The NFL Salary Cap and the 2025 Free Agency
The NFL’s salary cap is set to rise in 2025, but this doesn’t mean every team will have the flexibility to take full advantage. As of now, five teams are projected to be above the salary cap when the new league year kicks off in March. This situation has led to various teams considering cutbacks and restructurings to manage their finances effectively. The most straightforward method for teams to create cap space is by parting ways with high-salary players. Here are 10 notable players who might be moved this offseason due to their significant cap hits, based on data from OverTheCap.com.
Los Angeles Chargers: Melvin Bosa
The Chargers’ star defensive end, Melvin Bosa, might be on the chopping block after a nine-year tenure with the team. Despite being named to his fifth Pro Bowl in 2024, Bosa’s frequent injuries over the past three seasons have raised concerns. With a $36.5 million cap hit and a $12.36 million signing bonus due in March, it’s becoming increasingly likely that the Chargers will cut ties with him. While Bosa has remained productive, with 22 total tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2024, these numbers aren’t substantial enough to justify his salary. Releasing Bosa would free up $25.4 million in cap space, aiding the Chargers in their efforts to build on their 2024 playoff appearance.
Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins
The Falcons might be forced to part ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, just a year after signing him to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. Cousins’ decline in performance, particularly his 16 interceptions and benching in the last three games of the 2024 season, has made his position tenuous. Releasing him would come with a significant $65 million dead cap hit, but the Falcons can spread this over two years by using a post-June 1 designation. This would allow them to save $25 million in cap space for 2025, crucial for a team that is nearly $5 million over the cap.
New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams
The Jets have already announced their decision to release Aaron Rodgers, and it seems likely that his favorite target, Davante Adams, will also be let go. Adams, who has a $38.3 million cap hit for 2025, is not owed any guaranteed money, making him an easy target for a release. By cutting Adams with a pre-June 1 designation, the Jets would clear $29.89 million in cap space, a significant relief for a team with only $24 million available in general manager Darren Mougey’s and head coach Aaron Glenn’s first offseason together. Adams, despite being released, had a strong 2024 season, recording 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns.
New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr
The Saints, under new head coach Kellen Moore, might opt to release quarterback Derek Carr. Moore has praised Carr but has not committed to him as the long-term starter. Carr’s $51.5 million cap hit and the Saints’ $47 million overage make him a prime candidate for release. By using a post-June 1 designation, the Saints could clear $30 million in cap space and spread the $47.2 million dead cap hit over two years. Carr, who had a solid 2024 season with a 101 passer rating, is unwilling to take a pay cut, further increasing the likelihood of his release.
Los Angeles Rams: Cooper Kupp
The Rams have signaled their intention to trade wide receiver Cooper Kupp, but there’s a possibility he could be released instead. Kupp’s $22.3 million cap hit and the Rams’ $44 million cap space make a trade more likely, but a release could still be beneficial. By using a post-June 1 designation, the Rams would clear $15 million in cap space and take on $14.8 million in dead money. Kupp, a 31-year-old veteran, had a strong 2024 season, but his age and the Rams’ cap situation could lead to his departure.
Buffalo Bills: Chandler Miller
The Bills are just $10.1 million over the cap line, and releasing linebacker Chandler Miller could help them get under it. Miller’s $23.8 million cap hit is the second-highest on the team, making him a prime candidate. A release with a pre-June 1 designation would clear $8.4 million in cap space, but the $15.4 million dead cap hit makes a post-June 1 designation more likely, yielding $17.4 million in cap space and a $6.4 million dead cap hit. Miller, who played only 33% of the Bills’ defensive snaps in 2024, remains an effective pass rusher, but his cap number is disproportionate to his role.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Marcedes Lewis
The Jaguars, with $38 million in cap space, might still consider releasing tight end Marcedes Kirk to open up more room. Kirk’s $24 million cap hit is the highest on the team, and his recent injuries have made him more expendable. By using a post-June 1 designation, the Jaguars would clear $16.2 million in cap space and take on a $7.9 million dead cap hit. Kirk, 28, has been productive, but the emergence of Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis makes him less essential.
Washington Commanders: Matt Ioannidis
The Commanders, despite having more than $80 million in cap space, might release defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis to further strengthen their team. Ioannidis’ $22.5 million cap hit is the third-highest on the team, and his production has declined in recent seasons. By releasing him, the Commanders would create $16.5 million in cap space and only take on $6 million in dead cap. This move would allow them to invest in other areas as they aim to make a deep playoff run with quarterback Jayden Daniels on his rookie contract.
Philadelphia Eagles: Darius Slay
The Eagles, with $19-20 million in cap space, might need to shed salary to retain key free agents. Cornerback Darius Slay, with a $13.7 million cap hit, could be a target. A post-June 1 designation would clear $4.3 million in cap space for 2025 and $17.8 million in 2026, helping the team manage their finances. Slay, 34, has seen a decline in performance and has been replaced by rookie corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, making his release a logical move.
Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Lockett
The Seahawks, $6 million over the cap, might part ways with veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Lockett, 32, has a $30.9 million cap hit, and his 2024 numbers (49 receptions, 600 yards, two touchdowns) were his worst since 2017. Releasing him with a pre-June 1 designation would clear $17 million in cap space, alleviating their financial burden. With DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba forming a formidable wide receiver duo, the Seahawks might no longer need Lockett at his current salary.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL salary cap increase brings both opportunities and challenges for teams. While some franchises will benefit, others will need to make tough decisions to stay compliant. The players mentioned—Melvin Bosa, Kirk Cousins, Davante Adams, Derek Carr, Cooper Kupp, Chandler Miller, Marcedes Kirk, Matt Ioannidis, Darius Slay, and Tyler Lockett—are at the forefront of these potential moves. Their movements will significantly impact the league’s landscape and set the stage for a dynamic free agency period.
