4 NFL Teams That Will Be Hit Hardest By Free Agency Losses

Free agency can be a harsh mistress in the NFL. Your favorite team might have been inches away from taking that next step, only to lose two of their best players on the open market.

With several starters on both sides of the ball that could end up poached away from them by organizations with more money to spend this offseason, these four teams may endure a hard-hitting free agency.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Tampa is still entertaining the possibility of bringing back Jameis Winston, but they need to focus on defense to make sure Todd Bowles' unit continues to excel next season. 2019 sacks leader Shaquil Barrett is a free agent, as is Jason Pierre-Paul, who has 21 sacks over the last two years. Throw No. 3 wide receiver Breshad Perriman into that free agent mix, and you could have a recipe for disaster in Tampa over the next few weeks.

3. Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams LB Cory Littleton / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

The monster contracts given out to Jared Goff and Todd Gurley will make it tough for the Rams, who don't have a first round pick until 2022, to be a force in free agency. The team also has to back up the brinks truck to lock down Jalen Ramsey. With leading tackler and rising star Cory Littleton, veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth, dominant pass rusher Dante Fowler, and versatile defensive lineman Michael Brockers all slated for free agency, LA will be able to retain at most one or two of those pieces.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Cowboys have some of the most high-profile free agents this offseason. Quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver Amari Cooper, cornerback Byron Jones, and pass rusher Robert Quinn will all be available once the new league year starts. Prescott will likely be retained by virtue of the position he plays, which means that an 8-8 team from last year could be without a speedy pass rusher, a versatile defensive back, and one of the best wide receivers in the game next season.

1. New England Patriots

New England Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Even if Tom Brady decided to come back to New England, which is the farthest thing from a guarantee right now, the Patriots could lose some major pieces. A year after letting Trey Flowers walk, star linebacker Kyle Van Noy is set to enter free agency. Joe Thuney has quickly become one of the best run-blocking guards in football, and any number of teams could price New England out of retaining the former NC State star who is also set for the open market. With Devin McCourty, Danny Shelton, and Jamie Collins, three of New England's best defensive players, also scheduled for free agency, that roster could look a lot different next season.