostkowski
- RB Shane Vereen
- RB Stevan Ridley
- OLB Akeem Ayers
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
5 None
Analysis and Predictions
They are singing “We Are the Champions” once again in Foxborough.
For the fourth time in 14 years, the New England Patriots have captured the Lombardi Trophy, and as usual, it was in dramatic fashion.
The team’s 28-24 dethroning of the Seattle Seahawks had a little bit of everything and a lot of suspense.
But we’re here to talk 2015. So what are the odds that New England can retain Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis and numerous other key performers such as free safety Devin McCourty, kicker Stephen Gostkowski and running back Shane Vereen? The latter totaled a game-high 11 receptions in Super Bowl XLIX.
Back in January, the team re-signed running back Brandon Bolden and safety Patrick Chung to two- and three-year contract extensions respectively. New England is basically $3 million over the salary cap, so what can it do to retain some of its standouts?
That’s a tough question to answer, but look for running back Stevan Ridley to depart in 2015.
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
- CB Patrick Robinson
- RB Mark Ingram
- OLB Parys Haralson
- C Jonathan Goodwin
- PK Shayne Graham
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
Things were not so easy in the Big Easy last season for quarterback Drew Brees and Co.
The New Orleans Saints finished 7-9 for the second time in three years. And this time, their head coach was around for the entire season.
For the second time in three seasons, the New Orleans defense was a major problem. Coordinator Rob Ryan felt his share of pressure all year, especially considering the Saints allowed the fourth-fewest yards and points one year earlier.
How do you fix that unit and also find a way to retain Pro Bowl running back Mark Ingram, the team’s leading rusher in 2014? The Saints are more than $21 million over next year’s salary cap, the worst such mark in the league, which doesn't help.
The team needs to rework some of its recent deals (Brees’ contract comes to mind) and hope it can fix a unit that allowed the second most yards in the NFL this past season.
New York Giants
21 of 32
- SS Antrel Rolle
- DE Jason Pierre-Paul
- CB Walter Thurmond
- FS Stevie Brown
- FB Henry Hynoski
- G John Jerry
- CB Zack Bowman
- TE Daniel Fells
2015 Draft Choices (8)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
The New York Giants enter this offseason having posted consecutive losing campaigns for the first time since the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
Still, there’s an air of excitement surrounding the team. The NFL named wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. its Offensive Rookie of the Year on Super Bowl weekend.
Earlier in the month, the news wasn’t so good for defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. The Giants showed the door to Fewell and replaced him with a familiar face in Steve Spagnuolo.
The Giants are roughly $17 million under the salary cap. Retaining both safety Antrel Rolle and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul will be tough for the Giants, but look for the latter to possibly get the franchise tag. Meanwhile, defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka has probably played his last game with the franchise.
New York Jets
22 of 32
- ILB David Harris
- QB Michael Vick
- CB Kyle Wilson
- G Willie Colon
- RB Bilal Powell
- NT Kenrick Ellis
2015 Draft Choices (6)
Round Pick
6 None
Analysis and Predictions
After six seasons, the Rex Ryan era ended with the New York Jets. But the entertaining head coach will still get to see his former team at least twice per year now that he's running the show for the Buffalo Bills.
In steps Todd Bowles, the former defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals and the 2014 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year. Chan Gailey takes over as offensive coordinator, and Jacy Rogers will run Bowles’ defense.
With the sixth overall pick in April’s draft, will new general manager Mike Maccagnan use the selection on an offensive player? The Jets haven’t used a first-round pick on this side of the ball since quarterback Mark Sanchez in 2009.
The team also has a ton of salary-cap room, which means it should make underrated inside linebacker David Harris a priority before Ryan can get his hands on him.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
- DT Pat Sims
- RB Darren McFadden
- WR Denarius Moore
- C Stefen Wisniewski
- TE David Ausberry
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
So if the Oakland Raiders fall on their face for the 13th straight season, will the headlines read “Blame It on Del Rio?”
The Silver and Black haven't enjoyed a winning season since 2002. So once again, they have raided the Denver Broncos for their defensive coordinator, as Jack Del Rio is the Raiders’ newest head coach. A few years ago, Oakland hired Dennis Allen, who was let go four games into 2014.
This is a team with some promise. Quarterback Derek Carr enjoyed a solid rookie campaign, and new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave should help him improve. And a struggling defense will have ageless free safety Charles Woodson (38 years old) once again after he recently signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract extension.
Once again, with money to spend, will the Silver and Black be active in free agency? And will the team allow running back Darren McFadden to walk away? The much-maligned performer ran for only 534 yards last season, but for the first time in seven NFL campaigns he played in all 16 games.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
- WR Jeremy Maclin
- CB Bradley Fletcher
- OLB Brandon Graham
- SS Nate Allen
- QB Mark Sanchez
2015 Draft Choices (8)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
The Philadelphia Eagles are roughly $20 million under the salary cap as we type.
Does that mean the team can afford to bring back wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who comes off a huge year just one season after missing all of 2013 with a knee injury?
Here’s what we do know. Head coach Chip Kelly has a lot more power within the organization than he did at this time a year ago.
Under the former University of Oregon leader, these Birds have posted consecutive 10-6 seasons. The first was good enough to win the NFC East. The latter saw the Eagles finish two games behind the division champion Dallas Cowboys.
By the way, is anyone buying the speculation that Kelly could trade way up in the first round to get a shot at selecting quarterback Marcus Mariota? Considering Philadelphia owns the 20th overall spot, that deal could come with a hefty price and one that these Birds seem unlikely to pay.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
- OLB Jason Worilds
- CB Ike Taylor
- TE Matt Spaeth
- OLB Arthur Moats
- CB Brice McCain
- S Will Allen
- OLB James Harrison
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
We already know that it is going to be much different in the Steel City this fall.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be breaking in a new defensive coordinator in Keith Butler, who takes over for legendary Dick LeBeau.
But could he be the only mainstay of the franchise to leave Pittsburgh this offseason? At the very least, general manager Kevin Colbert may have to do some work on the contract of veteran safety Troy Polamalu.
And as Scott Brown of ESPN.com reminds us, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger enters 2015 in the final year of an eight-year deal he signed before the start of the 2008 season, when he would go on to lead the Steelers to a victory in Super Bowl XLIII.
So perhaps Polamalu's fate lies in the hands of Big Ben, who, as he told 93.7 The Fan, hopes to have a new deal in place soon (via Brown)—one that could possibly give the team some much-needed cap space this year.
On the other hand, don’t look for Pittsburgh to re-sign veteran cornerback Ike Taylor, who spent a big chunk of 2014 on the sidelines injured.
St. Louis Rams
26 of 32
- G Davin Joseph
- QB Shaun Hill
- DE Alex Carrington
- WR Kenny Britt
- TE Lance Kendricks
- T Joe Barksdale
2015 Draft Choices (5)
Round Pick
4 None
6 None
Analysis and Predictions
The St. Louis Rams are one of those teams with no cap room.
Jeff Fisher’s club is also looking for a new offensive coordinator after Brian Schottenheimer left last month for the University of Georgia.
Will the Rams use the 10th overall pick on a quarterback this April? They may have to, considering they don’t have any money to spend and only five draft choices at the moment.
There’s a lot of pressure on a franchise that has not enjoyed a winning season since 2003 and hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2004.
But the real pressure may be on general manager Les Snead, who must decide if the club wants to part ways with oft-injured quarterback Sam Bradford.
San Diego Chargers
27 of 32
- C Nick Hardwick
- WR Eddie Royal
- OLB Dwight Freeney
- RB Ryan Mathews
- CB Brandon Flowers
- T King Dunlap
- SS Marcus Gilchrist
- CB Shareece Wright
- P Mat McBriar
2015 Draft Choices (6)
Round Pick
7 None
Analysis and Predictions
Obviously, a 9-7 record in 2014 doesn’t buy what it did in 2013.
One year after winning their final four games and grabbing a playoff berth, the San Diego Chargers began the year 8-4, went 1-3 down the stretch and this time failed to earn a postseason invitation.
But there’s no time to look back. The Bolts have some key names on their potential unrestricted free-agent list, mainly oft-injured running back Ryan Mathews, productive wide receiver Eddie Royal and cornerback Brandon Flowers. Mathews, a former first-round pick, may be the most intriguing player on the list.
And is veteran center Nick Hardwick ready to retire after a solid career? The 11-year pro was lost after one game this past season after starting every game the previous four years.
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
- RB Frank Gore
- WR Michael Crabtree
- G Mike Iupati
- OLB Dan Skuta
- CB Chris Culliver
- CB Perrish Cox
- CB Chris Cook
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
There is an old sheriff in town as the San Francisco 49ers promoted within and named Jim Tomsula their new head coach, replacing Jim Harbaugh.
But what about some other possible changes with this team, which fell to 8-8 in 2014 after making three straight trips to the NFC Championship Game?
Standouts such as running back Frank Gore, wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati could all hit the free-agent market in March. This is a team with some issues in terms of the salary cap, and look for general manager Trent Baalke to be busy.
To buy some time, look for the Niners to slap the franchise tag on Iupati. But it is certainly possible that Gore has played his last game for the team unless he takes a reduced deal.
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
- G James Carpenter
- DT Kevin Williams
- CB Byron Maxwell
- OLB Malcolm Smith
- OLB O’Brien Schofield
- TE Tony Moeaki
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
To the dethroned goes the heartbreak.
In one of the more thrilling Super Bowls, the Seattle Seahawks fell to the New England Patriots, 28-24, on Sunday night.
But there will be no fretting in the Pacific Northwest despite the fact that Pete Carroll’s club failed to retain its crown in the final minute of the game.
Dan Quinn is off to Atlanta to take over as head coach. And NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport of NFL.com stated that Seattle offered running back Marshawn Lynch a significant contract extension.
Back in December, the franchise signed defensive end Cliff Avril and linebacker K.J. Wright to new deals. Look for the club to get cornerback Byron Maxwell under contract before March as general manager John Schneider looks to keep that defensive unit intact.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
- DE Adrian Clayborn
- ILB Mason Foster
- DT Da’Quan Bowers
- TE Luke Stocker
- G Oniel Cousins
- S Major Wright
2015 Draft Choices (8)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
All of those moves last season by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and general manager Jason Licht resulted in only two things.
Uh…wins.
Now the Bucs own the No. 1 pick in the draft, and speculation is that Licht and head coach Lovie Smith will look for a quarterback to fix the league’s 30th-ranked offensive unit.
But what about the defense, which still hasn’t found a consistent pass rush? It’s doubtful that young defensive linemen Adrian Clayborn (26) and Da’Quan Bowers (24) will be back in 2015.
This is a franchise that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2007. Now would be a good time to turn this thing around.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
- T Michael Roos
- WR Nate Washington
- QB Jake Locker
- S George Wilson
- P Brett Kern
- DT Karl Klug
- G Chris Spencer
- PK Ryan Succop
- TE Chase Coffman
- C Eric Olsen
2015 Draft Choices (8)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
Despite a 2-14 season—the franchise’s worst finish since it was known as the Houston Oilers in 1994—the Tennessee Titans have not made a lot of changes so far.
Obviously, that doesn’t mean things will be status quo in 2015. Especially when you consider that the club enters next season riding a 10-game losing streak.
Joe Fann of Titans Online stated that veteran left tackle Michael Roos may be ready to hang up his uniform. Meanwhile, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reported this past weekend that hard-hitting strong safety Bernard Pollard would like the team to release him.
Like a few other clubs, the Titans must make a decision on a former first-round quarterback. So expect injury-prone Jake Locker to be elsewhere while Zach Mettenberger takes over under center. That way the Titans could use the second overall pick on some wide receiver help for their young quarterback.
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
- OLB Brian Orakpo
- T Tyler Polumbus
- RB Roy Helu
- S Brandon Meriweather
- WR Leonard Hankerson
- QB Colt McCoy
2015 Draft Choices (7)
Round Pick
Analysis and Predictions
The NFL’s 20th-ranked defense in 2014 will have a new leader this upcoming season as Joe Barry takes over as coordinator for Jim Haslett.
Will the 13th-ranked offense in the league have a new field general? It’s been a rocky two seasons for quarterback Robert Griffin III ever since he was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. Still, it would be surprising if the franchise gave up on the talented performer after only three campaigns.
A year ago, outside linebacker Brian Orakpo suffered through another injury-shortened season, totaling just one-half sack in seven games. Don’t look for the team to franchise him for a second straight year, but it would also be a surprise if he signed a long-term deal with the club.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")