NFL OFFSEASON PREVIEW 2017 - Squarespace · NFL Offseason Preview 2017 ... There are currently four NFL cornerbacks who have received an average of $14M per season. ... Martin’s

NFLOFFSEASONPREVIEW2017

680 The Fan’s Carlos Medina aka “Front Office Los”breaks down all 32 NFL teams with in-depth

analysis and research covering the2017 offseason.

Follow Carlos Medina on Twitter @frontofficelos

A Look Back at The2016 Offseason

New Contracts forMembers of FalconsCore

Top NFL FreeAgents 2017

Cam & CarolinaCrash Back to Earth

THE 2017 OFFSEASON

NFL Offseason Preview 2017

The Chance to Change Your FranchiseWelcome to the 2017 NFL Offseason. This is the point where every NFL team has the chance tosignificantly alter their upcoming season with shrewd moves in both free agency and the draft.Consider what some of the best team in 2016 were able to accomplish during this point in the seasonlast year:

The Super Bowl Champion New England Patriotstraded a fourth round pick to the Chicago Bears inexchange for tight end Martellus Bennett and a sixthround draft choice. Bennett would serve as theimportant #2 tight end in New England and theeventual starter with the injury to Rob Gronkowski.

The Atlanta Falcons signed Cleveland Browns centerAlex Mack to a contract that made him one of thehighest paid centers in the NFL. Mack rewarded the Falcons with an All-Pro season in which hewas the perfect piece in creating a solid offensive line. The team also added receiver MohamedSanu from Cincinnati who ended up catching 59 passes and four touchdowns.

The Oakland Raiders gave a one year deal to receiver Michael Crabtree as he attempted to returnfrom injury. Crabtree rewarded the Raiders with a 1,003 receiving yard season and scored eighttouchdowns. The Raiders made it a point to give Crabtree a four year deal during the season tomaintain his services.

The Dallas Cowboys used the fourth overall draft choice on the NFL’sleading rusher in Ezekiel Elliott. The team followed that home run bylanding their next franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott in the fourthround. Prescott would go on to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of TheYear award.

The Philadelphia Eagles traded a bundle of draft picks to Cleveland inorder to select quarterback Carson Wentz with the second overall pick.After the unfortunate injury to Minnesota quarterback TeddyBridgewater, the Eagles sent quarterback Sam Bradford to Minnesota inexchange for a first round pick.

Here is Where Championships are Built

TOP FREE AGENTS

Franchise TagProjections:

QB - $21.5M

DE - $17M

OLB - $14.6M

CB - $14.3M

WR - $15.7M

RB - $12.2M

S - $11M

TE - $9.8M

2017 NFL Offseason

Who Will Make it to Free Agency...The 2017 NFL Offseason currently features young playmakers on both theoffensive and defensive sides of the football. There are several players who havealready played under the franchise tag and have issued warnings that they will notlook to do that again this upcoming season.

One such player is Kansas City safety Eric Berry. Berry had an outstandingseason once again despite having to deal with cancer in 2015. Berry received thefranchise tag for 2016 as the team was not yet ready to committ to him with a longterm contract. Berry has already stated publicly that he will not play in 2017 on thetag again.

There are other players on this list who feature a ‘buyer beware’ tag next to theirnames. Le’Veon Bell is perhaps the best running back in the league but has hadissues with NFL mandated suspensions. Cornerback AJ Bouye turned from abackup player into a shutdown corner overnight.

2017 NFL Offseason

Free Agents

Le’Veon Bell - RB - Pittsburgh Steelers

Eric Berry - S - Kansas City Chiefs

Chandler Jones - DE/OLB - Arizona Cardinals

AJ Bouye - CB - Houston Texans

Kevin Zeitler - G - Cincinnati Bengals

Kawann Short - DT - Carolina Panthers

TJ Lang - G - Green Bay Packers

Melvin Ingram - DE/OLB - San Diego Chargers

Jason Pierre-Paul - DE - New York Giants

Trumaine Johnson - CB - LA Rams

Jonathan Cyprien - S - Jacksonville Jaguars

Calais Campbell - DL - Arizona Cardinals

RE-SIGNING THE CORE

Atlanta Falcons Offseason 2017

Big Deals for Big Time PlayersThe Atlanta Falcons have talked about publicly their desire to make two players this offseason into Falcons for amajority of their careers. Running back Devonta Freeman and cornerback Desmond Trufant are both coreplayers for the team who are heading into the final years of their respective contracts.

Freeman’s agent used the early portion of Super Bowl week to proclaim Freeman’s need for a newcontract. Based on his production over the last two seasons,Freeman is certainly deserving of a raise. Because Freeman hasnow completed three years in the NFL, he is now eligible for acontract renegotiation.

As for Trufant, his deal is different from Freeman’s. As a formerfirst round pick, Trufant signed a four year deal that included afifth year option for the Falcons. Teams must decide after thefirst three years of the deal whether or not to activate the fifthyear option. Since the Falcons picked up that fifth year option,Trufant is under contract in 2017 for $8M dollars. That is equalto the sum he’s been paid over his first four seasons.

The benefit for the Falcons extending new contracts to each player is that they can dictate the terms of thecontract and how the cap dollars will be allocated over the deal. For example, if Trufant is offered a deal inwhich his bonus money will be $15M than he’s going to make atleast $7M more in 2017 than the $8M he wasscheduled to make. That’s essentially how these deals get done. Teams will also guarantee at least the first twoyears of base salaries in the deal.

The trick of all of this is accurately gauging what the value of the player is vs. his peers. Devonta Freeman is avery good back in the NFL and has been wildly productive from scrimmage. Is he a 25 carry player each andevery week? He certainly hasn’t been thus far in his career. But he’s better than your typical starter than reachesfree agency.

Consider a player like running back Ryan Mathews. Back in 2015, the Chargers free agent running backreceived a three year deal worth $11M. Freeman is the better player and worth more.

On the other end of the spectrum is the deal running back DeMarco Murray got from the Eagles in order to leavethe Cowboys. Murray led the league in rushing and received a four year deal worth nearly $25.5M. Lastoffseason Lamar Miller signed with the Texans after having a good year for the Dolphins. Miller received a 4year deal worth $26M. For Freeman, you can expect him to be in the range between $6-7M per season. Let’scall it 4 years at $28M.

Desmond Trufant is in a different world as good NFL cornerbacks are paid significantly more than good NFLrunning backs. There are currently four NFL cornerbacks who have received an average of $14M per season.Trufant is next in line with the rise in the salary cap. Expect a deal in the range of 4 years and $56M.

Atlanta Falcons Offseason 2017

NFCSOUTH2017

TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEWS

The Falcons now rule a division recognized forquarterback play and Super Bowl participants.


Atlanta FalconsGM: Thomas DmitroffCoach: Dan Quinn2016 Record: 11-5

Tampa Bay BuccaneersGM: Jason LichtCoach: Dirk Koetter2016 Record: 9-7

New Orleans SaintsGM: Mickey LoomisCoach: Sean Payton2016 Record: 7-9

Carolina PanthersGM: Dave GettlemanCoach: Ron Rivera2016 Record: 6-10

Tyson Jackson, DL: Atlanta has had to ride out the Jackson contract which has been excessive for aplayer who is not an impact defender. Jackson was on the field for just 29% of the Falcons defensivesnaps during 2016. That simply is not enough production on the field for a cap hit of $5.8M in 2017.Cap savings if cut: $2.6M

(-image source si.com)

Targets for Release/Restructure

Atlanta Falcons2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 2ndDef. Rank: 25thPPD Rank: 2nd

2016 Record: 11-5 Projected Cap Space: $29 million

For the second time in the history of theorganization, the Atlanta Falcons reachedthe Super Bowl. For three quarters of thegame, the Falcons looked like they hadarrived as an NFL champion. But the final17 minutes of that ball game with thePatriots changed everything.

Atlanta lost a 25 point lead and lost thegame by a score of 34-28. What wassupposed to be a coronation turned into alaundry lists of questions for the Falconsmoving into 2017.

How will the team bounce back? Can a teambounce back from that kind of a defeat?How does a fanbase get over a loss like that?All of these questions didn’t seem possiblewith the Falcons up 28-3.

Atlanta’s coaching staff has changed withthe loss of offensive coordinator KyleShanahan to the San Francisco 49ers. TheFalcons have made changes at not justoffensive coordinator with Steve Sarkisiancoming in from Alabama, but also atdefensive coordinator with the promotion ofMarquand Manuel.

All of that change leads to more questionsabout how this team will look and performin 2017.

The Falcons will look to improve on defensewith a young core of quality players. Theoffense is led by the league MVP inquarterback Matt Ryan. But it’s anyone’sguess how the pyschological trauma of thatSuper Bowl will change the team in 2017.

Key Free Agents

Chris Chester, G - Hasstarted 32 gamesover the past twoseasons in theFalcons zoneblocking scheme.Chester is now 34years old.

Paul Worrilow, LB - Aformer starter inAtlanta. Worrilowcan provide insidelinebacker depth fora team with theability to be a spotstarter.

Jacob Tamme, TE -Productive in duringhis two seasons inAtlanta before aninjury ended his2016 campaign.

Jonathan Babineaux,DT - The 35 year oldhas been a qualitypiece in the Falconsdefensive linerotation.

Courtney Upshaw, DL- The formerlinebacker was usedas a down lineman inthe Atlanta defense.Upshaw wascapable of causing apass rush as adefensive tackle.

A Painful Offseason

Doug Martin, RB: Due to his suspension for PED use, Tampa could choose to voidMartin’s 2017 guaranteed money. The team now has a choice to move on from Martinor lower the cap number that he currently counts against the cap. Cap savings if cut:$5.7M

(-image sportingnewscom)


Tampa Bay2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 18thDef. Rank: 23rdPPD Rank: 24th

Key Free Agents

Vincent Jackson, WR -The 34 year oldJackson has caughtjust 48 passes overthe past two seasons.Jackson played inonly five games in2016.

Joe Hawley, C - A 15game starter and 29game starter over thepast two seasons,Hawley hasestablished himselfas a tone setter forTampa.

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB- Due to suspensionof Doug Martin,Rodgers may have tobe re-signed in orderto protect themselvesover the first threegames of 2017.

William Gholston, DE- Dependable rundefender for Tampa.Typically provides acouple of sacks perseason.

Bradley McDougald, S- A solid but notspectacular safetywho has started 31games over the pasttwo seasons inTampa. Recorded91 tackles in 2016.


Tampa Bay spent a portion of 2016 as one ofthe hottest teams in the NFL. A five gamewinning streak running from November toDecember gave the team a shot at the NFLPlayoffs in year one of coach Dirk Koetter’sprogram.

Losing two of their final three games resultedin a 9-7 record and a foundation to moveforward. Quarterback Jameis Winston tookanother step in his development in posting awinning record while tossing 28 touchdowns.Winston’s progress in 2017 can be measuredin the reduction of his turnovers.

Winston tossed 18 interceptions in 2016.Only Chargers quarterback Philip Riverstossed more. Clearly, becoming a moredisciplined playmaker is a goal for Winston.

One playmaker who’s game is reaching All-Pro levels is receiver Mike Evans. Evansposted the quietest 1,300 receiving yardseason in recent memory. His 96 catcheswere a career high as well. While the leaguehas focused on players like Odell BeckhamJr. from the 2014 draft class, Evans continuesto be his peer by every measure.

Running back Doug Martin and his scenariowill be the story of the offseason in Tampauntil it is resolved. Martin is facing an NFLsuspension after testing positive forperformance enhancing drugs. The teamcould elect to cut him.

With limited depth at running back, the teamis not in the business of giving JameisWinston less to work with.

A Prolific Young Combo

Jairus Byrd, FS: Solid but set to count $11.7M against the New Orleans cap in 2017.The production doesn’t fit the price point, but New Orleans may not have a choice but tobring Byrd back at his high cost. Cap savings if cut: $3.7M

(-image source cbssports.com)


New Orleans2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 1stDef. Rank: 27thPPD Rank: 22nd


Key Free Agents

Jahri Evans, G - Set toturn 34 years oldbefore the start of2017. Evans hasbeen a capableplayer at his agewhen he chooses tobe.

Tim Lelito, G - Sevengame starter in 2016after previouslybeing used as aswing guard. Willbe able to land alarger contract onthe open market.

Nick Fairley, DT - A6.5 sack season in2016 has Fairleylooking for a sizablecontract. Fairley’scareer season hashim talking aboutstaying in NewOrleans. With theteam’s salary capspace, it’ll be theirchoice whether ornot to bring Fairleyback.

Roman Harper, S -The veteran in theSaints three safetydefensive lineup.The 34 year oldsafety played in all16 games andrecorded 29 tackles.

The 2017 offseason for the New OrleansSaints doesn’t look significantly differentthan most of their recent offseasons.Featuring an outstanding offense, the Saintshave been trying to fix their defense since2014.

With the New Orleans defense beingamongst the worst in the NFL in recent years,the opportunity to compete forchampionships have diminished. The Saintsdefense was ranked fourth in 2013, the lastseason in which New Orleans reached theplayoffs.

Since 2013 the Saints have posted threestraight 7-9 seasons with defensive rankingsof 31st, 31st and 27th. Fix the defense, andthe Saints can compete for titles.

For the first time in years the Saints haveplenty of cap space to address their issues.Previously the Saints would have to playgames with their cap in order to becomecompliant with league rules. That will not bethe case this time around.

That type of cap space can be used alongwith their draft picks to improve the passrush opposite of Cam Jordan. Or perhapsrebuild their secondary that was ravaged byinjuries in 2016.

The simple truth for New Orleans is thatnearly any addition to their defense will bebetter than what they played with in 2016. Ifthis team is to be a contender in the finalyears of Drew Brees’ career, an improveddefense will be the reason.

More Dollars for The D

Jonathan Stewart, RB: Stewart is set to turn 30 before the start of 2017 training camp.Stewart has been relatively healthy by his previous standard, having played in 13 games overeach of the past two seasons. But after averaging just 3.8 yards per carry in 2016, Stewart’scap space could be used elsewhere. Cap savings if cut: $4.7M

Mike Tolbert, FB: The 31 year old typically has been a versatile piece as a blocker, receiverand runner. But Tolbert was largely ineffective in 2016. Tolbert averaged just 3.3 yards percarry and caught just 10 passes. Cap savings if cut: $1.5M

(-image source usatoday.com)


Carolina2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 19thDef. Rank: 21stPPD Rank: 25th


Key Free Agents

Kawann Short, DT -The 2015 second All-Pro saw his sacknumbers dip in 2015but remains a verygood player. Set tobe paid a massivecontract. Carolinaprotected themselvesby drafting Short’sreplacement in 2016.Could still receivethe franchise tag.

Charles Johnson, DE -The 30 year old hastaken less in the pastto remain inCarolina.

Ted Ginn Jr., WR -Has seen most of thesuccess in his careeras the deep target forCam Newton. Hastaken a biggercontract in the pastbefore returning toCarolina.

Mario Addison, DE -The 29 year oldrecorded a careerhigh 9.5 sacks in2016. Addison’s pastthree seasons hasproven that he can bea capable pass rusheras he’s recorded 21sacks over that timeperiod.

2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton spent thatseason laughing and dancing his way all overopposing NFL teams. An incredible season in2015 seemed destined for a second act in2016.

Instead, Carolina’s competitors got the lastlaugh in 2016.

Newton and the Panthers came crashing backdown to earth after their Super Bowl loss tothe Denver Broncos. For Newton, one mustwonder if his MVP season was the exception.

From 2011 to 2014, Newton tossed 82touchdowns against 54 interceptions. In 2015those numbers exploded to 35 touchdownsand just 10 interceptions. But in 2016,Newton return to his typical career

TD/INT rate. Newton had 19 touchdownsand 14 interceptions.

Carolina is now left to determine if thequestionable play and various injuries toNewton were a result of his exciting yethazardous style of play. Combine that withthe severe concussion suffered by linebackerLuke Kuechly, leaves the team hoping forhealthy and bounce back seasons in 2017.

The Panthers have plenty of cap space but dohave a few of their own players who are setto reach free agency. Defensive tackleKawann Short saw his own production slip in2016 but still will command a massive deal.

Change is coming in Carolina. For severalPanther veterans that won’t be so funny.

A Cam-ical Regression

NFCEAST2017


A pair of rookies led Dallas back to the top of thedivision.


Dallas CowboysGM: Jerry JonesCoach: Jason Garrett2016 Record: 13-3

New York GiantsGM: Jerry ReeseCoach: Ben McAdoo2016 Record: 11-5

Washington RedskinsGM: Scott McCloughanCoach: Jay Gruden2016 Record: 8-7-1

Philadelphia EaglesVP Football: HowieRosemanCoach: Doug Pederson2016 Record: 7-9

Tony Romo, QB – Will be with another team in 2017. Dallas will have to determinewhich course of action will be best for their salary cap. Romo’s 19.6M in deadmoney will either hit all of the cap at once (if traded) or Dallas could elect to splitthat dead money over 2017 and 2018 if they designate him as a June 1 release. Capsavings if cut: $5.1M

Doug Free, RT: Dallas could choose to go with one of the younger tackles on theirroster. Free is a quality player, and is 33 years old. Free has started 114 games overhis career in Dallas. Cap savings if cut: $5M



Dallas2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 5thDef. Rank: 14thPPD Rank: 3rd

2016 Record: 13-3 Projected Cap Space: $1 million over

When a team earns the number one seed intheir conference and then loses it’s firstplayoff game you’re supposed to considerthe season a disappointment. But that isn’tthe case after August 25th of 2016.

That was the day in which Dallas Cowboysquarterback Tony Romo was hit frombehind in Seattle, causing another seriousback injury. Another 4-12 season like 2015appeared to be on the horizon. Instead, theDallas Cowboys discovered that rookiequarterback Dak Prescott was ready for thismoment.

Prescott delivered a 13-3 season in which heposted a 104.9 QB rating with 23touchdown passes and just fourinterceptions. Prescott ended his season

quarterbacking the NFC team in the ProBowl. It is simply an improbable story.

Couple that with the performance of rookierunning back Ezekiel Elliott who led theNFL in rushing with 1,631 yards and 15touchdown runs, Dallas suddenly has a newfoundation of All-Pro talent to compete for atitle with over the next decade.

With quarterback Tony Romo moving on,the Cowboys will not be able to enjoy thecap space until 2018. Dallas still needs toimprove their pass rush which was justaveraged by league standards in 2016.

Dallas has young pieces on both sides of thefootball. Adding a few more pieces in theNFL Draft should keep them in contentioncome 2017.

Key Free Agents

Morris Claiborne, CB –Was having a ProBowl type of seasonbefore a groin injuryknocked him out forthe final nine gamesof the regular season.Played on a one yeardeal in 2016 and willprobably have to takeanother one year dealto prove his health.Ability has neverbeen a problem forClaiborne,availability has beenhis issue as a formertop 10 pick.

Ron Leary, LG –Started the final 12games of the seasonafter the team lostLa’El Collins due to afoot injury. Learystarted 47 games overhis time in Dallas.Concerns over adegenerative kneewas the reason Learywent undrafted. Hehas proven thus farthat his knee is not anissue.

Terrance Williams,WR – Caught 44passes for 594 yardsand four touchdownsin 2016. A solid #2option during histime in Dallas.

A New Foundation

Victor Cruz, WR – Set to count nearly $10M against the cap after a 39 catchseason in 2016. Cruz will have to take a pay cut in order to remain on the team in2017. Cap savings if cut: $6.6M

Rashad Jennings, RB –Jennings turns 32 before the start of training camp. Afteraveraging just 3.3 yards per carry, the future of New York’s running gameappears to be rookie running back Paul Perkins. Cap savings if cut: $2.5M

(-image usatoday.com)


New York2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 25thDef. Rank: 10thPPD Rank: 12th


The Giants put together an 11-5 seasonbefore losing to the Packers in the openinground of the NFL Playoffs. While the seasonwas a success in terms of returning NewYork to the playoffs, the team had offensiveissues that ended their season.

The Giants failed to score 30 points in anygame this season. That is not entirelyindicative of an issue at quarterback as EliManning put together one of his typicalseasons. The issues came from an offensiveline that is in need of offseason attention.

The group upfront was unable to provide theteam with a legitimate running game. Theplay from both the left and right tackles wasshaky at best.

Former first round pick, left tackle EreckFlowers, has given plenty of ammunition tothose who felt he was drafted too highly.Right tackle Marshall Newhouse wasequally poor.

The quality of the New York defense furtherhighlights the problems with the offense.The Giants gave up the second fewest pointsin the NFL. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Pauland defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins areset to be free agents and will commandsizable contracts.

New York will have to use the draft and freeagency to fix their offensive front. Ignoringthat issue will make scoring pointschallenging again in 2017.

Key Free Agents

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE –Recorded seven sacksbefore missing thefinal month of theseason with a sportshernia injury. Pierre-Paul is just 28 yearsold and looks to berecovered from thehand injury thatmarred his 2015season. Will look toapproachquarterback contractlevel on this deal.

Jonathan Hankins, DT –A 16 game starter forthe first time since2014, Hankinsrecorded three sacksand played well in2016. Hankins willturn 25 years old in2017 after playing outhis four year deal as aformer 2nd round pick.

Marshall Newhouse, RT– Started six games atright tackle. Would bea low price swingtackle for other teamsin the league.

Leon Hall, DB - Veterancornerback whoplayed safety in NewYork. Played througha benching, appearingin 12 games.

Where’s the Offense?

DeAngelo Hall, S – The veteran safety suffered his third serious injury over thepast three seasons in 2016. Hall is recovering from a torn ACL in 2016, a turf toeinjury in 2015 and an Achilles tendon tear in 2014. Cap savings if cut: $4M

Ricky Jean Francois, DE – The 30 year old defensive end started just six gamesin Washington as a rotational player. Cap savings if cut: $3M

(-image source huffingtonpost.com)


Washington2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 3rdDef. Rank: 28thPPD Rank 19th

2016 Record: 8-7-1 Projected Cap Space: $67 million

After winning the NFC East in 2015,Washington was in the precarious situationof having their quarterback reach freeagency. Quarterback Kirk Cousins wouldultimately have the franchise tag placed onhim thereby ending his potential venture intoNFL Free Agency.

Washington is again in perhaps an even moreprecarious situation as Cousins is set tobecome a free agent but this time without thebenefit of having led his team to the NFLPlayoffs. Cousins had a good season inwhich the offense was explosive but it failedto carry the team late in theseason. Washington would lose four of thefinal six games to miss the playoffs.

Cousins has performed at a level thattypically gets NFL quarterbacks paid in theneighborhood of $20M per season. But as aformer fourth round pick that does have somephysical limitations, the team does not appearcomfortable with offering up the massivequarterback contract.

Being franchise tagged again would makeCousins a $24M cap hit in 2017. That type ofcontract eats into the considerable amount ofcap space that Washington is set to have thisoffseason. Washington faces difficultdecisions on not just who to add to theirlagging defense, but which offensive piecesare deserving of late-in-career contracts.Making the right moves could lead the teamback to the playoffs in 2017.

Key Free Agents

Kirk Cousins, QB –Another season inwhich Cousins gaveWashington a chanceto win and advance tothe playoffs. Cousinspassed for nearly5,000 yards andconnected with hisreceivers for 25touchdowns in2016. After receivingthe franchise tag lastoffseason, thepossibility exists thathe will receive it onceagain. With a newcoordinator in placethere is no guaranteeof the same successoffensively in 2017.

Pierre Garcon, WR –The reliable target hascaught 332 passesover the past fourseasons. Set to be 31by the start of the2017 season, Garconcaught 1,041 yardsworth of passes in2016.

DeSean Jackson, WR –Set to become a freeagent after posting a1,005 yard season in2016. Jackson’s 17.9yards per receptionkeeps him among thebest deep threats inthe NFL.

Similar Questions in 2017

Jason Peters, LT – The size of Peters’ contract is problematic for a team in transition.Peters is set to count $11.2M against the Philadelphia cap in 2016 and will be 35 yearsold for the 2017 season. A pay cut may keep him on the team. Cap savings if cut:$10.2M

Connor Barwin, OLB – Another veteran looking at a pay cut, Barwin would like to stayin Philadelphia but is due to count $8.3M against the cap. Barwin’s sack totals havedropped in each of the last three seasons, recording just five sacks in 2016. Cap savingsif cut: $7.7M



Philadelphia2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 22ndDef. Rank: 13thPPD Rank: 7th


Typically back-to-back 7-9 seasons inPhiladelphia would have the fanbase in anangry panic, lusting for blood in the form offirings. But when you find a quarterback,everything is all good.

Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz turnedthe first season of coach Doug Peterson’sprogram into a modest success. Wentz madeall 16 starts and tossed 16 touchdown passesagainst 14 interceptions. While there weregames when Wentz looked like a rookiefrom a small school, he also showed enoughpoise and ability to excite fans movingforward.

Philadelphia will go through some moretransition this offseason. There are big nameveterans who will either be released or who

will have to take paycuts in order to remainwith the team. LT Jason Peters, LB ConnorBarwin and RB Ryan Mathews are amongthose who’s time with the team may havecome to an end.

The focus will be on adding weapons aroundWentz to help the young quarterback developinto a top-tier starter in the NFL. For all ofthe ability that Philadelphia displayed ondefense, the offense was simply pedestrian.RB Darren Sproles was perhaps the bestplaymaker over the 2016 season, but he’llturn 34 this summer.

Look for speed to be added to this offense.Washington WR DeSean Jackson is rumoredto return. Everything will be done to makesure Wentz is surrounded by talent.

Key Free Agents

Bennie Logan, DT –Started 13 games in2016, and has started51 games over hisfour year career. Agood run defenderwho recorded a careerhigh 2.5 sacks lastseason.

Nolan Carroll, CB – The16 game starterdefended 11 passeslast season.Philadelphia islooking to reach acontract agreementwith Carroll before hereaches free agency.

Trey Burton, TE/WR(restricted) – Aversatile piece whocaught 37 passes in2016. Just 25 yearsold, Burton hasdeveloped over histhree years inPhiladelphia. Burtonlooks to be anoffensive piece forCarson Wentz movingforward.

Stephen Tulloch, LB -Veteran linebackerwho signed inPhiladelphia afterbeing released lastsummer by Detroit.Did not have the typeof season that wouldwarrant anothercontract.

Hitting on The Quarterback

NFCNORTH2017


The Packers are champions of the divisionagain after a disappointing string of injuries to

the Vikings.


Green Bay PackersGM: Ted ThompsonCoach: Mike McCarthy2016 Record: 10-6

Detroit LionsGM: Bob QuinnCoach: Jim Caldwell2016 Record: 9-7

Minnesota VikingsGM: Rick SpielmanCoach: Mike Zimmer2016 Record: 8-8

Chicago BearsGM: Ryan PaceCoach: John Fox2016 Record: 3-13

Clay Matthews, LB: Matthews has been a great teammate and important to settingthe right tone within the Green Bay organization. Matthews played inside linebackerin past years when the defense did not have an athlete capable of doing so. Perhaps itwas that punishment that has made Matthews an average player. Matthews recordedjust five sacks in 2016, after a 2015 in which he recorded 6.5. That’s heading in thewrong direction for a player who will be 31 in 2017. Matthews will count $15.2Magainst the cap in 2017. Cap savings if cut: $11.1M



Green Bay2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 8thDef. Rank: 22ndPPD Rank: 9th


The Green Bay Packers reached the NFLTitle Game in January of 2017 because ofthe excellence of quarterback AaronRodgers. But sometimes that’s not enough.

Rodgers put together a second half of theseason that could be described as legendary.After holding a record of 4-6 after 10 games,Rodgers put the Packers on his back and ledthem to eight straight victories before theirplayoff loss to Atlanta.

What is clear is that Green Bay needs to addsome help for Rodgers moving forward.Typically franchise quarterbacks get acouple of opportunities to win a title. ForGreen Bay, the need to get younger andproductive will be the key to getting asecond title of Rodgers.

The championship Green Bay team whodefeated Pittsburgh is now showing someage. Receiver Jordy Nelson will turn 32 yearsold before the start of training camp. Formerpass rushing terror Clay Matthews will be 31.While there are other younger and talentedplayers on the roster, Green Bay’s core hasreached their early 30’s.

Green Bay needs a running back as EddieLacy is set to be a free agent after missing amajority of 2016. Perhaps a one year dealwould get him back? Leading sacker NickPerry is set to hit the market after a double-digit sack season.

Rodgers needs some help to get this doneagain. Getting younger will be a big key tothe Packers offseason.

Key Free Agents

Eddie Lacy, RB - Missedthe final 11 games ofthe season afterrequiring ankle surgery.Was having a solidseason in averaging 5.1yards per carry beforeinjury.

TJ Lang, G - Broke hisfoot in the NFC TitleGame. Lang missedthree games in 2016with the same injury.Made the Pro Bowl forthe first time in hiscareer in 2016 as partof a very good passblocking line in GreenBay.

Nick Perry, OLB - Theformer first round pickhad his best season inGreen Bay recording 11sacks. Played through abroken hand at the endof the season.

Jared Cook, TE - Caught30 passes afterreturning to healthduring the second halfof 2016. Cook will belooking at anothersmall contract for 2017.

Micah Hyde, S - Thevertsatile safey hasplayed in both atraditional safetyposition and as a slotdefender. Playedcornerback at timeswith the injuries to theGreen Bay secondarylate in 2016.

In Need of Some Reinforcements

DeAndre Levy, LB: Levy has been unable to stay healthy over the past two seasons.After playing just one game in 2015, Levy only appeared in five games in 2016. Theproblem for Detroit excluding Levy’s recent injuries is that they save a minimal amountif they cut him this offseason. Levy still has $7.2M in guaranteed money remaining onhis contract. He’s set to count $8.4M in 2017. Cap savings if cut: $1.2M

(-image source cdnewsday.com)


Detroit2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 21stDef. Rank: 18thPPD Rank: 20th


The Detriot Lions returned to the NFLPlayoffs after an absence in 2015. Typicallythat would represent a successful season.But sometimes the way your season endscan taint the overall picture.

Detroit found themselves with a 9-4 recordafter the first 13 games of the season. TheLions had a shot at securing the two seed inthe NFC Playoffs and looked to be in greatshape to win the NFC North.

After a hot Green Bay finish and a threegame losing streak, Detroit missed out onwinning the NFC North and went into theplayoffs as a 9-7 wildcard team. The seasonwould end with a loss in Seattle and a fourgame losing streak.

But as pointed out before, there weresignificant bright spots in 2016 that shouldhave Lions fans optimistic for 2017.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford enjoyed thefinest season of his career despite theretirement of receiver Calvin Johnson.Stafford was playing the best football of hiscareer before a hand injury slowed hisimpressive play. Stafford spent 2016spreading the football around all of hisreceivers and bringing his team back in thefourth quarter in multiple games.

Detroit has some improvement to make ondefense before the team can take another stepforward. Having a healthy Ziggy Ansah is agood place to start in having anothersuccessful season in 2017.

Key Free Agents

Reilly Reif, RT -Previously played LTand may look to bepaid as such. Thedifference in a freeagent contract as a RTvs a LT is severalmillions of dollars.

Anquan Boldin, WR -The 36 year old maylook at retirementdespite a modest 2016.Recorded 67 catchesand eight touchdownsas a 16 game starter.

Larry Warford, G -Started 15 games in2016 and has started57 games over the pastfour seasons. Wouldbe the more affordableoption betweenWarford and Reiff.

Josh Bynes, LB -Stepped in for theinjured DeAndre Levyand started eightgames for Detroit.

Devin Taylor, DE - The27 year old hasrecorded 11.5 sacksover the past twoseasons, including 4.5in 2016. With thepremium on passrushers in the NFL,Taylor should score asolid contract in freeagency.

Big Picture Success

Adrian Peterson, RB: Set to turn 32 years old, Minnesota holds a club option that willpay Peterson $18 million dollars for 2017. That’s simply not going to happen givenPeterson’s 2016 season and recent injury. Peterson would have a chance to stay if asmaller contract with limited guaranteed money could be reached. Cap savings if cut:$18M

Brandon Fusco, G: Fusco’s play has not lived up to his reputation. Suffering anotherconcussion also doesn’t help his cause in Minnesota. Cap savings if cut: $3.2M



Minnesota2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 28thDef. Rank: 3rdPPD Rank: 13th


It was a tough year in Minnesota. A seasonthat featured a tough young defense and apromising quarterback ended with an 8-8record and uncertainty under center.

The training camp injury to quarterbackTeddy Bridgewater can not be overstated.Bridgewater’s leg injury was so severe thatit reportedly nearly cost him his leg. TheVikings quickly responded by trading a firstround pick to Philadelphia in exchange forSam Bradford.

What looked like a one year situation is nowclearly going to last longer. Bridgewater isnot expected to be capable of playingfootball until the 2018 season, if ever. So theteam now moves forward with SamBradford who is currently in the final year

year of his contract. It is not hard to imaginethat the Vikings may find themselves in anoffensive rebuild sooner rather than later.

That rebuild will include running backAdrian Peterson. The soon-to-be 32 year oldrunning back is set to be paid like an NFLquarterback. Minnesota holds a team optionfor Peterson worth $18M, and it’s hard toimagine that based on his recent injuries andproduction that he will see that sort ofmoney. A return to Minnesota is apossibility, but it will not be for his currentlevel of compensation.

After winning the division in 2015,Minnesota is left wonder what might havebeen and where they’re going in 2017.

Key Free Agents

Matt Kalil, LT - Sincebeing a Pro Bowler in2012, Kalil has beeninconsistent as a lefttackle. Did not finishthe 2016 season due toa hip injury. A boomor bust type of signingfor a team in need ofhelp at tackle.

Andre Smith, RT -Signed a one year dealwith Minnesota butwas unable to finishthe season due toinjury. Smith’s playhas declined in each ofhis past three seasons.

Captain Munnerlyn,CB - Reliablecornerback who hasboth a starter andnickle package corner.Munnerlyn’s threeseasons in Minnesotaresulted in fourinterceptions.

Cordarrelle Patterson,WR - Kick returnspecialist who remainsas one of the best inthe NFL. ButPatterson providedmore offensive punchfor Minnesota in 2016after catching 52passes for 453 yardsand two touchdowns.The 52 catchesrepresent a career bestfor the former firstround pick.

A Season Ruined by Injuries

Jay Cutler, QB: Chicago is finally in position to move on from Jay Cutler withoutconcern of serious cap issues being created by the move. Cutler’s injury history and lackof success in recent years makes the move an easy one. In 2016, Chicago would havebeen hit with $19M dollars in dead cap space had they cut Cutler. This year it’s only$2M. Cap savings when cut: $14M.

Lamar Houston, LB: The injuries to Houston makes him far too pricey. If Houston willtake a pay cut Chicago could bring him back. Cap savings if cut: $5M.

(-image wgnplus.com)


Chicago2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 15thDef. Rank: 15thPPD Rank: 28th


The Chicago Bears finished in last place forthe third consecutive season and the secondstraight under John Fox. But after riding outthe guaranteed money on quarterback JayCutler’s contract, the team is ready for anew leader.

Chicago enters this offseason with atremendous amount of cap space and qualitydraft picks that should allow the front officeto remake the core of the team. The Bearshave the third overall draft pick and adesperate need for a new young quarterback.

But as personnel people continue to sayabout the 2017 NFL Draft, this certainlyisn’t like the 2016 NFL Draft. There is not asure-fire concensus top five pick atquarterback in this draft. But that doesn’t

mean some team won’t reach for one.Chicago finds themselves in that group ofteams that has to come away with aquarterback capable of being a franchise-typeplayer.

Perhaps that’s Mitch Trubisky of NorthCarolina, or Deshaun Watson from Clemson.Maybe that’s another player further down theboard. Whoever it ends up being, thequarterback must be capable of restoringsome hope and upward direction for thefranchise.

Chicago has some quality pieces in place.Pernell McPhee, Danny Trevathan, LeonardFloyd and Jordan Howard provide a startingpoint to compete.

But a quarterback and leader are needed.

Key Free Agents

Alshon Jeffery, WR -Caught 52 passes for821 yards in 2016despite missing fourgames due to aperformance enhancingdrug suspension.Played 2016 on thefranchise tag. At just 27years old, Jeffery willcost a considerableeamount because of hispotential.

Brian Hoyer, QB -Provides a qualitybackup to any team hesigns with. Missed theremainder of the 2016season with a brokenarm. Tossed sixtouchdowns and zerointerceptions during histime on the field thispast season.

Cornelius Washington,DE - Recorded twosacks in 2016. Thedevelopmentaldefensive end needs tostay healthy if he’s evergoing to reach hispotenteial.

Jonathan Banks, CB - Theformer second roundpick needs to gethealthy beforeattempting to get hiscareer back on track.Has the size and speedto be successful inChicago’s defense justas he was in Tampa’searly in his career.

Looking For a Leader

NFCWEST2017


Seattle regained the division title but may see theirwindow for another title closing.


Seattle SeahawksGM: John SchneiderCoach: Pete Carroll2016 Record: 10-5-1

Arizona CardinalsGM: Steve KeimCoach: Bruce Arians2016 Record: 7-8-1

Los Angeles RamsGM: Les SneadCoach: Sean McVay2016 Record: 4-12

San Francisco 49ersGM: John LynchCoach: Kyle Shanahan2016 Record: 2-14

Jimmy Graham, TE: Graham hasn’t been targeted to the extent that he was early on inhis career. His 65 catches for 923 yards and six touchdowns makes him an effectiveweapon, but Graham is set to count $10 million against the cap. If Seattle stays out offree agency than Graham is safe. But if the team chooses to rebuild their lines, his capspace because important. Cap savings if cut: $10M

Kam Chancellor, S: Set to be a free agent in 2018. Chancellor is due a new contract. Setto count $8.1M against the cap, Chancellor could have his cap number dropped with anew deal.

(-image rantsports.com)


Seattle2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 12thDef. Rank: 5thPPD Rank: 6th


The Seattle Seahawks were eliminated in thedivisional round of the NFL Playoffs by theAtlanta Falcons. On the surface, there isnothing alarming about losing on the road toa quality team like Atlanta. Winning threedivision titles in four seasons doesn’t seemto be a cause for concern either.

But as you dig a little deeper into theSeahawks roster, you realize that the team’sability to score points has continued to fall.The team’s defense has also seen the pointtotals for opponents continue to rise.

Seattle scored 354 points in 2016, theirfewest for a season since 2011. The 292points they gave up was also the mostthey’ve surrendered since 2011.

Age tends to be the great equalizer in theNFL. The problem becomes that injuries andincreasing salaries of veteran players beginsto strangle the team. Seattle has lost qualityplayers in recent years and have had toreplace them with bargain talent.

Seattle spent the fewest amount of capdollars in the NFL on their offensive line.What they received from that minimalinvestment was inconsistency from week-to-week.

The core of this team is still young enough tocompete at a high level. But the Seattle willhave to find complimentary young pieceswho can provide more dependable play. Ifthey fail to do so, Seattle’s window forchampionships will close.

Key Free Agents

Luke Wilson, TE -Could become theSeahawks #1 tightend if the Seahawksmove Jimmy Grahamfor cap space.Wilson caught 15passes in 2016.

Steven Hauschka, K -Had a difficult seasonhaving missed sevenPATs. Hauschka ledthe NFL in PATmisses. Hauschkahad been one of thebest kickers in theNFL since 2011.

Marcel Reese, FB -Brought his physicalnature to the Seattlerun game after beingreleased by Oakland.Reese will turn 32years old before thestart of 2017 trainingcamp.

Tony McDaniel, DT -The 32 year olddefensive tacklestarted 10 games in2016 while playing inall 16 for Seattle.McDaniel has beenimportant to Seattleas a space-eater whokeeps their talentedlinebackers clean.

Window Closed?

Larry Fitzgerald, WR – It will be Fitzgerald’s choice if he chooses to playanother season in 2017. Caught 107 passes in 2016 and is still affective, but willturn 34 years old before the start of the season. Cap savings: $6M

(-image source centriotimescom)


Arizona2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 9thDef. Rank: 2ndPPD Rank: 8th


The Arizona Cardinals are one of two teamsat this point. They are either the team thatwon 34 games from 2013 to 2015 featuringa veteran offense and a playmaking defense.Or they’re the 2016 version that went 7-8-1while looking like a team who’s age hascaught up with it.

Reaching the NFC Title Game in January of2016, Arizona had ever reason to believethey were on the cusp of reaching the SuperBowl. But the team regressed in 2016 due inpart to the struggles of the passing game.Quarterback Carson Palmer was sacked 40times in 2016 at the age of 37 years old.The forever-productive receiver LarryFitzgerald turns 34 before the start of the2017 season. Even key free agents like

defensive end Calais Campbell will turn 31before week one of the season kicks off.Arizona is a team that finds itself with age atkey positions.

The team is not void of some young andtalented pieces. Most notably is running backDavid Johnson, who rushed for 1,239 yardsin 2016 while also accounting for over 2,000yards from scrimmage. Johnson has provento be equally dangerous out of the backfieldas a receiver as he is as a runner.

Arizona’s window hasn’t fully closed. Butthere has to be legitimate concerns if thisolder group can put one more run together.Linebacker Chandler Jones needs a new dealas does safety Tony Jefferson. Their youthmust be rewarded.

Key Free Agents

Chandler Jones, OLB –Recorded 11 sacksand is one of thepremiere pass rushersthat could potentiallyreach the free agentmarket. Jones hasrecorded 23.5 sacksover the past twoseasons and will bejust 27 years old whenthe 2017 seasonstarts. Possibly couldreceive the franchisetag.

Calais Campbell, DE –Campbell is set to turn31 years old in 2017as this represents hisfinal big contract.Campbell recordedeight sacks in 2016and is still a very goodplayer. A contract inthe area of 10+ millionper year would be thestandard for a playerof Campbell’s age andability.

Tony Jefferson, S – Hada Pro Bowl type ofseason in setting acareer high in tackles.Jefferson alsorecorded two sacksand two forcedfumbles in 2016.Should be in line aquality free agentcontract.

One More Run Left?

Greg Robinson, LT: The 4th year left tackle was poor again in 2016. After being draftedsecond overall in 2014, Robinson has been unable to handle the responsibilities ofplaying left tackle in the NFL. LA has not picked up Robinson’s fifth year option that ispart of his rookie first round contract. That makes 2017 his walk year. There is a chancethe team may try moving Robinson inside to guard, a position he played during his highschool career.

(-image source isportsweb.com)


Los Angeles2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 32ndDef. Rank: 9thPPD Rank: 31st


For a young quarterback to have success inthe NFL it takes more than just his ownabilities. His experience in runningconventional offense is a factor, but just asimportant would be the offensive piecesaround him and the capabilities of thecoaching staff.

For quarterback Jared Goff in 2016,basically none of these factors were in hisfavor.

The 2016 first overall pick was protected byone of the worst offensive lines in all offootball. The coaching staff was unable todevelop Goff from a college spreadquarterback into a promising capable NFLquarterback.

Into this situation walks new head footballcoach Sean McVay. The former WashingtonRedskins offensive coordinattor led one ofthe most dynamic offenses in the NFL andturned quarterback Kirk Cousins into aplayer capable of landing the franchise tag.

McVay’s first order of business will beputting together the type of offense that willallow Jared Goff to progress while alsoproviding room for running back ToddGurley. The offensive line is in need of asubstantial overhaul.

Make no mistake, McVay is in LA todetermine whether or not Jared Goff can playin the NFL. If he can, LA will feature one ofthe youngest and most fun offenses in theNFL. That will work in a town of stars.

Key Free Agents

Trumaine Johnson, CB- Recorded oneinterception in 2016after grabbing sevenin 2015. Played lastseason under thefranchise tag and hasproven to be the bestplayer amongst amediocre group.

Kenny Britt, WR - Hadhis best season as aRam in 2016. Brittcaught 68 passes for1,002 yards and fivetouchdowns. The 28year old receiver willcommmand a solidcontract. Whether hereturns to LA will bedetermined by theschemes the newcoaching staffdecides to use.

TJ McDonald, S - The26 year old strongsafety intercepted acareer high twopasses in 2016.McDonald with hisage and physicalability is going to beone of the best freeagent safeties on theopen market if LAdecides to not makea contract offer.Expect him to besought after.

Questions for The Young QB

Colin Kaepernick, QB: Whether or not new coach Kyle Shanahan wants to work withKaepernick will determine if San Francisco keeps him on the roster. Kaepernick has anopt-in for the 2017 season, but the 49ers could save a considerable amount of cap dollarsby parting ways. Cap savings if cut: $16.9M

Ahmad Brooks, LB: The soon-to-be 33 year old linebacker was solid in 2016. Theproblem for Brooks is that his future of the team may be dependent on what type ofdefense the team decides to play moving forward. Cap saving if cut: $7.8M

(-image source 49ers.com)


San Francisco2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 31stDef. Rank: 32ndDef. Rank: 30th


It took just one year, but the Chip Kellyexperiment in San Francisco came to an endafter just one 2-14 season. Apparently the49ers also realized that Kelly’s reportedissues in the building and little care for timeof possession are detrimental to NFLsuccess.

In steps a new head coach in Falconsoffensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan andgeneral manager John Lynch. Shanahan wasgiven the power to pick who would help himmanage his roster. Lynch takes over withboth high draft picks and a ton of cap space.

The first order of business for Shanahan willbe determining just who will be thequarterback of the future. San Francisco

thought to have had one in recent years inColin Kaepernick. But his inability to throwthe ball down the field with accuracy is notideal for long term success in the NFL.

From his time in Atlanta, Shanahan will lookto land a variety of offenive talent to workinto his system. With the lack of offensivetalent in San Francisco, it certainly will taketime to put the right pieces in place.Shanahan reportedly received a six year dealwith a longer rebuild in mind.

But first thing is first. San Francisco shouldhave their pick of all of the quarterbacks inthe draft. Most consider this to be a veryshallow class in terms of quarterback talent,so it’ll be on Shanahan to pick the one hetruly believes will be best for him early.

Key Free Agents

Jeremy Kerley, WR -Recorded 58 catchesfor 606 yards andthree touchdowns tolead the team.

Blaine Gabbert, QB -Made five starts in2016 and threw fivetouchdowns againstsix interceptions.Gabbert was unableto duplicate hisresults from startingeight games in 2015.

Shane Draughn, RB -Rushed for 196 yardsand four touchdownsin 2016.

Phil Dawson, K - Made18 of 21 field goalopprtunities in 2016.The 42 year oldveteran kicker haskicked in SanFrancisco since2013.

Glenn Dorsey, DT - Aseven game starter in2016. Turns 32 yearsold in training campthis summer.

Rod Streater, WR -Caught 18 passesand two touchdownsin 2016. Streaterremains a veteranoption for needyteams.

A New Regime With Familiar Names

AFCSOUTH2017


The Texans continue to search for a quarterbackdespite winning an evolving division.


Houston TexansGM: Rick SmithCoach: Bill O’Brien2016 Record: 9-7

Tennessee TitansGM: Jon RobinsonCoach: Mike Mularkey2016 Record: 9-7

Indianapolis ColtsGM: Chris BallardCoach: Chuck Pagano2016 Record: 8-8

Jacksonville JaguarsGM: Dave CaldwellCoach: Doug Marrone2016 Record: 3-13

Brock Osweiler, QB: A signing that will impact the roster for the next two years even ifOsweiler is off the roster. After losing his job as the starter in 2016, there are noguarantees that Osweiler will get another chance to be the starter in Houston in 2017.Counting $19M dollars against the cap, Osweiler would have to be cut and designated asa June 1st release in order to spread out the cap hit over 2017 & 2018. Cap savings ifcut: $0

(-image source espn.com)


Houston2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 29thDef. Rank: 1stPPD Rank: 26th


The Houston Texans continue to have thesame problem that has followed them fromseason to season under head coach BillO’Brien. While Houston has won back-to-back division titles and 27 games over thepast three seasons, they have had to do itwithout a franchise quarterback.

Using the term “franchise quarterback”means something different to each fan of theNFL. The version that applies to theHouston Texans is that they lack aquarterback that they’re not openly lookingto replace. Over the past three seasons RyanFitzpatrick, Brian Hoyer and BrockOsweiler have all had success but were notlong term answers at the position.

You certainly can’t fault the Texans for

trying to solve the quarterback issue. Lastoffseason the team gave Osweiler a deal thatpaid him an average of $18M per season.That didn’t work as Osweiler was benchedduring the season.

With a championship level defense,speculation will continue that the Texans arejust a franchise quarterback away fromcompeting for an AFC Championship.Could that level of need lead them to TonyRomo upon his release in Dallas?

The contract math makes signing anotherhigh-priced veteran option prohibitive. Butat this point, the Texans have triedeverything except a proven veteranquarterback. Even one with an extensiveinjury history may be worth the risk.

Key Free Agents

AJ Bouye, CB -Perhaps the mostimproved player inthe NFL in 2016.Bouye bet on himselfwith a one year dealand won. Looking atone of the bettercontracts for acornerback in freeagency.

Shane Lechler, P - Stillone of the betterpunters. Houstonwould like to bringhim back if Lechlerchooses to punt foranother season. Willturn 41 years oldduring training camp.

John Simon, LB - Hasstarted 13 gamesover the past twoseasons whenneeded. A contributorduring his four yearcareer on teams andwhen needed.

Quintin Demps, S - Atwo year starter forHouston that hasseen him start 26games over the pasttwo seasons.Intercepted sixpasses this pastseason.

Still Looking for a QB

Harry Douglas, WR: Tennessee has a ton of cap space. But Douglas is set to count$4.4M against the cap for a receiver who simply wasn’t very productive in 2016.Douglas caught just 15 passes in 2016 and did not find the end zone. While Tennessee isa run-heavy team, you’d expect more production from a receiver on a veteran contract.Douglas will be 33 years old in 2017. Cap savings if cut: $3.7M

(-image source inquistr.com)


Tennessee2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 11thDef. Rank: 20thPPD Rank: 23rd


For the first time since 2012, Tennessee canlook to build on the momentum of a winningseason. After winning 18 games from 2012-2015, the Titans rode a physical identity to a9-7 record.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Titanswere one of the most physical football teamsin the NFL. Head coach Mike Mularkey hasfeatured downhill running attacks in hisprevious stops as a head coach and offensivecoordinator. With a young quarterback and apair of physical runners, Tennessee was ableto stay in the playoff hunt until late in theseason.

Before being lost to injury during the secondto last game of the season, quarterbackMarcus Mariota displayed the decision

making that made him the second overalldraft pick in 2015. Mariota’s decisionmaking as a passer has been celebrated sincehis college football days. That decisionmaking showed up in 2016 as he tossed 26touchdowns against just nine interceptions.

Running back DeMarco Murray was onceagain productive in 2016 after a tough year inChip Kelly’s system in Philadelphia in 2015.Murray rushed for 1,287 yards, good enoughfor third in the NFL.

Similar to Dallas, Tennessee has invested ina big and talented offensive line that shouldbe opening holes and punishing teams foryears to come. If the Titans can make somedefensive improvements this team cancompete for the playoffs in 2017.

Key Free Agents

Kendall Wright, WR -After catching 94passes in 2013,Wright’s numbershave dropped everyyear since. Does notseem to be in theorganization’s plansmoving forward.

Chance Warmack, G -The former 10thoverall pick missedmost of the seasonwith a finger injury.Has not been able tolive up to his pre-draftstatus.

Ben Schwenke, C -Rotational interiorlineman after being astarting center. Hasstarted 28 games inthe NFL over his fouryear career.

Karl Klug, DE -Rotational passrusher who tore hisAchilles to end hisseason. Recorded1.5 sacks before theinjury, and four in2015 in his rotationalpass rusher role.

Byron Bell, RT - Unableto get on the field dueto a broken leg duringthe 2016 offseason.

Powerfully Turning a Corner

D’Qwell Jackson, LB: Indianapolis will have a new general manager who will have todetermine whether several veterans are progress stoppers to younger players on theroster. One such player who will be under that microscope is D’Qwell Jackson. Jacksonwill turn 34 years old in 2017 and is in the final year of his contract that will have himcount $5.75M against the salary cap. While the team has the cap space for that hit, thatkind of salary doesn’t sit on the bench while younger players play. Cap savings if cut:$5.5M

(-image source harriers.com)


Indianapolis2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 10thDef. Rank: 30thPPD Rank: 17th


It is not overly harsh to say that theIndianapolis Colts have managed to wastethe early portion of quarterback AndrewLuck’s career. After opening his career with33 wins over his first three seasons, Luckhas been beaten up and started just 22 gamesover the past two seasons.

Indianapolis has had problems with draftingand developing talent around Luck.Ultimately the blame for those problems fellon former general manager Ryan Grigson.In steps new general manager Chris Ballard,who will be tasked with picking the talent toput the Colts back into contention.

While protecting Luck is a priority, fixingthe defense is the most important factor inthe Colts improvement. Indianapolis had

the 30th ranked defense in the NFL with agroup of veterans that one would expectbetter production from. While some mayreturn on conservative contracts, all bets areoff considering that the new general managerhas no connections to them.

The Colts offense was solid again in 2016after taking a step back in 2015. The mainquestion for that group will be the use ofrunning back Frank Gore. Gore rushed forover 1,000 yards again in 2016 but is now setto turn 34 years old before the start oftraining camp.

Getting the defense going and making sureLuck stays healthy may be enough for theColts to return to the playoffs. That wouldget Luck’s career back on track.

Key Free Agents

Jack Doyle, TE - Doylemade the most of hisfourth year in theleague by catching584 yards worth ofpasses and fivetouchdowns.

Eric Walden, LB - The31 year old hasalways been able toget to quarterbacks.But this seasonWalden recorded 11sacks.

Mike Adams, S - Teamleader in tackles butwill turn 36 years oldbefore the start of2017 training camp.

Akeem Ayers, LB - Theyounger option atoutside linebacker forIndianapolis.Recorded two sacksin 2016 and has nowplayed on four teamsover the past fourseasons.

Darius Butler, FS/CB -The 30 year old ledthe team ininterceptions withthree in 2016. Hascontinued to be aquality piece in whathas been an agingdefensive roster.

Change at The Top

Jared Odrick, DE: The 29 year old finished the season on injured reserve with a shoulderinjury that will require a few months to heal. While productive in 2016, the newcoaching staff and front office personnel will have to decide if his $2M dollar rosterbonus and $8.5M cap hit is worth it for a player that may be taking time away fromyounger players. Jacksonville will have until March 13th to decide on Odrick. Capsavings if cut: $8.5M

(-image source cbsbaltimore.com


Jacksonville2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 23rdDef. Rank: 6thPPD Rank: 27th


The rule of thumb in the NFL is that a newgeneral manager gets the opportunity to hiretwo head coaches. There are alwaysexceptions to this rule for those that showwild incompetence, but that’s basically whatis considered standard practice for theindustry.

With that in mind, general manager DavidCaldwell is now on the hotseat. Caldwell’sfirst hire was head coach Gus Bradley.Blame it on poor players, injuries, the lackof a quarterback...whichever. Bradley went14-48 during his four seasons inJacksonville.

In steps former Jaguars interim coach andBuffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone.Marrone’s 16-18 record in the NFL would

represent vast improvement from whatJacksonville has experienced under Bradley.

The Jaguars are not without talent. ReceiversAllen Robinson and Allen Hurns form one ofthe better young combos in the league. 2016first round pick Jalen Ramsey is a goodplayer at cornerback. Defensive tackle MalikJackson proved to be worth the massivecontract that he signed last offseason inmoving from Denver to Jacksonville.

Jacksonville’s development still hinges onthe play of quarterback Blake Bortles. Afterposting a 35 touchdown pass season in 2015,Bortles tossed just 23 in 2016. Bortles hasplayed average football for most of hiscareer. For this team to jump forward,Bortles needs to be considerably better.

Key Free Agents

Prince Amukamara, CB- The former firstround pick played in14 games, starting 12for Jacksonville.Played at a high leveland has earned morethan a one year deal.

Jonathan Cyprien, S -A four year starterhas had his strugglesin the past but playedwell in 2016.Recorded a careerhigh 96 tackles anddefended fourpasses.

Luke Joeckel, G - Thefomer second overalldraft pick had tomove inside to leftguard rather thanplaying left tackle.Still wants to play lefttackle and be paidaccordingly. Kneeinjury ended 2016 ashis ACL, MCL andlateral meniscus werereportedly damaged.

Tyson Alualu, DL - Theformer first round pickis always availableand is versatile.Alualu is just notspectacular.Recorded 2.5 sacksin 2016.

It Can Only Get Better?

AFCEAST2017


The Patriots are champs again in a division without aserious challenger


New England PatriotsCoach: Bill Belichick2016 Record: 14-2

Miami DolphinsGM: Dennis HickeyCoach: Adam Gase2016 Record: 10-6

Buffalo BillsGM: Doug WhaleyCoach: Sean McDermott2016 Record: 7-9

New York JetsGM: Mike MaccagnanCoach: Todd Bowles2016 Record: 5-11

Shea McClellin, LB: The Patriots took a shot on the former first round draft choice bygiving him a three year contract last offseason. McClellin made four starts and recordedjust one sack in 2016. While New England doesn’t have any cap issues that make cuttingMcClellin absolutely necessary, they’re also not in the business of having anunprodutive player making quality money on the roster. Consider that another way thePatriots do their business. Cap savings if cut: $1.5M

(-image source rollingstone.com)


New England2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 4thDef. Rank: 8thPPD Rank: 1st


The “Blitz for Six” is now officially part ofthe New England Patriots lexicon. That ispart of the reward for quarterback TomBrady and coach Bill Belichick winningtheir fifth Super Bowl by defeating theAtlanta Falcons.

In very Patriots fashion, it’s now aboutmoving on and figuring out how to win thatsixth title for the franchise.

You could forgive the Patriots if theydecided to savor this title for a little longerthan the other ones. Tom Brady and theteam opened the year with a four gamesuspension for his role in Deflategate. Theteam went 14-1 once Brady returned to leadwhat would be the league’s bestcombination of offense and defense.

The 2017 offseason will be much moreintriguing for the Patriots than those in recentmemory. The team decided to tradelinebackers Jamie Collins and ChandlerJones in the past year once their contractdemands became more than the team wascomfortable committing to.

This time around several important playersare set to reach free agency. New Englandhas more than enough cap space to secure theservices of any player they choose. But partof what makes the Patriots culture work isthe ability to keep a large part of the rosterhungry for success. That means paying alimited amount of people.

It’s not like anyone can make an argumentagainst that plan. It’s worked five times.

Key Free Agents

Dont’a Hightower, LB -The 26 year old hasbeen a five yearstarter for NewEngland since beingdrafted out ofAlabama. Hightowerhas never started 16games in the courseof a season.

LeGarrette Blount, RB -The NFL’stouchdown scoringleader put the ball inthe endzone 18 timesin 2016. Blountadded over 1,100rushing yards as well.

Martellus Bennett, TE -The athletic tight endprovided a qualitysecond option andreplacement in thelineup after RobGronkowski’s latestinjury. Bennett hadthe highestpercentage ofcatches on targets ofany Patriot.

Jabaal Sheard, DE -Recorded five sacksin 2016. Alsorecorded eight sacksin 2015 as asituational passrusher. Just 28 yearsold by start of trainingcamp.

Champions Again

Mario Williams, DE: Set to count $10.5M against the cap in 2017 after recording just1.5 sacks in 2016. Williams’ health only allowed him to start in five games and play in atotal of 13 games. When it comes to Mario Williams, NFL math doesn’t work for him ina production-to-pay standpoint. Cap savings if cut: $8.5M

(-image mypalmbeachpost.com)


Miami2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 24thDef. Rank: 29thPPD Rank: 24th


The first season for Miami head coachAdam Gase proved to be a success. Whilethe Dolphins were unable to advance out ofthe wildcard round of the NFL Playoffs, thefact that the 38 year old coach got themthere was an accomplishment. One that ishopefully going to be copied around theNFL.

Gase guided Miami to their first 10 winseason in eight years and had them in theirfirst playoff game over that time. Perhapsjust as important to the organization, Gaseworked with quarterback Ryan Tannehill toproduce one of his best seasons to date.Tannehill posted career highs in completionpercentage, yards per attempt and QB rating.His late season injury virtually assured a

quick playoff exit.

In this copy cat league, other franchises tooknotice of Miami and have jumped back onboard in hiring the young offensivemastermind. San Francisco hired the 37 yearold Kyle Shanahan from Atlanta. The LARams went even younger by adding the 31year old Sean McVay from Washington.

Miami was one of two playoff teams in 2016who had a negative point differential on theseason. So it will be on Adam Gase and hisstaff to prove that last season wasn’t a one hitwonder. The team ranked in the midle of theleague in most every category of importance.Taking another step in 2017 will be aboutimprovement on both sides of the ball.

Key Free Agents

Jordan Cameron, TE -Has been unable tostay healthy due to ahistory ofconcussions. May belooking at retirement.Played in just threegames in 2016.

Kenny Stills, WR -Deep threat receiverwho made 42catches for 726 yardsand ninetouchdowns. Shouldbe in the maret for aquality #2 receivercontract.

Dion Sims, TE - Caught26 passes for 256yards and fourtouchdowns. Hasbeen productive as abackup tight end.

Michael Thomas, S -The soon-to-be 27year old safety hasproven to be a solidplayer on defenseand can help onspecial teams. Hasstarted 21 gamesover the past twoseasons.

Andre Branch, DE -Recorded 5.5 sacksin 2016 to finishsecond on the team.

Gase to The Playoffs

Tyrod Taylor, QB: Buffalo has until March 11th to pick up the option on Taylor’scontract. If they choose to pick up the contract, Taylor will count $15.9M against thecap in 2017. If the team chooses to go in a different direction, Taylor will become a freeagent. Cap savings if option passed on: $13.1M

Dan Carpenter, K: Due to make nearly $3M dollars in 2017, Carpenter made 19 of 25field goal opportunities in 2016. Carpenter also missed five extra points. Cap savings ifcut: $2.4M



Buffalo2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 16thDef. Rank: 19thPPD. Rank: 10th


Back-to-back third places finishes in theAFC East will make you question a lot ofthings about your franchise. For Buffalo,that started with the firing of head coachRex Ryan after a 15-17 record and the hiringof Sean McDermott from Carolina.

The changes in Bufffalo will not end there.The team has already spoken withquarterback Tyrod Taylor aboutrestructuring his current contract. That is nota proposition that Taylor has reportedlybeen interested in. Taylor is set to countnearly $16M dollars against the Bills cap.

The problem for team management iswhether or not an interesting youngquarterback is worth that price when he has

yet to prove he can be a consistent winner.Taylor has thrown 37 touchdowns and just 12interceptions as the Bills starter but thathasn’t led to being a factor late in the seasonas of yet.

Taylor will turn 28 this August. If the Billschoose not to pay him, some other team will.He’s been good enough to be a potentialanswer for another team.

There are more contractual issues than justTaylor’s. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore wantsto be paid amongst the highest paidcornerbacks in the league. But hisperformance in 2016 didn’t merit such.

We’ll see how this new direction and planpans out in Buffalo.

Key Free Agents

Stephon Gilmore, CB -Looking at afranchise tag ifGilmore continues tobalk at solid but notspectacular contractpackages.Reportedly turneddown a deal worth10.5M per season.Looking for $14M peryear reportedly.

Zach Brown, LB - Hadan amazing season,recording 149 tacklesand four sacks in2016. After signing aone year deal lastyear, is in line for alarge contract offer.Brown is 27 yearsold.

Robert Woods, WR - Asolid #2 option atreceiver. Caught 51passes for 613 yardsin 2016. Woodscaught 203 passesover his four years inBuffalo.

Jordan Mills, RT - A 16game starter again inhis second year inBuffalo. Mills is a 26year old who has nowstarted 50 games inhis NFL careerbetween Chicago andBuffalo.

A New Coach and Direction...Again

Ryan Clady, LT: New York holds a club option on Clady’s contract. Given his injury in2016, Clady will have a difficult time having that option picked up. Clady is due a rosterbonus in February that will determine if he remains on the team. Cap savings if cut:$10M

Brandon Marshall, WR: Turning 33 in March, Marshall is coming off a poor season byhis high standards. Marshall caught 59 passes for 788 yards and three touchdowns.Marshall is set to count $7.5M against the cap in 2017, with no guaranteed money lefton his contract. Cap savings if cut: $7.5M

(-image source espn.com)


New York2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 26thDef. Rank: 11thPPD Rank: 29th

2016 Record: 5-11 Projected Cap Space: 6 million over

Since 2009 the New York Jets franchise hasplaced an emphasis on quarterback play andgood defense. What resulted since then wastwo appearances in the AFC Title Game.But in recent years the quarterback play,along with the defense has been lacking.

Don’t be fooled by the 2015 season. Thatseason was the first under head coach ToddBowles in which the team barely missed theplayoffs with a 10-6 record. The defensethat season was blessed by the unpredictablenature of turnovers.

In 2015 the Jets took the ball away fromtheir opponents 30 times. In 2014 they hadjust 13 takeaways, so it was quite theanomaly. In 2016, they were back to just 14takeaways.

The truth about the Jets defense is that it’sbeen in the bottom half of the league since2011. 2015 was merely the exception.

As for quarterback play, one has to admit thatthe Jets have tried everything. This pastoffseason the team gave quarterback RyanFitzpatrick a one-year $12M dollar deal aftera holdout. He was eventually benched forpoor play in 2016.

The Jets have tried the draft as well. Since2013, the team has used two second roundpicks and a third on Geno Smith, ChristianHackenberg and Bryce Petty. Tajh Boyd wasa late round dart throw as well.

The Jets hold the 6th pick overall in the draft.Anyone who can throw or play D may apply.

Key Free Agents

Benjamin Ijalana, LT -Started at left tacklein place of RyanClady when he wentdown. Wouldrepresent a viableoption if New Yorkdecides to cut RyanClady from the team.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB -The 34 year oldquarterback willreturn to capablebackup duty foranother team in theNFL. Fitzpatrickreceived his paydayin 2016 but was alsobenched.

Geno Smith, QB - Mayend up as an optionfor New York giventhat the otherquarterbacksremaining on theroster havesignificantly lessexperience.

Bruce Carter, LB -Played in 13 gamesand started one forNew York. Providesyoung veteran depthfor any team in theNFL. Hasexperienced in 3-4and 4-3 defenses.

Still Trying for a QB

AFCNORTH2017


The Steelers fought through injuries to take back thedivision in 2016.


Pittsburgh SteelersGM: Kevin ColbertCoach: Mike Tomlin2016 Record: 11-5

Baltimore RavensGM: Ozzie NewsomeCoach: John Harbaugh2016 Record: 8-8

Cincinnati BengalsGM: Mike BrownCoach: Marvin Lewis2016 Record: 6-9-1

Cleveland BrownsGM: Sashi BrownCoach: Hue Jackson2016 Record: 1-15

Arthur Moats, LB: Moats salary for 2017 is not too large if he’s a starter for Pittsburgh.But while he played in all 16 games in 2016, Moats was only a five game starter. If theSteelers let their other free agent linebackers move on, Moats is fine. But if they chooseto bring back one or two, Moats role as an expensive backup would put him in jeopardyof making the team. Cap savings if cut: $2.2M



Pittsburgh2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 7thDef. Rank: 12thPPD Rank: 5th


The Pittsburgh Steelers were good enoughin 2016 to reach the AFC Title Gamedespite a midseason injury to quarterbackBen Roethlisberger that cost him two starts.

But there are reportedly bigger issues underthe surface in Pittsburgh. Roethlisbergerreferred to his team as “undisciplined andnot accountable” after suffering a four gamelosing streak in November. Roethlisbergerfollowed that up by saying that the AFCTitle Game was, “almost too big for some ofthe young guys.”

Big Ben has openly questioned whether ornot he will play in 2017. The amount ofmoney left on his contract would lead manyto believe that his statements are moreindictive of what he thinks of the coaching

staff rather than actual thoughts ofretirement. The drama in Pittsburgh is veryun-Pittsburgh like.

One huge decision that looms over teammanagement is what to do with running backLe’Veon Bell? Bell has established himselfas arguably the NFL’s best running back.But his history of NFL suspensions makeshim a very difficult player to invest long termin. If Bell is hit with the franchise tag, willhe be mature enough to handle thataccordingly?

Pittsburgh is one of the best teams infootball. But there was something strangegoing on behind the scenes in 2016. If that’sresolved they can win it all in 2017.

Key Free Agents

Le’Veon Bell, RB -One of the bestrunning backs in theleague rushed for1,268 yards andseven touchdowns.Bell’s history ofsuspensions makesinvesting in him aconcern. A candidatefor the franchise tag.

Lawrence Timmons,LB - Timmons turns31 this offseason, buthas been productivein each of the last fiveseasons. Timmonsrecorded 114 tacklesin 2016 along with2.5 sacks and twointerceptions.

DeAngelo Williams,RB - Super valuableas a backup who cancarry the load if needbe. Williams will be34 this offseasonthough.

Jarvis Jones, LB -The former first roundpick has not been afactor off the edgeover the course of hiscareer. Jones hasnever recorded morethan two sacks in anyof his four NFLseasons.

Big Decions to be Made

Mike Wallace, WR: Wallace caught 72 passes for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns in2016. The decision comes down to whether or not Baltimore can release Wallace andsign him to a contract that won’t have him counting $8M against the salary cap.Baltimore could choose to cut Wallace before his roster bonus kicks in, then sign him toa new deal. Cap savings if cut: $5.75M

Shareece Wright, CB: Was poor in 2016. Wright’s $5.3M dollar cap hit in 2017 makeshis release likely. Cap savings if cut: $4.4M

(-image source cbsbaltimore.com)


Baltimore2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 17thDef. Rank: 7thPPD Rank: 15th


In 2016 the Baltimore Ravens got off to thekind of September start that typicallyensures them of a playoff run. Baltimorestarted the season 3-0, but there wassomething inside the numbers that told thetruth about the team.

Of the teams to start 3-0 in the NFL in 2016,the Ravens had the smallest pointdifferential of those teams. Baltimore was a+13 at that point in the season. Some teamscan play tight games like that all season longand still reach the playoffs (see DetriotLions 2016) but many have the law ofaverages catch up.

That’s what happened to the Ravens as theirthree game winning streak to open theseason was followed by a four game losing

streak. The team lost those four games byjust a combined 18 points.

The defense in Baltimore was still solid asthey once again ranked amongst the league’sbest. There may not have been a betterdefensive free agent signing for 2016 thansafety Eric Weddle, who picked off fourpasses and returned to Pro Bowl status.

It was the inconsistency of the offense againin 2016 that plagued Baltimore. QuarterbackJoe Flacco tossed 20 touchdown passes alongwith 15 interceptions.

Since the start of the 2012 season, yousimply don’t know which Flacco you’regoing to get. He’s capable of winning aSuper Bowl or playing frustrating football.

Key Free Agents

Brandon Williams, DT -The sturdy rundefended recorded51 tackles in 2016and chipped in onesack. One of thebetter free agents inthe class of 2017after completing hisfour year deal inBaltimore.

Rick Wagner, RT - Thefour year veteran hasstarted 47 gamesover his career,including being athree year startersince 2014.Baltimore has lostseveral starters onthe offensive lineover the past fewoffseasons and needto change this courseof action.

Kamar Aiken, WR -After catching 75passes in 2015,Aiken was reportedlyfrustrated by his lackof use in 2016. Aikenis a free agentcoming off of a 29catch season. Histouchdown numbersfell as well from fivein 2015 to just one in2016.

Searching for Consistency

Adam Jones, CB: The once legally-troubled cornerback has largely turned his lifearound during his time in Cincinnati. But an arrest this offseason calls into question whatshould be done with the 33 year old cornerback. Jones is set to count $7.6M against thesalary cap in 2017. That is not bad for a starting cornerback in the league. But it may betoo much if the team chooses to committ to a younger option. Cap savings if cut: $6.3M

(-image source theinquistr.com)


Cincinnati Bengals2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 13thDef. Rank: 17thPPD Rank: 16th


One can not envy the position that Bengalsowner Mike Brown finds himself in eachoffseason.

Sure, having enough money to be an NFLowner would be great. But it’s still abusiness that has to be run with yourconsumers in mind.

So each offseason Brown has to weigh thepossibility of falling back into NFLmediocrity if he were to make a change athead coach. Marvin Lewis is now 118-103-3during his time in Cincinnati. He’s also 0-7in the playoffs.

But from 1992 to 2002 before Lewis beamehead coach, the Bengals were 52-124. Sochalk 2016 up to injuries and bad luck.

The biggest difference from the Bengals 12-4season of 2015 to their 6-9-1 performance in2016 was a lack of explosive plays. Theoffense dealt with injuries to receiver AJGreen and tight end Tyler Eifert. Those twoplaymakers combined to miss 20 starts.

What resulted was a team that had difficultyscoring and scoring quickly. In 2015, theBengals were 5th in the NFL in points perplay. That ranking fell to 25th in 2016 as theteam took more plays to score fewer points.Again, playmakers were needed.

Cincinnati has the cap space to re-sign any oftheir veterans or add another piece or two. IfMarvin Lewis’ track record holds one canexpect a playoff season in 2017. But alsoanother playoff loss.

Key Free Agents

Andrew Whitworth, LT -The 35 year oldtackle is playing at aPro Bowl level and iscertainly deserving ofa quality contract.The question is howlong and how muchguaranteed moneywill be included in thedeal.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB -Recorded threeinterceptions in 2016and nine over his fiveyears in Cincinnati.Kirkpatrick has made29 starts over thepast two seasons.

Kevin Zeitler, G - Willbe the top guard onthe market now thatGreen Bay’s TJ Langhas suffered anotherbroken foot. Zeitlerfigures to get acontract in theneighborhood of 9-10M per season.

Domata Peko, DT -Peko has been theepitome ofdependable for his 11seasons inCincinnati. Peko isnow 32, and hasmade 156 starts overhis career.

Status Quo

Josh McCown, QB: The 37 year old veteran quarterback will play another season if hechooses to. But McCown has reportedly been debating on whether or not to take a job incoaching. Cleveland has enough money to sign and retain anyone they choose to, so thismove wouldn’t be about saving cap space. It is entirely up to McCown if he wants to gothrough everything he needs to in order to play in another NFL season. Cap savings ifcut: $4.4M

(-image source washingtontimes.com)


Cleveland2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 30thDef. Rank: 31stPPD Rank: 32nd


It feels like the same preview gets writteneach year with the Cleveland Browns.There’s typically a change of management,perhaps coaching and a constant cycle ofplayers moving on to other teams wherethey become far more productive.

This year is different in that the currentregime is sticking with their plan whichbegan last offseason. Some have called theorganization, “Moneyball in the NFL” inreference to the Oakland A’s system. Whilethe jury is still out on whether advancedanalytics can help save the Browns, one canmake the argument that it didn’t help lastoffseason.

Cleveland sat with the second overall pickin the NFL Draft last offseason before

dealing that pick to Philadelphia. One of theideas of Moneyball is to draft talent in whichfuture success is easier to project. WithCarson Wentz set to be the second overallpick, the Browns decided drafting a smallschool player was more risky than drafting aproductive player who played bettercompetition.

This is why Cleveland is Cleveland.

The organization gets a do-over thisoffseason as they are loaded with cap space,draft picks and in position to draft a youngquarterback. The Browns hold the 1st and12th overall picks and a total of five picks inthe top 90. There is simply no excuse to notget a quarterback this time around.

Key Free Agents

Jamie Collins, LB -Cleveland is lookingto get Collins signedto a sizable contractextension. Collinshas been looking fora contract in therange of $12M perseason.

Terrelle Pryor, WR -Considered a projectat receiver, Pryor hasturned into adownfield threat withhis size and ability totake the ball awayfrom defenders.Pryor caught 77passes for 1,007yards and fourtouchdowns in 2016.Pryor will be just 28before the start oftraining camp.

Stephen Paea, DE/DT -The former 2nd roundpick has been unableto regain his form thathe showed early onduring his career.

Austin Pasztor, G -Pasztor started everygame at right tackleuntil injuries forcedthe team to move himinside. Probably abetter fit as a physicalguard movingforward.

Still Looking for a QB

AFCWEST2017


The AFC West turned out to be the most competitivedivision in football in 2016. Including one great

young team.


Kansas City ChiefsGM: John DorseyCoach: Andy Reid2016 Record: 12-4

Oakland RaidersGM: Reggie McKenzieCoach: Jack Del Rio2016 Record: 12-4

Denver BroncosVP of Ops: John ElwayCoach: Vance Joseph2016 Record: 9-7

San Diego ChargersGM: Tom TelescoCoach: Anthony Lynn2016 Record: 5-11

Jamaal Charles, RB: The injuries have become a regular occurence for the once fantasticrunning back. Charles is 30 years old and is set to count $7M against the salary cap in2017. Because of his inability to be available and their current cap situation, Kansas Citywon’t bring Charles back at that number. Cap savings if cut: $7M

Nick Foles, QB: Foles was given a contract in 2016 that would allow him to be thestarter if Alex Smith faltered. That did not happen, so keeping Foles as a backupquarterback for more than $10 million dollars is not going to happen. Cap savings if cut:$10.7M

(-image source dallasnews.com)


Kansas City2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 20thDef. Rank: 24thPPD Rank: 4th


The 2016 Kansas City Chiefs had anotherterrific season. The team won the bestdivision in football with a 12-4 record andgrabbed the #2 seed in the AFC Playoffs.Despite a division round playoff loss toPittsburgh, you would think season wouldlargely be a success.

But that’s the problem with where theChiefs are these days. Since 2013, the teamhas posted records off 11-5, 9-7, 11-5 and12-4. Despite that success, the Chiefs havebeen unable to win a playoff game.

Under head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefshave seemingly made a run each season thatcauses people around the league to considerthem as a playoff contender. But eachseason has ended in eventual

disappointment. Painful and frustratingdisappointment.

Some of the blame has found it’s way toquarterback Alex Smith. Smith is a solidquarterback who doesn’t make manymistakes but also doesn’t make a ton of playsin the passing game. During 2016, Smithtossed 15 touchdowns against eightinterceptions. Since 2013, Smith has maxedout at a 23 touchdown pass season.

Kansas City does have some decisions to bemade because of their cap situation. Longtime running back Jamaal Charles will not beback at his current contract.

The Chiefs will be really good in 2017.Again. And that can be disappointing.

Key Free Agents

Eric Berry, S - Afterreceiving thefranchise tag in 2016,Berry had a fantasticseason that includedtying a career high forinterceptions andwinning a game withan intercepted twopoint conversionattempt. Berry willcommand the biggestsafety contract on themarket which wouldapproach 12-13M perseason.

Dontari Poe, DT - A bigathlete who controlsthe interior ofopposing offensivelines. Poe has notbeen the passrushing force over thepast two seasons thathe was in 2013 and2014. But his abilityto affect a game stillmakes him a bigticket item in freeagency.

Kendell Reyes, DT - Amidseason pickupwho provided depthfor Kansas City. Hasnot regained his formfrom 2013 to 2015 inSan Diego. Will lookat a small contract in2017.

Stuck Being Really Good

Dan Williams, DT: Has been just okay since landing in Oakland as a free agent in 2015.Williams is set to count $4.5M against the cap in 2016. That is not a wild amount butyounger players on the roster may make Williams expendable. Cap savings if cut: $4.5M

Austin Howard, RT: The weak link in the Oakland offensive line, Howard regressed in2016. Howard is set to count $6.4M against the cap in 2017. Cap savings if cut: $3.6M

(-image source raiders.com)


Oakland2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 6thDef. Rank: 26thPPD Rank: 14th


On Christmas Eve of 2016, the OaklandRaiders had clearly established themselvesas the primary danger to the New EnglandPatriots. Sitting on a 11-3 record, theRaiders would move to 12-3 but losequarterback Derek Carr to injury.

Despite the injury that led to Oakland’sseason ending in the wild card round of theNFL Playoffs, the Raiders have establishedtheir core as one of the best young teams inthe NFL. Quarterback Derek Carr andlinebacker Khalil Mack are two of the bestplayers at their positions and will be just 26years old in 2017.

The next step for Oakland is to improvetheir defensive side of the football. Whilethere is talent, the team must improve at

drafting and developing their own defensivetalent. Many of the current defensive playerssurrounding Khalil Mack were signed fromother teams around the league in free agency.

Oakland does have some decisions to makeon their own roster. Running back LataviusMurray is set to be a free agent and while hewas productive in finding the end zone in2016, the team may set a limit on the size ofcontract to give a 700 yard rusher.

One of the strengths of the team will alsoneed some attention this offseason as theoffensive line could use some attention. Lefttackle Donald Penn turns 34 this offseason.

For Oakland, the good times are here again.They should be here to stay for awhile.

Key Free Agents

Latavius Murray, RB -The 1,000 yard backin 2015 rushed for788 yards in 2016 butscored 12touchdowns. Murrayis a good runningback and is deservingof a contract as such.But with other youngrunning backs on theroster, he may beallowed to test themarket.

Malcolm Smith, LB -Recorded a 103tackle season in hissecond year inOakland. Smithplayed for $3Mdollars last seasonand will certainly lookfor a raise in freeagency.

Andre Holmes, WR -Has not been usedas much over thepast two seasons buthas still found theend zone as a redzone target. Holmeshas caught seventouchdowns over thepast two seasons.Holmes caught 47passes in 2014, butjust 14 in 2015 and2016.

Disappointing End to a Magical Season

Russell Okung, LT: Denver holds a club option that will fully guarantee his salaries for2017 and 2018. The problem for Okung is that his inconsistent play in 2016 makes his$11.7M cap hit in 2017 problematic. If Denver picks up the option, Okung will accountfor $23M in cap space over the next two seasons. Cap savings if cut: $11.7M

Donald Stephenson, RT: If Denver can find a better option, Stephenson’s place on theteam becomes available. The team has until March 13th to decide whether or not to keepStephenson on the roster. Cap savings if cut: $3M

(-image source denverbroncos.com)


Denver2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 27thDef. Rank: 4thPPD Rank: 11th


The Denver Broncos entered 2016 as thedefending Super Bowl champions and ateam with a new quarterback. TrevorSiemian had won the job in training campand had become a favorite of team GM JohnElway.

Siemian got the team off to a 3-0 start beforebeing knocked out of the fourth game of theseason. While Siemian would return notlong after, the Broncos season would endwith a whimper losing four of five games tofinish with a 9-7 record.

Denver now stands as a team with one of thebest defenses in the league but looking formore consistency on offense. Whilequarterback play will always get theattention, the play of the Broncos offensive

line left a lot to be desired. Denver had issuesalong the offensive line for most of theseason and has to make choices on what todo at both tackle positions.

The Denver running game, which has been apoint of pride in recent years, fell off in 2016.Broncos running backs as a group averagedjust 3.6 yards per carry. Promising rookieDevontae Booker got an opportunity after CJAnderson was lost to injury but managed tofumble the football four times in just 174carries.

With Denver’s defense, the offense isn’trequire to score a ton of points. But if theBroncos don’t fix their offensive line issues,it will be another year in which points andyards are tough to come by.

Key Free Agents

DeMarcus Ware, LB -Recorded four sacksin 2016, it will be upto Ware if he wants toplay in 2017. Warewill turn 35 as trainingcamp gets underway.Best used as asituational passrusher due to injuriesover the past severalseasons.

Sylvester Williams, DT- Interior run playerwho has started 31games over the pasttwo seasons. Denveris expected to letWilliams hit the openmarket and let theleague set his value.

Shaquil Webster, LB -The backuplinebacker has playedin 32 games over thepast two seasonsincluding six starts.After recording 5.5sacks in 2015,Webster recorded 1.5in 2016.

Kayvon Webster, CB -A former third roundpick who has playedin 54 games duringhis four years inDenver.

A Pivotal Off Season

King Dunlap, LT: A 12 game starter in 2016, Dunlap is set to count $8.3M against thecap in 2017. That’s not a large amount for a starting left tackle in the NFL, but theposition is in desperate need of an upgrade. Cap savings if cut: $5.1M

Orlando Franklin, G: Has been consistently available, but did not enjoy a very goodseason in 2016. Franklin is set to count $7.6M against the cap. But the team is looking atan overhaul of the interior of the offensive line. Cap savings if cut: $2.8M

(-image source mighty1090.com)


Los Angeles2017 OffseasonOff. Rank: 14thDef. Rank: 16thPPD Rank: 18th


The San Diego Chargers are no more. Theteam that moved from Los Angeles to SanDiego for the 1961 season has decided toreturn from where they came. Call it theresult of modern day economics in the NFL.

After three straight non-playoff seasons, theChargers decided to move on from MikeMcCoy and hire former Buffalo Bills intermhead coach Anthony Lynn. Lynn now findshimself in a situation where his team ismoving to a market that may not want themand handling an accomplished but agingquarterback.

Quarterback Philip Rivers posted his worstQB rating since 2007 and tossed the mostinterceptions of his career for a season in

2016. The 35 year old Rivers is in need ofmore protection along his offensive line andfor his playmakers on the outside to stayhealthy in 2017.

Despite the 5-11 record, there were definitebright spots for 2017. Running back MelvinGordon, the team’s 2015 first round pickproved to be much more affective in 2016scoring 10 touchdowns on the ground andadding two more through the air. Joey Bosa,the team’s first round pick in 2016, recorded10.5 sacks despite missing most of trainingcamp.

In the toughest division in the NFL, it’sgoing to take some more building through thedraft to get the Chargers back into playoffcontention.

Key Free Agents

Melvin Ingram, LB -The linebacker willnot be cheap as hehas become adependable passrusher. Ingram hasrecorded 18.5 sacksover the past twoseasons and will bejust 28 in 2017.

Manti Te’o, LB - Hashad trouble stayinghealthy over his fourNFL seasons.Missed 13 games in2016 due to Achillestendon injury.

Danny Woodhead, RB -The 32 year oldversatile back missed14 games due toinjury. Has proven tobe a solid runner, buta better receiver outof the backfieldduring his career.

Jahleel Addae, S - Thehard hitting safetymissed half of theseason due to abroken collarbone.Addae has not beenable to make itthrough a full seasonhealthy since 2013.Health is the onlyfactor keeping himfrom being a topsafety.

Young Building Blocks

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NFL OFFSEASON PREVIEW 2017 - Squarespace · NFL Offseason Preview 2017 ... There are currently four NFL cornerbacks who have received an average of $14M per season. ... Martin’s