Sportsnet has you covered for NFL free agency with extensive breakdowns of every team heading into the 2014 league year. For every division, click here.
Indianapolis Colts (11-5, 1st in AFC South)
Team needs: C, DT, CB
Projected salary cap space: $40.9 million
Key free agents: CB Vontae Davis, S Antoine Bethea, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, RB Donald Brown, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, ILB Pat Angerer, K Adam Vinatieri
Candidates for release: none
Free agent fit: Eric Decker, wide receiver
The skinny: Declining centre Samson Satele was originally listed as a candidate for a release but the Colts beat us to the punch. Cutting Satele saved $4 million for the 2014 cap and the majority of that space was used to acquire 30-year-old linebacker D’Qwell Jackson. Satele was horrible last seasons. The Colts still have to address other holes as well, especially in the secondary where Davis and Bethea are unrestricted free agents. The big priority will be re-signing Davis, who has shown flashes of big upside throughout his two years with the club. There have been rumblings that the team could have interest in receiver Eric Decker. It’s not necessarily a huge need but they could afford it with Luck still in his rookie deal. He would provide the Colts with a huge red zone target to compliment T.Y. Hilton, Reggie Wayne, and tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener.
Tennessee Titans (7-9, 2nd in AFC South)
Team needs: C, DT, CB
Projected salary cap space: $10.6 million
Key free agents: CB Alterraun Verner, WR Kenny Britt
Candidates for release: RT David Stewart (cap savings of $6.4 million), RB Chris Johnson (cap savings of $6 million), QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (cap savings of $3.5 million), DE Kamerion Wimbley (cap savings of $2.4 million)
Free agent fit: Karlos Dansby, linebacker
The skinny: For such a mediocre team, the Titans don’t have a great salary cap situation. The club has too much money tied up in average players who aren’t getting better. Ken Whisenhunt and new defensive coordinator Ray Horton have to reshape the roster. They do not have enough of a pass rush or a reliable inside linebacker. That’s where Karlos Dansby could fit in. He was a staple under Whisenhunt in Arizona and he would add needed veteran leadership in the locker room. Otherwise, if Tennessee runs out of space to sign top cornerback Alterraun Verner, they’ll need to go hard after the position in the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12, 3rd in AFC South)
Team needs: QB, DE, RB
Projected salary cap space: $59.4 million
Key free agents: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, CB Will Blackmon, DE Jason Babin
Candidates for release: QB Blaine Gabbert (cap savings of $0)
Free agent fit: Zane Beadles, guard
The skinny: Gus Bradley did a pretty formidable job in his first year, considering the lack of talent on the Jaguars. The key will be putting pieces around whoever their future quarterback is. That will start on the offensive line where the Jags need to improve at guard and centre. Bradley comes from a defensive background so he’ll certainly want to improve there as well. The defensive line needs major help and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him target any of his old players with the Seahawks – Clifton McDonald, Michael Bennett, Tony McDaniel, Walter Thurmond or Brandon Browner – after already signing Red Bryant to a four-year deal.
Houston Texans (2-14, 4th in AFC South)
Team needs: QB, DT, ILB
Projected salary cap space: $8.9 million
Key free agents: DT Earl Mitchell, RB Ben Tate, TE Garrett Graham, G Wade Smith, DE Antonio Smith, OT Ryan Harris, ILB Darryl Sharpton
Candidates for release: S Danieal Manning (cap savings of $4.5 million), TE Owen Daniels (cap savings of $4.5 million), CB Johnathan Joseph (cap savings of $3.7 million), QB Matt Schaub (cap savings of $3.6 million)
Free agent fit: Brandon Spikes, inside linebacker
The skinny: Considering the talent they had, it was shocking how far Houston fell last season. A lot of that had to do with quarterback Matt Schaub, whose play took a steep decline. Finding a new quarterback is the major order of business here. They have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft but may sign a veteran free agent who would fit in Bill O’Brien’s offence as well. On defence, they could use another inside linebacker. Brian Cushing has had durability issues and Daryl Sharpton is expected to depart as a free agent. O’Brien was with New England when they draft Spikes a few seasons ago. That familiarity could help recruit the former Gator to Houston.
