Free agency opened 15 days ago. This year, the initial surge of cash was more limited than ever, more than a few guys settled for one-year deals, and plenty of other players are still waiting to get paid.
For some, the issue is cap space. For many, it can’t be. As of Tuesday, March 26, 13 teams still had more than $10 million in spending room for 2013, and five still had more than $20 million, per a source with knowledge of the NFLPA’s calculation of remaining cap room.
Leading the way are the Bengals, who despite numerous re-signings still have $28.9 million to spend. The Browns come in a close second, with $28.7 million.
The Bucs get the bronze for saving their gold, with $26.8 million. Also, the Jaguars have $26.6 million, and the Eagles have $26.3 million.
Others with eight figures include the Packers with $18.3 million, the Bills with $16.8 million, the Dolphins with $15.7 million, the Cardinals with $14.0 million, the supposedly spending-to-the-cap Patriots with $13.4 million, the supposedly cap-strapped Jets with $13.0 million, the Colts with $11.7 million, and the Titans with $10.7 million.
This year, teams are required to spend 89 percent of the unadjusted cap. But that number is determined at least for now on a four-year rolling average, which essentially allows teams to pocket 44 percent of a single year’s spending limit from 2013 through 2016. Based on the current cap numbers, some teams are well on their way to that number.