Sportsnet has you covered for NFL free agency with extensive breakdowns of every team heading into the 2014 league year. For all the divisions, click here.
Carolina Panthers (12-4, 1st in NFC South)
Team needs: OT, WR, CB
Projected salary cap space: $7.2 million
Key free agents: WR Brandon LaFell, CB Captain Munnerlyn, S Mike Mitchell, Ted Ginn Jr., QB Derek Anderson
Candidates for release: N/A
Free agent fit: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
The skinny: With limited space and a lot of their own free agents to sign, the Panthers won’t be able to do much in free agency. They already made their biggest move before the start of the free agency period by signing ascending pass rusher Greg Hardy to the franchise tag, which will eat up $13 million in cap space. Now, Carolina will need to improve the back end of their defence – which is where you could see its free agent money going. Outside of that, the team needs help on the offensive line and at receiver but that may come with cheap labour in the draft.
New Orleans Saints (11-5, 2nd in NFC South)
Team needs: CB, RT, C
Projected salary cap space: $5.6 million
Key free agents: FS Malcolm Jenkins, ILB Jonathan Vilma, C Brian De La Puente, RT Zach Strief, OLB Parys Harlason
Candidates for release: RB Pierre Thomas (cap savings of $2.9 million), released Lance Moore
Free agent fit: C Brian De La Puente
The skinny: The Saints had to part with a number of longtime starters to have some breathing room with the salary cap. The next is expected to be Darren Sproles, which will save $3.5 against the cap. New Orleans needs to address their offensive line with both centre Brian De La Puente and right tackle Zach Strief scheduled to hit the market. It’s crucial to re-sign De La Puente. He hasn’t missed a game in four years and played in 100 per cent of the Saints’ offensive snaps last season. They also need to upgrade at cornerback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team needs: DE, QB, TE
Projected salary cap space: $23.7 million
Key free agents: FB Erik Lorig, OLB Dekoda Watson, WR Tiquan Underwood
Candidates for release: CB Darrelle Revis (cap savings of $16 million), P Michael Koenen (cap savings of $3.25 million), DL Demar Dotson (cap savings of $2 million)
Free agent fit: Michael Johnson, defensive end
The skinny: No one spent more money than the Buccaneers last off-season and all they were rewarded with was a 4-12 season. So the Bucs hired a new coaching staff and general manager — now they’ll need to find players on both sides of the ball to fit their new schemes. The biggest question remains at quarterback with Mike Glennon. It remains to be seen if he can be a legitimate franchise guy. They’ll bring in competition, most likely a proven veteran to push the second-year player. Tampa Bay will need to add an outside pass rusher, wide receiver, and a tight end as well at some point this off-season. Bringing in a player like Michael Johnson with the money saved from Revis’ pending release would go a long way.
Atlanta Falcons
Team needs: OT, DL, TE
Projected salary cap space: $26.2 million
Key free agents: DT Jonathan Babineaux, DT Peria Jerry
Candidates for release: DE Osi Umenyiora (cap savings of $3.5 million), S Thomas DeCoud (cap savings of $3 million)
Free agent fit: Paul Soliai, defensive tackle
The skinny: The injury to Julio Jones exposed the lack of depth through the Falcons roster in a surprising last-place finish. The Falcons do not have enough talent on their offensive or defensive line and will spend the bulk of their off-season looking to upgrade there. Matt Ryan took a beating last season and they will look to add a free agent and a high draft pick to help protect their franchise quarterback. In free agency, a massive defensive tackle like Paul Soliai would be an outstanding fit. Mike Smith needs someone who can consistently stop the run.
