Teams are listed in 2024 NFL Draft Order. As always, major shoutout to OverTheCap.com.

1. Chicago Bears (via CAR) with $64M in cap space

Projected HC: Matt Eberflus.

Projected QB: Caleb Williams with Tyrod Taylor.

• Trading 25-year-old Justin Fields would only cost $3M in dead money and an inheriting team (like the Raiders, Steelers, Falcons, etc.) would have him in 2024 for $3M, the 5th-year option in 2025, and then franchise tags afterwards. That’s an attractive contract for a QB with hard-to-find tools, so Chicago should be able to get very real draft capital in return. I project a 2nd round pick plus. This plan assumes the Bears prefer Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. That seems very likely.

• 27-year-old Darnell Mooney is an unrestricted free agent, with Tyler Scott as a cheap in-house replacement. The Bears have another 1st-round pick to work with, too.

• 28-year-old D’Onta Foreman is an unrestricted free agent, while Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert remain on their rookie contracts.

2. Washington Commanders with $81M in cap space

Projected HC: Ben Johnson.

Projected QB: Drake Maye with Sam Howell.

• The previous regime believed Sam Howell deserved the 2024 starting job, but he’s a backup with too many mistakes to take seriously, while Jacoby Brissett is a free agent. After tanking down the stretch, the Commanders are in position to find an actual franchise QB in the draft. They first have to make a power move at HC. This is an attractive position with new (rich) ownership, the most cap space this offseason, and the 2nd overall pick.

• 28-year-old Curtis Samuel is a free agent, which should allow Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to operate as the clear top options in the pass game. The Commanders have the 2nd-most cap space and two 2s and two 3s to find a real slot replacement. 

• 26-year-old Antonio Gibson is a free agent, leaving Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez as the primary options. A pass-catching threat would be a nice add.

• 33-year-old Logan Thomas is a cut candidate with $6.5M in cap savings waiting. 

3. New England Patriots with $75M in cap space

Projected HC: Jarod Mayo.

Projected QB: Jayden Daniels with Ryan Tannehill.

• It seems like Jayden Daniels is at least close to the Caleb Williams and Drake Maye discussion with months to go. A Mac trade would cost $2M in dead money with an inheriting team controlling his contract for $2M in 2024. It’s not a must do move, as that’s a cheap deal for a capable backup QB.

• A complete reset at WR is very needed. 29-year-old Kendrick Bourne (ACL) is a free agent, and 31-year-old DeVante Parker ($7M guaranteed) and 28-year-old JuJu Smith-Schuster ($11M guaranteed) aren’t real answers despite their inflated contracts. Neither is former 2nd-rounder Tyquan Thornton. The Patriots at least have all their draft picks and plenty of free agent dollars to make moves.

• 30-year-old Hunter Henry and 29-year-old Mike Gesicki are both free agents, so another position in full need of a reset.

• 29-year-old Ezekiel Elliott is a free agent, leaving Rhamondre Stevenson as the clear top option without a sturdy backup. Stevenson should be in his complete prime in 2024.

• The Patriots OL is very influx as well. OT Trent Brown, OG Michael Onwenu, and OT Riley Reiff are all free agents after the unit struggled in back-to-back seasons. 

4. Arizona Cardinals with $57M in cap space

Projected HC: Jonathan Gannon.

Projected QB: Kyler Murray.

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Kyler Murray is the Cardinals franchise QB in the eyes of this staff. Trading him would cost $46M in dead money and now they moved out of the top-3 picks where the top QBs may go back to back to back.

• 27-year-old Marquise Brown is a free agent, but it’d make sense if he returned via an extension or the franchise tag after Arizona just traded a borderline 1st-rounder for him recently. 2023 3rd-rounder Michael Wilson and 24-year-old slot Rondale Moore round out the room … for now. Marvin Harrison Jr. is commonly mocked to the Cardinals as a consensus blue chip prospect. That’d be a very fun group.

• 29-year-old James Conner has $3M of $8M guaranteed in the final year of his deal, so it’s possible Conner is a cut candidate. It’ll be a close call because he had a decent season despite missing some games. The Cardinals have two 1s, one 2, and three 3s in the upcoming draft class, so there’s plenty of draft capital to find their next franchise RB. 

5. Los Angeles Chargers with -$42M in cap space

Projected HC: Jim Harbaugh.

Projected QB: Justin Herbert.

• It’s rare to have a GM/HC opening attached to a borderline top-5 QB like Justin Herbert, but there is very little around him right now given the cap space. Veterans like Mike Williams, EDGE Joey Bosa, and C Corey Linsley are cut candidates. EDGE Khalil Mack and Keenan Allen are trade candidates. Others are impending free agents. It’s not a straight-forward job opening, aside from the beautiful weather and low expectations. Landing the 5th overall pick certainly helps. Hello, Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze.

• Cutting 30-year-old Mike Williams (torn ACL) saves a much-needed $20M, despite having to eat $12M in dead money. He seems very likely to be released. The harder decision will be with 32-year-old Keenan Allen, who has a $35M cap hit. Releasing Keenan would save $23M with $12M in dead money. Trading him would result in the same thing if they can find a team willing to pay him $23M in 2024, but it wouldn’t come with much draft capital in return. There are multiple top-10 WR candidates if they decide to fully reset at the position with first-round project Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer on their rookie contracts.

• 29-year-old Austin Ekeler and 27-year-old Joshua Kelley are free agents, leaving bust Isaiah Spiller as the lone back remaining. He is not a starter candidate.

• 30-year-old Gerald Everett is a free agent, potentially unleashing an entire offseason of Donald Parham tweets. I may have to join that party.

6. New York Giants with $36M in cap space

Projected HC: Brian Daboll.

Projected QB: Daniel Jones with Gardner Minshew.

• Daniel Jones isn’t going anywhere, even if Tommy Cutlets was our momentary hero. $36M of $47M is guaranteed with another $22M in prorated bonuses locked in for the Giants in 2025 and 2026. 

• 27-year-old Saquon Barkley is a free agent, but the Giants could place another franchise tag on him for a 120% increase in salary ($12M). He’d likely freak out (as he should), so hopefully they can find room on a long-term deal. I’d think Saquon returns.

• 2023 3rd-rounder Jalin Hyatt is an intriguing low-volume deep threat and Wan’Dale Robinson is a fine-enough slot, but the Giants still need a true alpha X receiver. 26-year-old Isaiah Hodgins is a restricted free agent, capable of returning on a $4M contract. 27-year-old Darius Slayton only has $1M of $7M guaranteed as potential cut candidate. 31-year-old Sterling Shepard is a free agent. The Giants have one 1st and two 2nds to make a power move.

• 32-year-old Darren Waller is a potential cut candidate. Releasing him saves $7M with $7M in dead money, unless they designate him as a post June 1st release. Any production from him should be viewed as a bonus after another wasted year due to soft-tissue injury.

7. Tennessee Titans with $82M in cap space

Projected HC: Brian Callahan.

Projected QB: Will Levis with Jimmy Garoppolo.

• 2nd-rounder Will Levis likely did enough as a rookie to be the starter in 2024 with 36-year-old Ryan Tannehill heading to free agency. 

• 32-year-old DeAndre Hopkins has a $16M cap hit with $8M in guaranteed bonuses under contract, so he’ll likely be back after a decent first campaign in Tennessee. Treylon Burks is penciled in as the second receiver, but he has struggled transitioning positions in the NFL. There’s room for another addition here even if the Titans run a balanced offense.

• 30-year-old Derrick Henry is a free agent with 3rd-rounder Tyjae Spears waiting behind him. It’s unclear if Henry wants to re-sign and finish off his career in Tennessee. He still has some juice in my opinion.

8. Atlanta Falcons with $35M in cap space

Projected HC: Raheem Morris.

Projected QB: Russell Wilson with Desmond Ridder.

• Desmond Ridder is below a fringe starter, so we’ll see how pressured Arthur Smith is to find an upgrade (like veteran Ryan Tannehill). 31-year-old Taylor Heinicke is a cut candidate with $7M in cap savings.

• All of Drake London’s backup WRs are free agents.

• 29-year-old Jonnu Smith is a cut candidate with $7M in cap savings, so it could be wheel's up for Kyle Pitts after his knee injury seemed to linger in 2023.

• 33-year-old Cordarrelle Patterson is a free agent.

9. Chicago Bears

10. New York Jets with $17M in cap space

Projected HC: Robert Saleh.

Projected QB: Aaron Rodgers with Jacoby Brissett.

• Aaron Rodgers is back on a $17M cap hit, but it’s unclear if Zach Wilson will back him up. Trading Wilson would save $5M with $6M in dead cap.

• Garrett Wilson heads into his prime with little around him at WR. 29-year-old Allen Lazard has a largely-guaranteed $12M cap hit, while 34-year-old Randall Cobb is a free agent. New York could use some fresh blood in the room, but they are missing their 2nd-round pick. 

• 31-year-old TE C.J. Uzomah is a cut candidate with $5M in cap savings and $6M in dead money. A similar discussion exists with 29-year-old Tyler Conklin with $5M in cap savings and $4M in dead cap if released. Conklin is likely back in my opinion. 

• 29-year-old Dalvin Cook is a free agent. It’ll be a fully healthy Breece Hall with 2023 Day 3 pick Izzy Abanikanda as the top options heading into the offseason. That should do.

11. Minnesota Vikings with $37M in cap space

Projected HC: Kevin O'Connell.

Projected QB: Kirk Cousins with Day 1 J.J. McCarthy.

• 36-year-old Kirk Cousins is a free agent, but his process will be partially impacted by his torn achilles, as teams will be handing out money before he’s able to pass a physical. It’ll also be nearly impossible for the Vikings to upgrade the position, assuming Cousins is healthy, so a return makes sense on the surface. NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport agrees. 

• 25-year-old Justin Jefferson can’t leave this offseason without a long-term contract signed, but he’s at least already on the books for $19M guaranteed. Jordan Addison is a very strong second option. The third spot is open, with 27-year-old K.J. Osborn heading to free agency.

• Alexander Mattison will be back with just $600k in cap savings available via release. Meanwhile, Ty Chandler and special teamer Kene Nwangwu are both on their rookie contracts. There is room for growth here.

12. Denver Broncos with -$17M in cap space

Projected HC: Sean Payton.

Projected QB: Day 2 Bo Nix with Jarrett Stidham and Mac Jones.

• 36-year-old Russell Wilson’s contract was complex, but the Broncos will now take a $34M dead cap charge in 2024 and another $50M in dead money in 2025 by releasing him with a post-June 1 designation. Wilson has offset language in his contract, so he'll be able to sign for the veteran minimum if he'd like to give his next team a cap advantage. Jarrett Stidham is a cut candidate with $5M in savings, though it's clear coach Sean Payton likes him. The Broncos will have to be cheap at the position. Payton liked cheap trade candidate Mac Jones for example.

• 25-year-old Jerry Jeudy is on his 5th-year option, which was opted in by the Broncos during the 2023 offseason. A release isn’t an option, but a trade would take him off the books if there’s a team that views him as a $13M player. I'm not sure about that! 29-year-old Courtland Sutton was more than good enough to be worth his $17M partially guaranteed contract. 2023 2nd-rounder Marvin Mims is a vertical slot player in development. Sadly injured Tim Patrick will be released to save a much-needed $10M. 

• 27-year-old Adam Trautman is a free agent.

• 29-year-old Samaje Perine is a cut candidate with $3M in cap savings. That’d leave Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin on their rookie contracts.

13. Las Vegas Raiders with $51M in cap space

Projected HC: Antonio Pierce.

Projected QB: Justin Fields with Aidan O'Connell.

• Well, Jimmy Garoppolo has $11M guaranteed with another $17M in prorated money due over the next four years. A release only saves $200k in cap space this year, unless it’s a post June 1st designation ($13M savings). Either way, Himmy is getting his damn cash. Meanwhile, Aidan O’Connell is a capable backup, but the Raiders need to make an aggressive move at QB eventually. That can be a rookie like Washington's Michael Penix, Kirk Cousins in free agency, or via trade with Justin Fields. 

• 32-year-old Davante Adams has $17M guaranteed with another $23M in prorated bonuses over the next three years. A trade only savings $2M with a whopping $23M in dead money. Even if Adams wants a trade, it’s not something that makes much sense, at least until after June 1st. 29-year-old Hunter Renfrow is more likely to change teams, given his release saves $8M with $6M in dead cap. He’s been schemed out of the offense since the Adams trade and the Jakobi Meyers signing.

• 26-year-old Josh Jacobs is a free agent. He can return via franchise tag with a 120% price increase ($12M) if they can’t agree to a long-term contract. Zamir White is around if negotiations go sideways.

14. New Orleans Saints with -$87M in cap space

Projected HC: Dennis Allen.

Projected QB: Derek Carr with Zach Wilson.

• As usual, the Saints are in cap hell. They can always restructure contracts to get compliant, but those moves create void years and committing to aging players without flexibility. At some point, they need to go fully bankrupt. Maybe that process starts now. They’re unserious until it happens.

• 33-year-old Derek Carr wasn’t liked by fans due to inconsistent play, but his contract isn’t going anywhere. He has $30M guaranteed with another $23M in prorated bonuses. The only way he’s gone is if another team trades for his $30M contract, which seems unlikely. 30-year-old Jameis Winston is a free agent with void years on the books.

• 31-year-old Michael Thomas is a cut candidate before the 3rd day of the 2024 league year. Keeping him would be expensive coming off another injured season, one with some off-field drama. 26-year-old Rashid Shaheed will be back (cheaply) as an exclusive rights free agent with a path to being the No. 2 receiver. A.T. Perry is on his rookie contract.

• 34-year-old Taysom Hill still has $17M in prorated bonuses, so he’ll probably be back.

• 29-year-old Alvin Kamara still has $17M in prorated bonuses, so he’ll probably be back. Jamaal Williams is also back, so it’s another uphill battle for Kendre Miller.

15. Indianapolis Colts with $74M in cap space

Projected HC: Shane Steichen.

Projected QB: Anthony Richardson.

• It’s time to cook with Anthony Richardson. 28-year-old Gardner Minshew is a free agent after stepping into the starting lineup last season.

• 27-year-old Michael Pittman is a free agent, but the $21M franchise tag is available if they can’t reach a long-term extension. There’s no way he leaves. Low-volume deep threat Alec Pierce and slot Josh Downs are on their rookie contracts as secondary options.

• 27-year-old Zack Moss is a free agent after a huge season alongside Jonathan Taylor, who won’t have any contract drama this offseason. He’s on a $11M cap hit entering his prime. 25-year-old Trey Sermon is a restricted free agent. 

16. Seattle Seahawks with $3M in cap space

Projected HC: Mike MacDonald.

Projected QB: Geno Smith with Day 2 Michael Penix.

• 34-year-old Geno Smith can be released for $14M in cap savings with $17M in dead money, or they can designate him as a post June 1st release to save $23M. It’ll be hard to find an obvious upgrade, unless the team is ready to reset the roster. 28-year-old Drew Lock is a free agent.

• 31-year-old Tyler Lockett is a potential cut or trade candidate. His cap hits surge to $27M in 2024 and 2025, with only $9M guaranteed via bonuses in each year. A release would save $7M in 2024 and $27M in 2025. Seattle only has $3M in cap space currently, so some tough decisions are in order with DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba available for even more targets.

• 27-year-old Noah Fant and 25-year-old Colby Parkinson are free agents,  and 28-year-old Will Dissly is a cut candidate with $7M in cap savings. Tight end is a completely open position in Seattle.

• The RBs are back.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars with $24M in cap space

Projected HC: Doug Pederson.

Projected QB: Trevor Lawrence.

• It’s time to go with Trevor Lawrence making $11M in 2024, but they’ve already made a bunch of their big moves in previous offseasons. There’s not a ton of cap to work with.

• 30-year-old Calvin Ridley is a free agent and draft picks are at stake. The current 3rd pick heading to the Falcons would turn to a 2nd-rounder if Ridley signs a long-term contract with the Jaguars. I’m unsure if that escalator would kick in if Ridley is slapped with the $21M franchise tag. That is a very realistic option after an inconsistent return from suspension. 29-year-old Zay Jones has an $11M cap hit but $4M can be saved via release. That’s a toss up. 

• 28-year-old D’Ernest Johnson is a free agent, so Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby are back at the top of the depth chart.

18. Cincinnati Bengals with $69M in cap space

Projected HC: Zac Taylor.

Projected QB: Joe Burrow with Jake Browning.

• 28-year-old Jake Browning is an exclusive rights free agent. He'll be back.

• 25-year-old Tee Higgins and 30-year-old Tyler Boyd are free agents. Higgins is a franchise tag candidate ($21M) after an injury-filled season with some flexibility in their cap space for one more season. Boyd has potential in-house replacements with recent Day 3 selections. Meanwhile, Ja’Marr Chase will enter contract negotiations heading into his fourth season. 

• Irv Smith, Tanner Hudson, and Drew Sample are all free agents, but the Bengals haven’t invested into tight end during the entire Joe Burrow era. 

• 28-year-old Joe Mixon is a cut candidate with $6M in cap savings if they don’t think he’s worth the contract he played on last season. 2023 Day 3 selection Chase Brown sprinkled in down the stretch and could be in the mix for a bigger workload with free agent movement. 25-year-old Trayveon Williams is a free agent. 

19. Los Angeles Rams with $43M in cap space

Projected HC: Sean McVay.

Projected QB: Matthew Stafford.

• 36-year-old Matthew Stafford has $31M guaranteed with another $55M in prorated bonuses due in future years. He played very well last season and will be the Rams QB again. This time with more cap flexibility.

• 31-year-old Cooper Kupp has $20M guaranteed with $25M in prorated bonuses. He’s not going anywhere, even with the emergences of Puka Nacua and TuTu Atwell.

• 31-year-old Tyler Higbee will likely return based on his contract. 

• 28-year-old Royce Freeman is a free agent, so it’ll be Kyren Williams as the clear lead again.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers with -$6M in cap space

Projected HC: Mike Tomlin.

Projected QB: Kenny Pickett with Mason Rudolph.

• 26-year-old Kenny Pickett was benched and can be traded with $3M in dead money. 30-year-old Mitch Trubisky can be released with $4M in cap savings, and 28-year-old Mason Rudolph is a free agent after leading the team to the playoffs. These aren't franchise guys, so someone like Justin Fields or Russell Wilson can't be ruled out here if a draft pick doesn't fall into their lap.

• 28-year-old Diontae Johnson is probably worth his $16M contract, but they could save $10M via a release or trade. They’ll certainly release Allen Robinson to save $10M, leaving George Pickens and Calvin Austin in the rotation.

• The RBs and TEs are back.

21. Miami Dolphins with -$41M in cap space

Projected HC: Mike McDaniel.

Projected QB: Tua Tagovailoa with Mike White.

• 26-year-old Tua Tagovailoa is playing on his $23M 5th-year option, so a long-term extension is on the to-do list. Tua’s negotiation will likely lower his 2024 cap hit.

• Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are under contract, and the third receiver spot isn’t a priority in this RPO-heavy offense. Neither is tight end.

• 32-year-old Raheem Mostert is under a $3M contract, so he’ll likely return alongside the electric De’Von Achane. 29-year-old Jeff Wilson can be released with $3M savings. A true power back would be a welcomed addition.

22. Philadelphia Eagles with $29M in cap space

Projected HC: Nick Sirianni.

Projected QB: Jalen Hurts.

• Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith combine for just $32M in 2024.

• 35-year-old Julio Jones is a free agent and retirement candidate.

• 25-year-old D’Andre Swift is a free agent after a mediocre season as the starter. 25-year-old rotational member Kenneth Gainwell is on his rookie contract, while 28-year-old Rashaad Penny hits free agency again after doing nothing in 2023. It’d make sense if Swift returns on a low-end starter contract, but they won’t invest too much here.

23. Houston Texans (via CLE) with $70M in cap space

Projected HC: DeMeco Ryans.

Projected QB: C.J. Stroud with Case Keenum.

• C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell combine for $11M in 2024, so it’s time to go crazy with spending while the iron is out.

• 28-year-old Noah Brown is a free agent that can be upgraded on, while 31-year-old Robert Woods can be released with $5M in savings and $5M dead. A slot option is the priority in free agency and the draft.

• 28-year-old Dalton Schultz is a free agent, while 24-year-old Brevin Jordan is on his rookie contract.

• 27-year-old Devin Singletary is a free agent, leaving rookie-contract thumper Dameon Pierce as the penciled in top option. He hasn’t been fully trusted by this staff. A big name could land in Houston after this largely-Niners staff brought in Christian McCaffrey. 

24. Dallas Cowboys with -$16M in cap space

Projected HC: Mike McCarthy.

Projected QB: Dak Prescott with Trey Lance.

• 31-year-old Dak Prescott has a $59M cap charge, so a contract restructure is in order after an MVP-level campaign. Dallas certainly needs more space to work with.

• 25-year-old CeeDee Lamb is under contract, but he’s earned a mega long-term deal this offseason. They could lower his 2024 cap hit with that move. 31-year-old Brandin Cooks likely played well enough to earn his $10M contract, though there are $4M in potential savings up for grabs. Jalen Tolbert and Michael Gallup are under nearly guaranteed contracts once again at X receiver.

• 27-year-old Tony Pollard is a free agent with a $12M franchise tag available. That seems rich after a poor season as the true lead back. 26-year-old Rico Dowdle is a free agent, and Deuce Vaughn is unserious as a lead. This offseason is ripe for a Jerry Jones RB splurge if they can shove their huge analytics team in a locker.

25. Green Bay Packers with $8M in cap space

Projected HC: Matt LaFleur.

Projected QB: Jordan Love.

• 26-year-old Jordan Love has a $8M cap hit, so it’s time to take advantage, especially after saving $22M with LT David Bakhtiari’s release.

• The entire WR and TE rotation remain on their rookie contracts.

• 26-year-old A.J. Dillon is a free agent after another up-and-down season. 30-year-old Aaron Jones has a big $17M cap hit, so a post June 1st release is possible with $11M in cap savings this year. This backfield needs some new young talent even if Jones stays.

26. Tampa Bay Bucs with $47M in cap space

Projected HC: Todd Bowles.

Projected QB: Baker Mayfield with Drew Lock.

• 29-year-old Baker Mayfield is a free agent after surprising as a mid-to-low-level starter. There's mutual interest in a return.

• 31-year-old Mike Evans is a free agent after another monster season en route to a Hall of Fame finish to his career. Tampa has the cap space to make sure he doesn’t leave, given Chris Godwin ($26M guaranteed) is no longer a true top receiver. They’ll save $6M in cap space with 28-year-old Russell Gage’s release. 2023 6th-rounder Trey Palmer is a potential starter.

27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)

28. Buffalo Bills with -$43M in cap space

Projected HC: Sean McDermott.

Projected QB: Josh Allen.

• This is a team with real cap restraints in 2024, even with some easy cut candidates. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs combine for $74M, so it’s a stars and scrubs set up.

• 25-year-old Gabe Davis is a free agent, and it’s very real he’s elsewhere with the Bills’ cap situation. 27-year-old gadget Deonte Harty is a cut candidate with $4M in cap savings. It’ll be Diggs and Khalil Shakir as the top receivers going into the offseason, though TEs Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox are big pieces of the passing offense.

• 34-year-old Latavius Murray and 27-year-old Damien Harris are free agents, and Nyheim Hines’ $5M in cap savings suggest he’ll be released. That leaves James Cook as the lone member under contract heading into the offseason, without a lot of capital available to make major upgrades.

29. Detroit Lions with $56M in cap space

Projected HC: Dan Campbell.

Projected QB: Jared Goff with Hendon Hooker.

• Only $5M of 30-year-old Jared Goff’s $32M contract is guaranteed, so the Lions can save a whopping $27M with his release or any amount with a negotiated pay cut. It’ll be hard to find an upgrade over Goff straight up, but it’d be understandable if they wanted to shoot for the moon at some point. I bet he stays after winning the division. 26-year-old Hendon Hooker should be at full health as his backup, assuming Goff returns.

• 29-year-old Josh Reynolds and 25-year-old Donovan Peoples-Jones are free agents, so an X receiver is on the to-do list next to slot Amon-Ra St. Brown and low-volume deep threat Jameson Williams. 

• Almost all of 27-year-old David Montgomery’s $7M contract is guaranteed, so it’ll be the same duo at RB with Jahmyr Gibbs. 

30. Baltimore Ravens with $13M in cap space

Projected HC: John Harbaugh.

Projected QB: Lamar Jackson with Tyler Huntley.

• 32-year-old Odell Beckham is a free agent, so it’s Zay Flowers and maybe Rashod Bateman as the starters. There’s room for some size in this depth chart, assuming Odell walks after a nice rebound season.

• 26-year-old JK Dobbins and 29-year-old Gus Edwards are free agents, leaving explosive Keaton Mitchell as the remaining option coming off major injury. A power back is on the need list, especially with Mitchell out for the first part of the season.

31. Kansas City Chiefs with $36M in cap space

Projected HC: Andy Reid.

Projected QB: Patrick Mahomes.

• Patrick Mahomes has a $57M cap hit if they don’t restructure his contract, so we’re fully in the expensive Mahomes era.

• 35-year-old Travis Kelce will be debating the billionaire Taylor Swift lifestyle or a $12M paycheck from the Chiefs, so retirement is certainly on the table. If so, the Chiefs have $10M in added cap.

• 30-year-old Marquez Valdes-Scantling will be released to save $12M, while Rashee Rice, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore remain on their rookie contracts. 28-year-old Justin Watson is a cut candidate with $2M in savings up for grabs. Upgrading this position in multiple ways is an absolute requirement, especially if Kelce retires.

• 25-year-old Clyde Edwards-Helaire and 33-year-old Jerick McKinnon are both free agents, leaving rookie-contract Isiah Pacheco as the clear top option. Depth is a need here, especially in the pass game.

32. San Francisco 49ers with $1M in cap space

Projected HC: Kyle Shanahan.

Projected QB: Brock Purdy with Sam Darnold.

• 26-year-old Brandon Aiyuk is a long-term extension candidate while playing on his 5th-year option. There may not be enough cap space to make this a layup negotiation, with Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle under big contracts. 

33. Carolina Panthers with $39M in cap space

Projected HC: Dave Canales.

Projected QB: Bryce Young with Andy Dalton.

• 34-year-old Adam Thielen will be back on a $10M contract, as will Jonathan Mingo. 28-year-old D.J. Chark and 26-year-old LaViska Shenault will see the door. An X receiver is on Bryce Young’s wish list.

• 27-year-old Miles Sanders is stuck given his contract, one that includes $6M guaranteed with another $4.5M in prorated bonuses. He’ll back up rookie-contract Chuba Hubbard.

• A large chunk of the available draft picks and cap space must be spent on the OL and replacing or re-signing defensive starters, like EDGE Brian Burns, EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, and S Jeremy Chinn. 

58. Cleveland Browns with -$12M in cap space

Projected HC: Kevin Stefanski.

Projected QB: Deshaun Watson with Joe Flacco.

• 29-year-old Deshaun Watson has a $64M cap hit. What can go wrong? 38-year-old Joe Flacco is a free agent but had so much success in relief that it's hard to see him not being a priority in Cleveland if they can make the money work. He was straight up better than Watson.

• 30-year-old Amari Cooper is a restructure candidate with Cleveland’s cap space is in need of relief. Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman are on their rookie contracts.

• 29-year-old Nick Chubb will be returning from a very-serious knee tear on a movable contract. Only $4M of his $16M contract is guaranteed this season, so a release (or more likely re-negotiation) is on the table. 29-year-old Kareem Hunt is a free agent, so Jerome Ford will be an intriguing name once again.