Dalvin Cook, Vikings
Sep 24, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Home » Blog » NFL free agency 2020: 5 teams with least money to spend

NFL free agency 2020: 5 teams with least money to spend

Matt Verderame NFL

All figures are from Over The Cap with a projected salary cap of $200 million.

5. Atlanta Falcons – ($6.7 million)

The Falcons are in a tough spot cap-wise. Atlanta can’t clear much salary beyond $10 million or so, meaning this is going to largely be the same team from a year ago, simply with a draft class added in. With owner Arthur Blank and general manager Thomas Dimitroff decided to keep head coach Dan Quinn in charge, the vote of confidence in clear. Atlanta won’t be able to have a new look without a dynamite rookie crop, making a turnaround very challenging.

4. Chicago Bears – ($6 million)

Unlike theFalcons, the Bears could get some serious relief. With Kyle Long retiring, Chicago is set to retain $8.1 million. It can also save large chunks of salary should it decide to release corner Prince Amukamara and edge rusher Leonard Floyd, a combined return of $22.2 million. However, getting rid of both would be a tough blow to the defense, clearly the best unit the Bears have going. It will be intriguing to see how general manager Ryan Pace handles the offseason, with starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky entering a pivotal year.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers – ($1.4 million)

The Steelers are capped out, and there isn’t much the front office can do about it. Should Pittsburgh want, it can release Anthony Chickillo and Mark Barron to save about $10 million in space, which is good enough to pay the draft class and provide breathing room against the threshold. The Steelers have to be banking on a healthy return for future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the continued maturation of their young, talented defense and third-year receiver James Washington taking a big leap.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – (-$2.0 million)

Now we get to a pair of teams already in the red. The Jaguars have been in cap trouble for a few years, and this offseason is no different. Jacksonville can save money by getting rid of linebacker Jake Ryan and defensive tackle Marcell Dareus. Ryan would be a $6 million net savings, while Dareus provides a whopping $20 million in relief. In short, general manager Dave Caldwell actually isn’t in terrible shape heading into the winter, as he can reasonably carve out $35 million in space without hurting the team. He also has two first-round picks in each of the next two drafts after trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams at midseason.

1. Minnesota Vikings – (-$9.7 million)

General manager Rick Spielman has some tough choices. He could cut Linval Joseph ($10.55M) or Everson Griffen ($13.1M), but either is a rough blow to the defensive line. The best way to get under the cap is by releasing cornerback Xavier Rhodes ($8.1M) and tackle Riley Reiff ($8.8M), but this isn’t going to be a fun offseason in Minnesota. The Vikings will be hard-pressed to improve.

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