With McMichael/Protas locked in team friendly deals (at least for one more year for McMichael) and the cap going up, there will be plenty of room. Further, Chychrun is young enough (26) that a 7 or 8 year deal doesn't scare me.
The only question I have is whether Chychrun fits long term next to Roy, which I think he does. My guess is that Chychrun - Roy will be the top pair for a few years after Carlson retires unless one of the RHD prospects (Iorio / Chesley / Allen / someone not drafted yet) develops into something special.
Don’t sleep on Sandin as a top pair D. The hurt is still out, but the evidence is swinging back towards a def top 4 player.
Caps will also have Carlsons 8m or whatever to spend on a top 4D, when that time comes. Would love that to be on an internal candidate, but barring that — shop and/or trade for it.
IF the Caps can resign JC6 for a 7-8m a yr deal, I think we Roy and Sandin being who they are, they will be pretty set up for a good 4-5yrs. Regardless of Fever or and of the other kids stepping up.