2025 NFL free agency is shaping up to be significant, especially with the anticipated rise in the salary cap. However, not every team will reap the rewards when the free agency window opens in March.
As of now, five franchises are projected to exceed the salary cap for 2025 when the new league year kicks off. Additionally, several teams may need to make tough decisions to create cap space for re-signing their own players, signing their draft picks, or making impactful additions this offseason.
A common strategy for teams to improve their financial flexibility is to release some of their highest-paid athletes. As organizations prepare to optimize their salary cap ahead of free agency, here are ten prominent players who could find themselves on the move this offseason due to their hefty cap figures, with salary details sourced from OverTheCap.com.
Bosa’s tenure with the Chargers seems to be nearing its conclusion after nine seasons. Reports indicate that Los Angeles is likely to part ways with the standout defensive end before he is due a $12.36 million signing bonus in March, according to ESPN.
If the Chargers proceed with this decision, they would be letting go of one of their most impactful players from the last decade. Bosa earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection in 2024, but the 29-year-old has been sidelined for 23 games over the past three seasons due to various injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Bosa has remained effective on the field. He recorded 22 total tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2024, achieving a 13.9% pass-rush win rate, which ranked 39th among all defenders who played at least 20% of their team’s snaps, as per Pro Football Focus.
Nevertheless, those statistics may not justify the $36.5 million cap hit he carries for 2024. Although the Chargers have approximately $70 million in cap space, releasing Bosa would still provide them with an additional $25.4 million as they look to build on their playoff appearance in 2024.
After signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, the Falcons are reportedly considering moving on from the veteran quarterback. ESPN indicated this possibility in December.
While releasing Cousins wouldn’t provide immediate cap relief for the Falcons, it would lead to some financial savings. Cousins is already guaranteed $27.5 million for the 2025 season and is due a $10 million roster bonus as the new league year commences on March 12. If the Falcons were to release him, they would incur $65 million in dead money and lose $25 million in cap space if they did so with a pre-June 1 designation. However, they could mitigate the dead money by opting for a post-June 1 designation, absorbing $40 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026.
Cousins, who will be 37 at the start of the 2025 season, struggled in the latter part of the previous season, finishing with 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions before being replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr. for the season’s final three games.
The Jets have already announced their decision to part ways with Aaron Rodgers, stating they will release him later this offseason. They may also consider moving on from his top target.
New York stands to benefit from cap relief as they are projected to have around $24 million available during the first offseason under general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn.
Adams proved to be a valuable asset in 2024, amassing 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns over 14 games split between the Jets and Las Vegas Raiders. This achievement marked his fifth consecutive year surpassing the 1,000-yard threshold.
Adams’ former college teammate, Carr, is also a potential cut candidate as the Saints enter a new chapter under Kellen Moore. The new head coach praised Carr during his introductory press conference, referring to him as a “tremendous starting quarterback,” but he did not commit to whether Carr would be the long-term solution for the Saints.
Carr’s contract presents a significant obstacle for the Saints’ cap compliance, carrying a $51.5 million cap hit for the 2025 season while the team is approximately $47 million over the cap. Releasing Carr could be one of the simplest ways for New Orleans to create necessary cap space. He is already guaranteed $10 million for 2025, and his $30 million base salary becomes fully guaranteed shortly after the new league year begins. If the Saints release Carr with a post-June 1 designation, they would gain $30 million in cap space while distributing his dead cap hit over two years ($21.5 million in 2025 and $28.7 million in 2026).
In January, Carr expressed to ESPN that he is unwilling to accept a pay cut to remain in New Orleans, further increasing the likelihood of his release. His performance in 2024 included 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions, but he missed seven games due to injuries and finished with a 5-5 record in the 10 games he started.
Kupp has indicated that the Rams intend to trade him, but a release remains a possibility. Some speculate that he mentioned the trade to impact his market value.
With around $44 million in cap space for the 2025 season, the Rams are not under pressure to move Kupp. However, their actions suggest they are ready to move on.
The Bills currently find themselves $10.1 million above the cap as free agency approaches. Addressing Miller’s contract could be a straightforward method to regain financial flexibility.
Miller’s cap hit for 2025 stands at $23.8 million, the second-largest on the team. The Bills face a decision: release him or negotiate a pay cut. A pre-June 1 release would provide $8.4 million in cap space but incur a $15.4 million dead cap hit. Conversely, a post-June 1 release would lower the dead cap hit to $6.4 million while creating $17.4 million in cap space.
Miller, who will turn 36 in March, played only 33% of the Bills’ defensive snaps in 2024, making his cap figure seem disproportionate to his role. Nonetheless, he remained an effective pass rusher, recording six sacks and 32 pressures alongside 17 total tackles in 13 games last season.
If the Jaguars decide to release Kirk with a pre-June 1 designation, they would create $10.4 million in cap space while incurring a $13.7 million dead cap hit. A post-June 1 release would yield $16.2 million in cap space with a $7.9 million hit.
Should the Commanders opt to release Allen, they would gain $16.5 million in cap space while facing only a $6 million dead cap expense. Despite aiming for a title run after a successful 2024 season, there are additional factors that could lead to Allen’s departure beyond just salary savings. His $22.5 million cap hit ranks third-highest on the team, and the Commanders have already made a significant financial commitment to defensive tackle Daron Payne, coupled with the selection of defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round of the 2024 draft.
Moreover, Allen’s production has declined in recent seasons. He managed three sacks and 19 total tackles while appearing in just eight games in 2024 due to a pec tear. With no guaranteed money owed to him in 2025, reallocating his cap space to other players might be the most strategic move for the Commanders as they seek to maximize their resources while Jayden Daniels remains on his rookie contract.
The Eagles face several impending free agents. To retain at least two of linebacker Zack Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams, and guard Mekhi Becton, they will need to shed some salary. They are projected to have between $19-20 million in cap space this offseason.
As a result, a player like Slay could be on the move. The 34-year-old’s $13.7 million cap hit ranks fifth-highest on the team for 2025. If the Eagles decide to part ways with Slay, it would likely need to be executed with a post-June 1 designation. Releasing him before June 1 would result in an $8.9 million cap loss, while a post-June 1 release would clear $4.3 million in cap space and generate an additional $17.8 million in 2026.
Lockett continues to be a significant contributor for the Seahawks in 2024 and holds the title of the longest-tenured player on the team. However, it may be prudent for Seattle to consider parting ways with him this offseason.
The veteran wide receiver is set for a $30.9 million cap hit, and the Seahawks find themselves approximately $6 million over the salary cap. Releasing Lockett with a pre-June 1 designation would eliminate that figure and return the Seahawks to a positive cap situation, creating $17 million in cap space.
