George Pickens’ future takes an unexpected turn, Jets find a QB, and Seahawks lose their MVP in NFL free agency mock draft

Let’s combine NFL free agency and the draft into one entity, shall we?

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Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates after a play against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Northwest Stadium.
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The NFL offseason is officially here now that the Super Bowl has come and gone, therefore, teams are gearing up for free agency in March and the draft in April.

There will be all kinds of smoke, speculation, rumors, and posturing when it comes to who’s staying, who’s leaving, and which draft prospects are most enticing over the coming weeks, as per the usual. We’ll even get our first taste of the action as soon as Feb. 17, when the franchise tag window opens at 4 p.m. ET. and then the NFL Combine starts Feb. 23.

With everything upcoming, we thought it would be a cool idea to spin free agency and the draft into one exercise: a first-round free agency mock draft.

Here, we’ve listed teams in order of most salary cap room to least. Meaning, the Tennessee Titans receive the No. 1 overall pick because they have the most cap space. Teams with the most room tend to be more aggressive and willing to pay premium costs, so it made the most sense to let them get the first crack at the best players, just like the team with the worst record would in real life.

We’ve also included projected contracts that include the total amount, APY, and any analysis required to obtain the players.

We hope you enjoy this as much we did. Let’s dive in!

Editor’s note: All numbers are from Over The Cap and PFF unless otherwise noted.

A to Z Sports’ 2026 Free Agency Mock Draft

Tennessee Titans, No. 1 overall: Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce

Current cap space: $104,769,062

Will Alec Pierce be available on the open market? Absolutely, positively not. The Colts are going to lock him down. But that’s because he is such a desirable asset right now. 2025 was Pierce’s breakout season in which he tallied 1003 yards and six touchdowns on just 47 receptions. The Titans desperately need to add WR help for Cam Ward’s second season, and Pierce would be a dream.Easton Freeze, A to Z Nashville

Projected deal: Four years, $96 million, w/$45 million guaranteed

Las Vegas Raiders, No. 2 overall: Jacksonville Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd

The Raiders haven’t had an elite linebacker in some time now. They haven’t had a good linebacker since Robert Spillane, who was on the New England Patriots this season. Their linebacker unit was one of the biggest reasons the defense performed poorly in coverage in 2025. They enter the offseason with just Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg on their roster. Both guys have played a combined 167 defensive snaps in their careers, with Eichenberg having all of them. They need a linebacker, and Lloyd is elite, especially in pass coverage. Last season, he had five interceptions and one pick-six on Patrick Mahomes. His 81.1 pass coverage grade per PFF shows he’s one of the best coverage LBs in the league. Justin Churchill, A to Z Las Vegas

Projected deal: Three years, $48 million, w/$35 million guaranteed

Devin Lloyd’s career stats

  • Total tackles: 436
  • Sacks: 3.5
  • Tackles for loss: 15
  • Interceptions: 9
  • QB hits: 18
  • Games played: 63

Los Angeles Chargers, No. 3 overall: Baltimore Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum

Current cap space: $83,542,941

The Chargers offensive line along the interior this year was in one word: horrific. Repalcing Bradley Bozeman at center should be at the top of their to-do list this offseason, and Linderbaum is one of the best at his position in the entire NFL. It will come at a hefty price, but the Bolts should be willing to spend whatever necessary to keep Justin Herbert upright next season and beyond. – Adam Holt, A to Z Philadelphia

Projected deal: Four years, $80 million, w/$53 million guaranteed

New York Jets, No. 4 overall: Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis

Current cap space: $83,263,050

Typically you’d see quarterbacks go atop the regular NFL Draft, but two of the teams ahead of the Jets already have their guy, and the other will actually be able to draft Fernando Mendoza. It looks like New York’s everlasting search for a QB will have to come outside the draft this offseason, and Willis is the most exciting option in the free agency class. – John Sheeran, A to Z Cincinnati

Projected deal: Two years, $40 million, w/ $30 million guaranteed

Washington Commanders, No. 5 overall: Seattle Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III

Current cap space: $76,041,469

The Commanders had a solid rushing offense with their running back committee, but they don’t have a dominating RB1 on offense like Kenneth Walker III. He’s coming off a career year in Seattle with 1,340 yards on the ground with nine touchdowns and forced over 60 missed tackles this season. Walker III is hitting the market as a Super Bowl MVP. – Josh Taylor, A to Z Washington

Projected deal: Three years, $27 million, w/ $20 million guaranteed

Seattle Seahawks, No. 6 overall: New York Jets RB Breece Hall

Current cap space: $72,284,461

Should the Seahawks lose the Super Bowl MVP, they can fill that void with Breece Hall. I would say he’s a notch below Walker as a pure runner, but when healthy and surrounded by a halfway decent offensive line, Hall went for almost 1,500 all-purpose yards and nine total touchdowns in 2023. You put him behind that Seahawks line, and I believe he can better those numbers, while giving Seattle a pass game option that was foreign to the offense with Walker. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Pittsburgh

Projected deal: Three years, $37 million, w/ $25 million guaranteed

Cincinnati Bengals, No. 7 overall: Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson

Current cap space: $54,504,672

Well this would be hystrical. Do I think a long-term contract is materializing between Cincy and Hendrickson this offseason? Absolutely not. But he’s the best FA available at this juncture and fills the Bengals’ biggest need. In the reality where both sides can agree on contract structure, this partnership should still continue. – John Sheeran, A to Z Cincinnati

Projected deal: One year, $21 million, w/ $17 million guaranteed

Los Angeles Rams, No. 8 overall: Seattle Seahawks CB Tariq Woolen

Current cap space: $48,214,355

We all saw the Rams’ secondary completely collapse down the stretch of the season, and it inevitably cost them a Super Bowl berth after a dismal outing against Seattle in the NFC Championship game. Tariq Woolen isn’t perfect as a corner, but he’s much more talented than anyone the Rams have had in years, and would give them the playmaker they’ve missed in that room for years. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Los Angeles

Projected deal: Three years, $45 million, w/ $30 million guaranteed

Dec 4, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen (27) celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 9 overall: Dallas Cowboys WR George Pickens

Current cap space: $44,943,582

This is like the celebrity relationship that everyone wanted to see stay together, but knew they shouldn’t, and now they are both single again and sending texts back and forth. Pickens will likely receive the franchise tag and be unable to escape Dallas, but with a totally new coaching staff in Pittsburgh, Pickens being a year older, and the Steelers still desperately needing another proven option at WR, you have to believe they would kick the tires on getting back together if he hit the open market. You saw Pickens thrive in a high-octane passing attack, and with Mike McCarthy installing his offense, he could do it again. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Pittsburgh

Projected deal: Four years, $122 million, w/ $95 million guaranteed

San Francisco 49ers, No. 10 overall: Los Angeles Chargers DE Odafe Oweh

Current cap space: $42,950,176

It’s actually shocking how horrendous the 49ers’ pass rush was without Nick Bosa for nearly the entire season. 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams missed half the season as well due to injury. Despite both players returning for 2026, it wouldn’t hurt to add one of the top pass-rushers in free agency to bolster the unit. Oweh is arguably the best available EDGE under the age of 30 this offseason. – John Sheeran, A to Z Cincinnati

Projected deal: Four years, $77 million, w/ $40 million guaranteed

Arizona Cardinals, No. 11 overall: Pittsburgh Steelers G Isaac Seumalo

Current cap space: $42,187,426

The Cardinals need help at left guard and right tackle, but are better suited to take the latter in the NFL Draft at No. 3 overall. There just isn’t a free agent prospect that makes sense when it comes to both money and impact. However, there is an option to improve the left guard position via Seumalo, who is one of the better guards in the game and won’t break the bank. Arizona can also cut Evan Brown, or keep him as depth, with the former option creating $4.910 million in cap room. He’d only cost $1.5 million in dead money, which isn’t ideal, but not terrible, as well.

Seumalo would immediately boost the Cardinals’ pass blocking abilities and would add a solid presence in the run game. With more than $30 million in cap room (and a chance to double that amount by trading Kyler Murray), this is a move that makes total sense for Arizona. – Evan Winter, A to Z Tampa Bay

Projected deal: One year, $8 million, w/$7.5 million guaranteed

New England Patriots, No. 12 overall: Green Bay Packers OT Rasheed Walker

Current cap space: $41,590,263

Walker is not a star offensive lineman, but he offered competent left tackle play for three years on the Green Bay Packers. He’s still young, the value is not prohibitive, and signing him would allow the Patriots to kick Will Campbell inside after a nightmare playoff run at left tackle. – Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Green Bay

Projected deal: Four years, $84 million, w/ $51 million guaranteed

Indianapolis Colts, No. 13 overall: Colts QB Daniel Jones

Current cap space: $35,598,489

I know this isn’t the sexy move Colts fans want to see, but re-signing Daniel Jones has to be the team’s top priority. Despite him being taken first overall in this exercise, Alec Pierce has also said that retaining Jones at QB would go a long way toward helping him stay in Indy.

Before the Colts make any plans for free agency, they will prioritize keeping that duo in Indianapolis. So I went ahead and got step one done in this mock by retaining Jones, to help the Pierce domino fall as well. Which will be extra satisfying now, knowing Pierce went number one overall in this free agency mock draft to the Colts, AFC South rivals, the Titans. – Destin Adams, A to Z Indianapolis

Projected deal: Three years, $101 million, w/$56 million guaranteed

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) is forced out of bounds on a keeper during the first quarter of an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 36-19. Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Denver Broncos, No. 14 overall: New Orleans Saints WR Rashid Shaheed

Current cap space: $28,885,734

The Denver Broncos are in desperate need of some help on offense. Quarterback Bo Nix took an important next step in his second season, but it was hard to ignore that the talent around him lacked the firepower needed to help elevate his game even more.

Shaheed adds another deep threat option alongside Marvin Mims Jr. that can really take the top off defenses. The team already has Courtland Sutton, a true No. 1 wide receiver, so the rest is just gravy, as they say. Shaheed wouldn’t be taking on his normal punt return duties, as the team already has an All-Pro punt and kick returner, but his abilities as a pass catcher will be well sought after in the offseason.

Shaheed won a Super Bowl after being traded to the Seattle Seahawks, and perhaps he can go back-to-back with two different teams after joining head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos. – Adam Zientek, A to Z Buffalo

Projected deal: Three years, $42 million, w/$24 million guaranteed

Atlanta Falcons, No. 15 overall: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts

Current cap space: $26,462,519

Ian Cunningham is set to take over a roster ripe with young talent and a healthy salary cap going into his first season as an NFL GM alongside new head coach Kevin Stefanski. The big question mark surrounding this team involves the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins, as all signs point toward the Falcons moving on from the high-priced backup. Task No. 2 on Cunningham’s to-do list needs to be working out a new deal with tight end Kyle Pitts.

Stefanki’s offense in Cleveland thrived with David Njoku for years and led to a promising rookie season from Harold Fannin Jr. in 2025. Bringing back the team’s former fourth overall pick would be wise to have that kind of weapon in the passing game. And a play-caller like Stefanski might be what Pitts needs to finally take his game to an elite level. – Kole Noble, A to Z Chicago

Projected deal: Three years, $48 million, w/$30 million guaranteed

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 16 overall: Bucs WR Mike Evans

Current cap space: $23,828,710

The Buccaneers experienced life without Mike Evans for nine games and change last season and the results weren’t pretty. The passing game struggled, especially in the red zone, as it became clear Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. (with a late return from Jalen McMillan) couldn’t quite carry the load.

Josh Grizzard’s play calling also played a role. Regardless, Evans can still play at a high level and while the injuries are a concern heading into his age-33 season, the Buccaneers offense simply won’t be the same without his abilities. They know this and it’s why he’s their No. 1 priority in free agency.

The Bucs can free up enough cap space by converting any of Antoine Winfield Jr.’s, Vita Vea’s, Godwin Jr.’s, or Tristan Wirfs’ base salaries into a signing bonus. The most sensible target is Wirfs, who is due $26 million in base salary, this year.

A max restructure of Wirfs’ contract would open up $18.525 million in cap space – the point being the Buccaneers have what they need to keep Evans around. – Evan Winter, A to Z Tampa Bay

Projected deal: One year, $18 million, w/$15 million guaranteed

Baltimore Ravens, No. 17 overall: Philadelphia Eagles EDGE Jaelan Phillips

Current cap space: $22,043,387

If you watched the Ravens try to rush the passer last season, you’ll understand Phillips’ addition.

This was a woefully undermanned group last season. Phillips, with a notable injury history, is more than likely a short-term contract, which could allow the Ravens to pay while figuring out what their young pass rushers look like and get another chance to add pass rush talent via the 2026 NFL Draft.

The pathway to the Ravens being not only cap compliant but having spending power is pretty simple: extend QB Lamar Jackson so his $74.5 million cap charge decreases. If the Ravens can’t strike a new deal, they can convert Lamar’s base salary and save $40 million in cap space with a basic restructure. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Miami

Projected deal: One year, $15 million, w/$12.5 million guaranteed

Jaelan Phillips’ career stats

  • Sacks: 28.0
  • Tackles for loss: 32
  • QB hits: 68
  • Total tackles: 205
  • Games played: 63

Philadelphia Eagles, No. 18 overall: Kansas City Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson

Current cap space: $20,557,388

The Eagles defense desperately needed another impact cornerback this past season. A’doree Jackson struggled at times and became the biggest weakness of a unit swirling with other talent in the secondary. Adding a player like Watson forces opposes quarterbacks to attack one of Watson, Cooper Dejean, or Quinyon Mitchell for the most part. That won’t be easy. I also preferred the value of Watson here, compared to any of the remaining linebackers or offensive linemen available. – Adam Holt, A to Z Philadelphia

Projected deal: One year, $15 million, w/$12.5 million guaranteed

Carolina Panthers, No. 19 overall: Atlanta Falcons LB Kaden Elliss

Current cap space: $14,437,004

Trey Hendrickson and Devin Lloyd continue to be the top names connected to the Panthers atop the free agent wishlist. Carolina missed out on both top options in this exercise, but it allows you to explore other second-tier targets who could be on the team’s radar.

Before getting to that point, the Panthers first need to clear out some more space with the top option to do so being restructuring CB Jaycee Horn’s contract. He’s due $17.135 million in base salary this year and is 27 years old. Restructuring the base salary into a signing bonus and then prorating that over the life of his deal makes sense when considering he’s expected to be around for the long haul.

With that being said, a player that stands out to me in the second-tier is Kaden Elliss, who’s spent his entire NFL career in the NFC South playing with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. Elliss is coming off three strong years with the Falcons in which he totaled 380 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, and 12.5 sacks. The Panthers need a clear upgrade in the second level of their defense and Elliss can provide that and it’ll be a lot easier to find a top edge rusher in the draft to upgrade the pass rush.

If Carolina misses out on Lloyd, Elliss is a name to watch. – Kole Noble, A to Z Chicago

Projected deal: Two years, $15 million, w/$9 million guaranteed

New York Giants, No. 20 overall: Indianapolis Colts T Braden Smith

Current cap space: $6,947,721

While Jermaine Eluemunor had a solid 2025 season, if the Giants have the opportunity to upgrade their offensive line, they need to take it.

The Giants offensive line has been a liability for the longest time, and doing everything possible to protect and boost Jaxson Dart’s performance has to be this offseason’s priority. Braden Smith has been the epitome of consistent consistency at right tackle since being drafted by the Colts. To add a younger player and a more consistent one is the best direction for the Giants.

Signing a player like Smith would set up the offense for a massive jump in 2026. The next step would be finding a third receiver in the draft in the first or second round. – Joe DeLeone, A to Z New York Giants

Projected deal: One-year, $11 million, w/$8 million guaranteed

Cleveland Browns, No. 21 overall: Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs

Current cap space: $3,210,721

The Cleveland Browns will restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract one last time this offseason, as well as receive money back on the 2026 cap from insurance on his 2025 season. Watson’s base salary of $46 million will be restricted to give the Browns $35.7 million in additional cap space.

Cleveland can use the new money to invest in its offense, as they’ll have the cash to do it. Doubs would give the Browns a proven high-floor wideout who makes them better as soon as pen hits paper. Doubs is coming off his best season of 724 receiving yards and six touchdowns and is going to have an active market. 

Cleveland is in a spot where it has to help whomever is at quarterback by protecting them and getting them playmakers. Adding a free agent wide receiver and drafting one have to be the moves. – Brandon Little, A to Z Cleveland

Projected deal: Three years, $45 million, w/$24 million guaranteed

Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) runs after a catch against Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman (12) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Green Bay Packers, No. 22 overall: Detroit Lions DT DJ Reader

Current cap space: -$1,436,657

Jaylen Watson was my top choice, but with the Eagles paying him, the cornerback market was thin. So I went with the other top roster need, defensive tackle. The Packers don’t love to sign older free agents, but they have to do something about the spot after losing TJ Slaton in free agency and trading Kenny Clark.

Reader didn’t have his best season in 2025 for the Lions, but defensive linemen tend to age better than cornerbacks, and competent play and ability to stop the run alongside Devonte Wyatt would be huge. The Packers can open cap space cutting players like Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins. Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports Green Bay

Projected deal: One year, $4.5 million, w/$3.5 million guaranteed

Houston Texans, No. 23 overall: Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne

Current cap space: -$1,498,295

The Texans’ offense was a mess down the stretch, especially in their final game of the year against the Patriots. CJ Stroud arguably had the worst game of his career, and the team’s lack of run game played a big role in that. There are multiple top RBs set to become free agents this offseason, two of which were already selected in this free agency mock. The Texans land Travis Etienne, who they’ve had to play against twice a year for the beginning of his career with the Jaguars. Etienne is a dual threat RB who impacts the game as receiver as well as a runner. To make room for him, I would expect Houston to release Joe Mixon, which would save the team $8 million in cap space. — Destin Adams, A to Z Sports NFL

Projected deal: Three years, $34.5 million, w/$22.5 million guaranteed

Chicago Bears, No. 24 overall: Chicago Bears S Kevin Byard

Current cap space: -$5,300,354

Chicago’s number one priority this offseason has to be working out a deal with All-Pro safety Kevin Byard. As much as the team needs some improvements on the defensive line, losing Byard would cause a massive hole in the team’s locker room and there’s already an obvious need at the safety position. The two sides have mutual interest in working out a new deal and Byard isn’t expected to have a robust free agent market.

Chicago is currently snug against the cap, but can easily free up some space by cutting players such as LB Tremaine Edmunds or restructuring some deals with WR DJ Moore, LG Joe Thuney, C Drew Dalman, and others. Byard is a valued leader in that building and showed this past season that he still has an elite-level of play in the tank after leading the league in interceptions. It’s a no-brainer decision for the Bears to shell out some money and prioritize bringing him back this offseason. — Kole Noble, A to Z Sports Chicago.

Projected deal: Two years, $15.6 million

New Orleans Saints, No. 25 overall: Buffalo Bills G David Edwards

Current cap space: -$6,037,06

The interior offensive line was a major problem at times this season for New Orleans, and their offseason focus will be to help young QB Tyler Shough. Edwards has flown under the radar in recent seasons, but he’s been one of the best linemen for Buffalo in that timeframe. He’s consistent, and New Orleans needs more of that on their OL. The Saints will have to trim their cap situation to make notable FA moves, but decisions like restructuring Chase Young and extending WR Chris Olave give a lot more clarity there. — Adam Holt, A to Z Sports NFL

Projected deal: Three years, $35 million, w/$21 million guaranteed

Buffalo Bills, No. 26 overall: Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk

Current cap space: -$7,449,001

The Bills need help at WR, desperately. Far too often, Josh Allen was forced to make something out of nothing with a wide receiver room that left much to be desired. Christian Kirk is a great addition for Buffalo, considering how cheap they would be able to get him.

A more of a bargain bin type deal for Kirk, who has an estimated one-year deal worth about $5 million, is exactly what the doctor ordered for Buffalo. In order to make the cap space work, Buffalo would need to restructure the contracts of both Dion Dawkins and Josh Allen, it’s that simple. — Adam Zientek, A to Z Sports Buffalo

Projected deal: One year, $5.4 million, w/ $2.5 million guaranteed

Detroit Lions, No. 27 overall: Carolina Panthers C Cade Mays

Current cap space: -$8,531,146

The Lions are in deep need of a center more than anything. I know Lions fans want Tyler Linderbaum or Connor McGovern, but neither is likely to make it to free agency. Mays is no consolation prize. He’s a starting center who hasn’t allowed a sack in two seasons and is still just 26 years old. So the Lions can get some years out of him. Not to mention he’s likely to be cheaper than both Linderbaum and McGovern. — Mike Payton, A to Z Sports Detroit

Projected deal: Three years, $36.8 million, w/$22 million guaranteed

Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 28 overall: Arizona Cardinals S Jalen Thompson

Current cap space: -$11,433,472

If the Jaguars want to go further in the playoffs, improving their secondary is a must. Jalen Thompson is a versatile piece at safety, capable of dropping into the slot and playing deep in coverage. He’s improved his run defense to match his ability in coverage, and his production in the passing game would be a massive boost for Jacksonville’s secondary moving forward. — AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports NFL

Projected deal: Two years, $18.9 million, w/$10 million guaranteed

Miami Dolphins, No. 29 overall: Chicago Bears S Jaquan Brisker

Current cap space: -$16,413,613

The Dolphins’ secondary is pretty much a blank slate. With a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, it isn’t hard to see where the strength of his Packers defenses were rooted. The team immediately jump-started the safety room when Hafley got to town. If the Dolphins choose to keep Minkah Fitzpatrick, they’d be well-positioned to secure a safety room that could offer a similar impact by adding Brisker to their ranks. What’s the economic windfall?

The Dolphins will need to (promptly) cut ties with Tyreek Hill as a matter of getting salary cap compliant. From there, the team can extend highly deserving team captains in LB Jordyn Brooks and C Aaron Brewer, potentially cut ties with Bradley Chubb, and (potentially) manipulate some of that hefty 100% guaranteed salary that Tua Tagovailoa is owed in order to get cap compliant. — Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

Projected deal: Three years, $33.27 million, w/$20 million guaranteed

Jaquan Brisker’s career stats

  • Total tackles: 342
  • Interceptions: 4
  • Sacks: 7.0
  • QB hits: 11
  • Tackles for loss: 12
  • Games played: 52

Dallas Cowboys, No. 30 overall: Philadelphia Eagles LB Nakobe Dean

Current cap space: -$29,168,257

I know we’re having fun here but I must say I genuinely believe George Pickens will remain a Cowboy in 2026. As for outside free agents, I expect the Cowboys to focus on defense. Reuniting new defensive coordinator Christian Parker with Nakobe Dean makes perfect sense.

The Cowboys badly need linebacker help and Dean can provide good run defense, pass coverage, and can even rush the passer as a blitzer. Familiarity with Parker’s scheme, which will likely be similar to Vic Fangio’s in Philadelphia, is the cherry on top.

The Cowboys can easily free up cap space by restructuring deals to key players such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Quinnen Williams. Just with contract restructures, the Cowboys can jump to nearly $100 million in cap space. — Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports Dallas

Projected deal: Three years, $41 million, w/$29.5 million guaranteed

Minnesota Vikings, No. 31 overall: Cleveland Browns LB Devin Bush

Current cap space: -$40,156,353

The Vikings are currently projected to be $40 million over the salary cap after spending a lot of money last offseason to try and win. In turn, they need to clear out money. The good news is that they don’t have a lot of bad contracts and can easily restructure long-term players like Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw to make it happen. Adding Bush would give the Vikings two solid off ball linebackers to thrive in Brian Flores’ defense, which would elevate them to a new level. — Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota

Projected deal: Three years, $36 million, w/$24 million guaranteed

Kansas City Chiefs, No. 32 overall: Denver Broncos DL John Franklin-Myers

Current cap space: -$54,910,166

The Chiefs need to bolster their defensive line, both on the interiors and edges with guys like Charles Omenihu, Jerry Tillery, and Mike Pennel slated for free agency. This one move would go a long way toward fixing some of the issues the team had in 2025.

It would be a bit of a double-whammy for Kansas City because not only are they getting pass-rush help that is desparately needed, they’d also be stealing a player from a division rival in the Denver. Franklin-Myers is a prototype defensive lineman for Steve Spagnuolo with inside-outside flex at 6-foot-4 and 288 pounds. He’s generated 92 total pressures, including 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons in Denver.

How do the Chiefs afford it with negative cap space? They can cut Jawaan Taylor, Mike Danna, and Drue Tranquill. They can also restructure contracts of several players, including QB Patrick Mahomes to get themselves out of the red and into the clear. — Charles Goldman, A to Z Sports Kansas City

Projected deal: Two years, $15.75 million, w/$9 million guaranteed