Having the money is one thing. But spending it is another.
The Oakland Raiders ($56.5 million) and Jacksonville Jaguars ($66.8 million) are scheduled to have the most salary cap space in the NFL this offseason. The pair is also two of 10 teams that are under the minimum spending threshold that requires every NFL team to spend at least 89 percent of the salary cap. That means that not only do the Raiders and Jaguars have the prerequisite cap space to make big moves in free agency this year, but those moves will actually be necessary to satisfy league rules.
"The system pretty much mandates the Jaguars and Raiders to be the biggest players in free agency," ESPN's John Clayton wrote. "After two years of the minimum spend period, the Raiders are at 80.19 percent of the 2011 and 2012 caps. The Jaguars are at 82.19 percent."
Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons, but both are also pleased with the promise of their second-year quarterbacks. Oakland wants to build around Derek Carr after he impressed last year, while Jacksonville believes Blake Bortles can develop into a franchise QB. The Raiders and Jaguars will have to add a lot of talent to their respective rosters, however, if they hope to push each quarterback to their ceilings. That's where free agency comes in.
"Don't be surprised if the Raiders make moves on four or five high-priced unrestricted free agents," Clayton wrote. "The Jaguars could move on three or four big names. You could see tight end Julius Thomas and cornerback Byron Maxwell heading to Jacksonville, while the Raiders could go for defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, center Rodney Hudson, tight end Jordan Cameron and a top receiver who doesn't get franchised."
Speaking of receivers, Randall Cobb has been mentioned as a possibility for Oakland should he reach the open market.
Good teams normally build the foundations of its roster through the draft. That formula may still be the best option, but it is not the only option. For the Raiders and Jaguars, free agency will act as a necessary team-building source. Fans should expect some high-profile new names on their teams once free agency opens later this month.
