2015 NFL Free Agency: A Cap-Space Guide for Every Team
As the Super Bowl continues to fade further and further in the rearview mirror, we find ourselves in the throes of the NFL's business season, with free agency and the new league year set to kick off March 10.
Each NFL team has a different salary-cap situation, questions to answer and holes to fill. Trying to determine what each of the 32 clubs will do provides a fascinating exercise.
The official salary-cap number for the 2015 season will be between $140 and $143 million, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. That number will add cash to the coffers of cap-rich teams like the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars while providing relief to over-the-cap squads like the New Orleans Saints.
In this column, we'll provide you with a salary-cap primer for every team and discuss whether each club will retain its own big-name free agents or bring in others, along with the needs for each particular franchise.
With 2015 NFL free agency rapidly approaching, here is a cap-space guide for every team.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Cap Space: $14.3 million
The Arizona Cardinals cleared a significant economic hurdle in mid-February when they restructured the contract of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, lessening his 2015 cap hit to only $10.85 million—when it had originally been slated to be over $23 million.
On Friday, Cardinals general manager Steve Keim cleared more cap space with the release of defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, per ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss. Dockett—who played all 11 of his NFL seasons in the desert—now must find a new team, while the Cardinals saved $6.8 million with his ouster.
Restructuring the contract of quarterback Carson Palmer is also a possibility, writes Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com.
The Cardinals definitely need to add help at running back and linebacker, and these moves should help the team achieve that goal.
The players who will count for the most against the cap in 2015 are cornerback Patrick Peterson ($14.8 million), defensive lineman Calais Campbell ($14.75 million) and Palmer ($14.5 million).
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Cap Space: $33.5 million
The Atlanta Falcons possess a healthy amount of cap space, and that's most definitely a good thing, as they have myriad holes to fill on their 53-man roster if they are to compete for an NFC South title in 2015.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff cleared even more space with Thursday's release of veteran running back Steven Jackson, who looked like he was on his last legs in 2014. Per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, the transaction will save the Falcons $3.75 million against the cap.
The team also recently jettisoned wide receiver Harry Douglas and offensive guard Justin Blalock in an effort to gain additional space, per Jeff Schultz of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Now, the Falcons find themselves with over $30 million of cap space with which to play, and given their pressing needs across the roster, a flurry of signings should be forthcoming. The entire defense needs help, particularly as it concerns pass-rushers, and the offensive line could use depth as well.
Quarterback Matt Ryan possesses the team's largest 2015 cap hit at $19.5 million.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Cap Space: $4.7 million
While there can be no questioning the greatness of the Baltimore Ravens front office—spearheaded by fantastic general manager Ozzie Newsome—there's also no questioning the financial pickle that the organization is in heading into the 2015 league year.
The Ravens have just over $4.7 million in cap space—making it increasingly unlikely that they'll be able to re-sign their own big-name free agents, much less any others who are out there. Wide receiver Torrey Smith, running back Justin Forsett and linebacker Pernell McPhee could all easily leave for greener pastures (and more greenbacks).
On Friday, the Ravens cleared $2.66 million in space by releasing defensive end Chris Canty, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. The team cut wide receiver and returner Jacoby Jones earlier in the week.
An extension for star defensive tackle Haloti Ngata could also be on the agenda, as his deal is set to expire after this upcoming season. When you couple that with the team's need to re-sign its own players, it's easy to understand why this will be a tricky offseason for Baltimore.
Ngata's 2015 cap hit is slated to be $16 million, which is the highest on the team. Quarterback Joe Flacco ($14.5 million) and cornerback Lardarius Webb ($12 million) are close behind Ngata.
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Cap Space: $31.0 million
The Buffalo Bills have a new head coach in Rex Ryan and have given him a lot of cap space to work with—slightly over $30 million, to be exact.
This is a positive development for the star-crossed franchise, which hasn't made the playoffs since 1999. Buffalo went 9-7 last year and wasn't far off from being a playoff team, so it stands to reason that the right free-agent signings could push the Bills over the hump and into the tournament.
It would behoove the team to re-sign defensive end Jerry Hughes, who has accumulated 20 sacks over the past two seasons. Safety Da'Norris Searcy should also be a priority, although it's unclear if he will return to Western New York.
Following the retirement of last year's primary starter at quarterback, Kyle Orton, it's difficult to envision a scenario where Bills general manager Doug Whaley doesn't ink a free-agent passer. The only problem for Buffalo is that the options available aren't exactly dazzling, with Brian Hoyer and Mark Sanchez leading the way. Yuck.
The Bills could also use help in the interior of their offensive line and at tight end.
Defensive end Mario Williams has the team's largest 2015 cap hit at $19.4 million.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Cap Space: $16.7 million
Following two consecutive offseasons in salary-cap hell, Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman has successfully navigated the team to less choppy financial waters, as $16.65 million in cap space probably feels like $60 million.
The Panthers were among the league's most frugal teams in 2013 and 2014, according to Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer, which was no accident. Gettleman has them now ready to start spending money to improve the roster and advance deeper in the postseason.
Earlier this week, the Panthers cut longtime running back DeAngelo Williams and will save $2 million against the cap by designating Williams as a post-June 1 cut, per ESPN.com's David Newton.
Despite the emergence of rookie Kelvin Benjamin, the Panthers still need help at the receiver position, and a number of attractive options are set to hit the market. Kenny Britt represents an intriguing possibility to pair with Benjamin in the red zone, but it's unclear which players Gettleman covets.
Defensive end Charles Johnson ($20 million), quarterback Cam Newton ($14.7 million) and center Ryan Kalil ($11.8 million) count the most against the team's cap in 2015.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Cap Space: $29.1 million
The Chicago Bears have a new head coach (John Fox) and general manager (Ryan Pace), and while the two inherit a team that went 5-11 in 2014, they have nearly $30 million in cap space with which to improve the roster heading into 2015.
The future of star receiver Brandon Marshall is very much in doubt, as the club could save $3.95 million by cutting him before March 12, per Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. Fox and Pace were lukewarm on Marshall's future when they spoke at the scouting combine.
Quarterback Jay Cutler also presents an interesting situation, as he's set to count for a team-high $16.5 million against the cap. He authored a miserable 2014 season, and it should surprise no one if Fox and Pace figure out a way to jettison him from the roster and hit the reset button at the position. If and when that happens, even more cap space would open up.
Anyone who watched the Bears last year knows the team has numerous holes to plug on defense. That obviously needs to be the top priority in both free agency and the draft.
Aside from Cutler, defensive end Jared Allen represents Chicago's largest cap hit at $12.5 million.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Cap Space: $40.8 million
The Cincinnati Bengals were long thought of as one of the NFL's biggest laughingstocks, but four consecutive trips to the postseason (albeit all ending in one-and-done fashion) and a favorable economic climate have altered that longstanding perception.
The Bengals are in a healthy situation with nearly $41 million in cap space. They increased that number by releasing defensive end Robert Geathers and wide receiver Greg Little on Friday.
Cincinnati could use more help rushing the opposing passer, and adding weapons for quarterback Andy Dalton is never a bad idea. The roster is already strong, and sprinkling in a few more impact players could be what the Bengals need to finally win a postseason game for the first time since President George H.W. Bush was in office (1990).
The team's largest cap hits in 2015 belong to receiver A.J. Green ($10.2 million), Dalton ($9.6 million) and cornerback Leon Hall ($9.6 million). It's unclear if Hall will return at that exorbitant number, or if he'll become another cap casualty.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Cap Space: $53.7 million
The Cleveland Browns made their first big move of the offseason on Friday when they signed free-agent quarterback Josh McCown to a three-year deal worth roughly $15 million, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
McCown will presumably compete with Johnny Manziel to start at quarterback in 2015, and it stands to reason that the Browns will also spend a draft pick on a passer, too.
Despite the healthy amount of cap space (nearly $54 million), owner Jimmy Haslam doesn't expect the team to be overly active in free agency, per Tom Reed of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
With McCown now in the fold, Brian Hoyer appears unlikely to return. Tight end Jordan Cameron is probably on the way out as well, and it's unclear if linebacker Jabaal Sheard will come back.
The Browns need help at receiver and on defense, and despite what Haslam says, the most likely scenario is general manager Ray Farmer loosening up the purse strings a bit to bring in some big-name free agents.
Cornerback Joe Haden ($11.7 million), tackle Joe Thomas ($10.2 million) and linebacker Paul Kruger ($8.2 million) hold the team's largest cap hits in 2015.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Cap Space: $18.6 million
The Dallas Cowboys enter the offseason facing an extremely perilous situation, as two of their finest players—receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray—are set to be free agents.
In all likelihood, the team will slap Bryant with the franchise tag and let Murray test the market. While owner Jerry Jones could possibly finagle a way to keep Murray in the fold, it's difficult to imagine that happening if the club is also to retain Bryant, so that looms as an important situation to monitor.
Despite the unit overachieving in 2015, the Cowboys still need help on defense, especially with linebacker Rolando McClain set to hit the free-agent market. Once Jones addresses both Bryant and Murray, defense needs to be the top priority.
Quarterback Tony Romo is once again a candidate for restructuring, as Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes, thanks to his colossal $27.8 million cap hit.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Cap Space: $29.4 million
Despite four straight AFC West titles and a trip to Super Bowl XLVIII, the Denver Broncos enter the 2015 league year as an organization in flux.
The club has a new coach (Gary Kubiak), and it's unclear whether star quarterback Peyton Manning will be back in the Mile High City—although logic and reason point to him returning. Mike Klis of The Denver Post recently reported that the club and Manning are working to restructure his contract, which would count for $21.5 million against the 2015 cap.
The bottom line for Broncos general manager John Elway is that as long as Manning is the quarterback, the team's Super Bowl window is open. And given that Manning is at the tail end of his illustrious career, it stands to reason that Elway will continue to spend in an effort to push the franchise over the top and toward its third Lombardi Trophy.
With the team moving to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Wade Phillips, it will need different personnel, so Elway will likely look to improve that side of the ball. He plans to hit receiver Demaryius Thomas with the franchise tag, per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, which will leave tight end Julius Thomas as the club's highest-profile free agent.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Cap Space: $18.4 million
When it comes to the Detroit Lions and the 2015 offseason, only one name matters: defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent, and it's clear that the club would like him back in Motown on a long-term deal. But with only $18 million in cap space—along with Suh's desire to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league—it's unclear if he'll return. The franchise tag is another option, but using it would mean Suh counting for nearly $27 million (!) against the cap in 2015.
Fellow defensive tackle Nick Fairley is also a free agent, and he'll draw interest on the market, too. The club released running back Reggie Bush in an effort to bring back both players, and his ouster will save the club nearly $1.7 million against the cap, per Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
The Lions could use fortification at the back end of the defense—and more weapons for quarterback Matthew Stafford wouldn't hurt, either. But the bottom line is that until the club re-signs Suh or loses him to another team, he'll remain the primary focus.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Cap Space: $33.1 million
Green Back Packers general manager Ted Thompson is among the best in the league at what he does. Not only are the Packers a perennial Super Bowl contender, but he consistently has them in fine financial standing, as the club has more than $30 million in cap space.
And that's a good thing, given that Green Bay has two important free agents to re-sign—wide receiver Randall Cobb and offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga. Earlier this offseason, Thompson expressed optimism about bringing back both players.
The Packers also cleared more than $7 million in cap space by releasing inside linebackers A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. There's no question that inside linebacker is the club's biggest need, and Thompson could look to fill it in both free agency and the draft.
The Packers have not generally looked to make a splash in free agency (last year's shock signing of defensive end Julius Peppers not withstanding), so don't expect them to make waves other than a potential re-signing of Cobb and/or Bulaga.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers possesses the club's biggest cap number in 2015 at $18.25 million.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Cap Space: $15.0 million
The Houston Texans are in a somewhat perilous position, having multiple holes to fill on the 53-man roster but with not a lot of cap space to make it happen.
Wide receiver Andre Johnson is set to count for $16.1 million against the cap, and general manager Rick Smith has already stated that the club will look at Johnson's situation, per Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. It's unlikely that the club would outright release Johnson, so a restructure could be possible.
Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is set to count for $12.25 million against the cap, and if that number seems high to you—congratulations, you're right! It's hard to imagine Joseph returning at that number.
The Texans have needs across the board, including at quarterback, where coach Bill O'Brien can't possibly be overly confident in incumbent Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Cornerback Kareem Jackson, linebacker Brooks Reed and quarterback Ryan Mallett are all slated to be free agents. Jackson played well in 2014 and should command a pretty penny on the open market.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Cap Space: $45.2 million
Thanks mainly to superstar quarterback Andrew Luck, the Indianapolis Colts have made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and played in the AFC Championship Game in 2014-15, falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
And since Luck is still playing on his rookie deal, the club has more than $40 million in cap space—one of the most favorable financial situations in the entire NFL.
General manager Ryan Grigson recently released defensive end Ricky-Jean Francois in an effort to clear more room, per Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star, which makes it likely that the club will look to spend and spend some more this offseason. Indeed, when asked if he was looking to make a splash in the free-agent market, Grigson told Holder, "Heck yeah!"
The Colts need help along the offensive line and across the entire defense, particularly at pass-rusher. Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee could be among the team's targets.
Star cornerback Vontae Davis possesses the club's largest 2015 cap number at $11.25 million.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Cap Space: $68.2 million
Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley and general manager David Caldwell are facing a make-or-break year.
After accruing seven wins in their first two seasons in Jacksonville, they need to win in 2015 to save their jobs. And thankfully for them, they have a staggering $68 million in cap space with which to work.
The Jaguars have needs at virtually every position, meaning their target list starts with practically every big-name free agent. Should anyone be surprised if the team makes a run at Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh? No. Would be it be shocking if the club moved on Broncos tight end Julius Thomas? Absolutely not.
The Jaguars must win in 2015, and Bradley and Caldwell are ready to open their vast financial war chest in an effort to stay in Duval.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Cap Space: $6.6 million
The Kansas City Chiefs are once again in a perilous cap situation with a number of needs to fill and less than $7 million in space.
The most pressing matter for coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey is to bring back pass-rushing linebacker Justin Houston, who led the NFL last season with 22 sacks. They're likely to slap him with the franchise tag, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, which would put his 2015 cap hit at $13.17 million, according to NFL Media's Albert Breer.
The Chiefs released tight end Anthony Fasano on Thursday, which cleared $2 million in space for them to try to bring back Houston.
The club can alleviate many of its cap concerns by releasing wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, whose 2015 cap hit is slated to be $14 million—an outrageous number for an underachieving player who failed to reach the end zone once in 2014.
Quarterback Alex Smith ($15.6 million) and linebacker Tamba Hali ($12.0 million) join Bowe as the team's largest 2015 cap hits.
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
Cap Space: $11.3 million
The Miami Dolphins have a new executive vice president of football operations in Mike Tannenbaum, and along with general manager Dennis Hickey, he made a few recent moves to clear up some needed cap space.
Gone are receivers Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, saving roughly $6.5 million against the 2015 cap. As Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald writes, that's only the beginning of what's sure to be a bloodletting of the roster.
Receiver Mike Wallace and linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler could also end up as cap casualties as the team looks to improve its financial standing. Beasley also reported earlier in the offseason that the club will begin looking into an extension for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is still playing out his rookie contract.
Defensive tackle Jared Odrick is the club's biggest free agent, and the releases of Hartline and Gibson could make it easier for the team to re-sign him.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
Cap Space: $23.0 million
It's impossible to discuss the Minnesota Vikings salary-cap situation without discussing star running back Adrian Peterson.
Peterson—who was limited to only one game in 2014 as he landed on the commissioner's exempt list for felony child abuse—is slated to count for $15.4 million against the cap. It's unclear whether he will be back with the Vikings, but if we had to take a guess, we'd hazard a wager that he'll be playing elsewhere. If that were the case, the Vikings would obviously have more cap space with which to work.
Coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman could also look to release underperforming receiver Greg Jennings ($11 million cap hit in 2015). The Vikings need to surround quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with more weapons—that should be the club's top priority this offseason.
New England Patriots
19 of 32
Cap Space: Minus-$7.6 million
Don't be fooled by the New England Patriots being $7.6 million over the cap, as much of that has to due to the exorbitant 2015 team option ($25 million against the cap) for star cornerback Darrelle Revis. The team will surely attempt to work out a long-term deal with Revis, which would significantly alleviate the current perilous situation.
New England has a number of its own players set to hit the free-agent market, including safety Devin McCourty, running backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen and kicker Stephen Gostkowski. McCourty remains a candidate for the franchise tag, which would count $9.6 million against the 2015 cap, per NFL Media's Albert Breer.
The Patriots will remain a viable Super Bowl contender for as long as coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady are in town, and given that both men will be back in 2015, the Patriots have a real opportunity to defend their Super Bowl title. Filling out a talented roster with more depth should be a priority, and it can never hurt to surround Brady with more weapons.
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
Cap Space: Minus-$20.9 million
No team in the NFL is in more salary-cap trouble than the New Orleans Saints, who are a preposterous $20.9 million over the cap.
Last offseason, the Saints exhausted resources (including signing safety Jairus Byrd to a six-year, $54 million contract) in an effort to push them toward the Super Bowl, but the decisions backfired, as they went 7-9 and missed the postseason.
Larry Holder of NOLA.com recently outlined a number of ways for Saints general manager Mickey Loomis to finagle the cap in his favor, including restructuring the contracts of defensive end Junior Galette, linebacker Curtis Lofton and Byrd. A number of releases would have to occur as well.
As usual, the Saints need help on the defensive side of the ball, as coordinator Rob Ryan's unit folded when it mattered the most more often than not in 2014.
It's not impossible that the Saints could be players in the free-agent market, but then again, it's not impossible that I could marry Charlotte McKinney. It's going to take an offseason to get out of the salary-cap hell the club is currently mired in.
New York Giants
21 of 32
Cap Space: $24.2 million
The New York Giants have missed the postseason for three consecutive years, making 2015 a make-or-break season for coach Tom Coughlin and general manager Jerry Reese.
The duo's first order of business is to figure out what to do with free-agent defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. The franchise tag is an option, and if that occurs, he would count for $14.78 million against the cap, per NFL Media's Albert Breer.
The Giants could use help on defense (specifically the pass rush) and along the offensive line, which mirrors their 2014 needs. The team released defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka earlier this week, saving nearly $5 million against the 2015 cap in the process, per ESPN.com's Dan Graziano. Running back Peyton Hillis was also a cap casualty.
Those moves should help the Giants achieve their goal of putting a winning team on the field in 2015. Expect Reese to spend in an effort to keep his job and get Big Blue back into the postseason.
New York Jets
22 of 32
Cap Space: $51.4 million
While New York Jets fans were livid last offseason when now-deposed general manager John Idzik seemingly refused to spend any money on free agents, the club now has over $50 million of cap space and a new general manager (Mike Maccagnan) with which to spend it.
And spend it he will, as the Jets are in dire need of talent infusions on both sides of the ball.
On the home front, a contract extension is in order for star defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson, per Dom Cosentino of NJ.com. Wilkerson is one of the finest players in the league, and with the team possessing so much cash, extending him is a no-brainer.
The team must figure out what to do with mercurial receiver Percy Harvin, who is set to count for $10.5 million against the cap. He didn't exactly dazzle after joining the Jets in a midseason trade from Seattle, so it's difficult to imagine the club keeping him at that price.
Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas looms as a real target (should he avoid the franchise tag), and it's also feasible that the club could look at Packers receiver Randall Cobb and Ravens receiver Torrey Smith. Cornerback is also a pressing need, and if former Jet Darrelle Revis hits the market, that could potentially be a fit. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell could also be a possibility.
One way or the other, though, Jets fans should be bracing for major financial expenditures—the diametric opposite of Idzik's 2014 approach.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
Cap Space: $55.4 million
The Oakland Raiders have a new head coach in Jack Del Rio, and general manager Reggie McKenzie has $55 million in cap space with which to work. Could this be the offseason that the silver and black are restored to prominence (or even a .500 team)?
Expect the Raiders to be major players in free agency. The club cleared even more space with the release of safety Tyvon Branch, which will save Oakland $3 million against the 2015 cap, per ESPN.com's Bill Williamson. The Raiders have a ton of cash and a number of needs across the board.
Why shouldn't McKenzie make a run at Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh or Broncos tight end Julius Thomas? Any and all options should be in play for one of the league's proudest franchises.
Don't be surprised if and when the Raiders spend a boatload of cash in the first few days of free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
Cap Space: $27.6 million
The Philadelphia Eagles went 10-6 in 2014 but missed the postseason—and that's simply not an acceptable outcome for coach Chip Kelly.
That means you can bet on the Eagles spending cash to try to improve the roster for a playoff run in 2015.
On Thursday, the Eagles released offensive guard Todd Herremans, who was due to make $4 million next season, per ESPN.com's Phil Sheridan. His release left the Eagles with $2.4 million of dead money on their cap.
The club must improve the secondary, which was shredded far too often in 2014. Cornerback is a major need, and it shouldn't surprise anyone if and when the Eagles address it in free agency, with Houston's Kareem Jackson and Seattle's Byron Maxwell looking like potential fits.
Kelly also must find a way to keep receiver Jeremy Maclin on the roster, as he's set to become a free agent.
Running back LeSean McCoy carries the team's largest 2015 cap hit at $11.95 million, and it's not outside the realm of possibility that "Shady" could be playing elsewhere next season. His situation looms as one to monitor.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Cap Space: $6.9 million
The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again up against the salary cap, with just under $6.9 million to play with.
Pass-rushing linebacker Jason Worilds is the team's biggest free agent, and while it's unclear if he'll return, the smart money says he'll be signing elsewhere.
As the club gets set to try to work out a new deal for franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (currently set to count for $18.4 million against the 2015 cap), general manager Kevin Colbert restructured the deal of offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert to create $3.7 million in additional cap space, per ESPN.com's Field Yates.
Safety Troy Polamalu is a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, but at age 33, his best days are clearly behind him—and he carries a cap hit of $8.25 million into 2015. He might be a sentimental favorite, but he's also a candidate for potential release.
Given their financial restraints, it's hard to imagine the Steelers being active in free agency.
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
Cap Space: $30.0 million
The San Diego Chargers might have narrowly missed out on a second consecutive playoff berth, but the silver lining in that particular dark cloud is $30 million in cap space with which to improve the team.
General manager Tom Telesco already inked left tackle King Dunlap to a new four-year deal worth $28 million, leaving the team one less worry.
Running back Ryan Mathews, pass-rusher Dwight Freeney and receiver Eddie Royal are the club's other big-name free agents, and given the team's cap space, San Diego could potentially re-sign all three, but if we had to bet on one, we'd wager on Mathews returning on a short-term deal.
The Chargers need help virtually across the board—except at quarterback, as Philip Rivers (2015 cap hit of $17.4 million) remains one of the league's finest passers.
Telesco will need to spend wisely to keep the Chargers in playoff contention. Adding help in the back seven of the defense would be wise, as would finding another pass-catcher for Rivers.
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
Cap Space: $6.2 million
The San Francisco 49ers have undergone an offseason of turmoil, with defensive line coach Jim Tomsula replacing Jim Harbaugh as the team's head coach. Because, you know, all Harbaugh did was guide the 49ers to three NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl berth in four seasons, but hey, what do we know?
General manager Trent Baalke now has a new head coach on his hands and a number of important free agents—most notably guard Mike Iupati, receiver Michael Crabtree and running back Frank Gore. And given the team's lack of cap space, it's hard to see them all returning.
Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com recently provided a guide for the 49ers to clear space, including restructuring the deals of linebackers NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith and potentially releasing linebacker Ahmad Brooks.
The 49ers will be hard-pressed to keep their own free agents, much less sign a bunch from other teams. It might be a quiet free-agent period for Baalke, Tomsula and company.
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Cap Space: $25.6 million
It might take the Seattle Seahawks (and their fans) a long time to get over losing the Super Bowl in heartbreaking fashion, but in order for them to get back to the Big Game, they must handle business in short order.
The top item on the agenda is clearly an extension for star quarterback Russell Wilson, who has led the team to two Super Bowls and one world championship in three seasons. Wilson, who is still on his rookie deal, will unequivocally break the bank with his new deal.
As Craig Morgan of Fox Sports Arizona noted, the impending extension for Wilson could keep the club off the free-agent market. That likely means the team's own free agents—such as cornerback Byron Maxwell and guard James Carpenter—may be signing elsewhere.
The team would also love to have a happy Marshawn Lynch in the fold, and the man known as "Beast Mode" won't come cheap. He is already slated to count for $8.5 million against the 2015 cap.
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
Cap Space: $8.2 million
The St. Louis Rams enter Year 4 of the coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead era with zero postseason appearances in their tenure, making 2015 a make-or-break year for the duo.
And having less than $10 million in cap space surely doesn't help matters.
Supposed "franchise" quarterback Sam Bradford is set for a cap hit of $16.6 million in 2015, and there's just no way that can happen. An outright release of Bradford would save $13 million, but that's an unlikely option, as the market for quarterback is weak. Restructuring is a much likelier scenario.
Per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, tackle Jake Long, center Scott Wells and defensive tackle Kendall Langford could also be cap casualties in an effort to clear space.
Wide receiver Kenny Britt is the club's biggest-name free agent, and it's not outside the realm of possibility that the Rams could keep him. The team still needs to add talent at the skill positions, as the defense is loaded.
But until the Rams find an answer at quarterback, the playoffs aren't a realistic option.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Cap Space: $33.2 million
For the second consecutive year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers possess a ton of cap space. And for the second consecutive year, the expectation should be that coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht spend that cash in an effort to bolster the roster.
2014 was a dreadful season for Tampa Bay, as it went 2-14 and "earned" the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. The Bucs will likely use that selection on a quarterback (Florida State's Jameis Winston appears to be the favorite), which means they won't address that position in free agency.
Broncos tackle Orlando Franklin and Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul could be possibilities for the Bucs, as Bleacher Report's Jason Kanno recently suggested. But for a team coming off a 2-14 record, there are clearly holes everywhere on the roster that need to be addressed.
Wide receiver Vincent Jackson is set to count for $12.2 million against the 2015 cap, so it bears watching how the club handles his situation.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Cap Space: $44.4 million
The Tennessee Titans are coming off a 2-14 season and own the unwanted moniker of "most nondescript team in the NFL."
So yeah, you damn well better believe coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Ruston Webster will be looking to spend their $40 million in cap space to improve a substandard 53-man roster.
Where does Tennessee need help? Let us count the ways: Well, how about we just leave it at every single position on the roster and go from there?
Re-signing linebacker Derrick Morgan (6.5 sacks in 2014) should be a priority, and then the club should look to other free agents. If a top name hits the market, the Titans should be in on that player. It's as simple as that. Edge-rushers who could fit in coordinator Ray Horton's scheme (think Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds) are important targets, as are skill position players who are capable of moving the offense into the 21st century.
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
Cap Space: $28.1 million
The Washington Redskins have a new general manager in Scot McCloughan, and the well-respected talent evaluator has a lot of work to do to get the roster up to snuff.
The team recently released defensive tackle Barry Cofield and defensive end Stephen Bowen, saving nearly $10 million against the 2015 cap.
The Redskins desperately need edge-rushers to get after the opposing quarterback, as well as help in the secondary and along the offensive line. Those should be the primary positions of need that McCloughan seeks to fill.
He could also try to restructure the contract of receiver Pierre Garcon, who is set to count for $9.7 million against the 2015 cap.
Expect the Redskins to make a few more moves to clear up space so they can make a run at some of the big-name pass-rushers and offensive tackles on the market.
*Salary cap information for each team via OverTheCap.com.
Nick Kostos is a featured NFL columnist for Bleacher Report and a host for Bleacher Report Radio on SiriusXM. Follow Nick on Twitter here.
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