3 big thoughts

3 big thoughts

- Rick Snider

FREE AGENCY NEEDS A LIGHTER TOUCH

Washington is expected to have the fifth most money to spend under the salary cap this season, but that’s not saying the team can go crazy.

The salary cap will fall from $198 million last season to around $180 million this year because of lost revenues pertaining to the pandemic. The number may not be set until free agency begins on March 17 because the NFL is still finalizing its new TV contracts.

Washington will have around $40 million to spend. But, that’s a moving target. You can add $14 million if quarterback Alex Smith leaves, but deduct $15 million if re-signing guard Brandon Scherff. And, Smith’s successor will take some of the cap space, too.

Washington has cap room because it went with more younger players in the last few years. But, they’ll start getting paid as free agents in 2022 when both defensive linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are off rookie deals. Washington can carry over unused 2021 funds to help keep those players so it can’t empty the bank now.

Translation – don’t look for splashy free agency deals. Maybe one. Could be a receiver. But, pandemic losses hurt the NFL just like everyone else.

DRAFT A PASSER IN FIRST ROUND