NFL free-agency primer: Who’re the highest free brokers?

Solely three video games stay within the NFL season, which suggests free company looms. In preparation without spending a dime company, listed here are the solutions to among the largest questions concerning the method.

What are the vital dates forward of free company? 

On Feb. 20, groups can begin designating gamers for the franchise or transition tag, which have to be accomplished earlier than March 5 at 4 p.m. ET. The franchise tag is a one-year tender of the typical of the 5 highest salaries on the participant’s place over the previous 5 seasons or 120 % of his earlier wage, whichever determine is extra profitable.

There are additionally two kinds of franchise tags — non-exclusive and unique — the previous permitting gamers to barter with different groups whereas the latter prohibits it. Each tags give a participant’s present workforce the appropriate to match any supply or receiver two first-round picks if he indicators elsewhere.

The transition tag, however, is a one-year supply well worth the common of the top-10 salaries at a participant’s place, however the tagging workforce doesn’t obtain compensation if it would not match a deal.

When does free company open?

Groups can start negotiations with the brokers of gamers who’re set to turn into unrestricted free brokers on March 11, however the free-agent interval will formally start on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. All groups have to be below the wage cap earlier than 4 p.m. ET on March 13, which is when the brand new league 12 months kicks off.  

As soon as the brand new league 12 months is underway, anticipate to see a number of gamers get lower earlier than March 17, as that’s the set off date for 2024 contracts to turn into absolutely assured. Broncos QB Russell Wilson will in all probability be among the many gamers who can be launched throughout this time. 

Who’re the highest free brokers? 

Based on Professional Soccer Focus’ rankings, the top-five impending free brokers are Chiefs DT Chris Jones, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, Jaguars edge-rusher Josh Allen, Bengals WR Tee Higgins and Panthers edge-rusher Brian Burns. Ravens breakout star DT Justin Madubuike and Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and security Antoine Winfield Jr. — each All-Professionals — are among the many most notable upcoming free brokers who didn’t crack PFF’s prime 5. 

Assuming Jones will not play below the franchise tag subsequent season, the two-time Tremendous Bowl champion ought to earn the most important free-agent deal this offseason. PFF initiatives Jones, who’s coming off his second straight season with double-digit sacks (10.5), to signal a four-year, $120M take care of $80M absolutely assured.

Which groups have essentially the most projected cap area? 

At this level, cap area will stay a fluid scenario whereas groups resolve to chop and signal gamers or restructure their contracts. Nonetheless, the 5 groups which are projected by OverTheCap to have essentially the most cap area this offseason are the Washington Commanders ($73.6M), Tennessee Titans ($71.9M), Houston Texans ($69.9M), New England Patriots ($66.1M) and Indianapolis Colts ($62.8M). 

Which workforce has the least projected cap area?

The New Orleans Saints, who had the oldest roster within the league this season, are projected to be $83.7M over the wage cap, which is sort of $32M greater than the next-closest workforce (Miami Dolphins). As a workforce that didn’t seize arguably the NFL’s best division title, anticipate New Orleans to make some noteworthy modifications to its roster this offseason. 

Are there any groups particularly to control in free company?

The Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Houston Texans. 

Washington is coming into its first full offseason below the Josh Harris-led possession group and may make a number of splashes all through free company and the 2024 NFL Draft. It will be intriguing to see how Washington makes use of essentially the most cap area within the NFL, although there ought to be some readability concerning potential targets as soon as the workforce hires its head coach. Regardless, the 2024 Commanders ought to look vastly totally different from the workforce we noticed this season. 

The Brady-Belichick period in New England is formally over, and new HC Jerod Mayo informed WEEI on Monday the Patriots are “able to burn some money” this offseason. It is considerably of a shocking improvement as a result of New England hasn’t traditionally been a giant participant in free company. Over the previous 10 offseasons, the Patriots have ranked final amongst groups in money spending at $1.62B, per ESPN’s Roster Administration System.

Houston may be essentially the most fascinating workforce to observe, because it may lastly turn into a marquee free-agent vacation spot given the spectacular rookie season QB C.J. Stroud put collectively. Stroud can be on his rookie deal for 4 extra seasons, and since he is already proved he can win a playoff sport, Houston ought to splurge to encompass him with expertise whereas he is nonetheless taking part in at an inexpensive value.