5 NFL teams with the lowest cap space heading into 2022 season

NFL teams with the least remaining current salary cap space during the 2022 offseason

#3 - New England Patriots - $1.88 million

New England Patriots head coach and general manager Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick has long been known as one of the absolute greatest head coaches in NFL history, but his reputation as a general manager is much more questionable. In a shocking move during the 2022 offseason, he allowed cornerback JC Jackson to leave during the free agency period rather than lock him up with a long-term contract extension.

While the Patriots are somewhat of a difficult salary cap situation, there are always ways to make adjustments to keep a star player. Belichick and the Patriots opted not to do so with Jackson, who has the most interceptions in the NFL over the last two seasons combined.

#2 - Tennessee Titans - $1.78 million

Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson

The Tennessee Titans find themselves in a difficult spot right now. Young star wide receiver AJ Brown is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has recently claimed that he won't play this season unless he receives a brand new contract extension.

AJ Brown is a crucial part of their offense, even more so now that they have released Julio Jones. The Titans will likely need to find a way to free up cap space to solve this issue, or they will risk losing one of their best players.

#1 - San Francisco 49ers - $1.55 million

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch

The San Francisco 49ers face a similar situation as the Tennessee Titans with their young superstar wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who is also entering the final year of his rookie contract and is threatening to sit out the year if he doesn't receive an extension. The 49ers have been shopping Jimmy Garoppolo in the trade market, so they may be trying to wait to get his money off the books before extending Samuel.