6 Trades That NFL Teams Can Make for Cap-Space Relief

All 32 NFL teams must be salary-cap compliant within the next week. Some will clear cap space by releasing and trading players to make room for free-agent acquisitions.

For teams like the New Orleans Saints, who are leaning toward retaining quarterback Derek Carr, it's best to rework high-profile player contracts. But several teams have trade assets that they can move to get under the cap threshold.

Among teams with less than $25 million in cap space, we've come up with six trades that can give those clubs immediate cap relief heading into the new league year.

All team cap information and player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.

Atlanta Falcons Trade DT Grady Jarrett to the Arizona Cardinals

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Falcons DT Grady Jarrett

Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot told reporters he's willing to keep Kirk Cousins as a backup. Though that's hard to believe with the quarterback's $40 million cap number, the Falcons would only save $2.5 million in cap space if they dealt him before June 1.

Since the Falcons are currently $5.3 million over the salary cap, they might hope that a team shows interest in defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. If they find a trade partner for him, they'd save about $16.3 million cap space.

After missing nine games in 2023, Jarrett suited up for every contest last season, registering 53 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 18 pressures and 2.5 sacks. Though his sack number was low, he recorded 12 quarterback hits.

Last year, the Arizona Cardinals ranked 25th in yards allowed per carry and finished in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards (20th) and touchdowns allowed (18th). Even if Jarrett doesn't log more than a handful of sacks, the Cardinals could use a big body up front to stop the run and create pass-rushing lanes for second-level defenders.

Baltimore Ravens Trade TE Mark Andrews to the Los Angeles Chargers

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Ravens TE Mark Andrews

After Mark Andrews dropped a game-tying two-point conversion in the Baltimore Ravens' divisional-round loss to the Buffalo Bills, head coach John Harbaugh backed the tight end as a "huge part" of the team's future.

The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec believes the Ravens will retain Andrews, but he also thinks Baltimore would consider trading him for proper compensation.

"My read is that they are keeping their options open," Zrebiec posted on X. "And if other teams call about Andrews, they are going to certainly listen and could be compelled to deal him for right offer. But I'd still be surprised if they move on without legit trade offer."

If the Ravens deal Andrews, they could recoup $11 million in cap space, which they could use to re-sign left tackle Ronnie Stanley.

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator and former Ravens play-caller Greg Roman may be interested in a reunion with Andrews. Under Roman, Andrews made the Pro Bowl three times.

The Chargers need a consistent pass-catcher other than Ladd McConkey. No other player on the roster finished with more than 55 receptions last season.

Tight end Will Dissly had a decent role in the Chargers offense, hauling in 50 passes for 481 yards and two touchdowns. Andrews would be a solid upgrade over him, though.

Buffalo Buffalo Bills Trade Edge Von Miller to the Chicago Bears

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Bills EDGE Von Miller

At 35, Von Miller is no longer an every-down pass-rusher. He tore his ACL at the end of his first year with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, and he played less than 34 percent of the defensive snaps in 2023 and 2024.

Last season, Miller recorded six sacks, 16 pressures and seven tackles for loss. He can be an effective designated pass-rusher, though Mark Gaughan of Buffalo News expects the Bills to release him.

However, a team with a ton of cap space like the Chicago Bears may be willing to acquire the 14-year veteran.

The Bears can mix and match a young pass-rusher with Miller opposite of Montez Sweat on the edge. In Chicago, Miller would reunite with Dennis Allen, who was his first defensive coordinator in the NFL.

The Bills are $9.7 million over the salary-cap limit, but trading Miller would save them $8.4 million.

Cleveland Browns Trade Edge Myles Garrett to the Washington Commanders

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Browns EDGE Myles Garrett

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cleveland Browns are "dug in" on keeping Myles Garrett, who requested a trade early in February. However, Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reported that Garrett is "not open to" an extension with the Browns.

The Browns don't have much financial incentive to give into Garrett's request. Trading him before June 1 would cost them an extra $16.5 million, while dealing him after June 1 would save them $5.0 million.

However, trading Garrett could net them some premium draft capital, which would allow them to initiate a full rebuild. The Browns could consider taking edge-rusher Abdul Carter with the second overall pick in the upcoming draft and address other positions of need with picks from a blockbuster Garrett trade.

During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Garrett mentioned the Washington Commanders as a team that could use a pass-rusher like him.

The Commanders have already agreed to terms on a trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. However, they still have enough cap space ($64.3 million) to pull off a deal for Garrett as well.

The six-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year would significantly improve Washington's middling defense.

Cleveland Browns Trade CB Greg Newsome II to the Carolina Panthers

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Browns CB Greg Newsome II

The Browns are $23.2 million over the salary cap, so if the standoff between the front office and Myles Garrett lingers headed into the new league year, they'll still need to make moves before March 12.

Besides a trade involving Garrett, the Browns can also deal cornerback Greg Newsome II for immediate cap relief, saving $13.4 million.

Newsome is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He is coming off a down season, allowing a 112.5 passer rating. In his best campaign (2023), he recorded 14 pass breakups and two interceptions, but the 24-year-old has missed seven games over the last two seasons.

Cleveland could move on from Newsome a year early and pick up a draft pick for him if it embarks upon a rebuild this offseason.

Perhaps the Carolina Panthers show interest in Newsome because of their need at cornerback. Jaycee Horn has struggled to stay healthy, missing 31 games in four seasons, and Mike Jackson will be a free agent.

The Panthers gave up the most points and yards of any team last season, so they should take advantage of any opportunity to bolster their defense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade CB Jamel Dean to the Minnesota Vikings

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have $7.8 million in cap space. If they want more financial flexibility, they can continue to reshape the secondary, particularly on the boundary.

Last offseason, the Buccaneers traded veteran cornerback Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions. This year, they could move Jamel Dean, who's going into the third term of a contract that has no guaranteed money left on it.

Since signing an extension in 2023, Dean has missed nine games and has recorded 11 pass breakups and only one interception. Tampa Bay might be eager to trade him for a draft pick and get some cap relief.

While healthy, Dean can be a serviceable starting cornerback. The Minnesota Vikings should be interested in him if he's available. The Vikings have four cornerbacks—Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Fabian Moreau—with expiring contracts.

With nearly $63 million in cap space, Minnesota can make a splash on the cornerback trade market.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.