At this point in the process, many of the teams who can afford to do some dealing may think about giving up one of their draft picks for another team's cap-anchor superstar. Nothing's dropped on this front yet, but as draft day approaches all the teams with money to spend are welcoming new additions next season with more action to come.
The top three cap space teams may need very little by the time draft day rolls around. The Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars all made some serious moves to improve their teams.
Still, they each have a formidable spot in the top five picks of the first round. Jacksonville picks third, Cleveland picks fourth, and Oakland picks fifth ... barring any pre-draft-day trades.
[tps_title]Oakland Raiders[/tps_title]
The Raiders had $66.5 million to spend in free agency, and they wasted no time going shopping.
They most recently snatched up Maurice Jones-Drew for a three-year deal which will keep the former Jacksonville running back in town long enough to break the 10,000 yard career rushing yardage mark.
Another offensive superstar added to the team comes from Green Bay in the form of wiide receiver James Jones. The Raiders signed Jones for three years at a total cost of $11.3 million.
To protect whoever their new quarterback will be, they also picked up offensive tackle Donald Penn at two years for $9.6 million.
To top it all off, Darren McFadden will remain with the team to support MJD for at least one year at $1.75 million.
The Raiders did sign a new quarterback, but his deal is very open ended. Oakland did some horse trading with the Houston Texans to acquire quarterback Matt Schaub.
The Raiders get Schaub for $4.5 million in fully guaranteed money for next season and a $3.5 million signing bonus. He could also earn an additional $3 million in incentives based on performance.
Should he not meet certain requirements, he would also not be guaranteed anything for next season. Yet, Schaub may not even be the starter if this team nabs another capable QB in the draft.
Defensively, the Radiers were very aggressive. Defensive ends Antonio Smith and Justin Tuck signed two year deals worth $9 million and $11 million respectively. Cornerback Tarell Brown will spend a trial year with the team as well at $3.5 million.
Outside Linebacker LaMarr Woodley comes in at a cost of $12 million for two years. He will join returning safety Charles Woodson, who sticks around at a cap-tab of $3.5 million. Additionally, the Raiders picked up defensive lineman C.J. Wilson from the Green Bay Packers.
They won't have any trouble assembling a strong defensive core next season.
[tps_title]Jacksonville Jaguars[/tps_title]
The Jaguars had $55.1 million in cap space to drop on team renovations, and they were also busy in their defensive end acquisitions.
Jason Babin signed a three-year deal for $7 million with the Jags, which was paltry compared to the four-year, $17.5 million contract given to Chris Clemons.
Defensive tackle Ziggy Hood also joins the team at $16 million over four years. Outside linebacker Dekoda Watson rounds out the big pickups for the Jaguars defense going into the 2014 season.
Offensively, the Jags grabbed quarterback Chad Henne for two years at $8 million and running back Toby Gerhart for three years at $10.5 million. Offensive guard Zane Beadles also committed to the team for five years and $30 million.
The Jaguars are also still interested in a quarterback in the draft, and they could very well end up with Johnny Manziel. They still have plenty of negotiating room, and they could certainly go to either side of the ball for draft support.
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will also potentially be available for the Jaguars to select.
[tps_title]Cleveland Browns[/tps_title]
The Cleveland Browns had $51.2 million to spend in the off-season, and they spent most of their cash on offense.
They went to the ground first and grabbed running back Ben Tate for two years at a bargain price of $7 million. They also made a commitment to tight end Jim Dray for three years and $5.625 million. Most recently, the team poached former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins for $13.6 million over four years.
Defensively, the Browns still have some work to do.
They did acquire linebacker Karlos Dansby at four years and $24 million and safety Donte Whitner at four years and $28 million. Both will be huge leaders to whoever else they can snatch up in the draft.
Then again, like the other teams left with a ton of cap space, this team needs a quarterback as well.
[tps_title]Conclusion[/tps_title]
There's plenty of time left and multiple free agents still on the market in every position these teams need to fill, so stay tuned as teams gamble to get ready for a run at cashing in with a Super Bowl ring.
