Every Team's Most Likely Cap Casualties Ahead of 2026 NFL Offseason

The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are preparing for Super Bowl LX. The other 30 teams around the NFL can start getting ready for next year's Lombardi Trophy chase.

That means cracking open the books and digging out of a salary-cap hole for more than a third of the league's teams. There are 12 teams that are projected to have work to do just to be cap compliant when the new league year starts on March 11.

A lot of that work is going to take the form of contract extensions and restructures. Teams can manipulate their cap picture by pushing money into future years and even add void years onto existing contracts.

The more straightforward way to create more cap is through a straight-up release, though. Players across the league will unfortunately get cut for financial and performance issues as teams get their budgets set for offseason spending.

Below, we'll look at the three most likely cap casualties for every team based on factors such as cap space, player contracts, roster makeup and team trajectory.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

Cardinals DT Dalvin Tomlinson

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $30.4 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. DT Dalvin Tomlinson - $9.4 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Tomlinson is set to be one of the Cardinals' highest-paid players. That's not likely to wind up being the case as Tomlinson is going to be 32 in February and played less than 50 percent of the defensive snaps for the first time in his career.

The reduced load didn't lead to better play. He only had one sack and ranked 120th of the 134 interior defenders graded by PFF last season.

2. DT Bilal Nichols - $5.8 million

This will likely be an even easier decision than Tomlinson. Nichols has only played 10 games over the last two seasons and hasn't registered a sack.

With Robert Saleh coming in as the new head coach, the defensive line will be a point of emphasis. The new coaching staff will inevitably want to bring in some of their own guys at the position so an expensive veteran who hasn't been healthy will be an easy cut.

3. RB James Conner - $7.6 million

James Conner has been the cornerstone of the Cardinals rushing attack for nearly five years, but that run could be coming to an end. A broken foot limited him to just three games this season and he'll be 31 in May.

The Cardinals would only be on the hook for a little over $2 million if they cut him. With a new coaching staff coming in it would make a lot of sense for them to move on from the veteran back.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Falcons WR Darnell Mooney

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $18.2 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. QB Kirk Cousins - -$10.4 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Falcons have already put this cut in motion. While they won't actually save money on the cap, Cousins and the franchise have already agreed on a restructured contract that will allow them to cut him with a post-June 1 designation and only lose out on $10.4 million.

The only caveat is that they would need to make the move before March 13. That's when there's a vesting guarantee that would cost them $67.9 million in 2027. The cut is notable because Michael Penix Jr.'s season was ended by an ACL tear and the quarterback might not be able to start the season.

2. WR Darnell Mooney - $7.4 million

Darnell Mooney looked like a good addition to the Falcons offense in 2023, but his second season in Atlanta was a different story. The receiver was woefully inefficient with 32 receptions on 72 targets and just one touchdown. In reality, that production is much more in line with his production at the end of his time in Chicago.

With Stefanski and Tommy Rees coming in it wouldn't be surprised if they opted to get a bit bigger at the position and pocket the cap savings.

3. WR KhaDarel Hodge - $2.6 million

There isn't a ton of cap savings here, but every bit counts. Hodge played for Stefanski in Cleveland during the 2020 season, but he was let go the next year. That's a good harbinger of what's to come for him in Atlanta.

Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $13.9 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. DL Broderick Washington - $4 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Ravens don't have a ton of cap space, but they also don't have a lot of easy-to-identify cap casualties. Most of their salary cap creation is going to come down to strategic restructures and maybe a post-June 1 release if they feel like they'll need to create an operation budget for the summer and the season.

Washington is one of the few who can clear significant cap space with a simple release. The defensive tackle only ended up playing 102 snaps this season due to injury. When he was on the field he earned a miserable 30.4 grade from PFF. The Ravens might be better off cutting their losses and going younger on the defensive line.

2. RB Justice Hill - $3.1 million

Justice Hill has been with the Ravens since 2019, but cap constraints and the transition to Jesse Minter as head coach could bring that run to a close. Hill only played in 10 games this season and ended the year on injured reserve with a neck injury.

The new regime will likely want to find their own cheaper backup running back than bring back a 28-year-old with an extensive injury history.

3. CB Marlon Humphrey - $7.3 million

Humphrey is last on this list because it feels unlikely that they would actually give him an outright release. But their cap situation and his play this season make it a possibility. Humphrey gave up a career-high 920 passing yards when targeted this season.

A post-June 1 cut would offer a huge cap savings. The $19.3 million they would carve out in cap space could fund the traditional late offseason signing the Ravens typically pull off with plenty of space to make it through the season.

The problem is that he's still a valuable member of their secondary that won't be easily replaced.

Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Bart Young

Bills TE Dawson Knox

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$14 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. WR Curtis Samuel - $6.1 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Regardless of who gets the Buffalo Bills head coaching job, there are bound to be some changes on offense. The Bills are in the red when it comes to cap space and will need to do what they can to get their books in a good place for the offseason.

That puts Curtis Samuel on the chopping block pretty quickly. The 29-year-old only played six games this season and spent time on injured reserve before coming back from the playoffs.

Still, it's not easy to justify paying him $9.5 million next season when much of that would be wiped from their cap spending if they release him.

2. TE Dawson Knox - $9.7 million

Cutting Knox is a much more difficult sell. He's been a consistent presence in the Bills offense for the last seven years, but Dalton Kincaid has taken over as the team's top tight end. Unless the new coach is going to live in two-tight end sets, it doesn't make a lot of sense to pay a second tight end that much money.

Knox could be an interesting trade candidate, but if the Bills can't find a buyer then he is the player who can create the most cap space if he's released. That might mean the Bills move on this spring.

3. S Taylor Rapp - $3.1 million

Sean McDermott's departure means changes are definitely on the way for the defense. He was the architect of the unit and Rapp was brought in as a veteran who could help stabilize the safety room.

Unfortunately, he had a rough year. He only played in six games before he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. It wouldn't be surprising if he is not in Brandon Beane's plans in 2026.

Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Panthers DT A'Shawn Robinson

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $9.1 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. DT A'Shawn Robinson - $10.5 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

A'Shawn Robinson is set up to be a textbook cap casualty. He was a solid player for the Panthers this season and played an important role in the success of their defense. Unfortunately for him, the next year on his contract might price him out of their plans.

Nearly all of his $12.6 million cap hit can be shed if they cut him. He'll be 31 in March so the Panthers would have to be really confident that he'll continue producing to be willing to pay that price with their cap situation.

2. Edge Patrick Jones II - $4.8 million

The Panthers were 31st in pressure rate this season. Patrick Jones II can't really be blamed for that. He missed all but four games this season with a back injury. He had just one sack in those four games to start the season.

He's set to account for a $10.1 million cap hit, which might be a little more than the Panthers really want to pay. Jones was a bit of a dice roll in free agency last season and he's an even bigger risk coming off a serious back injury.

3. TE Tommy Tremble - $6 million

Tommy Tremble is a hard player to put a value on. He doesn't rack up receiving yards. But he was on the field for 60 percent of the offensive snaps and he provides some versatility with his ability to block in space. That being said, they can free up $6 million of his $8 million cap hit if they think he can be replaced on the cheap.

Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Bears TE Cole Kmet

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$17.4 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. TE Cole Kmet - $8.4 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Chicago Bears are going to have to perform a bit of a tightrope act this offseason. After having a breakthrough campaign they don't want to shake up the core too much, but they have work to do to be cap compliant by the start of the new league year in March.

That dynamic could make Kmet a logical cap casualty. Colston Loveland was clearly the team's top tight end and led the team in receiving. The Bears are set to pay Kmet $11.6 million this season which is a lot to pay for a second tight end.

2. RB D'Andre Swift - $7.5 million

D'Andre Swift eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time as a Bear. But Kyle Monangai's efficiency and Ben Johnson track record for creating a dynamic rushing attack could have him in cut consideration territory.

The Bears have to find ways to get cheaper at some positions and pairing Monangai with a rookie running back could be a way to do that. Swift averaged 3 yards before contact so the Bears offensive line and scheme were doing a lot of the work for him.

3. LB Tremaine Edmunds - $15 million

Edmunds barely makes the cut because of the role that he plays in the Bears defense. His athleticism in the middle gives the Bears a true threat to match up with tight ends and create some turnovers (four interceptions in 2025). However, cutting Edmunds is the biggest cost-cutting move the Bears could make outside of restructures.

He's set to cost $17.4 million and nearly all of that would be gone if the Bears cut him. He's only 27, but he did miss four games this season with a groin injury. It feels more likely that he would be headed to a contract extension that could push money into the future, but linebacker is not a premium position so a cut could be considered.

Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Bengals DT Tedarrell Slaton

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $46.9 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. DT Tedarrell Slaton - $6.4 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Bengals need to make drastic upgrades along the defensive line. The question is how drastic they want to get. Cincinnati gave up a whopping 5.2 yards per carry on the ground, but Slaton was their best run-stuffing defensive tackle.

Cincinnati signed Slaton to a two-year deal in free agency last season. This year, his cap hit jumps up to $8.9 million. That's not going to break the bank, but it is worth considering whether they could upgrade the position with the savings they would get from cutting him.

2. DT B.J. Hill - $4.8 million

Again, the Bengals defensive line was among the worst in the league at stopping the run. Hill still offers decent pass-rush production for a defensive tackle and chipped in four sacks last season. However, he's going to be 31 in April and this is a defense that just needs a personnel overhaul.

Releasing Hill would be a move that points toward a commitment to getting younger and bringing a little more run defense to the roster.

3. OL Cody Ford - $2.9 million

The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. reported that the Bengals were disappointed that Cody Ford did not show up in shape for camp. The team would have liked him to at least compete for one of their starting guard spots, but that didn't materialize.

That likely makes it an easy decision to cut him and search for another veteran to take that contract.

Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Browns QB Dillon Gabriel

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$24 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. OT Cornelius Lucas - $1.8 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Browns don't find themselves in quite as big a cap-space hole as we've seen them before. They still have some work to do to get cap compliant, but making a lot of cuts won't be the way to do it.

The Browns like to max the credit card every season, so they don't have a lot of money to free up. Restructures will carry a lot of the cap-creating burden.

That makes Cornelius Lucas one of the top cut candidates despite the modest cap savings. The 34-year-old was ranked 87th among the 89 tackles graded by PFF this season. A healthy Dawand Jones and an early draft pick at tackle should make him expendable.

2. IOL Kendrick Green - $1.2 million

Again, there's not a lot of cap savings here, but there aren't many options for Cleveland. The Browns signed Kendrick Green off the Buffalo Bills practice squad in December and he only played one game on special teams.

The new coaching staff is likely to want to find offensive line depth of their own choosing so it wouldn't be surprising for that one game to be the extent of his stay with the Browns.

3. QB Dillon Gabriel - $1.1 million (Post-June 1)

Letting go of Dillon Gabriel wouldn't be a pure cost-cutting move. The franchise seems to be headed toward a split from the rookie who started six games this past season.

Zac Jackson of The Athletic reported that the Browns are likely to go into next season with a quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and a mid-round pick. That makes Gabriel the odd man out and the Browns can get some cap relief out of the deal if they make him a post-June 1 designation.

Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/LM Otero

Cowboys DT Kenny Clark

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$39.4 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. LB Logan Wilson - $6.5 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Some questionable trade decisions will be the theme here. The Cowboys dealt a seventh-round pick for Logan Wilson at the trade deadline. It's not an exorbitant cost, but it also didn't buy them much either.

Wilson was frustrated by his diminishing role in Cincinnati then only ended up playing 50 percent of the defensive snaps in Dallas. The Cowboys have to decide if they want to keep paying the 29-year-old when they have a considerable amount of cap space to clear.

2. DT Kenny Clark - $21.5 million

Here's the painful one for Dallas. Kenny Clark was a key piece in the Micah Parsons trade. Rather than pay their star edge-rusher, they shipped him off to Green Bay and brought in the veteran defensive tackle as part of the deal.

The problem now is that the Cowboys are set to spend over $60 million in cap space on three defensive tackles. Osa Odighizuwa ($20.8 million), Quinnen Williams ($21.6 million) and Clark ($21.5 million) are each set to make over $20 million in 2026. It's pretty hard to justify keeping all three financially and Clark has no guaranteed money.

3. S Malik Hooker - $6.9 million

Malik Hooker has been a mainstay in the Cowboys secondary for the last five seasons, but if the Cowboys are looking to save money he could be gone. He'll turn 30 in April and gave up his worst passer rating since joining Dallas at 131.7 with 11.8 yards per target.

Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $27.5 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. LB Dre Greenlaw - $6 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Broncos are in a nice spot financially so they don't have to get too ruthless to clear space. However, it's worth revisiting the Dre Greenlaw signing. The Broncos inked him to a three-year, $31.5 million contract, but they've left themselves wiggle room to get out of it.

The signing was a bet that Greenlaw could put his injury issues behind him, but that wasn't the case. The 28-year-old was in and out of the lineup this season with groin, ankle, hamstring and quad injuries. He ultimately wound up only playing 58 percent of the snaps in eight games.

2. OL Matt Peart - $3.2 million

There isn't a ton of money to be saved by parting ways with Matt Peart. Then again, the Broncos don't have a ton of ways to add to their cap space through cuts. Peart would be a logical target. He was briefly the team's starting left guard, but he committed three penalties on just 64 snaps before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

It's a brutal business, but that's probably ground for the Broncos moving on and using the money to find more high-upside offensive line depth.

3. TE Evan Engram - $3.8 million

It should be noted that letting go of Evan Engram would only save $3.8 million while taking on a $10.3 million dead cap charge. Engram hasn't been bad enough to warrant that kind money to not play. However, if the Broncos have another tight end target in mind, it would make sense to cut him and use some of that money to go after one.

Ultimately, Engram is scheduled to be the sixth-highest-paid tight end next season. He wasn't quite the difference-maker he was expected to be, but he's not a no-brainer to be cut.

Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Caroline Brehman

Lions OT Taylor Decker

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$16.7 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. IOL Graham Glasgow - $5.6 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Lions were one of the league's biggest disappointments this season. There were many reasons for that, but the offensive line taking a step back was one of the major contributors. Detroit has come to lean on one of the league's best units, but the group could be in a transition period next season.

Part of that transition could include moving on from 33-year-old interior offensive lineman Graham Glasgow. He has spent seven years of his career in Detroit, and his move to center was clutch in the wake of Frank Ragnow's departure. However, he ranked 33rd out of the 38 centers that PFF graded this season and is set to account for an $8.4 million cap hit next season.

2. OT Taylor Decker - $11.6 million

Taylor Decker will be another name to watch in the coming weeks. The veteran tackle mentioned retirement while talking to the media after the season. He is coming off his 10th season in the league and appeared to show his age at points this year.

Sports Info Solutions charged Decker with a career-high 40 "blown blocks" over the course of his 14-game season. That's why he could have taken his last snap with the Lions whether he retires or not.

There would be a market for a tackle with his experience, but the Lions can save a considerable amount of cap space by parting ways this offseason.

3. RB David Montgomery - $3.5 million

David Montgomery was effective in his role and the savings aren't huge. Yet, his role took another step back to Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery had a career-low 158 carries despite playing in 17 games for the first time in his career.

Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/David Dermer

Packers Edge Rashan Gary

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$10.7 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. Edge Rashan Gary - $11 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Rashan Gary is set to cost the Packers $28 million next season. It's the penultimate year in the four-year, $96 million contract he signed in 2023. The huge deal came with the expectation that he would find another gear in his game and continue his ascent at the time.

Instead, Gary has just leveled out and the Packers made the aggressive move to add Micah Parsons. Gary had 7.5 sacks for the second consecutive season. That's just not good enough for a player getting that kind of compensation. Finding a trade partner for Gary would be ideal but a straight-up release clears a considerable number.

2. OL Elgton Jenkins - $19.5 million

This scenario is exactly why Elgton Jenkins sat out OTAs last spring and wanted a re-worked contract. The Packers asked the versatile lineman to move to center and he wanted some assurances about his 2026 salary. Just $4.8 million of his cap hit is guaranteed, leaving $19.5 million in possible space to be slashed by his release.

Unfortunately, Jenkins season makes it more likely that is going to happen. The move to center did not go as planned. He only played nine games due to a fractured fibula and wasn't playing at the level the Packers have become accustomed to from him.

It all points to Jenkins either needing to take a pay cut or accept a release this spring.

3. RB Josh Jacobs - $8.3 million

This one is going to be interesting. On one hand, Jacobs has all the counting stats you'd like to see from a lead back. He had 1,211 yards from scrimmage and scored 14 touchdowns. On the other, he averaged 4 yards per carry and Emanuel Wilson's success rate (58.4 percent) was almost 10 percent higher than Jacobs'.

Jacobs has been solid, but he's set to be the fourth-highest-paid back in 2026. The Packers will need to at least think about whether that's the right move for them.

Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Texans RB Joe Mixon

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$14.2 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. RB Joe Mixon - $8 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

This one's a no-brainer for the Texans at this point. Joe Mixon missed the entire season with a foot injury and Woody Marks posted 911 yards from scrimmage in his rookie season. If the Texans can get that kind of production out of a fourth-round pick then it stands to reason they can cut Mixon and use another draft pick to add to the backfield.

Mixon is a good bet to be headed to free agency as the Texans moved on just fine in 2025 and need the cash elsewhere.

2. DT Mario Edwards Jr. - $4.4 million

Mario Edwards Jr. should draw some scrutiny from the front office as they evaluate their cap situation. He started 12 games for the Texans in his first year with the team in 2024. This year, his role was much more rotational. He played just 33 percent of the defensive snaps and posted 1.5 sacks.

At 32 years old, it's not likely that Edwards would claim a bigger role in 2026. The Texans need to get younger at the position as they are currently relying on a lot of veterans right now.

3. TE Dalton Schultz - $5.6 million

If the Texans were to decide to part ways with Dalton Schultz, he would be a true cap casualty. There's no reason to rush him out the door based on his level of play. But the cap savings needs to be discussed because the Texans are in the hole right now.

Schultz turned 106 targets into 82 receptions for 777 yards and three touchdowns this season. It's a solid season, but Schultz will be 30 years old in July so he could at least be on the radar.

Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr.

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $26.9 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. DT Grover Stewart - $12.3 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Grover Stewart has been a cog in the Colts defensive line since he was drafted in 2017. The 32-year-old still started every game over the last two seasons, but there comes a time when it's fair to wonder if he's worth the cost. The nose tackle is set to account for a $14.3 million cap hit.

That's a lot to pay a run-stuffing nose tackle who will be 33 next season. The Colts might look like they have cap space on paper, but they also have to re-sign Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. Those re-signings won't be cheap.

2. WR Michael Pittman Jr. - $24 million

It's never easy to let good talent walk out the door, so it would be tough for the Colts to outright release Michael Pittman Jr. But his contract and the team's financial situation should make it a consideration.

Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen might be forced to make a decision between Pittman and Alec Pierce. The latter is set to become a free agent and was the more productive receiver this season.

Pittman put up 80 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns on 111 targets this year. That isn't the kind of production that should be brought back for a $29 million cap hit. The Colts will need to address his contract and a cut could be one of the options.

3. LB Zaire Franklin - $5.8 million

Zaire Franklin is just one season removed from being a second-team All-Pro linebacker, but life comes at you fast in the NFL. He's going to be 30 in July and coming off a year in which he was 87th out of the 88 linebackers graded by PFF.

That could be enough to get the ax for a team with some notable contracts to work out this offseason.

Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Jaguars DT Arik Armstead

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$22 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. DT Arik Armstead - $2.3 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Jaguars have a lot of work to do to get under the salary cap, but they aren't going to get much done with cuts. They don't have a lot of options that clear a whole lot of space and there's considerable dead money already on the books from Tyson Campbell, Gabe Davis and Darnell Savage Jr.

Cutting Arik Armstead would grow their dead cap number by $17.1 million while only offering $2.3 million in relief. Still, the Jags might consider it given his age (32) and production (16 total pressures).

2. DT DaVon Hamilton - $1.9 million

Same story here. The Jaguars could look to the interior of their defensive line for what little savings they can get from cuts. Hamilton is only going to be 29 next season, but it's hard to say he played up to his pay last season. He's set to cost the Jags $12.4 million.

That's a high price to pay for a defender who only played 44 percent of the snaps last season and isn't necessarily elite.

3. IOL Ezra Cleveland - $4 million

Cleveland makes the cut here because it's the single cut that could save the Jaguars the most cap space. That illustrates how little wiggle room they have in that way with James Gladstone turning the roster over to his liking.

However, it remains unlikely that Cleveland will be gone. He's the best of the Jaguars starting interior trio on the offensive line. That's not something that Liam Coen is going to want to mess with.

Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$62.4 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. OT Jawaan Taylor - $20 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Nobody has more cap space to clear before the new league year than the Kansas City Chiefs. At $62.4 million over the cap, they have some serious decisions to make. The first one should probably be moving on from Jawaan Taylor. They signed Jaylon Moore last offseason before drafting Josh Simmons.

That gives them two young tackles to start instead of Taylor. The 28-year-old didn't give up any sacks this season, but has drawn 49 penalties in his three seasons with the Chiefs, per Sports Info Solutions. It's time to move on.

2. Edge Mike Danna - $8.9 million

Mike Danna went from a rotational role player at the beginning of his Chiefs tenure in 2020 to a full-time starter, but he went back to being more of a rotational piece this season. He only played 42 percent of the snaps and had just one sack.

The Chiefs don't have the luxury of paying a rotational run-first defensive end $11.1 million any more. They'll need to find a cheaper solution with a little more pass-rush juice.

3. CB Kristian Fulton - $5 million

On paper, Kristian Fulton was supposed to help stabilize a secondary that needed help. He's always had the talent to be a reliable corner in the league, it's just been a question of durability and consistency. Unfortunately, the injury bug bit him again and he only played eight games this season.

Unless the Chiefs believe he'll be able to play a full season for the first time in his career, they'll probably free up the cash by releasing him.

Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Raiders QB Geno Smith

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $81.3 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

QB Geno Smith - $8 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Pete Carroll era was short-lived in Las Vegas. That likely means the Geno Smith era won't last much longer. The Raiders earned the No. 1 pick and will likely have Fernando Mendoza on the roster as a result. That would make Smith a $26.5 million mentor for their new rookie quarterback.

Given that the coach Smith was connected with is now gone, that isn't likely to be a number the Raiders are willing to pay. It makes more sense at this point to let Smith go find employment elsewhere and utilize the $8 million in savings to build their free agent war chest even bigger.

2. IOL Alex Cappa - $5 million

The Raiders aren't in a position where they have to free up cap space to become compliant. They just have to make sure they are spending the most efficient way possible. That would mean clearing $5 million of Alex Cappa's $6 million cap hit.

Cappa started at center for the Raiders this season and was graded 35th of the 37 qualifying centers with PFF. Jackson Powers-Johnson could always slide over to the pivot or the Raiders will have enough money to upgrade the position on the open market. Either way, there isn't much reason to keep Cappa around at that number.

3. S Isaiah Pola-Mao - $4.1 million

Isaiah Pola-Mao has been a fun story from the Raiders. Going from undrafted free agent to earning a two-year, $7.5 million contract last offseason was an admirable ascent.

Unfortunately, Pola-Mao had a difficult season in 2025 and he hasn't built up goodwill from the new coaching staff. He gave up six touchdowns in coverage this season and allowed a 120.7 passer rating when targeted.

Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Chargers IOL Bradley Bozeman

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $80.6 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. OL Mekhi Becton - $9.7 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

This one's a near-lock, as Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports has already reported that the Chargers are expected to cut Becton. The Bolts signed him to a two-year, $20 million contract after turning his career around with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Unfortunately, he wasn't able to continue the high level of play he showed in Philly. He was graded 78th out of 80 qualifying guards with PFF. That included a dead-last grade in the run game. That's the antithesis to the kind of guard that Jim Harbaugh wants in his offense.

2. IOL Bradley Bozeman - $5.9 million

Becton wasn't the only interior lineman who could be looking for new work in the spring. Bradley Bozeman's ties to now-departed offensive coordinator Greg Roman, combined with poor performance, makes him a likely cap casualty.

Bozeman ranked last among all centers graded by PFF. Again, that included a last-place grade in run blocking. With Mike McDaniel likely to be taking over as offensive coordinator, the Chargers are going to target quicker lineman who can run his wide zone scheme more efficiently.

3. TE Will Dissly - $4 million

Will Dissly's first season with the Chargers in 2024 was exactly what Los Angeles wanted when they signed him that offseason. He played 57 percent of the snaps and posted his most productive season as a receiver yet.

This year, he followed it up with playing just 31 percent of the snaps in the nine game he suited up. He also had just 11 receptions for 97 yards. It won't be hard for the Chargers to move on and hand the tight end room over to Oronde Gadsden.

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Rams CB Darious Williams

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $43.1 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. CB Darious Williams - $7.5 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Darious Williams wasn't bad this season. He gave up a passer rating of 87.6 when targeted and made three starts. But his age (32) and the fact that he wasn't a consistent starter will probably be enough for the Rams to decide he isn't worth the $8.7 million cap hit he's due.

Instead, they can cut him and have nearly all of that hit fall off the books. That could clear up more space for the Rams to get aggressive in free agency and make another run in 2026.

2. TE Colby Parkinson - $7 million

Colby Parkinson made some big catches in the NFC Championship Game. After putting together a fairly quiet first half of the season he came on toward the end of the season and was valuable in the playoffs. That might be enough to keep his spot on the team.

However, there's the opportunity for significant cap savings if the Rams believe they can replace his production. With Tyler Higbee set to hit free agency it feels like Parkinson is an unlikely cut, but there aren't a ton of clear-cut candidates for the Rams.

3. WR Davante Adams - $14 million

The Rams spent a lot of money to bring in Davante Adams and build an elite receiving room. Adams had fewer than 1,000 yards for the first time since 2019, but he did lead the team with 14 receiving touchdowns.

The Rams aren't in a dire cap situation so it's hard to see them cutting Adams. But the fact that he didn't produce like a No. 1 receiver and he offers so much cap savings could make it a possibility if the Rams have an idea for the money.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$30.3 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. WR Tyreek Hill - $22.9 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Between firing Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier to the potential cap hit the Dolphins will take if they release or trade Tua Tagovailoa, Miami is positioning itself to hit the reset button.

That would almost assuredly take the form of releasing Tyreek Hill and pocketing the $22.9 million in cap savings. Hill's speed has been a foundational piece of the offense, but he's now going to be a 32-year-old coming off knee surgery. The Hill era is likely over in South Beach.

2. Edge Bradley Chubb - $7.3 million

The edge-rusher room is another one that will likely be remodeled this offseason. The team already traded Jaelan Phillips and Chubb could be the next to go.

The 29-year-old actually rebounded well from missing the entire 2024 campaign with a torn ACL. He led the Dolphins with 8.5 sacks, but there's cap savings to be had and Chop Robinson will be expected to take over the lead pass-rushing role.

3. FB Alec Ingold - $3.1 million

Fullback Alec Ingold is currently slated to be the 11th-most expensive player on the Dolphins roster next season. That made some sense with McDaniel using a lot of 21 personnel.

With Jeff Hafley taking over and the team in a pretty bad cap situation, it would make sense that they would move on and find a cheaper alternative.

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Vikings RB Aaron Jones

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$48.9 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. DT Javon Hargrave - $11 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Vikings took a gamble on Javon Hargrave being able to have a bounce-back season after playing just three games in 2024.

The 32-year-old was able to play in 16 of the 17 games in the regular season, but didn't truly return to form. He only had 3.5 sacks with two of those coming in the final week of the season.

Heading into his age-33 season, the Vikings could save a huge chunk of his scheduled $21.5 million cap hit. It seems clear he's not going to perform at that level anymore.

2. RB Aaron Jones - $7.8 million

Father Time might finally be catching up to Aaron Jones. He's been able to maintain his efficiency longer than the average running back, but this season he was outperformed by Jordan Mason. Jones had a 50 percent success rate to Mason's 56 percent.

Jones was still a solid 1B with 747 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, but that's not worth the $14.6 million cap hit he's set to cost. They'll roll with Mason as the top back next season and can likely find a change-of-pace back for a lot cheaper.

3. TE T.J. Hockenson - $8.9 million

The Vikings clearly have some heavy hitters they'll need to make decisions on. T.J. Hockenson is another big name who has been a key player in the offense, but his performance in 2025 should bring questions.

Hockenson saw his production drop to levels he hasn't seen since his rookie season. He was essentially the team's fourth receiving option with 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns. He's set to account for a $21.3 million cap hit.

New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Patriots Edge Anfernee Jennings

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $31.2 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. Edge Anfernee Jennings - $3.9 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Patriots should be in the edge-rusher market this offseason. Letting go of Anfernee Jennings would free up a roster spot and a little bit of cash. The Pats are in a relatively good cap situation so they don't have to cut big money.

Jennings has come in clutch during the postseason run, but he only saw action on 33 percent of the defensive snaps this season. Mike Vrabel's coaching staff might want to use the spot on someone with more upside at this point.

2. RB Antonio Gibson - $3.1 million

Things already weren't looking good for Gibson when the Patriots drafted TreVeyon Henderson last spring. Then Gibson only played five games this season due to a knee injury.

The reality is that Gibson is getting paid too much to be a clear No. 3 back behind Henderson and Stevenson. The Pats can find a third back and return man for much cheaper through the draft.

3. WR Stefon Diggs - $16.8 million

The Patriots are about to play in a Super Bowl, so it would be completely reasonable for them to want to keep their core intact. That would include a 33-year-old Stefon Diggs coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2026.

It's still worth mentioning that only $9.7 million of his $26.5 million cap hit is guaranteed. The Patriots have a young receiver corps who should continue to progress with a young quarterback like Drake Maye throwing them the ball. If the Pats are confident in the group, they could use the savings to get ahead of some contract extensions.

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Butch Dill

Saints RB Alvin Kamara

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): -$20.8 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. S Jordan Howden - $3.6 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

On a typical team, a player like Jordan Howden wouldn't be brought up as a cap casualty. He's a young safety who has contributed on defense and special teams entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, the Saints' aggressive cap management leaves them with few cuts to make that would save much money.

Howden represents the biggest cap savings of any player they could cut ahead of June 1. So his inclusion in this list is more about the fact that cutting him is one of the only ways they can save money before June 1.

2. S Julian Blackmon - $1.2 million

Again, there isn't much cap savings to be had on the Saints roster right now. If they really like Howden and think he can become a full-time starter at safety then it would make sense to cut Blackmon instead.

The 27-year-old only played one game this season before heading to injured reserve after suffering a torn labrum. He's cheap to bring back on the second year of his contract, but that will likely depend on how the Saints feel about their other options.

3. RB Alvin Kamara - $8.5 million (Post-June 1)

The Saints would only save $359,529 against the cap if they cut Alvin Kamara before June 1. That doesn't mean that the running back is safe, though. Kamara has been one of the Saints biggest stars since they drafted him in 2017, but there's no denying that his age is starting to show.

The 30-year-old back posted a career-low 657 yards from scrimmage and just one touchdown. The Saints don't have clear answers, but they might feel it's best to create the cap space they can by cutting him in June and building out a rotation with Devin Neal and Audric Estime.

New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Giants RB Devin Singletary

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $1.7 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. RB Devin Singletary - $5.3 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

Cam Skattebo is the future and Tyrone Tracy led the Giants in rushing. That doesn't leave much of a role for Devin Singletary as John Harbaugh takes over this roster.

The run game will be an important element for the Giants, but Singletary is headed toward his age-29 season after averaging 3.7 yards per carry this season.

Expect Harbaugh to cut ties with the veteran back and potentially add another face to the rotation through the draft or free agency.

2. IOL Jon Runyan Jr. - $9.3 million

Parting with a starting offensive lineman isn't something to be done lightly. Jon Runyan Jr. has started 29 games over the last two seasons and there's something to be said for that. However, he was graded 66th out of the 80 guards that PFF graded last season.

A lot of that came down to a miserable 49.2 run-blocking grade. That's not going to be enough in Harbaugh's offense and the Giants will have options with that kind of cap savings.

3. OT James Hudson - $5.4 million

Having a solid swing tackle is important. The question is whether James Hudson is a good enough swing tackle to command a $7.7 million cap hit. He played just 33 snaps and didn't look particularly good in them, giving up a sack.

The new coaching staff might not value him the same way the old one did.

New York Jets

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Jets QB Justin Fields

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $66.3 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. QB Justin Fields - $1 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

This move would be less about cap space and more about cash flow. They only save $1 million against the cap, but they would get out of half of his $20 million base salary. Only $10 million is guaranteed.

The Jets could go a number of directions at quarterback this offseason, but it seems clear Fields won't be the starter. He was benched last season and ended up sitting out the latter part of the season with knee soreness. That's a pretty good sign the relationship is over.

2. DT Harrison Phillips - $7.5 million

The Jets are already in a good cap situation after trading Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner during the season. There aren't a lot of huge contracts on the books and few of them would even have cap savings with a release.

Harrison Phillips is the notable exception as none of his $7.5 million cap hit is guaranteed. He played well and was the 21st-ranked interior defender of the 129 that PFF graded. Still, he's a 30-year-old run-plugging defensive tackle set to be the sixth-highest-paid player on the roster. That's worth a look.

3. QB Brady Cook - $1 million

Cook's presence on the list is more about the Jets dearth of cap casualty options than anything Cook has done. He wasn't supposed to be a starter-level quarterback right away and he wasn't. He threw two touchdowns to seven interceptions and went 0-4 in his starts.

Aaron Glenn and his staff will have to decide if he's worth developing after that.

Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

CB Michael Carter II

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $10.5 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. CB Michael Carter II - $8.7 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Eagles don't have a ton of legitimate cap casualty candidates because of the way they structure their contracts. Most of the money they clear will have to come through restructures or contract extensions.

Michael Carter II is the exception. The cornerback was brought in via trade this season so his deal with the Jets is structured in a way that a release could make sense. The Eagles brought him in for the final eight games of the season, but he only played 20 percent of the snaps.

2. S Sydney Brown - $1.5 million

The Eagles don't have a lot of cap space so they might want to take their savings where they can find it. That could put Sydney Brown in danger. He would only offer $1.5 million in savings, but that's with very limited dead money attached.

Brown saw significant action in a few games, but only played 22 percent of the snaps. There has been a path to playing time at safety over the last few seasons, but Brown has never seemed to break through.

3. DT Byron Young - $1.5 million

It would be a bit uncharacteristic for the Eagles to give up on a young defensive tackle with some pass-rush juice. They've had a lot of success developing those players over the years. However, Young's entire cap hit his not guaranteed so cutting him would save money while not taking on dead cap.

He made an appearance in all 17 games and had 2.5 sacks. The potential is there, but if the Eagles have a hard time clearing space then he could be on notice.

Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $37.6 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. DB Jalen Ramsey - $19.5 million

The Jalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatrick trade remains one of the biggest deals from the last season. The contract fall out should be interesting as both could wind up being cut candidates for their new respective teams.

That's especially the case for Ramsey. The Steelers tried him out at corner after trading Fitzpatrick for him. However, he wound up moving to safety full-time. The position switch, combined with Mike McCarthy taking over for Mike Tomlin, certainly makes for an interesting decision.

The $19.5 million would be worth a ton on the open market if the Steelers have a different target in mind.

2. LB Patrick Queen - $13.3 million

It's an offseason of change in Pittsburgh as Mike McCarthy takes over for Mike Tomlin. Jalen Ramsey could be on the chopping block and starting inside linebacker Patrick Queen could also have played his last snap as a Steeler.

Queen did not live up to his hefty price tag this season. He started all 17 games, but gave up a passer rating of 100.4 when targeted and missed 12.4 percent of his tackle attempts.

3. TE Jonnu Smith - $7 million

Jonnu Smith was the lesser known Dolphins star that got traded to the Steelers. The versatile tight end didn't end up having that much impact, though. He recorded just 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns, although Arthur Smith did give him nine carries that he took for 70 yards.

Mike McCarthy might not be so keen on two tight end sets and giving Smith the ball as a running back.

San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

49ers Edge Bryce Huff

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $23.3 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

Edge Bryce Huff - $5.4 million (Money Saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The 49ers took a calculated dice roll when they traded for Bryce Huff. The pass-rusher was highly successful for the Jets with 10 sacks in 2023 before putting up just 2.5 sacks with Philadelphia in 2024. The deal brought them Huff's upside while also sticking them with the final two years of his contract.

This year, he played in 15 games and only notched four sacks with another 15 quarterback hits. Huff is a suspect run defender which puts more emphasis on his pass-rush production. The Niners will have to weigh whether the money they save can be spent better elsewhere.

2. WR Brandon Aiyuk - $6.3 million (post-June 1 cut)

It would be pretty surprising if Brandon Aiyuk suits up for the 49ers again at this point. General manager John Lynch even said that it's "safe to say" he's played his last snap with the team. The question is whether the 49ers will be able to work out a trade for a player they have so publicly battled with.

It's safe to say there isn't much leverage there. The 49ers voided guarantees in his contract due to failure to complete contract obligations. Aiyuk sat out the entire season while recovering from a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus.

If the Niners struggle to find a trade partner before the draft they might want to just wait until June when they can release the receiver and get back some cap space.

3. IOL Jake Brendel - $4.4 million

Jake Brendel hasn't been nearly as controversial as Aiyuk. Truth be told, he's a solid starting center. However, he's one of a few options that presents real cap savings and he was graded 31st out of 40 centers in pass-blocking this season.

At 33, the Niners might want to go younger at the position.

Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Seahawks WR Cooper Kupp

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $71.9 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. WR Cooper Kupp - $9.5 million (Money saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Seahawks are in a great financial spot. Not only are they the potential Super Bowl champions, but they have enough money that they don't actually have to have cap casualties. But it needs to be recognized that Cooper Kupp is probably a luxury at this point.

His production took a significant hit in his age-32 season. That's a trend that isn't likely to turn around next year. He's set to cost the Seahawks $17.5 million next season and there's a significant chunk of it that could be cleared.

2. DT Jarran Reed - $4.4 million

Jarran Reed is another example of a player who would likely be in more danger on another roster. He's 33 years old, played less than 50 percent of the snaps and no longer puts up real pass-rush production.

Still, Mike Macdonald probably doesn't mind stockpiling some veteran defensive tackles who understand his system. Reed is likely only in danger if the Seahawks believe they could give the snaps to a younger player with more upside.

3. K Jason Myers - $5.1 million

Myers is set to be the third-highest-paid kicker in the league. He's probably safe because he's been a hallmark of consistency for the franchise for a long time. However, it's worth noting that the majority of his $7 million cap hit would become available if the Seahawks had a reason to believe he can't continue kicking at his current level.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

Buccaneers Edge Anthony Nelson

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $16.8 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. Edge Anthony Nelson - $1.9 million (Money saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

It says more about the Bucs books than it does anything about Anthony Nelson that he's number one on this list. There isn't even $2 million in cap savings, but he is still the most realistic contender to be cut that could create cap savings.

He'll turn 29 in March and his production has slowly declined over the last few seasons. This year he played just 41 percent of the defensive snaps and logged three sacks. It's time to bring in a younger player to see what they can do in the role.

2. P Riley Dixon - $3 million

The Bucs aren't flush with cap space and they'll need to clear a nice free agent budget ahead of the league year. That could lead to them taking a look at punter Riley Dixon. It would be cheaper to go out and find a replacement in the draft or a later wave of free agency.

None of Dixon's $3 million cap hit is guaranteed so there wouldn't be a dead cap charge. With former Steelers special teams coordinator taking the same job in Tampa, there's even more reason to go out and find a new, cheaper punter.

3. TE Payne Durham - $1.1 million

Not much cap savings to be had here, but Payne Durham could be the odd man out in the tight end room. Ideally, the Bucs will find a way to bring back Cade Otton. He's set to hit free agency.

That would leave them with Ko Kieft and Devin Culp. Kieft holds more value for his ability to play fullback while Culp is a younger player worth developing.

Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Titans WR Calvin Ridley

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $93.5 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. WR Calvin Ridley - $13.4 million (Money saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Titans have an obligation to Cam Ward to make sure that they give him the weapons he needs. Cutting a receiver might feel like it goes against that objective, but Ridley only played in seven games this season. He made 17 catches for 303 yards in those games.

That's not good enough to be Ward's top option even though he's getting No. 1 target money. ESPN's Turron Davenport reported that Ridley is likely to be a cap casualty.

2. CB L'Jarius Sneed - $11.4 million

The Titans probably wish they could get the trade that brought L'Jarius Sneed to Nashville back. They gave up a third-round pick to bring in Sneed and give him a four-year, $76.4 million contract.

General manager Mike Borgonzi was on the other side of that deal during his time in Kansas City. That could be significant because he might be more inclined to bite the bullet and take the $8.1 million dead cap charge to get Sneed off the books to clear $11.4 million. Sneed has played just 12 games over the last two seasons and hasn't re-captured the form he played with during his stint with the Chiefs.

3. RB Tony Pollard - $7.3 million

Tony Pollard might have saved his job when he rushed for 560 yards over the last six games to hit 1,000 yards on the season. Before that, it was not looking good. Still, there's a decent chance that Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll will just want to start over at the running back position.

The new coaching staff doesn't have ties to Pollard and it's generally easier to find bargains in the draft and free agency at the position.

Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore

Projected Cap Space (per Over the Cap): $63.4 million

Top Potential Cap Casualties

1. CB Marshon Lattimore - $18.5 million (Money saved by Pre-June 1 Cut)

The Commanders aren't in a dire cap situation, but they should be aggressive in fixing the issues the team had this season. That means shedding some veteran contracts that just aren't worth it and finding ways to leverage their cap flexibility for the future.

That should start with cutting Marshon Lattimore. The Commanders added him at the trade deadline in 2024 and re-upped with the veteran corner ahead of this season. The problem is that he struggled in nine games before tearing his ACL.

None of his $18.5 million cap hit is guaranteed so this could be an easy cut.

2. S Will Harris - $3.8 million

Will Harris is another Commanders defender whose best days might be behind him. Just about everyone in the secondary should be on high alert after the Commanders finished in the bottom five of passer rating allowed.

That includes 30-year-old Will Harris who gave up a 117.1 passer rating when targeted this season.

3. IOL Nick Allegretti - $3.6 million

Nick Allegretti's contract made sense when started all 17 games for the Commanders last season. Now that he's been relegated to being the utility offensive lineman off the bench, his $7.2 million cap hit is a little harder to justify.

His versatility and willingness to step in at center or guard could keep him around, but even that might involve a pay cut.