NFL free-agency primer: Who are the top free agents, teams with most, least cap space?

 

As the NFL season approaches its conclusion with only three games remaining, attention turns to the impending free agency period. In anticipation of this, we address key inquiries surrounding the process.

1. **Important Dates:**

– Starting from Feb. 20, teams can designate players for the franchise or transition tag until March 5 at 4 p.m. ET.
– The franchise tag involves a one-year tender based on the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position over the past five seasons or 120 percent of the player’s previous salary.
– There are non-exclusive and exclusive franchise tags, with the former allowing player negotiations with other teams.
– The transition tag offers a one-year deal averaging the top-10 salaries at the player’s position, without compensation if the team doesn’t match a deal.

2. **Free Agency Opening:**
– Negotiations with agents of unrestricted free agents start on March 11, with the official free-agent period commencing on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.
– All teams must be under the salary cap by March 13, coinciding with the start of the new league year.
– Expect player cuts before March 17, the date when 2024 contracts become fully guaranteed.

3. **Top Free Agents:**
– According to Pro Football Focus, notable upcoming free agents include Chris Jones, Kirk Cousins, Josh Allen, Tee Higgins, and Brian Burns.
– Jones is projected to sign a substantial four-year, $120M deal with $80M fully guaranteed.

4. **Teams with Most Projected Cap Space:**
– Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, New England Patriots, and Indianapolis Colts are among the teams with the most projected cap space.
– The New Orleans Saints have the least projected cap space, facing challenges due to being $83.7M over the salary cap.

5. **Teams to Watch in Free Agency:**
– Washington Commanders are expected to make significant moves under new ownership, with their extensive cap space signaling potential impactful acquisitions.
– The New England Patriots, known for conservative spending, express readiness to be active in free agency, signaling a departure from their historical approach.
– The Houston Texans, buoyed by rookie QB C.J. Stroud’s promising debut, may become a prominent destination for free agents, aiming to build a competitive roster around him.

As the NFL season progresses towards its conclusion, these developments in free agency add another layer of intrigue to the league’s landscape.