NFL free agency 2023: Ranking the most intriguing teams from 1-32 heading into start of new league year

The new NFL league year is almost here and teams will be scrambling to get below the salary cap in order to make a run at the top free agents. While the new league year starts Wednesday, all 32 teams will have the opportunity to talk to free agents on Monday as part of the legal tampering period. 

Not only will there be negotiating with free agents, but trades for star players will also be in the works (and agreed upon). Some teams are one leg up on the opposition thanks to the large amount of salary cap space available (see Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders) — and are expected to be active come the start of the legal tampering period. 

Other teams have set their sights on the 2023 NFL Draft, as four (Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles) have multiple first-round picks at their disposal. These teams are also expected to be active in free agency, adding more intrigue in what is to be an exciting offseason.

With the new league year set to begin, let’s take a look at the most intriguing teams entering free agency. These rankings are based on the franchise’s available salary cap space, the players they could be in play for over the coming days, and the amount of high draft picks at their disposal. 

Note: Salary cap space per Over the Cap as of Friday morning

• Salary cap space: -$1,521,881
• Draft picks in first 3 rounds: 3

All the attention goes to this Jets team because of their desperation to find a franchise quarterback, especially since New York appears to be on the verge of acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. If the Jets acquire Rodgers, it’s the biggest story of the NFL offseason.

How will the Jets build around Rodgers? What players will he recruit to New York? How will Rodgers fare in the bright lights of New York? 

The Jets haven’t had a 4,000-yard passer since Joe Namath (1967) and only one quarterback to throw 30 touchdowns in a season (Ryan Fitzpatrick, 2015). They haven’t made the playoffs since 2010. Acquiring Rodgers is a huge deal. 

• Salary cap space: -$8,356,018
• Draft picks in first 3 rounds: 2

The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson, allowing him to negotiate with any team come the start of the legal tampering period. The ongoing contract saga with Jackson will finally come to an end, as the Ravens can match an offer from any team and that will…