2022 NFL free agency: 5 teams in worst cap shape

While some teams will be able to spend wildly during 2022 NFL free agency, others are going to simply try and be cap compliant.

5. Los Angeles Rams (-$13.7M)

The Rams won’t have trouble getting under the cap, they can do it by extending quarterback Matthew Stafford. The real problem will be retaining a bevy of key free agents including receiver Odell Beckham Jr., edge rusher Von Miller, corner Darious Williams and others. It could be a few months of watching key members of the NFC champions leave.

4. Minnesota Vikings (-$15.5M)

The Vikings are both underwhelming and expensive. Bad combination, and it led to longtime general manager Rick Spielman being fired this offseason. Minnesota has one more year of Kirk Cousins and his bloated deal before trying to find a long-term replacement, perhaps on a rookie deal for a few seasons. For now, though, the Vikings can save $6.5 million by cutting defensive tackle Michael Pierce, and then working around the margins to get where they must be.

3. Dallas Cowboys (-$21.6M)

Dallas can get under the cap, but it won’t be without some pain. The big move to shed salary would be trading receiver Amari Cooper and opening up $16 million, but that seems far-fetched. The Cowboys can simply make a few cuts and sign an extension or two, but the bigger problem is the losses coming in free agency. Owner/general manager Jerry Jones will have a tough time keeping edge rusher Randy Gregory, receiver Michael Gallup or tight end Dalton Schultz.

2. Green Bay Packers (-$50.7M)

The Packers might be the most fascinating team to watch this offseason. They can unload $20 million in cap charges by trading quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but will they do so? They also have to retain receiver Davante Adams, but a tag would cost Green Bay $19.1 million. It’s almost certain the Packers are going to lose key free agents while also having to part ways with edge rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. It’s going to be a tough winter in Green Bay.

1. New Orleans Saints (-$75.9M)

No team has a more ridiculous cap situation than the Saints. It’s almost impossible o be this far over the cap and be doing it without a real quarterback on a huge salary, but general manager Mickey Loomis has managed to get it done. The Saints are going to the to restructure a litany of contracts, pushing money down the road in what will eventually end up as a total disaster.