With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.
Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:
- San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
- Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
- New England Patriots: $36.61MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
- Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
- Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
- Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
- Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
- Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
- Houston Texans: $6.01MM
- New York Jets: $5.1MM
- Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
- Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
- New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
- Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
- New York Giants: $1.51MM
- Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM
Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise.
San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.
Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.
That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.
While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.
The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.