Sportsnet has you covered with for NFL free agency with extensive breakdowns of every team heading into the 2014 league year. For all the divisions, click here.
Denver Broncos (13-3, 1st in AFC West)
Team needs: CB, ILB, DE
Projected salary cap space: $28.7 million
Key free agents: WR Eric Decker, RB Knowshon Moreno, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DE Robert Ayers, ILB Wesley Woodyard, G Zane Beadles, DE Shaun Phillips, S Mike Adams, CB Quentin Jammer
Candidates for release: TE Jacob Tamme (cap savings of $3 million), G Chris Kuper (cap savings of $4 million), Joel Dreessen (cap savings of $2.5 million), released Champ Bailey
Free agent fit: O’Brien Schofield, defensive end
The skinny: The Broncos created significant cap flexibility with the release of longtime cornerback Champ Bailey. It was a tough but necessary decision. With Bailey gone and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hitting the market, they’ll need to address the cornerback position. As well, Denver needs to add more pass rushers. It was clear they weren’t strong enough at the position once Von Miller went out with an injury last season. Shaun Phillips and Robert Ayers are also both free agents. Otherwise, with Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas due for large raises down the road, it looks unlikely the Broncos will be able to pay Eric Decker what he’s worth on the open market.
Kansas City Chiefs (11-5, 2nd in AFC West)
Team needs: WR, OT, CB
Projected salary cap space: $9.8 million
Key free agents: OT Branden Albert, DE Tyson Jackson, WR Dexter McCluster, G Geoff Schwartz, FS Kendrick Lewis, CB Javier Arenas, G Jon Asamoah
Candidates for release: WR Donnie Avery (cap savings of $1.35 million)
Free agent fit: Robert Ayers, defensive end
The skinny: The Chiefs have locked up the majority of their core players and aren’t expected to do major damage in free agency. With under $10 million in cap space, they won’t have enough to retain tackle Branden Albert, so last year’s first overall draft pick Eric Fisher may slide over to that spot. With the money they do have, Andy Reid could use a boost on the defensive line, especially with Tyson Jackson hitting the market, and that’s Robert Ayers could fit in. He’d be a solid schematic fit at left end and they wouldn’t need to break the bank to get him.
San Diego Chargers (11-5, 2nd in AFC West)
Team needs: CB, OG, DT
Projected salary cap space: $5.7 million
Key free agents: WR Danario Alexander, CB Richard Marshall, RB Ronnie Brown, QB Charlie Whitehurst
Candidates for release: G Jeromey Clary (cap savings of $4.5 million), C Nick Hardwick (cap savings of $4.4 million)
Free agent fit: Walter Thurmond, cornerback
The skinny: The Chargers already accomplished the biggest goal of their off-season by re-signing inside linebacker Donald Butler before the start of the free agency period. They also created some much needed cap room with the release of underachieving cornerback Derek Cox. Still, the Chargers don’t have a ton of flexibility to do much in free agency so they’ll focus on adding value players. The ideal signing would be Walter Thurmond, formerly of Seattle, who showed high-level talent at cornerback — either on the outside or in the slot. The Oregon product would serve as a major upgrade for San Diego.
Oakland Raiders (5-11, 4th in AFC West)
Team needs: QB, DE, CB
Projected salary cap space: $64.3 million
Key free agents: RB Darren McFadden, DE Lamarr Houston, T Jared Veldheer, DT Pat Sims, WR Jacoby Ford, RB Rashad Jennings, CB Tracy Porter, CB Charles Woodson, CB Mike Jenkins, DT Vance Walker
Candidates for release: G Mike Brisel (cap savings of $1.38 million)
Free agent fit: Rodger Saffold, offensive tackle
The skinny: The Raiders have waited two full seasons to get out of salary cap hell. Now, Oakland has more cap space than any team in the league — but more roster holes as well. There are four premium positions in the league (quarterback, left tackle, defensive end, and cornerback) and the Raiders don’t have a capable starter on their roster for any of those spots. That’s why it was a bit of a surprise they didn’t use the franchise tag on either Lamarr Houston or Jared Veldheer. Both are young homegrown players that the Raiders can’t afford to lose. They’ll need to spend big this off-season to finally bring some talent back to town. With Veldheer expected to depart, the Raiders are expected to turn their attention to Rodger Saffold who could play left tackle or guard for Oakland.
