The NFL's 'legal tampering' period is set to begin, with teams eager to navigate the rising salary cap landscape. As the official start of free agency approaches, the anticipation only heightens. Among the teams with the most cap space, New England leads with over $127 million, while teams like the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns find themselves in a challenging position with negative cap space. Key free agents like Sam Darnold and Tee Higgins are expected to attract significant attention, as teams look to bolster their rosters ahead of the new season.

Quarterbacks in particular are under the spotlight, with Darnold possibly transitioning from the Vikings to teams like the Giants or Raiders. Russell Wilson's performance raises questions about his future, while Aaron Rodgers, despite his legendary status, may struggle to find a fit. The running back market features Aaron Jones and Najee Harris, both of whom present intriguing options. As teams make their moves, the upcoming free agency period promises to reshape the league's landscape.

The Cleveland Browns face tough offseason decisions as Myles Garrett seeks a trade and Nick Chubb approaches free agency. Chubb, beloved in Cleveland for his character and performance, may not return despite being a franchise staple, drawing criticism from analyst Adam 'The Bull' Gerstenhaber. He emphasized Chubb's dedication to football and the community, questioning the Browns’ commitment to keeping a player who embodies their values. Chubb’s recent ACL injury has raised doubts about his performance, fueling worries about his future with the team.

The Cleveland Browns have restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract, freeing up nearly $36 million in salary cap space, essential for compliance ahead of the new league year. Prior to this, the Browns were $22 million over the cap. Watson's deal, signed in 2022, guarantees him $230 million over five years, with $46 million owed in both the upcoming seasons. This restructuring allows the franchise to remain active in free agency while focusing on Watson's recovery from his Achilles injury.

General manager Andrew Berry reassured fans that the situation is not hindering their plans, with expectations for Watson to miss significant time as he continues to rehab. With the second overall pick in the draft, speculation is growing that the Browns may pursue a quarterback, hosting top prospects for interviews this week.