MORE FROM Jason Fitzgerald

Antonio Brown faces uphill battle in contract talks with Steelers

Antonio Brown is the most underpaid veteran in the NFL.

Von Miller contract breakdown: Comparing it to other defensive stars

Von Miller signed the richest contract ever for a defensive player, but it trails some other deals in a few departments. Our salary cap expert broke it all down.

NFL contract predictions for Von Miller and others with deadlines looming

Will these players and teams reach deals by Friday's deadline?

Simple solution to Von Miller-Broncos contract standoff lies in signing bonus

The Von Miller negotiations should be easy for the Broncos. After all, they just did the same thing with Demaryius Thomas.

Jets missed boat on Muhammad Wilkerson deal, must carefully swim away from DE

New York had its chances to extend the star defensive end but dragged its feet. Now the Jets are stuck.

Saints must pay to watch Drew Brees fight Father Time

Drew Brees' contract extension will be difficult for the Saints to work though, but they don't have much of a choice.

Veteran NFL free agents still available on the cheap

Here is a look at the NFL's top remaining unrestricted free agents.

Should he stay or go: Analyzing what's best for Sam Bradford, Eagles

The Eagles traded for the No. 2 pick and plan to take a quarterback. That didn't make Bradford happy.

Josh Norman might not like his free agency reality check

Josh Norman, for a number of reasons, picked a terrible year find himself in such a situation.

Josh Norman wants a free-agent payday, but who can pay up?

The All-Pro corner might not find what he's looking for in free agency.

Seahawks' O-line ignorance an early offseason head-scratcher

If Russell Wilson struggles with pressure this season, the Seattle front office will have itself to blame.

Best, worst salary cap situations for NFL free agency

Salary cap space is key for NFL free agency. Here are the three teams with the most and least to spend this year.

Faltering Seahawks face major roster shake-up for 2016, beyond

Seattle's upcoming roster decisions — on Marshawn Lynch, Kam Chancellor, Michael Bennett, Jimmy Graham and other key players — will not be easy.

Marshawn Lynch benchwarming his way out of Seattle

Marshawn Lynch's decision not to play in the wild-card round is another sign of his departure. Given his contract situation, Lynch is likely to end up a free agent after the season.

Will Josh Norman play for the Panthers in 2016?

Carolina has a huge decision to make on Josh Norman, who will become a free agent after the season if not extended or tagged. SN's Jason Fitzgerald breaks down the options for Panthers and their star corner.

Brock Osweiler using Peyton Manning's chips to cash in come free agency

The Broncos built a great team to help Peyton Manning ride off into the sunset. But instead, Brock Osweiler is using the talent around him to maximize his value before he hits the free-agency market.

49er$ had to bench Colin Kaepernick, must escape QB's contract

Thanks to his contract that included an emergency reset button, benched QB Colin Kaepernick probably won't be a San Francisco 49er much longer.

Five worst moves of the offseason: Eagles, Dolphins aren't alone with major blunders

The Dolphins and Eagles get the headlines for most costliest offseason mistakes, but a number of others deserve scrutiny, as well.

Falcons' Devonta Freeman provides great value as Matt Ryan pressure valve

Given his salary and cap charge, Devonta Freeman provided the Falcons absurd value in Week 3. If he keeps it up, the running back could help turn Atlanta into a Super Bowl contender.

Carlos Hyde provides huge bang for minimal 49ers buck

The San Francisco running back dominated Monday night. If he keeps it up, Hyde could be come one of the better values at any position in the NFL this season.

New contracts for Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Justin Houston carry big costs, big consequences

Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and Justin Houston have big, new deals. Here's what that means for them, their teams and players still waiting on a payday.

49ers' cap outlook depends on Kap's performance

Colin Kaepernick is not safe if things go further south in San Francisco this year. SN's cap expert breaks down the 49ers' suddenly tricky salary cap situation.

Saints feeling effects of walk on salary cap tightrope

New Orleans fell into the trap of overvaluing talent and doing anything to maintain its core. SN's Jason Fitzgerald explores what the Saints can do as they remake their roster and fix their salary cap situation.

Peyton Manning-invested Broncos may need to ditch 'win now' mode

Expect Denver's impending decisions on high-profile players to give hints about the direction of the franchise.

The NFL's mini free agency: Where will these unsigned veterans land?

Michael Vick, Chris Johnson and Wes Welker highlight a group of veteran free agents that could provide more "bang for your buck."

Rivers trade rumors

If the Chargers are thinking about the future, now is the time to deal Philip Rivers. They'll never have a better chance, and they'll save some money in the process.

Free agency big spenders

Here are the NFL teams that spent the most money in free agency, now that almost all big names are off the market. Which teams actually improved, though?

Top 25 NFL free agents

Running back market

The draft won't meet every team's running back needs. Five of the top 10 rushers in 2014 were veterans. However, that doesn't mean big paydays are in store in free agency.

Bargain bin of free-agent running backs stuffed with talent

Running back market

The draft won't meet every team's running back needs. Five of the top 10 rushers in 2014 were veterans. However, that doesn't mean big paydays are in store in free agency.

Free agent pass rushers

Between Greg Hardy, Justin Houston, Jason Pierre-Paul and more, the pass rushers of NFL free agency offer plenty opportunities for teams to purchase vital pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Top 25 free agents: Cowboys in a pinch, Suh aiming high

Cowboys lack cap room to retain key players, must prioritize

Dallas' salary cap situation

There's a good chance the Cowboys will look very different in 2015. Sporting News salary cap expert Jason Fitzgerald explains Dallas' tough free-agency situation.

Teams with best and worst salary cap situations

Big-name players fear salary cap casualty fate

Future free agents?

Sporting News contributor Jason Fitzgerald looks at some big-name players who may find themselves joining the NFL free agent frenzy in March.

All-Bargain team: Best bang for the buck players

To buy or not to buy: That is the Browns' Brian Hoyer question

Cleveland's starting quarterback becomes a free agent after this season. With Hoyer playing well and superstar rookie Johnny Manziel waiting on the bench, what should the Browns do?

Jets turmoil a product of John Idzik's suspicious spending, failed decisions

It’s hard for the Jets right now to look in the mirror and not see the Raiders staring back.

Tom Brady's poor play forces Patriots to mull exit strategy

New England needs a plan in case quarterback Tom Brady's poor play continues.

Winless NFL teams suffer from 'straight cash, homie' approach

The Buccaneers, Jaguars and Raiders are all terrible football teams, and each of their roster-management philosophies can be blamed.

Adrian Peterson still can be traded; any takers?

The Vikings running back can still be traded or released while on the exempt list, but either route would be tough Minnesota to pull off.

Dalton contract with Bengals sets middle-class market for QBs

Saints' strategy

The Saints’ overall roster construction is modeled on a strategy of “buy now, pay later,” a concept that Jimmy Graham’s contract illustrates. This strategy can pay big dividends, but it can also sink a franchise in the future.