NFL Releases Free Agent List- NFC Outlook

The offseason has officially begun and the NFL has released their official Free Agent list. While names will added as more players are cut I wanted to take a look at the list as it relates to each team:

NFC EAST:

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have a number of free agents along both lines, but none bigger than LT Doug Free. The Cowboys don’t have money under the cap, so they are expected to cut a number of players to make a run at Free and some top free agents.

New York Giants: New York is another team without a lot of money to spend, and unfortunately for them they have a lot of their own players they need to resign. Their 3 biggest losses could be WR Steve Smith, TE Kevin Boss, and RB Ahmad Bradshaw. In addition they have a couple starters and significant contributors who are free agents on defense. New York will need to make some major cuts to find the necessary cap room to re-sign and restock this team.

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles don’t have any major starters who are free agents, but they have a number of significant contributors. While they have some cap room to play with, they are expected to pursue a number of big name outside free agents.

Washington Redskins: The Redskins look to be in a very healthy cap position, and are likely to re-sign only one of their major free agents (Santana Moss). Rex Grossman is another likely player to resign, as well as a few backups. The Skins are likely to make a number of big cuts/trades to free up even more money to be extremely aggressive on the open market.

NFC: South

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have 3/5ths of their offensive line headed into UFA, and will need to either resign them or sign replacements. They will likely look to a mid-range defensive end and a few other defensive pieces as they make a serious run this season.

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have a number of defensive free agents, but none bigger than star end Charles Johnson. It is unclear if the Panthers can hang on to Johnson, but one way or another they are expected to be aggressive in free agency.  On offense the Panthers look to lose DeAngelo Williams.

New Orleans Saints: The Saints have a large number of free agents, but few big names that they need to resign. Lance Moore is probably the biggest name they want to bring back, but they are deep enough at WR to not be dragged into a bidding war.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs have a ton of money, but there track record is usually to play it safe on the market. While I expect them to resign G Davin Joseph and a few other guys, I don’t see them landing any of the big names.

NFC North:

Chicago Bears: The Bears don’t really have many free agents of note, and are likely to use most of their money on bringing in outside FAs. Look for a WR and DL to be at the top of their to do list.

Detroit Lions: The Lions don’t have many big names with the only one they will make a priority, CB Chris Houston. The Lions are likely to be active on the defensive side of the ball in free agency and could look to add an OT as well.

Green Bay Packers: The Packers have a couple big free agents in DE Cullen Jenkins and WR James Jones. Given their cap situation and depth, both of those guys are likely to leave, but the Packers should have enough to sign some depth free agents.

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings are likely to lose both Ray Edwards and Pat Williams along their defensive line, while WR Sidney Rice is their biggest potential loss on offense. If anyone resigns I’d imagine it to be Rice. The Vikings have some money to spend so they could get aggressive on the market.

NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals: The Cards don’t have many big name FA’s, but they are expected to go hard after their Center Lyle Sendlein. They are also likely to bring in a QB and some offensive linemen.

San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have a couple depth offensive linemen, and veterans on offense. Defense on the other hand is an entirely different matter. They have a number of starters and contributors that they will need to resign or replace, and are expected to lose Aubrayo Franklin and possibly Manny Lawson as well.

Seattle Seahawks: The real question will be what the Seahawks do at QB, where Hasselbeck is a free agent and they look to add a better fit. In addition the Seahawks have a number of major contributors and starters that will need to be resigned or replaced. They are likely to lose DT Brandon Mebane who will leave a huge hole in their lineup.

St. Louis Rams: The Rams don’t have a ton of money to spend, but the good news is they don’t have any major guys they need to resign. I would expect them to pursue a top WR and some safeties as well.