The free-agency period in March would be a much more tense situation for the Baltimore Ravens if they hadn't extended the contracts of guard Marshal Yanda, cornerback Jimmy Smith, safety Will Hill and punter Sam Koch before the end of this season.
Now, the Ravens are faced with only three starters (offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, linebacker Courtney Upshaw and cornerback Shareece Wright) who are set to become unrestricted free agents on March 15.
Baltimore has $144.4 million committed to the 2016 cap, which means the Ravens could have anywhere from $5.5 million to $9 million of cap space depending on the cap limit set by the league. The Ravens could create between $8-$10 million when they lower quarterback Joe Flacco's $28.55-million cap figure.
Here are the Ravens' top 10 free agents (including restricted free agents):
1. Kelechi Osemele, offensive tackle: He will undoubtedly draw the most interest in free agency. Osemele is a Pro Bowl-quality guard who proved to be a capable left tackle in the last three games. So did Osemele price himself out of the Ravens' range by playing tackle, or did he increase his chances of returning? Osemele said he has spoken to general manager Ozzie Newsome about how the move could help him remain in Baltimore. The Ravens will need a left tackle if they release Eugene Monroe. History isn't on Osemele's side. The Ravens have only re-signed two of their second-round picks (linebacker Jamie Sharper and running back Ray Rice) to long-term deals in franchise history.
2. Justin Tucker, kicker: The Ravens aren't going to let the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history walk this offseason. Baltimore will either sign Tucker to a long-term deal or place the franchise tag on him. The deadline to use the tag is March 7, and it will cost a projected $4.5 million to retain him. His next multi-year contract probably will make him among the highest-paid kickers in the league. New England's Stephen Gostkowski signed the richest deal for a kicker, agreeing to a four-year, $17.2 million contract that includes $10.1 million guaranteed.
3. Kamar Aiken, wide receiver (restricted): The Ravens are going to have to decide whether to protect him with a second-round tender or risk losing him with a low tender. Aiken certainly proved he is a starter in the NFL by leading the Ravens with 75 catches for 944 yards and five touchdowns. The problem is, Aiken is a similar receiver to Steve Smith Sr. and they run the same routes. The Ravens need to add more explosive receivers.
4. Courtney Upshaw, outside linebacker: He's gained the reputation for doing a lot of the dirty work, especially when it comes to setting the edge against the run. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Ravens retain him because he didn't put up big pass rush numbers in a contract year like Pernell McPhee did last year.
5. Shareece Wright, cornerback: His value will increase this offseason if the Ravens decide to switch Lardarius Webb to free safety and cut Kyle Arrington. He's a good No. 3 or No. 4 corner who can start in a pinch.
6. Albert McClellan, linebacker: The Ravens believe he's one of the best special teams linebackers in the game.
7. Zachary Orr, linebacker (RFA): He's a core special teams player who could get an increased role if Daryl Smith is a cap cut.
8. Ryan Jensen, offensive lineman (RFA): He exceeded expectations in six starts this season, but he still projects as a backup.
9. Jimmy Clausen, quarterback: Ryan Mallett is the favorite to back up Joe Flacco next season, but Mallett's history of behavior problems means the Ravens need a safety net. Clausen is familiar with Marc Trestman's offense and can be brought back at a bargain. With Flacco not expected to be ready until training camp, the Ravens are going to need another arm in addition to Mallett.
10. Morgan Cox, long snapper: While Justin Tucker and Sam Koch make the Pro Bowl, few know about Cox. For a long snapper, that's the best compliment. It means he's not making mistakes.