Sportsnet has you covered for NFL free agency with extensive breakdowns of every team heading into the 2014 league year. For all the divisions, click here.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-6, 1st in NFC East)
Team needs: S, DE, KR/PR
Projected salary cap space: $23.5 million
Key free agents: QB Michael Vick, S Nate Allen
Candidates for release: WR Jason Avant was released last week, S Patrick Chung (cap savings of $3.25 million)
Free agent fit: S T.J. Ward
The skinny: The Eagles main priority for the rest of the off-season will be defence after GM Howie Roseman made some savvy offensive re-signings before the start of free agency. The most glaring need is at safety, where a reunion between Chip Kelly and former Oregon Duck safety Ward is a possibility – for the right price. Devin Hester could also be in play as Philadelphia is in need of a quality return man.
Dallas Cowboys (8-8, 2nd in NFC East)
Team needs: DE, OL, LB
Projected salary cap space: $639K
Key free agents: DT Jason Hatcher, LB Ernie Sims, G Brian Waters, DE Anthony Spencer
Candidates for release: DE DeMarcus Ware (cap savings of $7.4 million), WR Miles Austin (cap savings of $393K)
Free agent fit: LB Shaun Phillips
The skinny: Don’t expect many free agent signings from “America’s team” — the Cowboys are in the worst cap situation in the entire league. So bad, in fact, that releasing their most talented defensive player – DeMarcus Ware – may be the only way to relieve some of the pressure. With Ware reportedly unwilling to take a pay cut, the signing of a cheap, yet effective pass rusher like Phillips is a likely scenario. The same kind of deal for a receiver would be ideal.
New York Giants (7-9, 3rd in NFC East)
Team needs: OL, DL, RB
Projected salary cap space: $17.5 million
Key free agents: DT Linval Joseph, LB Jon Beason, WR Hakeem Nicks, DE Justin Tuck, RB Andre Brown, TE Brandon Myers
Candidates for release: C David Baas (cap savings of $1.7 million)
Free agent fit: RB Ben Tate
The skinny: Coming off a dreadfully mediocre season, the Giants head into 2014 with major changes on the horizon. New York has 23 unrestricted free agents and most of the changes are likely to come on an offence that was downright embarrassing in 2013. Bringing in a running back like Tate could pay big dividends for a team that ranked 29th in total rushing yards last season. GM Jerry Reese is expected to try and re-sign Tuck and Beason — whether or not he’s successful is another story.
Washington Redskins (3-13, 4th in NFC East)
Team needs: OL, WR, LB
Projected salary cap space: $21.9 million
Key free agents: LB Perry Riley, WR Josh Morgan, WR Santana Moss, S Brandon Meriweather
Candidates for release: Cut LB Adam Carriker and P Sav Rocca last week
Free agent fit: CB Aqib Talib
The skinny: The Redskins will finally be able to make moves in free agency after being handcuffed by a $36-million cap penalty for the last two seasons. Known for his free — and largely reckless — spending methods, owner Dan Snyder is expected to make serious offers for multiple top free agents. An aggressive pursuit of one of the top offensive linemen should be expected, as well as an offer to a wide receiver. The Redskins have also emerged as major players for former Patriot corner Aqib Talib.
