The Salary Cap Squeeze: Why Cuts Are Inevitable

The NFL’s salary cap system necessitates difficult decisions. Teams often absorb “dead money” – cap space allocated to players no longer on the roster – to avoid larger financial penalties associated with fully guaranteeing contracts. This year, a significant number of players, while not currently free agents, are highly likely to become available by March 11th. These potential cuts range from players whose performance hasn’t justified their price tag to those simply deemed expendable in the pursuit of financial flexibility. The following list details 25 players facing an uncertain future, potentially becoming valuable additions for other teams.

Cut Candidates Ranked: From Likely to Possible

25. Mike Danna, DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Once an overachieving fifth-round pick, Danna’s value has diminished since signing a three-year, $24 million extension. After recording 17 sacks in his first four seasons, he’s managed just 4.5 sacks over the past two years. With only $2 million in dead cap associated with his release, the Chiefs are likely to move on from a player providing limited return on investment.

24. Grover Stewart, DT, Indianapolis Colts

A nine-year veteran with 109 starts, Stewart’s performance has declined, dropping from a top-15 ranking among defensive tackles in 2024 to 70th in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. His $12 million salary is non-guaranteed, making him a potential cap casualty as the Colts seek to retain key free agents.

23. Michael Carter, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Acquired mid-season in a trade with the New York Jets, Carter saw limited action, registering only 10 tackles in eight games. With a $10 million salary, the Eagles are unlikely to retain him unless he’s projected for a significantly larger role in 2026. A move to a team like the Tennessee Titans, possessing ample cap space, could be a possibility.

22. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Arizona Cardinals

Tomlinson’s production dipped significantly after moving from Cleveland to Arizona, falling from 18 quarterback hits in 2024 to just three in 2025 despite starting all 17 games. Ranked 114th among interior defenders by PFF, his $14 million salary makes him a potential cut, possibly landing him back with Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta if the Falcons lose David Onyemata.

21. Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans

Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a mysterious foot injury, and his $8 million salary is non-guaranteed. While the Texans struggled in the running game without him, ranking 29th in yards per carry, his age and injury concerns limit his market value. A return to the Miami Dolphins, following Bobby Slowik, could offer a chance for a fresh start.

20. James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Limited to just three games in 2025 due to a foot injury, Conner’s future in Arizona is uncertain. Despite back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2023 and 2024, his lack of guaranteed money makes him a likely cut. A potential landing spot could be as a backup in Dallas, reuniting with Klayton Adams.

19. Taylor Decker, OT, Detroit Lions

Decker has openly discussed retirement, and the Lions may facilitate that decision. While a ten-year veteran with 140 starts, his PFF grade declined in 2025. Releasing him would create $9 million in cap space, allowing Detroit to pursue other free agents or find his replacement.

18. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings

The fourth-highest-paid tight end in the NFL, Hockenson has totaled just three touchdowns in the last two seasons while recovering from injury. Cutting him would result in $12 million in dead money, but his current production doesn’t justify his $16 million salary. Jacksonville, seeking a target for Brenton Strange, could be a potential destination.

17. Marshon Lattimore, CB, Washington Commanders

Lattimore has been ineffective since being traded to Washington, ranking 95th among corners by PFF. With zero dead money associated with his release and a $18 million salary, he’s a likely casualty in the Commanders’ defensive overhaul. The Chicago Bears, if they lose Nahshon Wright, could be a potential fit.

16. Mekhi Becton, G, Los Angeles Chargers

Becton’s career has been a rollercoaster, from first-round potential to a potential cut. Ranked 77th out of 79 guards by PFF, his $10 million salary is unlikely to be justified. With Jeff Stoutland’s departure, a return to the Eagles seems less probable.

15. L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Tennessee Titans

Sneed’s injury history and regime change in Tennessee make him a likely cut. After a promising start with the Chiefs, he’s played only 12 games in two seasons with the Titans. A return to Kansas City on a more affordable deal is a possibility.

14. Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears

The arrival of rookie Colston Loveland has diminished Kmet’s role, resulting in his lowest yardage total since his rookie year. While his contract isn’t exorbitant, the Bears might explore a trade or release him to create cap space.

13. Kenny Clark, DL, Dallas Cowboys

Clark’s presence on a defense already featuring Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa is redundant, especially considering the Cowboys’ defensive struggles. Cutting him creates $20 million in cap savings with zero dead money.

12. Geno Smith, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

Smith struggled in Las Vegas and has $18 million guaranteed in his 2026 salary. While a potential bridge quarterback, the Raiders are more likely to move on and develop a younger option.

11. Patrick Queen, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Despite a solid 2025 season, Queen’s PFF ranking of 79th out of 80 linebackers raises concerns about his value. A return to Baltimore or a move to the New York Giants are potential options.

10. Bryce Huff, Edge Rusher, San Francisco 49ers

Huff’s production hasn’t matched his $17 million per year contract. A reunion with Jeff Ulbrich in Atlanta could be a possibility, especially given James Pearce Jr.’s recent legal issues.

9. Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans

Ridley was a disappointing acquisition for the Titans, totaling just four touchdowns in two seasons and missing half of 2025 with injuries. Cutting him saves $21 million in salary, but incurs $13 million in dead money.

8. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Kansas City Chiefs

Despite playing in two Super Bowls, Taylor’s penalty issues and the Chiefs’ cap situation make him a likely cut. He’s led the team in penalties for three consecutive years.

7. Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets

Fields’ limited success and $10 million guaranteed salary make him a potential cap casualty. A return to his hometown of Georgia with the Atlanta Falcons could be a possibility.

6. Stefon Diggs, WR, New England Patriots

Diggs’ production has declined, and his $23 million salary is a significant burden. Cutting him saves $21 million, but incurs $8 million in dead money.

5. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens

Humphrey’s performance has declined significantly, and his $19 million salary is a concern. His experience and past success should still attract interest from teams like the New York Giants.

4. Michael Pittman, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Pittman’s $24 million salary is non-guaranteed, making him a potential cut. The Colts might opt to retain Alec Pierce and explore other options at receiver.

3. Rashan Gary, Edge Rusher, Green Bay Packers

Gary’s inconsistent performance and $28 million cap hit make him a likely cut. The Packers might pivot to younger pass rushers like Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare.

2. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Aiyuk’s knee injury and the 49ers’ ability to void his guarantees make his future uncertain. His value is difficult to assess, but a one-year prove-it deal could be a possibility.

1. Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Cousins’ restructured deal sets him up for a likely release, incurring $35 million in dead money. Despite a solid performance filling in for Michael Penix, the Falcons may opt to move forward with their younger quarterback.

Frequently Asked Questions About NFL Free Agency Cuts