With the 2021 NFL offseason now here, let’s break down five teams particularly well-positioned to improve immensely in the coming months.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
In addition to holding the No. 1 overall pick in a year with a blue-chip quarterback in Trevor Lawrence entering the draft, the Jags have three more selections in the top 45. But before they reach draft day, they will be able to load up on new talent. They currently lead the league in projected salary-cap space with a near-$80 million surplus.
2. New York Jets
The Jets, though, aren’t far behind with a cap surplus in excess of $75 million. They have the No. 2 overall pick and two more selections in the top 34, plus the allure of the Big Apple and a lot of room to grow after setting the bar comically low in 2020.
3. Miami Dolphins
Despite nearly making the playoffs in 2020, the talented, high-trajectory Dolphins own the No. 3 overall selection and three more picks in the top 50. They rank seventh in the league with more than $35 million in projected salary-cap space with very little work to do in-house. Plus, there’s chatter they could land superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The Joe Burrow factor alone should help the Bengals grow this offseason and into 2021. But they also own the No. 5 overall pick in April’s draft along with more than $45 million in projected cap space. Only four teams have them beat in that area.
5. Washington Football Team
The WFT leads the NFC with more than $43 million in projected salary-cap space. They aren’t as loaded with draft capital after making the playoffs with a losing record, but they still pick 19th overall. And that talented young defense led by Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young should be expected to naturally progress this spring and summer.
