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Current Salary Cap Space: $3,455,842 (Based on a $150 million base salary cap)
Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: LT Kelvin Beachum, CB William Gay, LG Ramon Foster, S Will Allen, CB Brandon Boykin, DT Steve McClendon, CB Antwon Blake
Potential Cap Casualties and Savings: LB Lawrence Timmons ($8.8M), Cortez Allen ($1.7M)
Early Draft Picks: #25, #58, #89
Outlook: The Steelers are tight against the projected salary cap and may be forced to release longtime defensive leader Timmons. Improving their pass defense with depth at both cornerback and safety will be a focus for the Ravens arch rival. LT Alejandro Villanueva looks poised to take over for Beachum, yet the Steelers could always bolster the protection for injury prone QB Ben Roethlisberger.
Current Salary Cap Space: $33,873,157
Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: FS Reggie Nelson, CB Adam Jones, SS George Iloka, WR Marvin Jones, RT Andre Smith, WR Mohamed Sanu, CB Leon Hall, LB Vincent Rey, DE Wallace Gilberry
Potential Cap Casualties and Savings: A.J. Hawk ($1.4M)
Early Draft Picks: #24, #55, #87
Outlook: Following an embarrassing playoff meltdown, the Bengals have some big decisions to make. Deciding on which defensive backs to resign should be their first priority, along with drafting a WR to pair with star A.J. Green and a center to improve their rush offense. The Bengals have plenty of cap space and already drafted a successor to Andre Smith in the last draft, however, owner Mike Brown has been notoriously stingy.
Current Salary Cap Space: $33,223,128
Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: RT Mitchell Schwartz, WR Travis Benjamin, FS Tashaun Gibson, ILB Craig Robertson
Potential Cap Casualties and Savings: QB Johnny Manziel (-$2.1M), WR Dwayne Bowe ($3.4M)
Early Draft Picks: #2, #32, #65
Outlook: Newly hired Browns head coach Hue Jackson will likely use his first draft pick on a franchise QB to groom, and surround him with offensive playmakers early in the draft, especially if Benjamin flees to a contender. The Browns may also look to upgrade their run defense and will hope for a bounce back season from injured CB Joe Haden.