With the 2021 NFL regular season now past the halfway point, we'll take a quick look at a notable player from each team who is trending toward some sort of "what if" in the upcoming offseason, be it an expiring contract, an extension worthy resume, a potential trade candidate, or a possible cap/roster casualty.

 

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Christian Kirk, WR

He hasn’t had that “breakout” moment that suggests he could vault to WR1 status, but Kirk will play an above average depth role wherever he lands. Tim Patrick’s recent deal in Denver ups Kirk’s valuation to $12.5M.

 

ATLANTA FALCONS

Matt Ryan, QB

The contract says he stays in 2022 ($40.5M of dead cap), but the Falcons’ organization has to be ready to turn the page at the QB position. It stands to reason they’ll acquire his predecessor this offseason, then let Ryan stick out one more season before cutting ties.

 

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Bradley Bozeman, C

Moved from guard to center, Bozeman has gone from a “fill-in” player to a legitimate option for Baltimore’s future. The Ravens have a few mouths to feed this winter, but shoring up the O-Line has to remain priority.

 

BUFFALO BILLS

Tremaine Edmunds, ILB

The Bills exercised (and fully guaranteed) Edmunds’ $12.7M option for 2022, so there’s no rush in making a long-term decision here. Buffalo is better when Edmunds is on the field (115+ tackles in 3 straight years) but the advanced stats don’t love him as a complete player. The Bills have retained almost all of their pieces in their current window, but Edmunds might be squarely on the bubble come 2023.

 

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Sam Darnold, QB

Things were going well for Darnold until they weren’t (though the timing of an injury to Christian McCaffrey certainly made an impact). With Cam Newton now taking over, it appears the path for Carolina and Darnold will be to find a trade partner this winter for his $18.8M fully guaranteed salary. Spoiler: The Panthers will be eating some of that.

 

CHICAGO BEARS

Allen Robinson, WR

The QB situation in Chicago has rapidly changed the ability for Robinson to produce at his career level (yards/game less than half). With that said, a second franchise tag for A-Rob comes with a $21.4M price tag. It’s not an inconceivable outcome for 2022.

 

CINCINNATI BENGALS

C.J. Uzomah, TE

The Bengals need to shore up defensively next offseason, but another extension for Uzomah may also be one of the priorities. The 28-year-old has proven to be a viable redzone option for Joe Burrow, and it shouldn’t take much more than $10M per year to get something done here.

 

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Baker Mayfield, QB

The Browns have already started locking in many of their core pieces (Bitonio, Teller), and more are still forthcoming (Ward), but all of the focus will remain on the QB position this winter. Baker’s $18.8M option for 2022 is fully guaranteed, so there’s no rush in making any decisions, but don’t be surprised if Cleveland is in on veteran trade options, or early round QBs in the 2022 draft.

 

DALLAS COWBOYS

Amari Cooper, WR

It’s going to be difficult for the Cowboys to part ways with any of their major offensive pieces, as the system appears to be humming along strongly, but it’s a hard cap league, and Dallas currently holds 7 cap figures north of $15M. With Michael Gallup's contract expiring, a restructure here is more likely than a trade for now.

 

DENVER BRONCOS

Courtland Sutton, WR

Sutton has had chances to show he’s a legit WR1-WR2 in this league, and his current resume suggests he can match his career high of 72 catches, 1,110 yards again in 2021. With Jerry Jeudy under control through 2024, & Tim Patrick recently locked up, will Denver shell out the $15M+ per year it could take to keep Sutton in the fold? And who will be throwing balls to this group in 2022?

UDPATE: Courtland Sutton signed a 4 yrs, $61M extension to stay in Denver

 

DETROIT LIONS

Jared Goff, QB

The Lions are going backwards (again) and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Goff may not be the solution. Goff is under contract through 2024, including $15.5M fully guaranteed next season. Unless a trade partner bails them out, look for Detroit to convert that to a signing bonus, then release Goff to help spread out the $30.5M of dead cap a little better.

 

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Aaron Rodgers, QB /Davante Adams, WR

One of the best duos in the history of the game each come with a major question mark for 2022. Rodgers of course being rumored to demanding a trade post 2021, and Adams a pending free agent. Rodgers carries a strong $27M cash payout for 2022, so it’s conceivable that he could play out the contract then hit free agency, but will the Packers allow that? A franchise tag is likely looming for Adams, but will they offer him a multi-year deal with the QB position in flux?

 

HOUSTON TEXANS

Deshaun Watson, QB

The Texans’ believe a better offer could be coming once Watson’s legal situation is finalized. That’s risky business (of course), but regardless, it seems likely that the plan is to acquire as many 2022/2023 picks as possible, and hit the restart button in Houston. Watson’ $35M salary for 2022 is already guaranteed, & his $37M 2023 compensation locks in next March. However, any suspension for personal conduct will likely void the guarantees on these figures.

 

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

T.Y. Hilton, WR

The Colts have invested heavily in locking in their own core, and acquiring their current QB. Keeping a healthy, productive set of weapons on the field now becomes their offseason challenge. Hilton’s been a franchise favorite, but his ability to stay healthy likely means an ending to this marriage. Indy will be in the WR/TE game this offseason.

 

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Brandon Linder, C

The Jags have plenty to address under this new regime, but creating a better pass protection setting for their prized QB1 should be at the top of the list. Linder’s hit the IR 3 out of the past 4 seasons, & his contract carries $10M of savings for 2022 to move on from.

 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Tyrann Mathieu, S

Mathieu continues to be the Chiefs most versatile defensive player, especially in that he’s often covering up mistakes for the rest of the KC secondary. His contract is set to expire after 2021, and while the former 3rd rounder is pushing 30, he should be in the conversation for a $15M+ deal.

 

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Mike Williams, WR

Williams was the talk of the league through the first quarter of the season, but has since cooled off (along with the rest of his team). LA rose some eyebrows by exercising his $15.6M option for 2021, but that seems to have been the right call for now. If he’s let to hit the open market, he’ll be looking hard at Kenny Golladay’s $18M mark, though that may be wishful thinking.

 

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Von Miller, EDGE

The Rams haven’t been shy to burn draft picks for immediate impact, but Miller will need quite a 2nd half to this season to warrant the 2nd & 3rd round picks given up to bring him on board. With that said, draft compensation like that generally signifies an extension with that team, and it stands to reason that the Rams can pull some value out of that portion of this deal when the timing is right. $10M per year ceiling?

 

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Cory Littleton, ILB

Littleton’s contract has been restructured 3 times in 12 months, but his $15.7M cap figure for 2022 still places him on a bubble list right now. The Raiders may have no choice but to changeover a few more pieces than they were planning to based on recent events - or they might acquire Russell Wilson and make a huge all-in push. Weird must-follow team.

 

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Mike Gesicki, TE

Xavien Howard (CB) & Tua Tagovailoa (QB) certainly belong in this discussion as well, but Gesicki not being under contract past 2021 while improving in each of his first 3 NFL seasons (and continuing to do so in Year 4), seems slightly baffling. Even if they QB position is changed going forward, this is an investment worth making. He values almost exactly to the 4 yr, $57M deal Dallas Goedert just scored in Philly.

 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Danielle Hunter, DE

Two restructures, two IR stints, a $26M cap hit in 2022, and a mild trade demand later, it sure seems like the Hunter/Vikings era is coming to a close. There’s an $18M roster bonus due in early March, so look for early movement on this situation.

 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Dont’a Hightower, ILB

The Patriots are legitimate AFC East contenders once again due in large part to their defense, with Hightower at the center of it. The 31-year-old is on an expiring contract, and the Patriots very rarely pay non-primary position players more than once, but it’ll be tough for New England to move on here without a legitimate replacement in tow. The problem? Off-ball linebackers now top out at $18M per year.

 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Michael Thomas, WR

After 3 straight seasons with 104, 125, & 149 catches respectively, it’s been a weird few years for Michael Thomas & the Saints. Thomas’ $15M+ salary fully guarantees in early March, & his contract currently holds $22.7M of dead cap for next season, so moving on won’t be pretty. Seems like the Saints will attempt to get a max trade pull, and if they don’t - they’ll hang on for one more season.

 

NEW YORK GIANTS

Jabril Peppers, S

One of the main pieces in the OBJ trade, Peppers found the IR after Week 6, heading toward free agency. The former #25 overall pick could be a franchise tag candidate this Februrary, and carries a 4 year, $50M valuation toward the offseason.

 

NEW YORK JETS

Marcus Maye, S

Maye and the Jets were far apart in multi-year extension terms before the season, and he settled for the $10.6M to start the year. An unfortunate achilles injury ended his season in early November, putting his immediate future in a bit of flux. The safety franchise tag should increase heavily thanks to plenty of recent contracts, so it’s likely not feasible to keep Maye for another round. He’s probably destined for the open market next March.

 

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Derek Barnett, DE

The Eagles are better than they should be, and yet still may not have a clue if they have the right QB, or a roster they can afford to keep together for a short-term run. They do however have 3 1st round draft picks, and a decent amount of cap space to work with as needed in 2022 (assuming they stick with a rookie contract QB). Barnett is facing injuries, subpar production, & a roster that’s getting younger around him.

 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Ben Roethlisberger, QB

Ben isn’t Ben, & the Steelers offense isn’t what it used to be, but the AFC North is currently a dead heat at the time of this piece, and life without Ben in Week 10 wasn’t pretty. As for the 2022 QB? A late first round pick likely won’t help that situation, but an attractive run game/defense could help persuade a few potential trade possibilities to look their way. If not, Roethlisberger will likely offer to return on the cheap.

 

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Russell Wilson, QB

Speaking of potential trade possibilities (see above), Seattle is currently playing themselves into a heck of a lot of change in 2022, with the cherry on the top possibly being a legitimate trade demand from franchise QB Wilson. Russell has 2 years, $51M left on his contract thru 2023, but none of it is guaranteed, and the Seahawks hold $26M of dead cap on his contract next March.

 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Dee Ford, DE

Ford doesn’t seem like he can physically play the game at a regular clip anymore, though he gave it a legitimate effort in 2021. 2022 is his expiring contract year, & while there’s a fully guaranteed $4.6M bonus, a post June 1st release still seems in the cards. Obviously the future of Jimmy Garoppolo (1 yr, $25M left ) is a point of contention as well.

 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Rob Gronkowski/Cameron Brate/OJ Howard, TE

The only tight end listed here with a salary in 2022 is Cam Brate who holds 2 yrs, $14.3M left after 2021 ($0 guaranteed). Brady will push to bring Gronk back into the fold, meaning Howard likely hits the open market. He stands to join Evan Engram & David Njoku in this regard.

 

TENNESSEE TITANS

Harold Landry, EDGE

The Titans’ defense was supposed to be a massive liability in 2021, but Landry and Jeffrey Simmons have been a big reason why this is not the case. Landry’s production over the past year and half falls slightly under Shaq Barrett’s (TB), puting him in position for a deal around $17M per year.

 

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

Landon Collins, S

Collins was overpaid the second he signed the deal to join Washington back in 2019, but that’s not his fault. A post June 1st release next March frees up $12M of cap space for WFT, and it seems very likely they go that route.

 

Related Links

• 2022 NFL Team Cap Tracker
• 2022 Salary Cap Rankings
• 2022 Free Agents

Now more than a quarter into the 2021 NFL regular season, we've identified a player from each team who's made an immediate impact since being newly added this offseason.

 

Arizona Cardinals

J.J. Watt, DE (Free Agent)
Watt is currently the #8 ranked interior defensive lineman according to PFF, and while his traditional stats don’t jump off the page (0 sacks, 10 tackles), it’s obvious he’s solidified the right side of Arizona’s line. He’s under contract through 2022 at $13.5M, with $5.5M of that already fully guaranteed.

Honorable Mention: Zaven Collins, LB (#16 overall pick)

 

Atlanta Falcons

Cordarrelle Patterson, RB (Free Agent)
Patterson was signed to a 1 year, $3M contrat a month into free agent, after a year in Chicago where he averaged less than 4 yards per carry. He’s now the 2nd ranked RB in the league according to PFF, with 5 total TDs through the first 5 weeks.

Honorable Mention: Kyle Pitts, TE (#4 overall pick)

 

Baltimore Ravens

Sammy Watkins, WR (Free Agent)
Watkins isn’t putting together All-Pro production by any means, but he’s doing enough on the field to give Lamar Jackson a valuable option, while at the same time freeing up time and space for Marquise Brown to further establish himself. His 1 year $5M signing this offseason holds plenty of value for a surging Baltimore squad.

Honorable Mention: Alejandro Villanueva, OT (Free Agent)

 

Buffalo Bills

Emmanuel Sanders, WR (Free Agent)
The Bills didn’t change much about their 2020 roster, but upgrading the WR2 position was a need, and Emmanuel Sanders has fit the bill and then some. Buffalo signed Sanders to a 1 year, $6M contract, but if his production continues, a mid-season extension seems very likely.

Honorable Mention: Greg Rousseau, DE (#30 overall pick)

 

Carolina Panthers

Sam Darnold, QB (Trade)
While the interceptions are still there, Darnold is on a career pace in every other statistical category to start the 2021 season - by a lot. Most importantly, he’s winning ball games for the first time in his NFL career. Carolina has already exercised an $18.8M option for 2022, but there will be some extension talk this offseason (unless Deshaun Watson or Aaron Rodgers comes to town).

Honorable Mention: Hasson Reddick, OLB (Free Agent)

 

Chicago Bears

Jason Peters, OT (Free Agent)
I know the knock on this team is the lack of an offensive line, but both Peters and RT Elijah Wilkinson have had a strong few weeks. Chicago had to pull Jason Peters out of retirement as a last ditch effort to salvage their O-Line, and the near 40-year-old hasn’t disappointed. He’s on a 1 year $1.75M contract.

Honorable Mention: Justin Fields, QB (#11 overall pick)

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Ja’Marr Chase, WR (#5 overall pick)
The Chase-Burrow connection didn’t take long to come together, and the Bengals now have 4 legitimate offensive weapons to boot. Chase doesn’t even become extension eligible until after 2023, so there’s a ton of value to be had here.

Honorable Mention: Chidobe Awuzie, CB (Free Agent)

 

Cleveland Browns

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB (#52 overall pick)
His versatility was actually a negative for some teams looking to fill a very specific role on their edge, but the Browns have let this guy cook for 5 weeks, and he’s rewarded them handsomely. He’s a legit DROY candidate early on, and brings incredible financial value for at least 3 years.

Honorable Mention: John Johnson, S (Free Agent)

 

Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons, LB (#12 overall pick)
“Linebacker U” has given us another good one, as the former Penn State star has become the versatile, intelligent piece to the Cowboys defense they’ve been seeking for years. He’s in year 1 of a 4 year, $17M contract.

Honorable Mention: Jayron Kearse, S (Free Agent)

 

Denver Broncos

Teddy Bridgewater, QB (Trade)
Bridgewater is a Top 15 QB according to PFF, and has passed the eye test for much of the early season as well. At under $4.5M for the 2021 season, Teddy is giving this Denver team plenty of value thus far.

Honorable Mention: Javonte Williams, RB (#35 overall pick)

 

Detroit Lions

Austin Seibert, K (Waiver Claim)
It’s not a good sign that the most positive addition to the Lions might be a kicker who’s only played in 3 games thus far. To be honest, the roster as a whole has been built to fail, but the run game and special teams have been adequate thus far.

Honorable Mention: Jared Goff, QB (Trade)

 

Green Bay Packers

Randall Cobb, WR (Trade)
Of course he is. Aaron Rodgers clearly knew what he was talking about when he demanded a reunion with Cobb, who has solidified the slot WR position almost immediately since coming back on board. Cobb is the #12 rated WR in the league according to PFF right now, and carries an $8.25M salary through 2022 ($0 guaranteed).

Honorable Mention: De’Vondre Campbell, LB (Free Agent)

 

Houston Texans

Maliek Collins, DT (Free Agent)
Not a lot of positives to report here, but Collins has been a Top 30 interior defender thus far in 2021, which represents plenty of value on a 1 year, $5M contract. Tyrod Taylor’s early stint with the team looked extremely promising as well.

Honorable Mention: Davis Mills, QB (#67 overall pick)

 

Indianapolis Colts

Matt Pryor, OT (Trade)
Pryor’s a swing/depth tackle on a more regular basis, but he’s played well in the absence of Braden Smith at starting RT of late. He’s on an expiring contract and could be playing himself into a nice raise as every team in football stocks up on depth offensive lineman annually.

Honorable Mention: Carson Wentz, QB (Trade)

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Marvin Jones, WR (Free Agent)
The Jag’s offense has sputtered for the most part to date, but Marvin Jones has consistently shown he’s still as valuable as a 2nd or 3rd pass catching option as ever. The 31-year-old is signed at $5.5M through 2022, $2.5M of which is fully guaranteed.

Honorable Mention: Dan Arnold, TE (Trade)

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Creed Humphrey, C (#63 overall pick)
The Chiefs are rolling with 5 brand new offensive lineman right now, and it’s been an improvement across the board. Their 2nd round pick is already the highest graded center in the game according to PFF, and the line as a whole averages a PFF grade north of 70.

Honorable Mention: Joe Thuney, OG (Free Agent)

 

Las Vegas Raiders

Yannick Ngakoue, DE (Free Agent)
Ngakoue signed a 2 year, $26M free agent contract in LV, $8M of which is fully guaranteed in 2022 already. He and Maxx Crosby have been outstanding edge defenders to start the 2021 campaign.

Honorable Mention: Trevon Moehrig, S (#43 overall pick)

 

Los Angeles Chargers

The Offensive Line
No need to separate how good Matt Fieler (free agent, PIT), Rashawn Slater (#13 overall), & Corey Linsley (free agent, GB) have been to start 2021. Feiler is under contract through 2023, Slater & Linsley through 2025.

Honorable Mention: Jared Cook, TE (Free Agent)

 

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford, QB (Trade)
Stafford and the Rams’ offense has come back down to earth a bit since coming out of the shoot firing on all cylinders, but it’s still clear as day that he alone is a significant upgrade to this team’s contention chances. Stafford has 1 year, $23M left on his deal, so a big-time extension is highly likely over the coming months.

Honorable Mention: DeSean Jackson, WR (Free Agent)

 

Miami Dolphins

Jason McCourty, CB (Free Agent)
The Dolphins don’t have a lot of positives to point at thus far, so we’ll look to find value where it exists on this roster. McCourty has been consistent, especially in coverage, playing on a veteran minimum contract this season.

Honorable Mention: Brennan Scarlett, LB (Free Agent)

 

Minnesota Vikings

Dalvin Tomlinson, DT (Free Agent)
The Vikings locked in Tomlinson at 2 years, $21M, with $16M of that paid out this season. He factors into a Minnesota D-Line that has been well above average (76.5 rating) through the first 5 weeks. He’s an extension candidate this offseason.

Honorable Mention: Xavier Woods, S (Free Agent)

 

New England Patriots

Mac Jones, QB (#15 overall pick)
He’s got a long way to go, and might never have the production that stacks up with a Herbet or even Zach Wilson, but the decision making and moxy appear to be baked in out of the gate. Jones is fully guaranteed through 2024.

Honorable Mention: Matt Judon, DE (Free Agent)

 

New Orleans Saints

Pete Werner, LB (#60 overall pick)
Werner has progressed from an injured player in August, to a starter in October. He's got all the tools to be a fixure on the Saints' edge for the next few years at rookie contract value.

Honorable Mention: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE (Free Agent)

 

New York Giants

Kadarius Toney, WR (#20 overall pick)
It took Toney a few weeks to find his footing in this offense, but he appears to be the real deal. The Giants have a surplus of WRs rostered (injuries aside), but Toney might finish 2021 as the best of them.

Honorable Mention: Kenny Golladay, WR (Free Agent)

 

New York Jets

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG (#14 overall)
To be honest, the entire left side of the Jets O-Line has shown significant improvement, even without Mekhi Becton in the fold. Vera-Tucker is the perfect boring, yet crucially required high draft pick for a team with a young QB.

Honorable Mention: Corey Davis, WR (Free Agent)

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Kenneth Gainwell, RB (#150 overall pick)
Gainwell isn’t going to load up the stat sheets, but he’s shown to be a viable #2 option both as a 3 down runner and pass catcher. His 5th-round rookie contract represents extensive value going forward.

Honorable Mention: Steven Nelson, CB (Free Agent)

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Melvin Ingram, EDGE (Free Agent)
Ingram didn’t sign until the middle of July, at 1 year, $4M. He’s rewarded Pittsburgh with 70% of their snaps, and above average production across the board.

Honorable Mention: Najee Harris, RB (#24 overall pick)

 

San Francisco 49ers

Elijah Mitchell, RB (#194 overall pick)
Mitchell’s only seen 120 snaps, but he’s shown to be a more complete, and thus far productive, back than 3rd rounder Trey Sermon. There’s a chance the Niners have found a strong late round depth piece here.

Honorable Mention: Alex Mack, C (Free Agent)

 

Seattle Seahawks

Al Woods, DT (Free Agent)
The former Jags defensive lineman is ranked 5th among interior defenders according to PFF. He’s more than outperforming a 1 year, $2.5M contract signed this past March.

Honorable Mention: Gabe Jackson, G (Free Agent)

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Edge (#32 overall pick)
Tryon’s getting a masterclass education in his first season on the Buc’s pass rush unit, operating in about 40% of the snaps in rotation with a few All-Pro vets. He’s showing potential to be able to take the reins sooner rather than later.

Honorable Mention: Gio Bernard, RB (Free Agent)

 

Tennessee Titans

Julio Jones, WR (Trade)
Despite battling another injury, the 150 snaps the Titans have gotten from Jones have shown he’s still worth the price of admission. If they can get a stretch of games with both he and A.J. Brown at full strength, this offense may round back into form quickly. Jones has 2 years, $23M left through 2023 ($0 guaranteed).

Honorable Mention: Janoris Jenkins, CB (Free Agent)

 

Washington Football Team

Charles Leno, OT (Free Agent)
Leno was signed with words like “swing” and “depth” in mind, but he’s taken over the left tackle role, and performed well through 5 weeks. On a 1 year, $4M deal, Leno has a chance to cash in next March with a full season at this form.

Honorable Mention: Sam Cosmi, OT (#51 overall pick)

The November 2nd NFL trade deadline is just a month away, and plenty of names have already hit the rumor mill in this regard. We’ve compiled a list of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends that could be considered candidates for the upcoming trade deadline based on team performance, depth chart placement, or contract status.

For each, we’ve included the remaining 2021 cash salary at the November 2nd deadline (Deadline Salary), and the dead cap that would remain with their previous team, split over this and next season in some cases where relevant.

 

A comprehensive guide to how 2021 NFL rosters are broken down positionally, including a dive into full rosters, and projected Week 1 starting groups.

Related & Relevant Links

• NFL Financial Depth Chart Tracker
• 2021 NFL Positional Spending
• 2021 NFL Salary Rankings

 

Total Team Spending

Before we dive too deep, a look at which teams have the most overall cap & combined average salary heading into the 2021 season.

Total Cap Allocations:
1. Cowboys, $201.M
2. Patriots, $198M
3. Browns, $197M
Full List

Total Combined AAV:
1. Bills, $253M
2. Buccaneers, $246M
3. 49ers, $243M
Full List

Total Cash Allocations
1. Cowboys, $262M
2. Buccaneers, $245M
3. Patriots, $241M
Full List

 

 

Top Cap Allocations

The following teams have the most cap percentage allocated to a particular position group entering the 2021 season. Data pulled from: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/positional/offense/

Offense: Browns, 60.8%
Defense: Patriots, 49%
Quarterbacks: Seahawks, 18.36%
Running Backs: Titans, 8.46%
Wide Receivers: Dolphins, 20.4%
Tight Ends: Browns, 7.8%
Offensive Linemen: Jaguars, 24%
Defensive Linemen: Chiefs, 25%
Linebackers: Cardinals, 27%
Secondary: Patriots, 27%
Special Teams: Ravens, 4.7%

 

 

Projected Starting Lineups

Projecting any week’s starting lineups has become increasingly more challenging in the COVD era, but thanks to sites like OurLads.com & ESPN, we’ve compiled a decent starting point for each NFL team. We’ll continue to update these on a weekly basis here: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/depth-charts/

Starter Cap Allocations
Total: Browns, $152M
Offense: Browns, $109M
Defense: Bills, $71M

Starter Combined AAVs
Total: Bills, $210M
Offense: Buccaneers, $118M
Defense: Bills, $89M

Notable Notes:

• The Titans enter Week 1 as the only starting lineup average over 27 years old. The Niners & Ravens round out the Top 3, while the Jets (23.8), Saints, & Panthers enter as the youngest group in the league. The average starting lineup age is 25.6.
• In terms of combined average salary, the Bills, Bucs, & Browns head into Week 1 with the most expensive starting lineups, while the Steelers, Jets, & Dolphins bring up the rear.
• Buffalo’s $210M lineup is $11M more than any other team in football. Their average starter AAV is $7.2M, by far the most in the NFL and $3.3M more than the low team Steelers ($3.9M).
• The Bucs, Browns, & Bills lead the way in terms of starting offense spending, while the Bills, Vikings, & Bears lead the way in defensive dollars.
• 4 teams, the Seahawks, Giants, Texans, & Ravens, have more than $8M allocated to their starting K/P. The Saints enter Week 1 with just $1.9M allocated to this battery.
• Average Spending
  Starters: $158M
  Offense: $84M
  Defense: $68M
  S/T: $5.1M
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 215
  Round 2: 159
  Round 3: 118
  Round 4: 82
  Round 5: 69
  Round 6: 54
  Round 7: 31
  UDFA: 184

 

Quarterbacks

Financial Leaders
AAV: Patrick Mahomes, KC, $45M
CAP: Russell Wilson, SEA, $32M

Total Roster

• QB cap allocations range from $33.8M (Seattle) to $3.7M (Philly)
• With that said, the Eagles $33.8M dead cap hit to Carson Wentz matches the highest active QB cap total for any team in the NFL.
• 11 teams have less than $10M of cap allocated to their QB group
• Average Team QB Spending
  AAV: $23M
  CAP: $15.8M (8.25%)

Projected Starters (QB1)

• 14 Week 1 starters enter the season with an AAV north of $20M, while 16 fall at $10M or below.
• 12 no longer play for their drafted team
• 12 are playing on a rookie contract
• 6 are playing on expiring contracts
• Average QB1 Spending
  AAV: $18.6M
  CAP: $12.6M (6.5%)
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 22
  Round 2: 4
  Round 3: 1
  Round 4: 2
  Round 6: 2
  Round 7: 1

Dead Cap
6 teams are carrying more than $10M of dead cap at the QB position, led by PHI ($33.8M), LAR ($24.7M), & DET ($20.5M).

 

 

Running Backs

Financial Leaders
AAV: Christian McCaffrey, CAR, $16M
CAP: Derrick Henry, TEN, $13.5M

Total Roster

• Only two teams in the league have a combined RB group north of $20M AAV, the Saints ($22.3M), & the Browns ($21.5M).
• 17 teams have less than $10M in combined AAV allocated to their entire RB group.
• Average Team RB Spending
  AAV: $8.8M
  CAP: $6.9M (3.6%)

Projected Starters (RB1 + RB2)

• 15 teams have less than $5M allocated to their top two running backs, a trend that’s been growing steadily over time.
• RB $ Rank for SB Contenders (FD)
  Chiefs (19), Bucs (18), Bills (31), Packers (8), Ravens (16), 49ers (20), Rams (24), Browns (2), Seahawks (13), Titans (7)
• Average RB1/RB2 Spending
  AAV: $7.5M
  CAP: $5.6M (2.95%)
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 11
  Round 2: 11
  Round 3: 14
  Round 4: 12
  Round 5: 2
  Round 6: 3
  Round 7: 3
  Undrafted: 8

Dead Cap
The Rams lead the way here with $8.4M of RB dead cap thanks to Todd Gurley, while the Jets ($4.3M) take on a significant hit for Le’Veon Bell, & the Niners for Jerick McKinnon ($2M).

 

 

Wide Receivers

Financial Leaders
AAV: DeAndre Hopkins, ARZ, $27.25M
CAP: Amari Cooper, DAL, $22M

Total Roster

• While 13 teams have at least $25M of combined AAV allocated to their WRs, the story is at the bottom, where the Falcons have 6 WRs combining for just $6.7M
• No team has more 2021 cap allocated to WRs than the Dolphins ($40.2M), while rookie contracts & void years make a potent Steelers arsenal the cheapest group in football ($7.5M).
• Average Team WR Spending
  AAV: $21.2M
  CAP: $17M (8.8%)

Projected Starters (WR1, WR2, WR3, WR4)

• The Rams top the projected Week 1 WRs with nearly $38M of combined AAV, just ahead of the Browns and Bucs. The Saints, Falcons, & Niners bring up the rear.
• With injury to Michael Thomas & the departure of Emmanuel Sanders, the Saints starting 4 WRs account for just $4.9M of 2021 cap, easily the lowest in the league. The Chargers ($33.1M), sit atop this list.
• Average WR1-WR4 Spending
  AAV: $19.6M
  CAP: $15.3 (7.9%)
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 25
  Round 2: 32
  Round 3: 17
  Round 4: 5
  Round 5: 11
  Round 6: 9
  Round 7: 3
  Undrafted: 26

Dead Cap
Desean Jackson & Alshon Jeffery’s departures factor into a league leading $11.5M of WR dead cap for Philly this year. Julio’s trade leaves ATL 2nd ($7.8M), with the Texans ($6.4M) bringing up 3rd.

 

 

Tight Ends

Financial Leaders
AAV: George Kittle, SF, $15M
CAP: Zach Ertz, PHI, $12.7M

Total Roster

• No surprise, but the Patriots huge offseason puts them with $28M+ of combined AAV toward their TEs, nearly $10M more than any other team.
• Their AFC East rival Bills sit at the bottom of this list, with just $1.5M allocated to their TEs ($2M of cap).
• The Browns ($16.5M) have the most 2021 cap allocated to TEs, with the Eagles, and Pats rounding out the Top 3.
• Average Team TE Spending
  AAV: $9.5M
  CAP: $7.9M (4.12%)

Projected Starters (TE1/TE2)

• The Pats big offseason led to $25M of combined starting TE AAV, easily the top in the league.
• Only 8 teams have double digit millions invested into their Top 2 TEs.
• Average TE1/TE2 Spending
  AAV: $7.7M
  CAP: $6.7M (3.46%)
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 9
  Round 2: 12
  Round 3: 12
  Round 4: 10
  Round 5: 5
  Round 6: 1
  Round 7: 2
  Undrafted: 13

Dead Cap
In moving on from Jesse James, the Lions are carrying $4.8M of TE dead cap this year, by far the most in the league.

 

 

Offensive Lines

Financial Leaders
Tackles
AAV: Trent Williams, SF, $23.01M
CAP: D.J. Humphries, ARZ, $19.9M

Guards
AAV: Joe Thuney, KC, $16M
CAP: Brandon Scherff, WSH, $18M

Centers
AAV: Frank Ragnow, DET, $13.5M
CAP: J.C. Tretter, CLE, $11M

Total Roster

• The Colts, Saints, and Eagles hold down the Top 3 combined AAV figures among OLs, while the Vikings, Steelers, and Dolphins bring up the rear.
• The Jaguars have over $50M of combined AAV & cap dollars invested, a clear stance at protecting their new QB1.
• Average Team OL Spending
  AAV: $39.6M
  CAP: $30.5M (16.7%)

Projected Starting OL

• The Saints ($48.4M) hold the most expensive Week 1 offensive line, with the Eagles & Lions rounding out a Top 3.
• Meanwhile, the Steelers projected starting OL combines for a near impossible $7.9M AAV (Trai Turner, $3M is the high).
• Average Starting OL Spending
  AAV: $35.6M
  CAP: $28.1M (15.4%)
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 44
  Round 2: 35
  Round 3: 25
  Round 4: 13
  Round 5: 9
  Round 6: 10
  Round 7: 5
  Undrafted: 19

Dead Cap
Via retirements, releases, & trades, the Steelers and Raiders each carry $12.3M of offensive line dead cap this year, by far the most in the league.

 

 

Defensive Lines

Financial Leaders
Interior DL
AAV: Aaron Donald, LAR, $22.5M
CAP: Fletcher Cox, Phi, $23.8M

Defensive End
AAV: Joey Bosa, LAC, $27M
CAP: Frank Clark, KC, $25.8M

Total Roster

• Despite a roster overhaul, the Eagles still have $55.5M of combined AAV allocated to their defensive line, tops in the league. The Niners, Chiefs, & Bengals all have more than $50M invested, while the Titans, Broncos, Lions, & Cardinals enter with less than $20M.
• Denver enters Week 1 with less than $10M of cap allocated to their DL, $40M less than the leading Eagles.
• Average Team DL Spending
  AAV: $35.6M
  CAP: $28.1M (15.4%)

Projecting Starting DL:

• 5 teams (DEN, ARZ, DET, TEN, JAX) are entering the year with less than $10M of cap allocated to their starting DL.
• The Chiefs have 22% ($42M) of their adjusted salary cap spent into their starting DL.
• The Broncos have just $6M in combined AAV here to start the year.
• Average Starting DL Spending
  AAV: $24.5M
  CAP: $19.4M (10.6%)
• Draft Origin
  Round 1: 40
  Round 2: 17
  Round 3: 20
  Round 4: 12
  Round 5: 7
  Round 6: 3
  Round 7: 3
  Undrafted 11

Dead Cap
Kawann Short's factors in $11M of the Panthers $13.5M in DL dead cap for 2021, tops in the league, while Geno Atkins & Carlos Dunlap leave behind $7.45M to the Bengals.

 

 

Linebackers

Financial Leaders
Rush Linebacker
AAV: Khalil Mack, CHI, $23.5M
CAP: Von Miller, DEN, $22.2M

Off-Ball Linebackers
AAV: Darius Leonard, IND, $19.7M
CAP: Bobby Wagner, SEA, $17.1M

Total Roster

• While their DL is loaded, the Eagles have less than $5M of combined cap allocated to their linebacking core.
• The Cardinals added more fuel to an already deep LB arsenal, and now have over $51M of cap invested there - 27% of their team cap.
• In terms of combined AAV, it's the Bears who lead the way, with nearly $57M allocated.
• Average Team LB Spending
  AAV: $27.1M
  CAP: $21.6M (11.8%)

Projected Starting LBs

• The Bucs, Bears, & Lions each have $40M+ of combined AAV invested into their starting linebackers, though the Broncos lead the way in terms of allocated cap ($36M).
• 11 teams enter Week 1 with less than $10M of cap placed into their starting linebacker core.
• Average Starting LB Spending
  AAV: $20.3M
  CAP: $15.4M (8.4%)
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 32
  Round 2: 17
  Round 3: 14
  Round 4: 15
  Round 5: 14
  Round 6: 3
  Round 7: 3
  Undrafted: 13

Dead Cap
Luke Kuechly's retirement tacks on $7.1M of cap to the Panthers this year, while Kwon Alexander's departure in SF leaves behind nearly $7M.

 

 

Secondarys

Financial Leaders
Cornerbacks
AAV: Jalen Ramsey, LAR, $20M
CAP: Stephon Gilmore, NE, $16.2M

Safeties
AAV: Jamal Adams, SEA, $17.5M
CAP: Tyrann Mathieu, KC, $19.7M

Total Roster

• The Broncos spent much of their offseason extending and adding to their secondary, and head into Week 1 with $51M allocated to their DBs, most in the league. Baltimore & New England fall inline right behind, while the Bucs, Falcons, and Lions bring up the rear.
• Average Team DB Spending
  AAV: $33.5M
  CAP: $28.3M (15.5%)

Projected Starting Roster

• The Giants ($41M) have nearly twice as much allocated to their secondary as the average team in football does ($22M). Meanwhile the defending champs have just $5.6M posted to their starting 4 secondary, by far the low in the league.
• Average Starting DB Spending
  AAV: $22M
  CAP: $18.2M (10%)
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 32
  Round 2: 31
  Round 3: 14
  Round 4: 11
  Round 5: 9
  Round 6: 11
  Round 7: 3
  Undrafted: 16

Dead Cap
The Lions ($13M) thanks to Justin Coleman and Desmond Trufant have more cap allocated to past players than they do their starting secondary ($10M). Moving on from Kyle Fuller & Buster Skrine means $12.7M of secondary dead cap for the Bears in 2021.

 

 

Special Teams

Financial Leaders
Kicker
AAV: Justin Tucker, BAL, $5M
CAP: Justin Tucker, BAL, $5.1M

Punter
AAV: Johnny Hekker, LAR, $3.7M
CAP: Johnny Hekker, LAR, $3.9M

Long Snapper
AAV: Luke Rhodes, IND, $1.2M
CAP: Trent Sieg, LV, $1.3M

Total Roster

• The Seahawks & Giants each have $8.6M allocated to their special teamers, tops in the league. While the Lions, Browns, & Pats round out the bottom 3
• The Ravens have $8.7M of cap allocated to their S/T
• Average Team Special Teams Spending
  AAV: $5.4
  CAP: $4.8M (2.6%)

Projected Starting Special Teamers

• 13 starting kickers carry an AAV less than $1M. The league Week 1 average is $2.6M.
• 13 punters carry an AAV less than $1M. The league Week 1 average is $1.6M
• 14 long snappers carry can AAV less than $1M. The league Week 1 average is $997k.
• Draft Origin:
  Round 1: 0
  Round 2: 0
  Round 3: 1
  Round 4: 1
  Round 5: 11
  Round 6: 10
  Round 7: 8
  Undrafted: 65

Dead Cap
In moving on from Britton Colquitt & Dan Bailey this offseason, the Vikings compiled $3.89M of dead cap for the upcoming season.