Some teams have a lot to spend. Others? Not really. There are many ways to free up space: renegotiate deals, move money, or outright cut/trade players. Some obvious ways for teams with the last available space to find more breathing space.
Note: Salary cap figures provided by Over the Cap. Figures in parentheses represent potential cap savings for 2024.
Projected Ceiling Space: $6.8 million
The Browns will likely want to be aggressive in upgrading Deshaun Watson’s supporting cast in an effort to finally maximize their historic investment in the polarizing quarterback. As a result, they might need to part ways with some familiar faces.
Projected Ceiling Space: $3.5 million
The Super Bowl champions are technically in the green, but if they want to make a real move to defend their crown this offseason, they’ll likely have to choose between their top free agents, including star defensive end Chris Jones.
Projected on the cap: $285,000
The defending NFC champions don’t need much to get under the cap, but if they want to make a significant roster shakeup in an effort to return to the Super Bowl, it will require more drastic measures .
Projected on the cap: $9.6 million
The Ravens took a big step toward retaining one of their top free agents by signing Justin Madubuike. Now comes the effort to free up more money to build around Lamar Jackson after the deep 2023 playoff run.
Projected on the cap: $10.6 million
Team owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are “all-in” for 2024. But what does that mean? America’s Team doesn’t have a lot of money to spend and, in fact, most of its dollars could be allocated to internal expansions.
Projected on the cap: $16.4 million
Denver has already sunk a historic amount of money by cutting ties with Russell Wilson, but the Broncos’ work is not done. Sean Payton will need to get creative if he plans to pursue notable additions outside of the draft.
Projected on the cap: $17.1 million
Perpetually in cap manipulation mode, the Saints have refused for years to commit to a complete rebuild. This year is no exception, with the team reportedly already reworking deals for Derek Carr and Cameron Jordan.
Projected on the cap: $18.8 million
The Dolphins have some big money extensions on the role at premium positions, which could help them move money. They have already set to work to cut costs, parting ways with veterans like Xavien Howard and Emmanuel Ogbah.
Projected on the cap: $19.2 million
New coach Jim Harbaugh probably prefers to win as soon as possible, especially with a franchise quarterback on his side. But Los Angeles has many expensive contracts in the works, paving the way for a purge of big names.
Projected on the cap: $19.7 million
The Bills are in a tough situation considering they are built to win now and need to make tough decisions to make legitimate improvements. Those difficult decisions became reality on Wednesday when the club makes a multitude of movements to help balance the books.