Offseason Outlook: NFL Final Four

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJanuary 25, 2021
© USA TODAY Sports

With the Super Bowl matchup now set, our focus turns solely onto the NFL offseason, where teams have already begun to sign future contracts, release a few unnecessary pieces, & begun talks to retain notable pieces. We'll begin our focus with a look at how the final four teams shake out for the upcoming months, including projected current cap space, notable free agents, & more.

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Buffalo Bills

2021 Cap Space: $2.7M (based on $175M cap)
Players Under Contract: 41
Extension Candidate: QB Josh Allen ($41M)
Notable Free Agents:

The Bills will need to tinker with the right side of their offensive line this offseason, likely via both the draft & free agency, and they’ll have a decision to make on talented but oft-injured LB Matt Milano, but other than that this team will remain fairly intact for the 2021 campaign. The lack of big time needs likely means a big time payday for QB Josh Allen.

 

Green Bay Packers

2021 Cap Space: -$27M (based on $175M cap)
Players Under Contract: 45
Extension Candidate: OC Corey Linsley  ($9M)
Notable Free Agents:

As was the case this past offseason, the biggest storyline will be the immediate future of QB Aaron Rodgers, who despite 3 yrs, $74.3M remaining on his contract, leaves us with the notion that his status in Green Bay - or possibly in the NFL - is very much in question. The Packers may opt to move on from a few more notable names on the defensive side of the ball to free up cap space (Preston Smith, Christian Kirksey, Dean Lowry, etc…).

 

Kansas City Chiefs

2021 Cap Space: -$18M (based on $175M cap)
Players Under Contract: 40
Extension Candidate: FS Tyrann Mathieu ($13M)
Notable Free Agents:

The Chiefs suddenly have a bit of a dire offensive line problem with two key pieces set to hit the market, the return of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif questionable, and LT Eric Fisher suffering an Achilles injury that will require a lengthy recovery. Restructuring Frank Clark, Tyreek Hill, & Travis Kelce’s salaries will free up quite a bit of space, but KC will be limited in how much they can add or retain this offseason.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2021 Cap Space: $28.6M (based on $175M cap)
Players Under Contract: 30
Extension Candidate: WR Chris Godwin ($17M)
Notable Free Agents:

Don’t let the $28M of potential cap space fool you, with only 30 players under contract, and many of their free agents set for big time paydays, it’s going to be a tall order to retain this Super Bowl roster going forward. Extensions for Donovan Smith, JPP, & even Brady could clear a good amount of cap, while star DT Vita Vea will likely also be in for a raise this offseason.


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