The NFL season has officially come to a close, which means the quest to win Super Bowl LVII has begun. Plenty of teams will be making crucial roster decisions over the next several weeks, leading up to the start of the legal tampering period on March 14.
Teams will be releasing players to get under the salary cap by the start of the new league year (March 16), and creating even more cap space as the league is set to experience another quarterback carousel featuring some of the top signal callers in the game. The next month of the NFL will experience movement like no other thanks to the shorted offseason.
With the start of the legal tampering period less than a month away, here's a look at all the unrestricted free agents around the league, each team's salary cap situation, and the top positional needs for each franchise.
Arizona Cardinals
Unrestricted free agents: EDGE Chandler Jones, TE Zach Ertz, WR A.J. Green, RB Chase Edmonds, EDGE Dennis Gardeck, TE Maxx Williams, LB Zeke Turner, RB James Conner, P Andy Lee, WR Christian Kirk, IDL Corey Peters, QB Colt McCoy, TE Darrell Daniels, S Charles Washington, LG Max Garcia, TE Demetrius Harris, IDL Jack Crawford, S Chris Banjo, LS Aaron Brewer, CB Robert Alford, CB Antonio Hamilton
Projected cap space: -$813,256
Team needs: WR, CB, IDL
The Cardinals will need to revamp the wide receiver position if they can retain Kirk and decide to move on from Green, but their biggest issue is cornerback. Arizona used four different outside corners in 2021, a position it can't seem to figure out. Look for general manager Steve Keim to be active on the free agent market at that position.
Atlanta Falcons
Unrestricted free agents: EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Russell Gage, LB Foyesade Oluokun, TE Hayden Hurst, P Thomas Morstead, S Shawn Williams, TE Lee Smith, S Erik Harris, QB A.J. McCarron, S Duron Harmon, CB Isaiah Oliver, CB Fabian Moreau, C Josh Andrews, EDGE Steven Means, LS Josh Harris, IDL Mike Pennel, LB Daren Bates, EDGE Brandon Copeland, LT Jason Spriggs IDL Jonathan Bullard, WR Tajae Sharpe, QB Josh Rosen, LB Emmanuel Ellerbee
Projected cap space: -$6,611,883
Team needs: WR, DL, IOL
Cordarrelle Patterson and Russell Gage are set to cash in on free agency this offseason, but whether they'll continue their careers in Atlanta remains to be seen. The Falcons will need other pass catching options for Matt Ryan going forward, and they also need to significantly improve the offensive line, pass rush, and secondary. This team needs a lot of help in order to compete in what looks to be a wide-open NFC South in 2022.
Baltimore Ravens
Unrestricted free agents: IDL Calais Campbell, IDL Brandon Williams, S DeShon Elliott, C Bradley Boseman, WR Sammy Watkins, FB Patrick Ricard, CB Jimmy Smith, EDGE Justin Houston, LB L.J. Fort, RB Devonta Freeman, RB Latavius Murray, LB Chris Board, S Tony Jefferson, S Anthony Levine, LB Josh Bynes, EDGE Pernell McPhee, IDL Justin Ellis, QB Josh Johnson, LT David Sharpe, TE Eric Tomlinson, CB Anthony Averett
Projected cap space: $8,768,345
Team needs: S, CB, EDGE
More depth in the secondary is a necessity for the Ravens this offseason, especially after the injuries to Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. The Ravens need to invest from free agent money at safety, especially in a revamped unit under new defensive coordinator Mike McDonald. It wouldn't hurt the Ravens to upgrade at wide receiver and on the edge either, but that can also be addressed in the draft.
Buffalo Bills
Unrestricted free agents: EDGE Jerry Hughes, EDGE Mario Addison, CB Levi Wallace, WR Isaiah McKenzie, WR Emmanuel Sanders, QB Mitchell Trubisky, RB Matt Breida, RT Bobby Hart, IDL Vernon Butler, RG Ike Boettger, RB Taiwan Jones, WR Jake Kumerow, EDGE Bryan Cox Jr., IDL Harrison Phillips, CB Siran Neal
Projected cap space: -$4,758,197
Team needs: WR, IDL, IOL
The Bills need some help on the defensive line, an attractive destination for veterans looking for a Super Bowl contender. Sanders may retire, so Buffalo could use more depth there if McKenzie departs in free agency. Having more help on the interior of the offensive line will also improve the run game, which was better in the second half of the year. The Bills will have their pick of which veterans they want to target in free agency at key spots.
Carolina Panthers
Unrestricted free agents: CB Stephon Gilmore, CB Donte Jackson, C Matt Paradis, QB Cam Newton, EDGE Haason Reddick, IDL DaQuan Jones, S Juston Burris, RT Trenton Scott, RG John Miller, EDGE Frankie Luvu, LB Julian Stanford, CB Rashaan Melvin, K Zane Gonzalez, P Lachlan Edwards, RB Ameer Abdullah, WR Alex Erickson, S Sean Chandler, WR Brandon Zylstra, TE Ian Thomas, LB Jermaine Carter Jr., EDGE Marquis Haynes
Projected cap space: $16,810,793
Team needs: QB, LB, IOL
The Panthers were one of the worst teams at protecting the quarterback in 2021, so offensive line is the biggest priority. Adding veteran talent is vital for this team, no matter who the quarterback is. Unfortunately for the Panthers, the quarterback market in free agency isn't very good.
Chicago Bears
Unrestricted free agents: IDL Akiem Hicks, WR Allen Robinson, QB Andy Dalton, RB Damien Williams, TE Jimmy Graham, LT Jason Peters, RT Germain Ifedi, S Tashaun Gipson, WR Jakeem Grant, P Pat O'Donnell, RG James Daniels, TE Jesse James, S Deon Bush, WR Marquise Goodwin, LB Christian Jones, LT Elijah Wilkinson, S DeAndre Houston-Carson, LS Patrick Scales, WR Damiere Byrd, IDL Margus Hunt, LB Alec Ogletree, LB Bruce Irvin, CB Marqui Christian, EDGE Cassius Marsh, CB Artie Burns, IDL Bilal Nichols
Projected cap space: $28,649,726
Team needs: WR, CB, G
New general manager Ryan Poles will have to rebuild the offensive line this offseason, as the top priority will be to protect Justin Fields. The Bears need to work on the interior of the offensive line and have enough cap space to upgrade there. Chicago will also need more pass catchers on the outside to help out Darnell Mooney, especially since Robinson likely won't be back.
Cincinnati Bengals
Unrestricted free agents: S Jessie Bates III, CB Darius Phillips, IDL B.J. Hill, RT Riley Reiff, IDL Larry Ogunjobi, TE C.J. Uzomah, RG Xavier Su'a-Filo, CB Vernon Hargreaves, QB Brandon Allen, CB Tre Flowers, WR Auden Tate, P Kevin Huber, IDL Josh Tupou, S Ricardo Allen, CB Eli Apple, LS Clark Harris, LG Quinton Spain, LB Jordan Evans, IDL Zach Kerr, S Michael Thomas, WR Mike Thomas
Projected cap space: $57,307,379
Team needs: T, G, C
Obviously the Bengals need to take care of Jessie Bates, but they have tons of cap space to spend on their offensive line in free agency. Cincinnati has an excellent opportunity to get its biggest problem corrected in the offseason, with Joe Burrow still on his rookie deal. Look for the Bengals to spend top dollar on the best free agent offensive linemen.
Cleveland Browns
Unrestricted free agents: S Ronnie Harrison, WR Rashard Higgins, EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, IDL Malik Jackson, EDGE Takkarist McKinley, LT Chris Hubbard, LB Anthony Walker Jr., TE David Njoku, S M.J. Stewart, LB Malcolm Smith, P Dustin Colquitt, IDL Sheldon Day, QB Nick Mullins, EDGE Ifeadi Odenigbo, WR Ryan Switzer
Projected cap space: $25,008,053
Team needs: WR, EDGE, DT
While the Browns still need to figure out the Baker Mayfield situation, wide receiver is the position this franchise needs to upgrade. Having a No. 1 wideout is paramount for the Browns this offseason, and they have the cap space to overspend for one of the top playmakers on the market. The Browns will also have a decision to make on Clowney, and still need someone to line up opposite Myles Garrett. Bringing back Jackson at defensive tackle is also an option.
Dallas Cowboys
Unrestricted free agents: LG Connor Williams, EDGE Randy Gregory, LB Keanu Neal, WR Michael Gallup, TE Dalton Schultz, LB Leighton Vander Esch, WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., IDL Brent Urban, RT Ty Nsekhe, IDL Carlos Watkins, CB Maurice Canady, S Damontae Kazee, WR Noah Brown, S Jayron Kearse, P Bryan Anger, LS Jake McQuaide, TE Jeremy Sprinkle, RB Corey Clement, S Malik Hooper, WR Malik Turner, EDGE Dorance Armstrong Jr.
Projected cap space: -$21,449,885
Team needs: EDGE, LB, G
It'll be hard for the Cowboys to retain any of their free agents with their cap situation. A few restructures are in order if the Cowboys want to have any chance of spending in free agency. Schultz and Williams should be in demand around the league come March.
Denver Broncos
Unrestricted free agents: QB Teddy Bridgewater, CB Kyle Fuller, RB Melvin Gordon, CB Bryce Callahan, S Kareem Jackson, RT Bobby Massie, LB Alexander Johnson, RT Cameron Fleming, EDGE Stephen Weatherly, IDL Shamar Stephen, CB Mike Ford, CB Nate Hairston, TE Eric Saubert, C Brett Jones, IDL Justin Hamilton, LB Josey Jewell, LB Micah Kiser, LB Kenny Young
Projected cap space: $38,877,012
Team needs: QB, EDGE, CB
New head coach Nathaniel Hackett will look to upgrade at quarterback this offseason; whether that involves Aaron Rodgers remains to be seen. Denver won't have very good options at the position in free agency, so the Broncos' best move is to trade for a quarterback. If Von Miller does indeed decide to return to Denver, that will help the pass rushing situation.
Detroit Lions
Unrestricted free agents: WR Josh Reynolds, WR Kalif Raymond, S Tracy Walker, QB Tim Boyle, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, IDL Nicholas Williams, LB Alex Anzalone, EDGE Charles Harris, WR KhaDarel Hodge, S Dean Marlowe, IDL Joel Heath, RT Tyrell Crosby, LB Shaun Dion Hamilton
Projected cap space: $22,738,118
Team needs: WR, CB, S
The Lions need veterans in the secondary, one of the top priorities to improve the defense. Keeping Walker would be ideal, but Detroit could use another cornerback or two to pair with Amani Oruwariye. They also have to upgrade at wide receiver over the coming weeks in order to give the passing game a chance. Jared Goff wasn't great in 2021, but he had little help.
Green Bay Packers
Unrestricted free agents: WR Davante Adams, CB Kevin King, TE Robert Tonyan, LB De'Vondre Campbell, CB Rasul Douglas, EDGE Whitney Mercilus, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, CB Chandon Sullivan, LG Lucas Patrick, RT Dennis Kelly, IDL Tyler Lancaster, CB Isaac Yiadom, P Corey Bojorquez, LB Oren Burks, WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Projected cap space: -$50,790,970
Team needs: WR, S, LB
The top free agent priority here is Adams, but that's contingent on where Aaron Rodgers is going. The Packers can't decide the direction they're going as a franchise until Rodgers informs the team of his plans for 2022. If Rodgers returns, expect the Packers to go all-in and find a way to retain their top players.
Houston Texans
Unrestricted free agents: QB Tyrod Taylor, S Justin Reid, RB David Johnson, CB Desmond King, LB Christian Kirksey, LB Eric Wilson, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, WR Danny Amendola, S Terrence Brooks, IDL Maliek Collins, C Justin Britt, CB A.J. Moore, LB Neville Hewitt, TE Pharaoh Brown, IDL Vincent Taylor, EDGE DeMarcus Walker, WR Chris Conley, LB Tae Davis, LS Jon Weeks, EDGE Chris Smith, LT Geron Christian, LB Hardy Nickerson, TE Antony Auclair, LG Lane Taylor, QB Jeff Driskel, WR Chris Moore, IDL Jaleel Johnson, RB Royce Freeman, RG Cole Toner, TE Jordan Akins, EDGE Jacob Martin
Projected cap space: $17,926,742
Team needs: QB, T, CB
The first thing the Texans have to do is move on from Deshaun Watson before they can finally begin their rebuild. Houston had one of the worst rosters in the NFL last year and needs help across the board. Give Davis Mills a chance for 2022 with protection up front and a solid running game.
Indianapolis Colts
Unrestricted free agents: LT Eric Fisher, WR T.Y. Hilton, RG Mark Glowinski, CB Xavier Rhodes, TE Mo-Alie Cox, WR Zach Pascal, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, LT Sam Tevi, IDL Isaac Rochell, S George Odum, CB T.J. Carrie, RB Marlon Mack, EDGE Kemoko Turay, LT Julie'n Davenport, LG Chris Reed, EDGE Tyquan Lewis, S Andrew Sendejo, S Jahleel Addae, RG Matt Pryor, K Michael Badgley, IDL Antwaun Woods, LB Matthew Adams, LB Zaire Franklin
Projected cap space: $37,377,327
Team needs: WR, T, EDGE
The Colts are still contemplating what to do with Carson Wentz at quarterback, and badly need pass-catching options on the outside with Michael Pittman. With all the cap space, the Colts should go after one of the top wideouts available. Having an improved pass rush will also help out a solid defense in 2022, even with Matt Eberflus no longer the defensive coordinator.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Unrestricted free agents: LT Cam Robinson, WR D.J. Chark, LG Andrew Norwell, RG A.J. Cann, IDL Taven Bryan, EDGE Jihad Ward, C Tyler Shatley, CB Tre Herndon, LB Damien Wilson, TE James O'Shaughnessy, CB Nevin Lawson, EDGE Adam Gotsis, WR Tavon Austin, EDGE Lerentee McCray, TE Jacob Hollister, WR Laquon Treadwell, WR Jaydon Mickens, LB Tyrell Adams, P JK Scott, RT Will Richardson
Projected cap space: $59,247,427
Team needs: TE, WR, OL
A No. 1 wide receiver is the top priority for the Jaguars, who need a top pass-catching option for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Head coach Doug Pederson saw first-hand what a top playmaker did for Carson Wentz early in his career. Getting a tight end in that system will also help. The Jaguars have the No. 1 pick, so they can improve the offensive line -- but free agency will be a good opportunity to find more help in the secondary.
Kansas City Chiefs
Unrestricted free agents: LT Orlando Brown, S Tyrann Mathieu, IDL Jarran Reed, LB Melvin Ingram, CB Charvarius Ward, RT Mike Remmers, CB Mike Hughes, S Daniel Sorensen, WR Byron Pringle, QB Chad Henne, RB Darrel Williams, LB Ben Niemann, RG Kyle Long, TE Blake Bell, WR Demarcus Robinson, EDGE Alex Okafor, C Austin Blythe, RB Jerick McKinnon, FB Michael Burton, IDL Derrick Nnadi, LG Andrew Wylie, LS James Winchester, WR Marcus Kemp, LB Dorian O'Daniel, S Armani Watts
Projected cap space: $4,347,359
Team needs: WR, CB, EDGE
The Chiefs have to find a No. 2 wide receiver opposite of Tyreek Hill to give Patrick Mahomes a third option outside of Hill and Travis Kelce In the passing game. The first thing the Chiefs need to do his keep Orlando Brown in the fold and find some way to retain Tyrann Mathieu. Kansas City will need significant help in the secondary if Mathieu isn't resigned.
Las Vegas Raiders
Unrestricted free agents: LB Nicholas Morrow, IDL Johnathan Hankins, QB Marcus Mariota, LB K.J. Wright, IDL Quinton Jefferson, IDL Solomon Thomas, WR Zay Jones, RB Jalen Richard, CB Casey Hayward, LG Richie Incognito, WR DeSean Jackson, IDL Gerald McCoy, C Nick Martin, TE Derek Carrier, CB Desmond Trufant, RT Brandon Parker, RG Jermaine Eluemunor, LB Kyle Wilber, RB Peyton Barber, IDL Darius Philon, LB Patrick Onwuasor, CB Brandon Facyson, LB Marquel Lee, LG Jordan Simmons
Projected cap space: $20,537,443
Team needs: CB, WR, DT
A new defensive coordinator in Patrick Graham means a new system, so the Raiders will be revamping the cornerback position. Las Vegas also needs help at wide receiver if Derek Carr is to continue playing at a high level. The Raiders are great on the edge, but could use better run-stoppers at defensive tackle if they wish to make a playoff return.
Los Angeles Chargers
Unrestricted free agents: CB Chris Harris Jr., IDL Linval Joseph, WR Mike Williams, TE Jared Cook, EDGE Kyler Fackrell, RB Justin Jackson, RG Oday Aboushi, CB Ryan Smith, QB Chase Daniel, EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, WR Andre Roberts, LS Matt Overton, RG Senio Kelemete, K Dustin Hopkins, LG Michael Schofield, IDL Christian Covington, CB Devontae Harris, TE Stephen Anderson, IDL Justin Jones, LB Kyzir White, LG Scott Quisenberry
Projected cap space: $56,298,356
Team needs: CB, WR, DT
The Chargers will look to keep Williams in the fold, whether that's by a franchise tag or long-term extension. Upgrades at cornerback are also on the shopping list, as the market has plenty of options available come March. The Chargers need to improve their run defense, making depth on the interior a high priority. Fortunately for Los Angeles, there's plenty of cap space to get all of this done.
Los Angeles Rams
Unrestricted free agents: EDGE Von Miller, WR Odell Beckham Jr., CB Darious Williams, RB Sony Michel, RG Austin Corbett, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, WR Brandon Powell, RB Buddy Howell, CB Donte Deayon, TE Johnny Mundt, LT Joseph Noteboom, C Brian Allen, EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Projected cap space: -$14,098,914
Team needs: G, LB, WR
The Rams will find it hard to keep Miller, but they'll try to keep this dynamic pass rush intact (of course they have to wait on Aaron Donald's decision to return). Beckham was a key free agent target, and the Rams should be able to retain him given his knee injury. Los Angeles will need some more veteran help as Beckham could be out most of 2021 returning from his injury. There isn't much leeway for the Rams to make moves in free agency.
Miami Dolphins
Unrestricted free agents: TE Mike Gesicki, WR Will Fuller, Emmanuel Ogbah, QB Jacoby Brissett, RB Phillip Lindsay, WR Albert Wilson, CB Justin Coleman, LB Elandon Roberts, RB Malcolm Brown, P Michael Palardy, IDL John Jenkins, S Jason McCourty, WR Mack Hollins, LB Brennan Scarlett, LB Duke Riley, C Greg Rancz, RB Duke Johnson, LB Vince Biegel, WR Isaiah Ford, TE Durham Smythe
Projected cap space: $63,806,417
Team needs: T, G, RB
The Dolphins owe it to Tua Tagovailoa to rebuild the offensive line -- and they'll have plenty of cap room to significantly upgrade in free agency. They'll also need to improve at wide receiver, although there's an opportunity to get Fuller back at a discounted rate. There are a couple of wideouts worth taking a flyer on for Miami.
Minnesota Vikings
Unrestricted free agents: CB Patrick Peterson, LB Anthony Barr, IDL Sheldon Richardson, LT Rashod Hill, LB Nick Vigil, S Xavier Woods, WR Dede Westbrook, CB Mackensie Alexander, LG Dakota Dozier, TE Luke Stocker, EDGE Everson Griffen, RB Wayne Gallman, P Jordan Berry, QB Sean Mannion, WR Chad Beebe, EDGE Tashawn Bower, C Mason Cole, TE Chris Herndon, TE Tyler Conklin
Projected cap space: -$15,335,779
Team needs: G, EDGE, CB
Cornerback may be the biggest priority in Minnesota, but the Vikings will have to get creative in improving that position. They need to improve the interior of the offensive line in order to protect Kirk Cousins and give him more time to make plays downfield with his pass catchers. The pass rushing situation may have to be addressed in the draft.
New England Patriots
Unrestricted free agents: S Devin McCourty, RT Trent Brown, LB Dont'a Hightower, CB J.C. Jackson, C Ted Karras, WR Matthew Slater, RB James White, RB Brandon Bolden, LB Brandon King, K Nick Folk, IDL Carl Davis, QB Brian Hoyer, LB Jamie Colins, LB Harvey Langi, TE Troy Fumagalli, LB Ja'Whaun Bentley
Projected cap space: $8,329,412
Team needs: WR, CB, LB
Keeping J.C. Jackson is the No. 1 priority for the Patriots in free agency, which will solve part of the cornerback situation. Jackson will be offered a lot of money by a team with more cap space than New England that's desperate for a No. 1 cornerback. The Patriots still need help at wide receiver, specifically a downfield threat, even after spending all that money on the position last year.
New Orleans Saints
Unrestricted free agents: S Marcus Williams, T Terron Armstead, QB Jameis Winston, WR Tre'Quan Smith, S P.J. Williams, RB Ty Montgomery, RB Dwayne Washington, LB Kwon Alexander, RT Jordan Mills, S Jeff Heath, LG James Carpenter, WR Kenny Stills, CB Ken Crawley, RG Caleb Benenoch, QB Trevor Siemian, IDL Christian Ringo, IDL Jalyn Holmes
Projected cap space: -$75,993,406
Team needs: QB, WR, S
No quarterback in New Orleans and Sean Payton stepped down as head coach. How will this team add players in free agency with all the money over the cap? Armstead and Williams will certainly cash in elsewhere and who knows what will happen with Winston. This team needs to get under the cap before anything else.
New York Giants
Unrestricted free agents: RT Nate Solder, IDL Austin Jackson, C Billy Price, TE Evan Engram, S Jabrill Peppers, WR John Ross, RG Will Hernandez, TE Levine Toilolo, QB Mike Glennon, S Nate Ebner, IDL Danny Shelton, LB Reggie Ragland, RB Elijhaa Penny, EDGE Lorenzo Carter, LS Casey Kreiter, LB Jaylon Smith, LB Benardrick McKinney, LG Matt Skura, LT Corey Cunningham, WR Dante Pettis, WR C.J. Board, CB Keion Crossen
Projected cap space: -$11,309,020
Team needs: G, EDGE, C
Another year for the Giants to fix the offensive line. New York needs to look at guard and center this free agent season as the Giants at least have some stability at tackle. Improving the pass rush in Wink Martindale's system will be something to keep an eye on for the Giants if they clear enough cap space.
New York Jets
Unrestricted free agents: S Marcus Maye, QB Joe Flacco, WR Jamison Crowder, WR Keelan Cole, WR Braxton Berrios, LB Jarrad Davis, RT Morgan Moses, RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, LG Dan Feeney, S Lamarcus Joyner, TE Tyler Kroft, RG Conor McDermott, RB Tevin Coleman, S Will Parks, IDL Nathan Shepherd, LT Greg Senat, K Eddy Pineiro, FB Nick Bawden, IDL Folorunso Fatukasi
Projected cap space: $48,196,471
Team needs: CB, S, WR
The Jets need to improve the secondary this offseason, having the cap space and draft capital to revamp the unit. Expect New York to be players for the top cornerbacks in free agency and upgrade at the position. Maye may also be back after suffering an Achilles injury last year, already having familiarity with the defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
Unrestricted free agents: EDGE Derek Barnett, S Anthony Harris, CB Steven Nelson, EDGE Ryan Kerrigan, S Rodney Mcleod, IDL Hassan Ridgeway, RB Jordan Howard, LB Genard Avery, TE Jason Croom
Projected cap space: $21,533,860
Team needs: LB, EDGE, WR
Another offseason where the Eagles have to upgrade at linebacker. Fortunately, the position is vital in defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's scheme and the Eagles don't have to pay top dollar in free agency with three first-round picks this year. Signing a veteran pass rusher to pair with Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat will improve a unit that had the third-fewest sacks in the league last season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Unrestricted free agents: CB Joe Haden, WR Juju Smith-Schuster, TE Eric Ebron, Cb Ahkello Witherspoon, RG Trai Turner, S terrell Edmonds, LB Miles Killebrew, WR James Washington, QB Joshua Dobbs, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, CB Arthur Mallet, C B.J. Finney, EDGE Taco Charlton, IDL Montravius Adams, RB Kalen Ballage, RT Chukwuma Okorafor
Projected cap space: $31,206,582
Team needs: QB, T, CB
The Steelers need to find a quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger retired -- and would have needed to find one if he decided to return (Roethlisberger was a free agent). The market is scarce in free agency, so Pittsburgh's best option is to either draft one or trade for a veteran. Adding a starting cornerback is also a priority for a team that struggled in pass coverage throughout last year.
San Francisco 49ers
Unrestricted free agents: LG Laken Tomlinson, CB Jason Verrett, IDL D.J. Jones, RB Raheem Mostert, CB K'Waun Williams, RB Jeff Wilson, TE Ross Dwelley, CB Josh Norman, LB Marcell Harris, WR Mohamed Sanu, S Jaquiski Tartt, S Tavon Wilson, WR Travis Benjamin, RG Tom Compton, CB Dontae Johnson, IDL Maurice Hurst, EDGE Arden Key, C Jake Brendel, EDGE Jordan Willis, RB Trenton Cannon, WR Trent Sherfield, WR Richie James
Projected cap space: -$4,478,456
Team needs: CB, S, G
Tomlinson is the top priority for San Francisco after a strong season at guard. After Tomlinson, the 49ers will have to make decisions on Verrett, Williams, and Tartt -- which could lead to a revamp of the secondary in free agency and the draft. Fortunately for the 49ers, Jimmy Garoppolo's contract may be off the books. There will be some money to spend.
Seattle Seahawks
Unrestricted free agents: LT Duane Brown, S Quandre Diggs, TE Gerald Everett, RT Brandon Shell, C Ethan Pocic, RB Rashaad Penny, IDL Al Woods, CB Sidney Jones, QB Geno Smith, RB Alex Collins, EDGE Rasheem Green, IDL Robert Nkemdiche, TE Will Dissly, CB D.J. Reed, LT Jamarco Jones
Projected cap space: $36,443,530
Team needs: EDGE, CB, T
The Seahawks need to develop a pass rush this offseason, which is where the majority of their available cap space should go in free agency. This is another franchise that could use help at cornerback too, but the Seahawks are tied to Russell Wilson's decision on if he'll return in 2022. If Wilson seeks a trade, the Seahawks' game plan changes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Unrestricted free agents: WR Chris Godwin, EDGE Jason Pierre-Paul, C Ryan Jensen, IDL Ndamukong Suh. RB Leonard Fournette, IDL William Gholston, CB Carlton Davis, TE Rob Gronkowski, TE O.J. Howard, QB Blaine Gabbert, CB Richard Sherman, RB Ronald Jones II, LG Aaron Stinnie, IDL Steve McLendon, RB Giovani Bernard, LB Kevin Minter, LT Josh Wells, Cb Pierre Desir, S Curtis Riley, S Anthony Adams, WR Breshad Perriman, RG Alex Cappa, S Jordan Whitehead
Projected cap space: $3,075,110
Team needs: QB, WR, DT
Tom Brady's retirement (or at least his retirement for now) has the Buccaneers in the market for a quarterback this offseason. A reunion with Jameis Winston is a possibility, but look for Tampa Bay to gauge the trade market. Godwin will be a top target for a lot of teams, so the Buccaneers will need to focus on keeping the interior of their defensive line intact.
Tennessee Titans
Unrestricted free agents: EDGE Harold Landry, C Ben Jones, LB Jayon Brown, TE Anthony Firkser, LB Rashaan Evans, TE Geoff Swaim, WR Marcus Johnson, LS Morgan Cox, LB Nick Dzubnar, S Matthias Farley, K Randy Bullock, CB Buster Skrine, EDGE Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, LB Dylan Cole, LB B.J. Bello, CB Greg Mabin, WR Chester Rogers, IDL Kyle Peko, IDL Trevor Coley, TE MyCole Pruitt, RB Dontrell Hilliard, RB D'Onta Foreman, WR Cameron Batson, S Dane Cruikshank
Projected cap space: -$7,236,578
Team needs: TE, DE, T
Landry is going to be in high demand this offseason, so the Titans should allocate that money and invest in a tight end and improve the offense. Tennessee should find a cheaper option on the edge or address the pass rush in the draft. The Titans are committed to Ryan Tannehill for 2022, but those plans could change.
Washington Commanders
Unrestricted free agents: RG Brandon Scherff, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, LB Jon Bostic, WR Cam Sims, LT Cornelius Lucas, RB J.D. McKissic, CB Darryl Roberts, S Bobby McCain, WR Adam Humphries, C Tyler Larsen, CB Torry McTyer, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, LB Jared Norris, EDGE Nate Orchard, WR DeAndre Carter, RG Jamil Douglas, S Troy Apke, IDL Tim Settle, CB Danny Johnson
Projected cap space: $31,899,739
Team needs: QB, WR, LB
Look for the Commanders to be in the quarterback market this offseason. Washington went the free-agent route last year and Ryan Fitzpatrick played just one game. The trade market is the likely destination this year. Getting more pass-catching options will also help whoever is the quarterback next year. The Commanders also need an off-ball linebacker, having more than enough cap space to pay top dollar for one of the top free agents.
