Philadelphia Eagles: Finished 10-6
During 2013, the Philadelphia Eagles had one of the most explosive offenses in the entire NFL, using dynamic players such as LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Riley Cooper, and Nick Foles. Philadelphia also had one of the most consistent offensive lines in the NFL last season, creating a very solid offense. Despite this great offense, the Eagles' defense was absolutely awful last season, finishing 4th worst in yards allowed, and worst overall in passing yards allowed. The Eagles can improve on every position on defense, and I would be shocked if Philadelphia made any major moves on offense during free agency. Although any position on defense can be improved on this team, the most important are most likely the safety and cornerback positions. Not only did this secondary unit play poorly, the Eagles are also expected to lose three safeties to free agency, creating a massive hole in the depth chart. Luckily for Eagles fans, general manager Howie Roseman has $26.3 million in cap space to use during free agency, making a very manageable situation for the Philadelphia Eagles' front office. Like I said before, I'm expecting almost all of the Eagles' spending during free agency to be on defensive players, mainly defensive backs. If Philadelphia can keep up their offense and add a few good defensive players during free agency, this organization will be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys: Finished 8-8
For the third year in a row, the Dallas Cowboys lost their final game to a division rival to lose a playoff spot and finish 8-8. Despite a solid offensive nucleus with Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten, the Cowboys' defense was one of the worst in the NFL last year. The Dallas Cowboys allowed over 400 yards and 27 points per game during 2013, making them one of the worst in the league. Outside of Jason Hatcher and DeMarcus Ware, Dallas has no talent on defense whatsoever, especially in the secondary. With five players in the front seven heading toward free agency, revamping the defensive line is also a concern in Dallas. Along with these defensive issues, Dallas could also use more depth on the offensive line, but this is only a minor issue for the team. During the 2014 free agency period, I would expect little to no signings with the Dallas Cowboys, despite the large amount of needs on defense. The reason Dallas most likely won't make many moves is because of their financial situation. The Dallas Cowboys are currently $16.4 million over the cap limit, which means they have to release several players before they can sign any others. This is obviously a serious problem for Dallas, as they have several needs and no money to fix those needs. Similar to the New Orleans Saints, the Dallas Cowboys will have to rely on their rivals' mistakes if they hope to win their division, which hasn't happened since 2009.
New York Giants: Finished 7-9
Although they didn't win until week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, the 2013 season was not a complete train wreck for the New York Giants, going 7-9. When looking at the needs of this team, nearly every position could use improvement, besides quarterback. Their pass rush was not what it was back in 2011, the secondary was average, and the entire offense played poorly. Like many other teams heading into free agency, upgrading along the Giants' offensive and defensive line are major priorities. Both the offensive and defensive line played awfully last season, which was very uncharacteristic of the New York Giants. This is exaggerated even more by the multiple players expected to leave for free agency, like Justin Tuck and Kevin Boothe. These obviously aren't the only problems, and the Giants could also improve in the running game, which was one of the worst in the NFL. Although the front office does not have nearly enough money to fix all of the Giants' problems, they do have about $19 million in cap space and should be able to sign a couple of good players during free agency. I'm expecting the New York Giants to sign multiple lineman on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, and then New York might be able to fight for the division again.
Washington Redskins: Finished 3-13
The 2013-2014 season for the Washington Redskins can be explained with one word: disaster. Their offense was inconsistent, their quarterback was recovering from an awful knee injury, and their defense was one of the worst in the league. Although their offense was not great, the Redskins' awful defense is clearly the biggest issue heading into this off-season. Throughout last season, the Washington Redskins gave up nearly 30 points per game, which is tied for worst in the entire league. This defense was only average at best against both the run and the pass, and can be improved in almost every position. Only adding to the misfortune, the Redskins are expected to lose a whopping seven linebackers, including veteran London Fletcher. The organization is also expected to lose three safeties to free agency, which does not help an already-struggling secondary. During this free agency period, I'm expecting to Washington Redskins to spend the majority of their $29.5 million in cap space on linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. I'm expecting this team to make more moves during free agency than other teams due to the fact that the Redskins do not have a first-round pick*. If the Washington Redskins can improve the back seven of their defense during this free agency period, then I believe that this team could be a surprise once the 2014 NFL season starts.
Although they didn't win until week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, the 2013 season was not a complete train wreck for the New York Giants, going 7-9. When looking at the needs of this team, nearly every position could use improvement, besides quarterback. Their pass rush was not what it was back in 2011, the secondary was average, and the entire offense played poorly. Like many other teams heading into free agency, upgrading along the Giants' offensive and defensive line are major priorities. Both the offensive and defensive line played awfully last season, which was very uncharacteristic of the New York Giants. This is exaggerated even more by the multiple players expected to leave for free agency, like Justin Tuck and Kevin Boothe. These obviously aren't the only problems, and the Giants could also improve in the running game, which was one of the worst in the NFL. Although the front office does not have nearly enough money to fix all of the Giants' problems, they do have about $19 million in cap space and should be able to sign a couple of good players during free agency. I'm expecting the New York Giants to sign multiple lineman on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, and then New York might be able to fight for the division again.
The 2013-2014 season for the Washington Redskins can be explained with one word: disaster. Their offense was inconsistent, their quarterback was recovering from an awful knee injury, and their defense was one of the worst in the league. Although their offense was not great, the Redskins' awful defense is clearly the biggest issue heading into this off-season. Throughout last season, the Washington Redskins gave up nearly 30 points per game, which is tied for worst in the entire league. This defense was only average at best against both the run and the pass, and can be improved in almost every position. Only adding to the misfortune, the Redskins are expected to lose a whopping seven linebackers, including veteran London Fletcher. The organization is also expected to lose three safeties to free agency, which does not help an already-struggling secondary. During this free agency period, I'm expecting to Washington Redskins to spend the majority of their $29.5 million in cap space on linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. I'm expecting this team to make more moves during free agency than other teams due to the fact that the Redskins do not have a first-round pick*. If the Washington Redskins can improve the back seven of their defense during this free agency period, then I believe that this team could be a surprise once the 2014 NFL season starts.
*Side-note: The Washington Redskins do not have a first-round pick during this year's NFL Draft because it was traded to the St. Louis Rams for Robert Griffin III during the 2012 Draft.*
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