2024 NFL Free Agency: How Teams with Little Salary Cap Space Can Find Success
As the 2024 NFL free agency period approaches, some teams find themselves with plenty of salary cap space to make big moves and sign top-tier players. However, there are also teams that face the challenge of limited cap space, making it difficult to make significant roster changes. In this article, we will explore how these teams can still find success despite their financial constraints.
Cleveland Browns: Aggressively Upgrading Deshaun Watson’s Supporting Cast
The Cleveland Browns have projected cap space of $6.8 million, which is relatively low compared to other teams. However, they are determined to maximize their investment in quarterback Deshaun Watson by upgrading his supporting cast. To achieve this, the Browns may need to part ways with some familiar faces and make tough decisions regarding their current roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defending the Crown with Limited Cap Space
The Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have a projected cap space of $3.5 million. While technically in the green, they will need to carefully manage their finances if they want to defend their crown this offseason. This may involve making difficult choices regarding their key free agents, including star defender Chris Jones.
San Francisco 49ers: Returning to the Super Bowl with Drastic Measures
The reigning NFC champions, the San Francisco 49ers, are projected to be over the cap by $285,000. While this may seem like a small amount, it could hinder their ability to make significant roster changes and make another run at the Super Bowl. The 49ers will need to take more drastic measures to create breathing room and strengthen their roster.
Baltimore Ravens: Building Around Lamar Jackson After Playoff Success
The Baltimore Ravens had a deep playoff run in 2023, and now they aim to build around their star quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, they are projected to be over the cap by $9.6 million. The Ravens have taken the first step by tagging key free agent Justin Madubuike, but they will need to free up more money to make substantial additions to their roster.
Dallas Cowboys: “All-In” on 2024 Despite Limited Funds
The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” are projected to be over the cap by $10.6 million. Despite their financial constraints, team owner Jerry Jones has expressed their commitment to being “all-in” on the 2024 season. However, this will require careful allocation of their limited funds, potentially focusing on in-house extensions rather than big free-agent signings.
Denver Broncos: Pursuing Notable Additions with Creative Measures
The Denver Broncos have already made a significant move by cutting ties with Russell Wilson, which saved them a historic amount of money. However, they are still projected to be over the cap by $16.4 million. To pursue notable additions outside of the draft, head coach Sean Payton will need to get creative and find innovative ways to manage their finances.
New Orleans Saints: Cap-Manipulation Mode Continues
The New Orleans Saints have consistently found themselves in cap-manipulation mode, refusing to commit to a full-on rebuild. They are projected to be over the cap by $17.1 million in 2024. Reports suggest that the team is already reworking deals for players like Derek Carr and Cameron Jordan, indicating their determination to remain competitive despite financial constraints.
Miami Dolphins: Shifting Money for Big-Money Extensions
The Miami Dolphins have several big-money extensions on the horizon, which could help them shift money and create more cap space. They have already started cutting costs by parting ways with veterans like Xavien Howard and Emmanuel Ogbah. With a projected over-the-cap amount of $19.2 million, the Dolphins will need to make strategic moves to balance their books and make necessary upgrades.
Los Angeles Chargers: Balancing Expensive Contracts for Success
New coach Jim Harbaugh aims to win sooner rather than later, especially with a franchise quarterback in tow. However, the Los Angeles Chargers face the challenge of expensive contracts that limit their cap space. With a projected over-the-cap amount of $9 million, the Chargers may need to make some big-name purges to create financial flexibility and build a winning team.
Buffalo Bills: Tough Decisions for a Team Built to Win Now
The Buffalo Bills find themselves in a tough spot as they are built to win now but face limited cap space. With a projected over-the-cap amount of $9 million, the Bills had to make tough decisions to balance their books. On Wednesday, the club made several moves to manage their finances and create room for potential upgrades.
Conclusion
While some NFL teams have ample salary cap space to make big moves in free agency, others face the challenge of limited funds. However, with careful financial management, tough decisions, and creative measures, these teams can still find success and build competitive rosters
