We've reached that weird time of the NFL calendar when two teams are preparing for the game of their lives and the rest are laying down plans in hopes of playing in it next season. While the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams are focused on Super Bowl LVI, the remaining 30 teams are absorbed in developing an approach to free agency, the draft and other means of player and personnel acquisition.
Offseason ambitions must be molded to available assets. Salary-cap space and the number of draft choices are the primary resources. So what follows is a first glance at each team's offseason capital, ranked by a basic formula that combines current cap space and the position of each draft selection.
The NFL hasn't completed its annual audit of the full draft list, so we estimated Rounds 1-7 based on current order and reported trades, and cross-referenced it with the compilation at Prosportstransactions.com. We added the known draft picks a handful of teams received from the NFL for developing minority job candidates, per the updated Rooney Rule, as well as the excellent compensatory pick estimations from Nick Korte of Over The Cap.
ESPN sports data scientist Brian Burke merged our estimated draft order with historical data to derive an approximate value (AV) for each team's draft class. We weighed the ranking of that value 1.5 times that of current cap-space rankings and arrived at the final order below. Cap space will change daily in the coming weeks, and the league's official limit has not yet been determined, but the information below from ESPN's Roster Management System is based on a $208.2 million ceiling per team.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft capital AV sum: 139.6
First-round pick: No. 1
Current cap space: $61.9 million
The Jaguars have had the NFL's worst record over the past two seasons (4-29), so it makes sense that they have consecutive No. 1 overall picks, a position that puts them at the top of the rest of the rounds as well. They also have an extra pick in the third round and the league's second-highest total of cap space to build around 2021 No. 1 draft pick Trevor Lawrence.
2. New York Jets
Draft capital AV sum: 130.4
First-round picks: Nos. 4, 10
Current cap space: $50.8 million
Trades that shipped out safety Jamal Adams (2020), quarterback Sam Darnold (2021) and tight end Chris Herndon (2021) have left the Jets with four picks in the first two rounds and six in the first four rounds of the 2022 draft. They are in a pretty good position, but after compiling an NFL-worst 27-70 record over the past six seasons, they've been here before.
3. Denver Broncos
Draft capital AV sum: 116.6
First-round pick: No. 9
Current cap space: $38.9 million
The Broncos have extra picks in the second and third rounds thanks to the midseason trade that sent linebacker Von Miller to the Rams, to go along with their own position at No. 9 in the overall draft order. They could continue to flesh out their developing roster, or more intriguingly, package some of those assets to acquire a veteran quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, anyone?
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Draft capital AV sum: 138.8
First-round picks: Nos. 15, 16, 19
Current cap space: $14.4 million
The Eagles have three first-round picks thanks two 2021 trades. One came via the deal that sent quarterback Carson Wentz to the Colts and the other was from the Dolphins for trading down six spots in the 2021 first round. The Eagles also have an extra pick in the fifth round after trading tight end Zach Ertz to the Cardinals. It would not at all be surprising if general manager Howie Roseman uses some of the first-round picks to maneuver further.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Draft capital AV sum: 80.8
First-round pick: No. 17
Current cap space: $58.2 million
The Chargers' big advantage is their cap space, which at the moment is topped only by the Dolphins and Jaguars. Quarterback Justin Herbert isn't eligible for a contract extension yet, but the Chargers should already be planning ahead for that. But they should still have enough space to retain some of their key free agents, including receiver Mike Williams and edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, if they want.
6. Houston Texans
Draft capital AV sum: 118.8
First-round pick: No. 3
Current cap space: $20.7 million
The Texans have the No. 3 overall pick and should have an extra selection in the third round after trading cornerback Bradley Roby to the Saints. The biggest question for the Texans is whether they will gain any additional 2022 assets by trading quarterback Deshaun Watson, a move that could elevate them to the top of this list. Watson is a top-tier QB and requested a trade, but he has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior in 22 active lawsuits.
7. Baltimore Ravens
Draft capital AV sum: 116.7
First-round pick: No. 14
Current cap space: $12.7 million
In addition to having the No. 14 position in the draft, the Ravens received an extra third-round pick after the Texans hired former assistant coach David Culley as their head coach, as well as a pair of projected compensatory picks for losing free agents Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue, per Over The Cap. The Ravens need to replenish their defensive talent, and they should have the cap space to re-sign center Bradley Bozeman if they want.
8. New York Giants
Draft capital AV sum: 162.8
First-round picks: Nos. 5, 7
Current cap space: minus-$4.9 million
The Giants have the most draft capital but one of the worst cap situations, at least at the moment, in the NFL. Their 2021 draft-day trade with the Bears netted an extra 2022 first-round pick, and they should have six picks in the first three rounds. New general manager Joe Schoen will have plenty of options once he gets the team's salary-cap situation under control.
9. Detroit Lions
Draft capital AV sum: 115.1
First-round picks: No. 2 (and No. 31 or 32)
Current cap space: $26.2 million
The Lions will continue to cash in on the 2021 trade that sent quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Rams, this year with an additional first-round pick. They'll have a pick at each end of the first round, and Over The Cap projects them to have a third-round compensatory pick as well. With another first-round pick coming from the Rams in 2023, the Lions have some flexibility to maneuver.
10. Cleveland Browns
Draft capital AV sum: 86.9
First-round pick: No. 13
Current cap space: $29.4 million
The Browns have five picks in the first rounds. That and a decent amount of cap space give them a chance to address many of their on-field needs.
11. Washington Football Team
Draft capital AV sum: 77.9
First-round pick: No. 11
Current cap space: $37.5 million
Washington has the No. 11 overall pick, but at the moment only six selections in the 2022 draft. It does have enough cap space to consider a free-agent move at quarterback, but much remains to be seen.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Draft capital AV sum: 70.2
First-round pick: No. 22
Current cap space: $31.7 million
The Raiders don't pick until the second half of the first round, and they don't have any extra picks in the top four rounds. New general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels won't start off at a deficit, but they also won't have a massive set of resources to remake the team.
13. Atlanta Falcons
Draft capital AV sum: 85.6
First-round pick: No. 8
Current cap space: minus-$3.4 million
The Falcons will have to determine how far under the cap they can get before regulating their offseason ambition. The good news is that they have a top-10 pick and an extra second-round selection via the trade that sent receiver Julio Jones to the Titans.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft capital AV sum: 64.8
First-round pick: No. 20
Current cap space: $37.5 million
The Steelers have the No. 20 overall selection, but they traded away their own picks in the fourth and fifth rounds. They should get a compensatory pick in the fourth round, according to Over The Cap.
15. Tennessee Titans
Draft capital AV sum: 69.8
First-round pick: No. 26
Current cap space: $2.7 million
The Titans won't pick until late in the first round, and they traded away their second-round pick for receiver Julio Jones. In other words, their options are limited for using an influx of talent to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl.
16. Cincinnati Bengals
Draft capital AV sum: 60.1
First-round pick: No. 31 or 32
Current cap space: $48.6 million
The Bengals aren't draft-deficient, but they're scheduled to pick near the end of every round, without any projected compensatory picks. Their current available cap space, however, ranks among the NFL's top five.
17. Minnesota Vikings
Draft capital AV sum: 74.9
First-round pick: No. 12
Current cap space: minus-$10.4 million
Former general manager Rick Spielman habitually collected lower-round picks, accounting for the Vikings' larger draft AV. But new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has some decisions to make regarding cap space, including the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who might need an extension (or trade) to lower his $45 million cap number.
18. New England Patriots
Draft capital AV sum: 65.7
First-round pick: No. 21
Current cap space: $16.5 million
The Patriots have their top four picks, but Over The Cap doesn't project them to get a compensatory pick after their free-agent spree last offseason. They do have the cap benefit of a rookie quarterback, however. Mac Jones will have a $3.5 million cap number in 2022 and $4.3 million in 2023.
19. Buffalo Bills
Draft capital AV sum: 68.3
First-round pick: No. 25
Current cap space: $4.8 million
The Bills have their top six picks in the draft, but they choose late on Day 1 and also will have to figure out a way to clear some cap space. One option could be to sign linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a contract extension. His fifth-year option salary is projected to be $12.7 million.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Draft capital AV sum: 54.4
First-round pick: None
Current cap space: $45.3 million
The Seahawks are flush with cap space, even with quarterback Russell Wilson set to account for $37 million, and could begin addressing an extension for receiver DK Metcalf, among others. Their first-round pick goes to the Jets as part of the Jamal Adams trade, but they could replenish their draft capital by trading Wilson.
21. Carolina Panthers
Draft capital AV sum: 63.5
First-round pick: No. 6
Current cap space: $22.5 million
The Panthers traded away their second- and fourth-round picks as part of the deal to bring in quarterback Sam Darnold, and their third-round pick will go to the Jaguars as part of the trade to acquire cornerback CJ Henderson. The subsequent decision to guarantee Darnold's fifth-year option accounts for $18.9 million of cap space, but an extension for receiver DJ Moore ($11.1 million) could add additional room.
22. Miami Dolphins
Draft capital AV sum: 42.2
First-round pick: No. 29
Current cap space: $66.5 million
The Dolphins have the NFL's third-lowest draft capital, having traded away their own first- and third-round picks, but the highest amount of cap space. They do have the No. 29 overall pick as part of the deal that helped the 49ers trade up to draft quarterback Trey Lance in 2021.
23. Green Bay Packers
Draft capital AV sum: 68.5
First-round pick: No. 28
Current cap space: minus-$45.8 million
This ranking mostly illustrates that the Packers have some work to do with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which is no surprise. His 2021 contract restructure elevated his 2022 cap number to $46.1 million, a number that can be lowered by an extension or a trade. It's fair to assume one of those things will happen, but the Packers still need to address pending free agent Davante Adams and might not be able to keep both of their veteran linebackers, Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith, who account for nearly $48 million in 2022 cap space between them.
24. Indianapolis Colts
Draft capital AV sum: 46.9
First-round pick: None
Current cap space: $41.2 million
The Colts gave their first-round pick to the Eagles as part of the trade to acquire quarterback Carson Wentz, who is also set to cost $28.2 million against their 2022 cap. But they have enough cap space available to pursue veteran additions at left tackle and receiver, among other positions, if they decide to go that route.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft capital AV sum: 62.4
First-round pick: No. 27
Current cap space: $10.3 million
The Buccaneers' offseason will be wild. They'll have to deal with the cap ramifications of quarterback Tom Brady's pending retirement, which could ultimately free up some 2022 space. But they'll also need to find another quarterback and decide what to do with their slew of pending free agents, including running back Leonard Fournette, receiver Chris Godwin, center Ryan Jensen and cornerback Carlton Davis.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Draft capital AV sum: 61.9
First-round pick: No. 23
Current cap space: $11.2 million
The Cardinals have five of their own draft picks, but Over The Cap projects them to get three more compensatory selections. One of the biggest decisions they need to make is whether they want to try to sign quarterback Kyler Murray to a contract extension. He has two more years remaining on his rookie deal, assuming the Cardinals pick up his 2023 fifth-year option, but his price is likely to go up if they wait.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Draft capital AV sum: 68.1
First-round pick: No. 24
Current cap space: minus-$17.7 million
The Cowboys have a lot of established veterans with high cap numbers, including receiver Amari Cooper ($22 million) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence ($27 million). Could they be on their way out? And will the Cowboys need to restructure quarterback Dak Prescott's deal, which is projected to count for $34.5 million in 2022, just one year after he signed it?
28. Kansas City Chiefs
Draft capital AV sum: 57.8
First-round pick: No. 30
Current cap space: $12 million
The Chiefs have the No. 30 overall selection but traded away their own picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. They'll have to manage their cap space carefully as contracts expire for key players such as safety Tyrann Mathieu, left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
29. Chicago Bears
Draft capital AV sum: 45.2
First-round pick: None
Current cap space: $29.7 million
New general manager Ryan Poles has limited draft capital to work with, at least at the moment, after predecessor Ryan Pace sent the team's first- and fourth-round picks to the Giants last year to help the Bears draft quarterback Justin Fields. Over The Cap doesn't project them to get any compensatory picks, either. Poles has some cap space available, but he'll need to make decisions on a big group of veteran free agents. The list includes defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, receivers Allen Robinson II and Jakeem Grant, and offensive lineman James Daniels and Germain Ifedi.
30. New Orleans Saints
Draft capital AV sum: 50.4
First-round pick: No. 18
Current cap space: minus-$69.4 million
The Saints have by far the worst cap situation in the NFL, and that's without having an obvious starting quarterback on their roster. (Taysom Hill has a $12.3 million cap number, but his fate is in the hands of the team's next coach.) The Saints have big decisions to make up and down their roster, most notably with receiver Michael Thomas, who is set to count $24.7 million against the cap. They've managed to use creative accounting to maintain a talented roster in recent years, but at some point they'll have to take a hit -- and their first season without coach Sean Payton might be the time to do it.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Draft capital AV sum: 38.3
First-round pick: None
Current cap space: minus-$255,000
The 49ers made a thrilling run to the NFC Championship Game, but now they'll have to reckon with an offseason that will provide limited options for further elevating their roster. They sent their first-round pick to the Dolphins last year as part of the deal to draft quarterback Trey Lance. One obvious source of cap relief is the contract of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. They can realize about $25 million in cap savings by releasing him, or they could seek a trade.
32. Los Angeles Rams
Draft capital AV sum: 26.6
First-round pick: None
Current cap space: minus-$3.3 million
The Rams went all-in once again, and it led to a Super Bowl berth. They traded away their 2022 first-, second- and third-round picks for quarterback Matthew Stafford and linebacker Von Miller. It's unlikely that anyone in the Rams' organization has second thoughts, and they do have a compensatory third-round pick after the Lions hired away Brad Holmes to be their general manager.