[h=1]GM for a day: Making every NFL team's biggest free-agent decision[/h]Field Yates
ESPN Insider
The day after the New England Patriots' exhilarating win in Super Bowl LI, coach Bill Belichick remarked that his franchise was five weeks behind the rest of the league in offseason work. As Belichick noted, that's exactly the way his team wants it to be, as the opportunity to play on the game's grandest stage is the ultimate goal.
Belichick's statement was a reminder that free agency is just around the corner -- teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents on March 7.
After our NFL Nation reporters put together a list of the biggest upcoming free-agent decisions for each team, I decided to put on my general manager hat and make teams' decisions for them. Below are my two cents for all 32 teams. For a primer on the franchise-tag process, check out this FAQ from last March.
[h=2]NFC EAST[/h]
[h=2]Dallas Cowboys[/h]Guard Ronald Leary
Leary was rock-solid stepping in for the injured La'el Collins in 2016, but ultimately, Dallas has larger priorities to address in free agency, with pass-rusher at the top of the list. With Zack Martin and Collins entrenched as starters in 2017 and beyond, the team is in a position to let Leary move on.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]New York Giants[/h]Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul
The Giants experienced life without Pierre-Paul down the stretch in 2016, as a sports hernia derailed the pass-rusher. Rookie Romeo Okwara gave the team some solid snaps, but New York should work hard to retain Pierre-Paul, who flashed dominance at times. The Giants, however, need to lighten the load on Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon, who both played an astronomical percentage of snaps when healthy. Vernon led the league in snaps played by a defensive lineman (993).
Verdict: Pay big to retain.
[h=2]Philadelphia Eagles[/h]Defensive tackle Bennie Logan
Logan is an explosive interior lineman who can create unique leverage as a rusher, but his asking price will likely exceed Philly's budget. With a record-setting deal tied to defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, the team must be mindful of roster construction and resources dedicated to a single position. A bargain deal isn't likely, and Philly should allow Logan to sign with the highest bidder.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Washington[/h]Quarterback Kirk Cousins
This is cut-and-dried for me: Washington must use the franchise tag on Cousins. The real discussion takes place after the tag is in place. I'm of the mind that Washington and Cousins must meet in the middle to agree to a long-term deal. I understand the price tag will be exorbitant, but the opportunity cost must be considered: If Washington lets Cousins walk, there will be few options for a roster that is ready to compete at many other spots.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]NFC NORTH[/h]
[h=2]Chicago Bears[/h]Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery
Availability matters in the NFL, and Jeffery has missed 11 games over the past two seasons. But he's also a uniquely talented player for a team that has little else in the wide receiver cabinet and has the money to retain him. Chicago should franchise Jeffery once more and work on a long-term deal from there. He has averaged nearly 79 receiving yards per game, and caught 23 touchdown passes in 53 games played, since the start of 2013.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]Detroit Lions[/h]Offensive linemen Riley Reiff and Larry Warford
Reiff, a right tackle and former first-round pick who began his career on the left side, could enjoy a big market this offseason because of his versatility. That might price Detroit out of a reunion. The Lions should instead prioritize re-signing the steady Warford, who has started all 57 games he has played in his career.
Verdict: Prioritize Warford over Reiff.
[h=2]Green Bay Packers[/h]Running back Eddie Lacy
The Packers are the NFL's most dedicated draft, develop and reinvest franchise. Ty Montgomery transitioned to running back after Lacy's injury last season and showed enough that he's moving to the position full-time, but Green Bay still needs depth in the backfield. I'd offer Lacy a prove-it deal for one season. If he balks, let him test the free-agent market. Plus, the 2017 draft is shaping up to be deep at running back.
Verdict: Draw the line with a one-year offer.
[h=2]Minnesota Vikings[/h]Running back Adrian Peterson
Economics will drive this decision, as Peterson's $18 million price tag for 2017 isn't palatable given his injury and performance and the Vikings' cap situation. The clock is ticking here, but Minnesota should offer Peterson a significantly reduced deal with an opportunity to make back some of the money he's giving up through incentives. If Peterson declines, a breakup would be in order. Peterson has been one of the franchise's truly great players, but as we near his 32nd birthday, the Vikings need to gauge more cost-efficient ways to bolster their backfield.
Verdict: Offer a reduced deal or move on.
[h=2]NFC SOUTH[/h]
[h=2]Atlanta Falcons[/h]Fullback Patrick DiMarco
As a testament to why Atlanta's success in 2016 should sustain, their list of pending free agents is short. The cost to keep DiMarco around won't be prohibitive. He's a versatile, tough, important cog in a high-octane offense, and he should be retained.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]Carolina Panthers[/h]Defensive tackle Kawann Short
General manager Dave Gettleman has a well-documented affinity for what he calls "hog mollies." That's Short, who has 22 career sacks, in a nutshell. The two sides have engaged in extension talks before, and a franchise tag is the logical first step.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]New Orleans Saints[/h]Defensive tackle Nick Fairley
New Orleans found tremendous value in Fairley last year when he inked a one-year, low-risk deal worth $1.5 million. The reward for his stellar play should rear itself on the open market, which would likely price him out of New Orleans' range. The Saints have some cap breathing room this offseason, but the focus on this defense must be building it through the draft, addressing the linebacker spot and getting healthy in the secondary.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Tampa Bay Buccaneers[/h]Defensive end William Gholston
There's not much flash to Gholston's game, but the 25-year-old is a reliable piece along the Tampa Bay front. Although it was under a different regime, he was drafted by the Bucs and has developed through the pipeline. He has great length and size and is particularly stout against the run. It shouldn't take bank-breaking money to keep him in Tampa Bay and build on the solid start to his career.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]NFC WEST[/h]
[h=2]Arizona Cardinals[/h]Outside linebacker Chandler Jones
The Cardinals' plan for Jones was evident from the moment they traded for him last offseason: make him a cornerstone of their defense. The way to ensure that is using the franchise tag, giving the team until July 15 to extend him for what will assuredly be huge money.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]Los Angeles Rams[/h]Wide receiver Kenny Britt
In 2016, Britt quietly completed the first 1,000-yard receiving season of his career. The 28-year-old has always had natural physical tools, but inconsistent play has been an issue. That's why it makes sense for the Rams to bring Britt back on the team's terms. He's not enough of a needle-mover for the team to overextend itself, especially as it rebuilds the roster under new coach Sean McVay.
Verdict: Draw the line with a modest offer.
[h=2]San Francisco 49ers[/h]Figure out what to do at quarterback
Let's use some of the info we have available to make a recommendation: Assuming Colin Kaepernick opts out of his contract, as ESPN Insider Adam Schefter has reported, the next domino could well be a pursuit of Matt Schaub, who Schefter reports is on San Francisco's radar. Do it. Schaub isn't the long-term answer by any stretch, but he's a useful bridge for the next year or two, as the 49ers look to the draft for their future at the position. Perhaps a deal worth $5 million annually for Schaub would make sense.
Verdict: Sign Schaub.
[h=2]Seattle Seahawks[/h]Kicker Steven Hauschka
Here's the reality of sustained success in the NFL: good players earn big bucks. Seattle drafts exceptionally well, with blue-chip players such as quarterback Russell Wilson, cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas and linebacker Bobby Wagner now on well-earned lucrative extensions. Hauschka has been a quality kicker, but if he looks to command top dollar at the position -- something in excess of $4 million per year -- Seattle should look elsewhere for a more affordable replacement given their other cap commitments. They recently signed former All-Pro kicker Blair Walsh to compete for the job.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]AFC EAST[/h]
[h=2]Buffalo Bills[/h]Cornerback Stephon Gilmore
After hiring Sean McDermott as coach, it would surprise me if Buffalo opted to let Gilmore test the open market without the use of the franchise tag. A defensive-minded head coach will want to keep a talented defensive back around, if even for one year. But Buffalo -- especially if it exercises the option on quarterback Tyrod Taylor -- doesn't have much salary-cap space and has other notable free agents to consider re-signing, including linebackers Zach Brown and Lorenzo Alexander and wide receiver Robert Woods. So I think the Bills will let Gilmore test free agency.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Miami Dolphins[/h]Wide receiver Kenny Stills
Stills was good for Miami in a No. 2 receiver role in 2016, catching a team-high eight touchdown passes. The team has invested a first- and third-round pick on receivers over the past two years, but I'd aim to retain Stills on a multiyear deal. Could somewhere near $6 million per year make sense given his speed, youth (he turns 25 in April) and upside? He's a nice complement to yards-after-the-catch machine Jarvis Landry.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]New England Patriots[/h]Tight end Martellus Bennett and linebacker Dont'a Hightower
The Patriots have a laundry list of free agents this offseason, but they're armed with significant cap space of approximately $65 million. The franchise tag gives the team some leverage to retain at least one key player, and I'd assign that to Hightower. He was elected a team captain last season and has terrific clutch production, including a key play in each of the Patriots' past two Super Bowl appearances. Bennett, a terrific addition last year, is by far the best tight end available in the free-agent market. The Patriots should make him a priority on a three-year deal.
Verdict: Tag Hightower, sign Bennett to a multiyear deal.
[h=2]New York Jets[/h]Tackle Ben Ijalana
Guard Brian Winters was originally in this spot, but the Jets took care of him in January with a four-year extension. The next man up is likely Ijalana, who started at left tackle the second half of the season. If the Jets part ways with Ryan Clady, who suffered a torn rotator cuff in November, Ijalana would project as the starter. Bringing the 27-year-old back on a team-friendly deal is sensible.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]AFC NORTH[/h]
[h=2]Baltimore Ravens[/h]Nose tackle Brandon Williams
Baltimore has a no-panic mode when it comes to free agency -- it has an excellent and established front office with a track record of replenishing talent. Williams and right tackle Ricky Wagner are the team's top two free agents. With the play of rookie Michael Pierce in 2016, I'd allow Williams to walk -- he's likely to get a big deal on the open market -- and invest that cap space into an offense that needs an infusion of playmakers.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Cincinnati Bengals[/h]Offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth
Cincinnati had at least attempted to lay the groundwork for a Whitworth succession plan, as it used first- and second-round picks on offensive tackles in 2015. But neither Cedric Ogbuehi nor Jake Fisher seized the left tackle job, and Whitworth remains a steady contributor. Another one-year deal -- $8 million seems like fair compensation -- should be on top of the Bengals' to-do list.
Verdict: Re-sign him on another one-year deal.
[h=2]Cleveland Browns[/h]Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor
Culture is exceptionally important in pro sports. The Browns are working to not only build their talent pool but also establish a culture. It's a steep price to pay Pryor the one-year franchise tag -- especially after a slow finish to 2016 -- but the team has buckets of cap space and can't afford to see another talented player depart for nothing. Building a culture of development and retention is key. Tag Pryor.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]Pittsburgh Steelers[/h]Running back Le'Veon Bell
This is an easy and difficult decision. The easy part is assigning the franchise tag to Bell, a soon-to-be 25-year-old with tremendous talent. The harder part is deciding how much to pay him on a long-term extension. The running back market can be difficult to gauge, as some teams believe they can find value via the draft. A new deal for Bell, arguable the best back in the league, could easily carry an average annual value of up to $10 million per year.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]AFC SOUTH[/h]
[h=2]Houston Texans[/h]Cornerback A.J. Bouye
Did any player earn himself more money in 2016 than Bouye? A former undrafted free agent who was a depth-level player to begin the season, Bouye had a breakout campaign. The Texans have enough depth at cornerback to allow Bouye to hit the open market and likely walk because he's in line for a big payday. The franchise tag is a huge number -- approximately $14 million -- for a Houston team that already has north of $20 million committed to cornerbacks in 2017.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Indianapolis Colts[/h]Outside linebacker Erik Walden
The 31-year-old Walden was Indianapolis' best pass-rusher in 2016, notching 11 sacks. But Indy needs an infusion of young defensive talent to supplement its strong offensive core. If Walden finds a lucrative deal on the open market, the Colts should let him walk.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Jacksonville Jaguars[/h]Cornerback Prince Amukamara
Amukamara arrived in Jacksonville last offseason on a one-year deal after injuries curtailed his playing time the prior two seasons with the Giants. A year later, he has earned a long-term deal. Jacksonville has a lot of cap space and should make Amukamara a priority on a multiyear deal, which could be around $9 million per season.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]Tennessee Titans[/h]Wide receiver Kendall Wright
The former first-round pick had a promising start to his career, but he's not a No. 1 wideout and caught only 29 passes in 2016. The Titans should let him go and focus their efforts on more dynamic wideouts through the draft and free agency.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]AFC WEST[/h]
[h=2]Denver Broncos[/h]Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and offensive tackle Russell Okung
Ware has been remarkable for Denver in three seasons on and off the field. While teams can never have enough pass-rushers in the NFL, Denver has excellent depth and enough needs elsewhere to let Ware walk. Okung wasn't consistent enough this season to earn the $19.5 million option in his contract that the Broncos have to exercise by March 9. Denver will likely be searching for a left tackle again this offseason.
Verdict: Let them walk.
[h=2]Kansas City Chiefs[/h]Safety Eric Berry
Perhaps no team faces a more difficult decision about which player it should franchise tag -- remember, teams can use the franchise tag only once -- than Kansas City. Berry and nose tackle Dontari Poe are both candidates. Berry simply has too much value to let him walk for nothing, however, and Kansas City should prioritize Berry, even though tagging him a second year in a row would cost a lot. He's one of the pre-eminent defensive difference-makers in the league.
Verdict: Tag him again.
[h=2]Los Angeles Chargers[/h]Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram
The Chargers are much closer to contending than their 5-11 record in 2016 suggests. Ingram, a homegrown player, has developed impressively during his first five NFL seasons. While he doesn't have great length, he plays with great leverage. Entering his age-28 season, Ingram is worthy of a long-term, hefty contract.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]Oakland Raiders[/h]Quarterback Matt McGloin
I'd think McGloin would want to be back in Oakland, as he's the No. 2 quarterback in a system in which he's familiar. While Derek Carr's broken leg likely won't cause the Raiders' starter to miss time next season, it's a reminder of the value of a backup signal-caller. McGloin should be a priority to retain for at least one more season to further boost 2016 fourth-round pick Connor Cook's development.
Verdict: Re-sign him on a one-year deal.
ESPN Insider
The day after the New England Patriots' exhilarating win in Super Bowl LI, coach Bill Belichick remarked that his franchise was five weeks behind the rest of the league in offseason work. As Belichick noted, that's exactly the way his team wants it to be, as the opportunity to play on the game's grandest stage is the ultimate goal.
Belichick's statement was a reminder that free agency is just around the corner -- teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents on March 7.
After our NFL Nation reporters put together a list of the biggest upcoming free-agent decisions for each team, I decided to put on my general manager hat and make teams' decisions for them. Below are my two cents for all 32 teams. For a primer on the franchise-tag process, check out this FAQ from last March.
[h=2]NFC EAST[/h]
Leary was rock-solid stepping in for the injured La'el Collins in 2016, but ultimately, Dallas has larger priorities to address in free agency, with pass-rusher at the top of the list. With Zack Martin and Collins entrenched as starters in 2017 and beyond, the team is in a position to let Leary move on.
Verdict: Let him walk.
The Giants experienced life without Pierre-Paul down the stretch in 2016, as a sports hernia derailed the pass-rusher. Rookie Romeo Okwara gave the team some solid snaps, but New York should work hard to retain Pierre-Paul, who flashed dominance at times. The Giants, however, need to lighten the load on Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon, who both played an astronomical percentage of snaps when healthy. Vernon led the league in snaps played by a defensive lineman (993).
Verdict: Pay big to retain.
[h=2]Philadelphia Eagles[/h]Defensive tackle Bennie Logan
Logan is an explosive interior lineman who can create unique leverage as a rusher, but his asking price will likely exceed Philly's budget. With a record-setting deal tied to defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, the team must be mindful of roster construction and resources dedicated to a single position. A bargain deal isn't likely, and Philly should allow Logan to sign with the highest bidder.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Washington[/h]Quarterback Kirk Cousins
This is cut-and-dried for me: Washington must use the franchise tag on Cousins. The real discussion takes place after the tag is in place. I'm of the mind that Washington and Cousins must meet in the middle to agree to a long-term deal. I understand the price tag will be exorbitant, but the opportunity cost must be considered: If Washington lets Cousins walk, there will be few options for a roster that is ready to compete at many other spots.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]NFC NORTH[/h]
[h=2]Chicago Bears[/h]Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery
Availability matters in the NFL, and Jeffery has missed 11 games over the past two seasons. But he's also a uniquely talented player for a team that has little else in the wide receiver cabinet and has the money to retain him. Chicago should franchise Jeffery once more and work on a long-term deal from there. He has averaged nearly 79 receiving yards per game, and caught 23 touchdown passes in 53 games played, since the start of 2013.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]Detroit Lions[/h]Offensive linemen Riley Reiff and Larry Warford
Reiff, a right tackle and former first-round pick who began his career on the left side, could enjoy a big market this offseason because of his versatility. That might price Detroit out of a reunion. The Lions should instead prioritize re-signing the steady Warford, who has started all 57 games he has played in his career.
Verdict: Prioritize Warford over Reiff.
[h=2]Green Bay Packers[/h]Running back Eddie Lacy
The Packers are the NFL's most dedicated draft, develop and reinvest franchise. Ty Montgomery transitioned to running back after Lacy's injury last season and showed enough that he's moving to the position full-time, but Green Bay still needs depth in the backfield. I'd offer Lacy a prove-it deal for one season. If he balks, let him test the free-agent market. Plus, the 2017 draft is shaping up to be deep at running back.
Verdict: Draw the line with a one-year offer.
[h=2]Minnesota Vikings[/h]Running back Adrian Peterson
Economics will drive this decision, as Peterson's $18 million price tag for 2017 isn't palatable given his injury and performance and the Vikings' cap situation. The clock is ticking here, but Minnesota should offer Peterson a significantly reduced deal with an opportunity to make back some of the money he's giving up through incentives. If Peterson declines, a breakup would be in order. Peterson has been one of the franchise's truly great players, but as we near his 32nd birthday, the Vikings need to gauge more cost-efficient ways to bolster their backfield.
Verdict: Offer a reduced deal or move on.
[h=2]NFC SOUTH[/h]
[h=2]Atlanta Falcons[/h]Fullback Patrick DiMarco
As a testament to why Atlanta's success in 2016 should sustain, their list of pending free agents is short. The cost to keep DiMarco around won't be prohibitive. He's a versatile, tough, important cog in a high-octane offense, and he should be retained.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]Carolina Panthers[/h]Defensive tackle Kawann Short
General manager Dave Gettleman has a well-documented affinity for what he calls "hog mollies." That's Short, who has 22 career sacks, in a nutshell. The two sides have engaged in extension talks before, and a franchise tag is the logical first step.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]New Orleans Saints[/h]Defensive tackle Nick Fairley
New Orleans found tremendous value in Fairley last year when he inked a one-year, low-risk deal worth $1.5 million. The reward for his stellar play should rear itself on the open market, which would likely price him out of New Orleans' range. The Saints have some cap breathing room this offseason, but the focus on this defense must be building it through the draft, addressing the linebacker spot and getting healthy in the secondary.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Tampa Bay Buccaneers[/h]Defensive end William Gholston
There's not much flash to Gholston's game, but the 25-year-old is a reliable piece along the Tampa Bay front. Although it was under a different regime, he was drafted by the Bucs and has developed through the pipeline. He has great length and size and is particularly stout against the run. It shouldn't take bank-breaking money to keep him in Tampa Bay and build on the solid start to his career.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]NFC WEST[/h]
[h=2]Arizona Cardinals[/h]Outside linebacker Chandler Jones
The Cardinals' plan for Jones was evident from the moment they traded for him last offseason: make him a cornerstone of their defense. The way to ensure that is using the franchise tag, giving the team until July 15 to extend him for what will assuredly be huge money.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]Los Angeles Rams[/h]Wide receiver Kenny Britt
In 2016, Britt quietly completed the first 1,000-yard receiving season of his career. The 28-year-old has always had natural physical tools, but inconsistent play has been an issue. That's why it makes sense for the Rams to bring Britt back on the team's terms. He's not enough of a needle-mover for the team to overextend itself, especially as it rebuilds the roster under new coach Sean McVay.
Verdict: Draw the line with a modest offer.
[h=2]San Francisco 49ers[/h]Figure out what to do at quarterback
Let's use some of the info we have available to make a recommendation: Assuming Colin Kaepernick opts out of his contract, as ESPN Insider Adam Schefter has reported, the next domino could well be a pursuit of Matt Schaub, who Schefter reports is on San Francisco's radar. Do it. Schaub isn't the long-term answer by any stretch, but he's a useful bridge for the next year or two, as the 49ers look to the draft for their future at the position. Perhaps a deal worth $5 million annually for Schaub would make sense.
Verdict: Sign Schaub.
[h=2]Seattle Seahawks[/h]Kicker Steven Hauschka
Here's the reality of sustained success in the NFL: good players earn big bucks. Seattle drafts exceptionally well, with blue-chip players such as quarterback Russell Wilson, cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas and linebacker Bobby Wagner now on well-earned lucrative extensions. Hauschka has been a quality kicker, but if he looks to command top dollar at the position -- something in excess of $4 million per year -- Seattle should look elsewhere for a more affordable replacement given their other cap commitments. They recently signed former All-Pro kicker Blair Walsh to compete for the job.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]AFC EAST[/h]
[h=2]Buffalo Bills[/h]Cornerback Stephon Gilmore
After hiring Sean McDermott as coach, it would surprise me if Buffalo opted to let Gilmore test the open market without the use of the franchise tag. A defensive-minded head coach will want to keep a talented defensive back around, if even for one year. But Buffalo -- especially if it exercises the option on quarterback Tyrod Taylor -- doesn't have much salary-cap space and has other notable free agents to consider re-signing, including linebackers Zach Brown and Lorenzo Alexander and wide receiver Robert Woods. So I think the Bills will let Gilmore test free agency.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Miami Dolphins[/h]Wide receiver Kenny Stills
Stills was good for Miami in a No. 2 receiver role in 2016, catching a team-high eight touchdown passes. The team has invested a first- and third-round pick on receivers over the past two years, but I'd aim to retain Stills on a multiyear deal. Could somewhere near $6 million per year make sense given his speed, youth (he turns 25 in April) and upside? He's a nice complement to yards-after-the-catch machine Jarvis Landry.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]New England Patriots[/h]Tight end Martellus Bennett and linebacker Dont'a Hightower
The Patriots have a laundry list of free agents this offseason, but they're armed with significant cap space of approximately $65 million. The franchise tag gives the team some leverage to retain at least one key player, and I'd assign that to Hightower. He was elected a team captain last season and has terrific clutch production, including a key play in each of the Patriots' past two Super Bowl appearances. Bennett, a terrific addition last year, is by far the best tight end available in the free-agent market. The Patriots should make him a priority on a three-year deal.
Verdict: Tag Hightower, sign Bennett to a multiyear deal.
[h=2]New York Jets[/h]Tackle Ben Ijalana
Guard Brian Winters was originally in this spot, but the Jets took care of him in January with a four-year extension. The next man up is likely Ijalana, who started at left tackle the second half of the season. If the Jets part ways with Ryan Clady, who suffered a torn rotator cuff in November, Ijalana would project as the starter. Bringing the 27-year-old back on a team-friendly deal is sensible.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]AFC NORTH[/h]
[h=2]Baltimore Ravens[/h]Nose tackle Brandon Williams
Baltimore has a no-panic mode when it comes to free agency -- it has an excellent and established front office with a track record of replenishing talent. Williams and right tackle Ricky Wagner are the team's top two free agents. With the play of rookie Michael Pierce in 2016, I'd allow Williams to walk -- he's likely to get a big deal on the open market -- and invest that cap space into an offense that needs an infusion of playmakers.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Cincinnati Bengals[/h]Offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth
Cincinnati had at least attempted to lay the groundwork for a Whitworth succession plan, as it used first- and second-round picks on offensive tackles in 2015. But neither Cedric Ogbuehi nor Jake Fisher seized the left tackle job, and Whitworth remains a steady contributor. Another one-year deal -- $8 million seems like fair compensation -- should be on top of the Bengals' to-do list.
Verdict: Re-sign him on another one-year deal.
[h=2]Cleveland Browns[/h]Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor
Culture is exceptionally important in pro sports. The Browns are working to not only build their talent pool but also establish a culture. It's a steep price to pay Pryor the one-year franchise tag -- especially after a slow finish to 2016 -- but the team has buckets of cap space and can't afford to see another talented player depart for nothing. Building a culture of development and retention is key. Tag Pryor.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]Pittsburgh Steelers[/h]Running back Le'Veon Bell
This is an easy and difficult decision. The easy part is assigning the franchise tag to Bell, a soon-to-be 25-year-old with tremendous talent. The harder part is deciding how much to pay him on a long-term extension. The running back market can be difficult to gauge, as some teams believe they can find value via the draft. A new deal for Bell, arguable the best back in the league, could easily carry an average annual value of up to $10 million per year.
Verdict: Tag him.
[h=2]AFC SOUTH[/h]
[h=2]Houston Texans[/h]Cornerback A.J. Bouye
Did any player earn himself more money in 2016 than Bouye? A former undrafted free agent who was a depth-level player to begin the season, Bouye had a breakout campaign. The Texans have enough depth at cornerback to allow Bouye to hit the open market and likely walk because he's in line for a big payday. The franchise tag is a huge number -- approximately $14 million -- for a Houston team that already has north of $20 million committed to cornerbacks in 2017.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Indianapolis Colts[/h]Outside linebacker Erik Walden
The 31-year-old Walden was Indianapolis' best pass-rusher in 2016, notching 11 sacks. But Indy needs an infusion of young defensive talent to supplement its strong offensive core. If Walden finds a lucrative deal on the open market, the Colts should let him walk.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]Jacksonville Jaguars[/h]Cornerback Prince Amukamara
Amukamara arrived in Jacksonville last offseason on a one-year deal after injuries curtailed his playing time the prior two seasons with the Giants. A year later, he has earned a long-term deal. Jacksonville has a lot of cap space and should make Amukamara a priority on a multiyear deal, which could be around $9 million per season.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
[h=2]Tennessee Titans[/h]Wide receiver Kendall Wright
The former first-round pick had a promising start to his career, but he's not a No. 1 wideout and caught only 29 passes in 2016. The Titans should let him go and focus their efforts on more dynamic wideouts through the draft and free agency.
Verdict: Let him walk.
[h=2]AFC WEST[/h]
[h=2]Denver Broncos[/h]Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and offensive tackle Russell Okung
Ware has been remarkable for Denver in three seasons on and off the field. While teams can never have enough pass-rushers in the NFL, Denver has excellent depth and enough needs elsewhere to let Ware walk. Okung wasn't consistent enough this season to earn the $19.5 million option in his contract that the Broncos have to exercise by March 9. Denver will likely be searching for a left tackle again this offseason.
Verdict: Let them walk.
[h=2]Kansas City Chiefs[/h]Safety Eric Berry
Perhaps no team faces a more difficult decision about which player it should franchise tag -- remember, teams can use the franchise tag only once -- than Kansas City. Berry and nose tackle Dontari Poe are both candidates. Berry simply has too much value to let him walk for nothing, however, and Kansas City should prioritize Berry, even though tagging him a second year in a row would cost a lot. He's one of the pre-eminent defensive difference-makers in the league.
Verdict: Tag him again.
[h=2]Los Angeles Chargers[/h]Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram
The Chargers are much closer to contending than their 5-11 record in 2016 suggests. Ingram, a homegrown player, has developed impressively during his first five NFL seasons. While he doesn't have great length, he plays with great leverage. Entering his age-28 season, Ingram is worthy of a long-term, hefty contract.
Verdict: Re-sign him.
I'd think McGloin would want to be back in Oakland, as he's the No. 2 quarterback in a system in which he's familiar. While Derek Carr's broken leg likely won't cause the Raiders' starter to miss time next season, it's a reminder of the value of a backup signal-caller. McGloin should be a priority to retain for at least one more season to further boost 2016 fourth-round pick Connor Cook's development.
Verdict: Re-sign him on a one-year deal.
