Realistic free-agent targets for all NFL teams

AFC EAST

BUFFALO BILLS

Cap space: $82.3 million | Ideal target: Robert Quinn, edge defender

Buffalo needs a proven outside pressure artist but does not usually have its pick of top free agents. Quinn’s consistency in 4-3 defenses would help a Bills defensive line that features more talent at tackle. The former Rams All-Pro posted 11.5 sacks and 57 pressures in 14 games with Dallas in 2019, and, despite entering his 10th season, will be only 30 in 2020. The veteran would help the Bills’ young D-tackles develop.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Cap space: $88.1 million | Ideal target: Joe Thuney, guard

In a commanding position — with loads of cap space and in a market without a state income tax — the Dolphins can be aggressive. If truly set to use their first pick on a quarterback, they must beef up their offensive line. The 58 sacks Miami’s embattled 2019 O-line allowed tied for the most in 2019. Thuney is both the market’s top guard and an ex-Patriot, which will appeal to ex-Patriot assistant-turned-Dolphin head coach Brian Flores. It will likely take a guard-record deal — perhaps north of $15M per year — to sign the four-year starter, but the Dolphins need veteran talent to take the next step in their rebuild effort.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Cap space: $41.7 million | Ideal target: Eric Ebron, tight end

New England’s awful tight end position in 2019 was one of the most glaring weaknesses in Bill Belichick’s tenure. Teams suddenly not having the most dominant tight end in NFL history to cover weakened the Patriots offense. Regardless of Tom Brady’s plans, the Pats adding a Rob Gronkowski successor is a must. It would be un-Patriot-like to wage a bidding war for Austin Hooper, a second-tier tight end, that ends with Hooper surpassing Gronk’s contract. Instead, the Pats may aim for the more athletic Ebron on a cheaper deal. The 2014 top-10 pick scored 14 TDs for the 2018 Colts and still turns just 27 this spring.

NEW YORK JETS

Cap space: $49.4 million | Ideal target: Jack Conklin, tackle

The Jets will target multiple blockers in free agency; in fact, the entire 2019 Week 1 starting offensive line could be replaced. At least one should be a blue-chipper. A 2016 first-round pick, Conklin started four seasons as the Titans’ right tackle and helped unleash Derrick Henry in 2019. Pro Football Focus graded Conklin as the fifth-best run-blocking tackle last season. He will be expensive, and the Jets have a bad recent history with high free agency bids. But the team has deployed woeful offensive lines for years and needs a proven talent to reset up front.

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Cap space: $30.7 million | Ideal target: Jason Pierre-Paul, edge defender

Even with Matt Judon’s 33 quarterback hits and an NFL-high blitz rate, the Ravens registered just 37 sacks last season. If they avoid the tag-and-trade route with Judon and try to extend him, adding a proven wingman would help. Pierre-Paul proved he could thrive in a 3-4 scheme, doing so for the 2018 Bucs, and he surmounted another major off-field injury by posting 8.5 sacks in 10 games last season. Lamar Jackson’s rookie contract will allow the Ravens to stack their roster, and this is a place to start.

CINCINNATI BENGALS 

Cap space: $44.9 million | Ideal target: Blake Martinez, linebacker

Even in the “ideal” world, we must inject realism into the proceedings. The Bengals largely avoid adding outside free agents of consequence, preferring to retain their own. Cincinnati needs dire help at a few spots, but this would be a good test of oft-criticized owner Mike Brown’s sudden interest in free agency aggressiveness. A solid Packers linebacker but a player likely off free agency’s first tier at this position, Martinez would plug in as a three-down player for a Bengals team that has little invested on its defensive second level. The team's $2.3M linebacker allocation ranks 32nd in the NFL.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Cap space: $61.9 million | Ideal target: Jack Conklin, tackle

Cleveland still boasts talent on its offensive line interior, in guard Joel Bitonio and center J.C. Tretter, but previous GM John Dorsey’s tackle investments did not work out. The Browns will almost certainly start two new tackles in 2020, after misfiring on Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard. Conklin will cost at least what the Raiders paid for Trent Brown last year ($16.5M per year, which trails only Lane Johnson’s $18M among O-linemen), but the Browns are desperate. They will compete with the Jets and others, but unlike Ohio’s other team, the Browns are not generally shy about spending in March.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Cap space: $1.6 million | Ideal target: Case Keenum, quarterback

With this cap-space figure not even accounting for the imminent Bud Dupree franchise tag — expected to cost around $18M — this will be a quiet March in Pittsburgh. But the Steelers do not have many immediate needs, so insuring Ben Roethlisberger should be a consideration. This year’s array of available QBs could depress the market for low-end starters or high-level backups. Keenum falls into this mix, and with Roethlisberger rehabbing a major elbow injury, the Steelers cannot risk having to turn back to Mason Rudolph. Now a 32-year-old journeyman, Keenum could do much worse than backing up an injury-prone starter on a strong roster.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON TEXANS

Cap space: $61.3 million | Ideal target: Chris Harris, cornerback

With J.J. Watt going into his age-31 season and Deshaun Watson’s extension coming this year or next, the Texans appear to recognize the situation’s urgency. Head coach-GM Bill O’Brien has traded five 2020 or 2021 first-, second- or third-round picks, so the Texans have minimal avenues to improve through the draft. Arguably the best slot cornerback in NFL history, Harris can hold his own outside and, at 30, should still have good years left. The bidding will be high for the longtime Broncos standout, but the Texans have Johnathan Joseph and Bradley Roby as free agents and no reason to hold back on adding a top-tier free agent at a need area.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Cap space: $86.2 million | Ideal target: Philip Rivers, quarterback

With former Chargers assistants Frank Reich and Nick Sirianni running the show, and an elite-level offensive line in place, this is the best chance for Rivers to show he can still play at a high level. Andrew Luck’s retirement knocked the Colts down a tier in the AFC, but if they use their cap space wisely and upgrade at quarterback, a playoff return is well within reach. Rivers is 38, coming off his worst season in seven years and one of the least mobile quarterbacks in NFL history. But Indianapolis would benefit from a Jacoby Brissett-to-Rivers transition.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Cap space: $32.3 million | Ideal target: Trae Waynes, cornerback

While the Jaguars are not against March splurges, they are veering toward a rebuild. The trades of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye gutted one of the league’s best cornerback corps. The extra 2020 first-round pick acquired for Ramsey may help go toward a rookie-contract corner, but the team still needs a veteran to play on the outside . An ex-first-round pick who has played well in spurts in a five-year Vikings run, Waynes is experienced and young enough (27) to potentially become a long-term starter on a mid-level contract. Waynes may be beyond the Jags’ price range, but GM Dave Caldwell is on the hot seat.

TENNESSEE TITANS 

Cap space: $50.4 million | Ideal target: Jadeveon Clowney, edge defender

Despite the CBA uncertainty impeding their free agency plans for QB Ryan Tannehill and RB Derrick Henry, the Titans are evidently ready to spend big to woo Clowney to Nashville. Clowney’s contract would team well with OLB Harold Landry’s rookie deal, and the former No. 1 overall pick would boost a Titans defense lacking at outside linebacker. A Clowney deal would require some creative math from a Titans team with pressing matters to navigate, but with the proposed CBA rumored to produce monster cap spikes in the coming years, teams will be finding excuses to add missing-piece-type standouts.

AFC WEST

DENVER BRONCOS

Cap space: $57.1 million | Ideal target: Graham Glasgow, guard

Although a gaping hole exists at defensive end, if neither Derek Wolfe nor Shelby Harris is retained, the Broncos have essentially one reliable offensive lineman: second-year left guard Dalton Risner. With Washington set to tag Brandon Scherff and the Joe Thuney bidding likely to escalate out of John Elway’s comfort zone, Glasgow looms as the next-best guard. With the Lions, Glasgow graded as one of the better interior linemen, per Pro Football Focus, at both guard and center over the past three years. He would step in at center or right guard, providing versatility for a line now tasked with aiding Drew Lock’s development.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Cap space: $13.7 million | Ideal target: Prince Amukamara, cornerback

Considering where the Super Bowl champions are, cap-wise, even adding a 30-year-old street free agent like this may be unrealistic. But Amukamara has spent two weeks on the market and generated little buzz. Even with a Chris Jones franchise tag, the Chiefs will make other cost-cutting moves to create cap room. Amukamara played under Chiefs secondary coach David Merritt throughout his five-year Giants tenure and would cost mid-level money (at best) at this point. The recent Bears cut could be a solution for a Chiefs team that has corners Kendall Fuller and Bashaud Breeland as free agents.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Cap space: $50.3 million | Ideal target: Byron Jones, cornerback

In need at most defensive positions — after their 17th straight season sporting a subaverage scoring defense — the Raiders are looking to ignite their cornerback corps. The Cowboys’ free-agent logjam leaving Jones as the odd man out will incite a bidding war for the market’s top corner. The Raiders are not in the position to equip Tom Brady with a Super Bowl-caliber roster, despite Jon Gruden surely intent on making a realistic-sounding pitch to the all-time great. But Jones is just 27 and a proven boundary defender. He would represent a building block and a big name going into Vegas.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Cap space: $49.1 million | Ideal target: Tom Brady, quarterback

The Chargers (and many, many fans of Chargers opponents) at least filled the Bolts’ soccer stadium over the past three seasons. If they cannot convince Brady to move the TB12 brand to Los Angeles, their games in the 70,240-seat SoFi Stadium stand to be among the most depressing atmospheres in modern NFL history. Without Bill Belichick’s defense supporting him, and going into his age-43 season, Brady is probably more of a draw than a championship centerpiece at this point. And L.A.’s roster features other issues. But the modern Chargers, more than any team in memory, need a drawing card.

NFC EAST

DALLAS COWBOYS 

Cap space: $77.3 million | Ideal target: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, safety

Next to nothing has emerged on the radar regarding Cowboys outside free agent targets. But beyond Dallas’ Dak Prescott-Amari Cooper overlapping impasses, the team has needed safety help for seemingly five years. The Cowboys are set to lose Byron Jones, but several safeties — including Darian Thompson and starter Jeff Heath — are also UFAs. Mike McCarthy drafted Clinton-Dix as Packers head coach in the 2014 first round, and although Green Bay traded the safety at the 2018 deadline, a reunion makes sense at the right price. With Chicago, Clinton-Dix graded as Pro Football Focus' No. 19 safety last season.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Cap space: $73.9 million | Ideal target: Jadeveon Clowney, edge defender

GM Dave Gettleman passed on edge-rushing dynamo Josh Allen in the 2019 first round to take QB Daniel Jones. This year, the Giants are not in position to land a similar talent — thanks to the 2020 draft being weaker at edge defender. But a prime commodity will hit the market, and Clowney is believed to be interested in New York. The former No. 1 overall pick has not become the sack master many envisioned, but Clowney is still just 27 and one of the NFL’s most versatile outside linebackers. He would elevate the Giants defense upon arrival. Will the still-edge-desperate Giants pay up to acquire him?

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Cap space: $41.9 million | Ideal target: Byron Jones, cornerback

With Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson on the 2020 payroll, the Eagles are likely eyeing this receiver-flooded draft to fill that need. At corner, however, they need help now. GM Howie Roseman hoped his holdovers could measure up in 2019; they did not. The Eagles folded their hand at last year’s trade deadline, finishing second in the Jalen Ramsey sweepstakes. Jones is not quite Ramsey, but Philadelphia can add the longtime Dallas defender without sacrificing draft capital. This would do wonders for an Eagles secondary that has lacked reliable corners for years.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Cap space: $61.1 million | Ideal target: James Bradberry, cornerback

Just as Josh Norman’s $15 million-per-year contract comes off Washington’s payroll, the franchise hired Ron Rivera. The former Panthers coach may have another one of his Carolina cornerbacks on his wish list. The Panthers chose Bradberry in the 2016 second round, barely a month after they rescinded Norman’s franchise tag to allow him to trek to Washington. Norman’s replacement started 60 games with Carolina. With 2019 breakout Redskins corner Quinton Dunbar requesting a trade, Rivera may turn to a familiar face to help stabilize his new secondary.

NFC NORTH

CHICAGO BEARS

Cap space: $16.6 million | Ideal target: Teddy Bridgewater, quarterback

Being connected to Andy Dalton, the Bears are eyeing a player to push Mitchell Trubisky. But with Dalton still under contract in Cincinnati, Bridgewater poses as a free agent who would push/usurp the struggling Trubisky. Although Bridgewater finished last in Next Gen Stats’ average intended air yards metric last season (6.2), he went 5-0 as the Saints’ starter and proved more competent than Trubisky during his previous NFC North stay. The former Vikings first-rounder could be the low-risk passer the Bears need, capable of complementing Chicago’s well-equipped defense before it’s too late.

DETROIT LIONS

Cap space: $47.7 million | Ideal target: Cory Littleton, linebacker

Major investments are scattered across Detroit’s defense, but the Lions still have several needs. One resides at linebacker, where Detroit experienced issues in coverage. Littleton thrives in this area, rating as one of Pro Football Focus' top-10 coverage ‘backers over the past two seasons with the Rams. Littleton recorded 259 tackles and 7.5 sacks in that span and would help a defense that has not seen enough from 2017 first-rounder Jarrad Davis. Littleton would represent another expensive signing for Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn, but with both on the hot seat, expect the Lions to make another splash in free agency.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Cap space: $20.5 million | Ideal target: Austin Hooper, tight end

Third-year Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has thus far operated like the Packers' Aaron Rodgers window is closing, which it is. Expect Green Bay to be in on Hooper until the bitter end, even if that means once again authorizing a tight end-record contract — as the team did for Jimmy Graham in 2018. Until he was injured, Hooper was on pace for nearly 1,000 yards with Atlanta last year, and Rodgers has not had a dependable tight end since Jermichael Finley nearly 10 years ago. With this wide receiver draft class preposterously stacked, and tight end not so much, pursuing a veteran makes sense to pair with a 36-year-old quarterback.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Cap space: $1.4 million | Ideal target: Brian Poole, cornerback

Vikings cap casualty candidates have received more attention than any prospective free agent signings. After years of higher-end extensions, the franchise’s day of financial reckoning may be here. Cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander are free agents, and the once-reliable Xavier Rhodes is in danger of being cut. Poole’s availability will depend on his market, and the Jets may opt to retain their slot corner at a price the Vikings cannot afford. But Alexander is likely leaving his slot post. Like Captain Munnerlyn years ago, the Vikings may tab a proven slot cog in free agency.

NFC SOUTH 

ATLANTA FALCONS

Cap space: $4.3 million | Ideal target: Everson Griffen, edge defender

Like the Vikings, the Falcons loaded up their payroll in recent years and are not in position to shop. But Atlanta has a need at defensive end, with Vic Beasley and Adrian Clayborn set for free agency. Griffen would create a unique bidding war between two of the league’s most cap-strapped franchises, with the Vikings hoping to bring him back. Griffen going into his age-33 season will limit his earning potential, but it’s still possible the four-time Pro Bowler will price himself out of Atlanta’s range. The team will be in the market for edge help, however, as it goes into a make-or-break year for head coach Dan Quinn.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Cap space: $34.5 million | Ideal target: Dante Fowler, edge defender

Giving off rebuild vibes, the Panthers may not make a strong push to be especially good in Matt Rhule’s first season. Signed to a six-year contract, the former Baylor coach is in for the long haul. But if the Panthers are interested in adding veteran talent this offseason, they have an opening opposite 2019 first-round outside linebacker Brian Burns. Fowler has not been a stability beacon but is just 25 and is coming off a 2019 Rams season that featured a career-best 11.5 sacks. He could replace free agent-to-be Mario Addison and help Burns develop.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Cap space: $9.3 million | Ideal target: Emmanuel Sanders, wide receiver

For teams chasing rings now, veterans Sanders and Robby Anderson are available. At 33, Sanders, who was traded from Denver to San Francisco in 2019, is more in New Orleans’ price range. The 10-year veteran would be an ideal Michael Thomas complement, having worked as a capable slot and outside receiver. It would take some cap maneuvering to afford Sanders, but the prospect of playing with Drew Brees would surely appeal to a player who has spoken highly of being part of Peyton Manning’s final aerial cadre in Denver.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Cap space: $79.9 million | Ideal target: Anthony Harris, safety

Bruce Arians said he wants to bring back Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh — in addition to franchise-tagging sudden Bucs icon Shaq Barrett. But Tampa Bay does not have a veteran contract in its secondary, instead entrusting coverage responsibilities to a host of young players. The Bucs struggled to cover tight ends last season and do not know if former second-round pick Justin Evans will return from injury. Harris broke out with a six-INT 2019 season and has rated as a top-10 Pro Football Focus safety in each of the past two years. The versatile Viking would be an instant upgrade for the Bucs.

NFC WEST

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cap space: $39.7 million | Ideal target: D.J. Reader, defensive line

The Cardinals possess a few key needs on defense, but the defensive line market stands to benefit teams that use 3-4 schemes. Reader enjoyed a borderline dominant contract year with the Texans, faring well both with and without J.J. Watt alongside him. The former fifth-round pick out of Clemson posted a career-best 13 quarterback hits from his defensive tackle spot and graded as a top-five run-stopper —among inside defenders — in Pro Football Focus' view. He could help a Cards team lacking much in its D-line pipeline.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Cap space: $14.8 million | Ideal target: Shelby Harris, defensive line

More members of the Rams’ Super Bowl LIII defense will depart in free agency. They could lose defensive lineman Michael Brockers and linebackers Dante Fowler and Cory Littleton. Aaron Donald’s otherworldly 2018 came with Brockers and Ndamukong Suh flanking him. The Rams may want to add a veteran on a mid-level deal. New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley coached Harris in Denver, and the hefty veteran led the NFL in passes batted down in 2019. Able to play end in a 3-4 set and inside on passing downs, Harris can complement Donald while the Rams allocate lesser funds to linebacker.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Cap space: $13.1 million | Ideal target: Michael Bennett, defensive line

Most of the 49ers’ funds will be tied up in their own free agents — Arik Armstead, Emmanuel Sanders and Jimmie Ward being the primary trio — and extensions for Pro Bowlers George Kittle and DeForest Buckner. Bennett, who played for New England and Dallas in 2019, would be a luxury pick for little money and essentially serve as a tiny-shoulder-padded replacement for Armstead. Bennett played in the system that 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh uses; it’s essentially the scheme Bennett thrived in with the Seahawks. Bennett is 34, but this would be a chance to help a loaded defensive line attempt to spearhead another Super Bowl push.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Cap space: $44.7 million | Ideal target: Arik Armstead, defensive line

Armstead exploded for a 49ers-high 10 sacks last season and remained a steady force in the playoffs, maximizing his contract year. The 49ers will have to do some cap tightrope action to keep him, and the Seahawks have a need at both defensive line positions. Jadeveon Clowney and defensive tackle Jarran Reed are free agents, and the 6-foot-7 Armstead rushes from both the end and tackle spots. And again, Seattle uses a similar scheme to the one San Francisco now deploys. The Seahawks pilfering a key piece from their latest NFC West rival would be a key plot point in this series.