First Look: Potential 2017 Roster Bubble Players
Published: January 6, 2017
Our first look at NFL players at each position who's contract status for 2017 may be in question, in terms of a player/team option, or potential trade/release/restructure candidate. We've broken down the dead cap scenarios for each player specifically and will continue to update this list as new reports emerge. Send suggestions to @spotrac.
Quarterbacks
| Player | Team | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Kaepernick | SF | $19,365,753 | Declined Player Option or Pre 6/1 Release: |
A mid-season restructure removed the salary guarantee from Kaepernick's 2017 salary, which should prove moot as he will likely decline his option, or be outright released. |
| Tyrod Taylor | BUF | $15,913,334 | Trade: $2,853,334 ($13.06M savings) Cut: $2,853,334 ($13.06M savings) |
Taylor's extension carries an option on March 11th. If exercised, he's guaranteed a $15.5M bonus, his $12M 2017 salary, & $3.25M of his 2018 salary. |
| Jay Cutler | CHI | $16,000,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $2M ($14M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1M ($15M savings), $1M 2018 dead cap |
It's not a sure thing that Cutler and the Bears are headed for a divorce but it's more likely than not. His cap savings can pay for a draft pick and then some. |
| Tony Romo | DAL | $24,700,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $19.6M ($5.1M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $10.7M ($14M savings), $8.9M 2018 dead cap |
One thing's for sure: Tony Romo will not be carrying a $24.7M cap figure for the Cowboys next season. It seems likely that Romo will be designated as a Post 6/1 release, allowing him to test the market early on, while spreading out the dead cap for Dallas. |
| Robert Griffin III | CLE | $9,250,000 | Trade/Release: $1.75M ($7.5M savings) |
Cleveland can afford to keep him on, but from a football/future standpoint may simply not want him there. |
| Josh McCown | CLE | $5,041,667 | Pre 3/11 Retirement/Release/Trade: $666,667 ($4,375M savings) Post 3/11 Retirement/Release/Trade: $1,416,667 dead cap ($3.625M savings) |
McCown appears to be headed toward retirement, but if he decides otherwise is owed a $750,000 roster bonus on March 11th, a make or break date for his status with the Browns. |
| Nick Foles | KC | $10,750,000 | Club Option Declined: $0 dead cap ($10.75M savings) |
No brainer. |
| Blake Bortles | JAC | $6,571,985 | Trade: $3,335,420 ($3,236,565 savings) Release: $6,571,985 ($0 savings) |
Bortles might be on thin ice as a new staff is brought in this offseason. It's possible Jacksonville takes a look at his trade value. |
| Brandon Weeden | HOU | $2,150,000 | Trade/Release: $0 ($2.15M savings) |
Osweiler and Savage will likely be the active QBs in 2017 for the Texans. Houston will need the cap spaced saved here. |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | NE | $1,108,513 | Trade/Release: $213,436 ($895,077 savings) |
If Jacoby Brissett is viewed as a viable backup in 2017, Garoppolo could be on the trade block. |
| Ben Roethlisberger | PIT | $18,200,000 | Pre 6/1 Retirement: $18.6M (-$400,000 savings) Post 6/1 Retirement: $6.2M ($12M savings), $12.4M 2018 dead cap |
He's only hinting at this point, but a Big Ben retirement would hurt more than the Steelers salary cap. We'll chalk this up as not likely for now. |
Running Backs
| Player | Team | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Peterson | MIN | $18,000,000 | Club Option Declined (2/5/17): $0 ($18M savings) Post 3/11 Trade/Release: $6M dead cap ($12M savings) |
The Vikings will need cap space to cover large hits for Sam Bradford & Teddy Bridgewater next season. If Peterson isn't willing to restructure, an outright release is likely . |
| Jamaal Charles | KC | $6,187,500 | $0 ($6,187,500 savings) | Charles has a $2M reporting bonus due sometime next offseason which could become a focal point for his status. He'll likely need to accept a paycut to stick around. |
| Doug Martin | TB | $5,764,706 | $0 ($5,764,706 savings) | Poor play and a PED suspension have put Martin on notice for the upcoming season. His failed drug test removes any future salary guarantee, giving Tampa Bay leverage to do as they see fit here. |
| James Starks | GB | $3,750,000 | Trade/Release: $750,000 ($3M savings) |
Starks battled through more injuries (and a concusission) in 2016, and at 30 years old is on the backside of his career. With Eddie Lacy likely out of the picture, Starks could have a role at a reduced price. |
| Jonathan Stewart | CAR | $8,250,000 | Pre 6/1 Release/Trade: $3.5M ($4.75M savings) Post 6/1 Release/Trade: $2M ($6.25M savings), $1.5M 2018 dead cap |
He'll be 30 in March and his yards per carry dipped under 4 this past season. He's a potential Post June 1st release candidates this spring. |
| Shane Vereen | NYG | 4,916,668 | Pre 3/13 Release/Trade: $1,116,668 ($3.8M savings) Post 3/13 Release/Trade: $1,6116,668 ($3.3M savings) |
The 27-year-old totaled 1000 yards from scrimmage in 21 games across the past two seasons in New York. Battling injuries, his near $5M cap figure for 2017 is likely too rich to swallow. He's due a $500,000 roster bonus on March 13th. |
| Rashad Jennings | NYG | $3,062,500 | Trade/Release: $562,500 ($2.5M savings) |
Jennings was brought in to be the #1 back amongst a plethora of younger running backs. It hasn't worked out according to plan, and the Giants may look toward the younger, cheaper options in 2017. |
| Ryan Mathews | PHI | $5,000,000 | Trade/Release: $1M ($4M savings) |
Mathews has battled injuries his whole career and with a $5M cap hit, might be able to stick around in his current contract. A restructure is possible here. |
| Alfred Morris | DAL | $2,137,500 | Trade/Release: $500,000 ($1.6375M savings) |
The Cowboys need cap space and Morris may simply be an odd man out when it comes down to need. |
Wide Receivers
| Player | Team | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larry Fitzgerald | ARI | $15,850,000 | Pre 6/1 Retirement/Release/Trade: $9.7M ($6.15M savings) Post 6/1 Retirement/Release/Trade: $4.85M ($11M savings), $4.85M 2018 dead cap |
Fitzgerald may opt for retirement this offseason, though he has $11M reasons not to remaining on his contract. Carson Palmer's status may intertwine with Fitzgerald's. |
| Brandon Marshall | NYJ | $7,500,000 | $0 ($7.5M savings) | He's saying all the right things publicly, but Marshall may be on his way out of New York this offseason. |
| Eddie Royal | CHI | $5,000,000 | $0 ($5M savings) | Royal's 2 years in Chicago haven't gone at all as planned. A break-up this offseason is likely. |
| Mike Wallace | BAL | $8,000,000 | Pre 3/13 Trade/Release: $2.25M ($5.75M savings) Post 3/13 Trade/Release: $3.25M ($4.75M savings) |
The Ravens must exericse the $8M club option by March 9th. He then has a $1M roster bonus due on March 13th. Wallace showed he can still be productive, but might need to take a paycut to stick around. |
| Jarius Wright | MIN | $3,160,000 | Pre 6/1 Release/Trade: $1.68M ($1.48M savings) Post 6/1 Release/Trade: $560,000 ($2.6M savings), $1.12M 2018 dead cap |
Barely saw the field in 2016 after signed a 4 year extension in September of 2015. He's a post June 1st release candidate, a move that clears $2.6M in cap. |
| Torrey Smith | SF | $9,475,000 | Pre 4/1 Release/Trade: |
Finished 2016 on injured reserve stemming from a Week 14 concussion, and career lows in receptions (20) and yards (267). The 27-year-old likely won't be back at a $9.6M cap hit. |
| Victor Cruz | NYG | $9,400,000 | Pre 3/11 Release/Trade: $1.9M ($7.5M savings) Post 3/11 Release/Trade: $2.9M ($6.5M savings) |
Cruz was able to bounce back slightly in 2016 (39 receptions, 586 yards) after agreeing to a large paycut, but it's not likely he'll be able to return on a $9.4M cap figure. |
| Danny Amendola | NE | $7,791,668 | Trade/Release: $1,416,668 ($6.375M savings) |
Amendola accounted for only 23 receptions and 243 yards in 12 games for New England during the regular season, but did find the end zone 4 times. It's unreasonable to think he'll be back at nearly $8M. |
| Harry Douglas | TEN | $4,483,334 | Trade/Releaes: $733,334 ($3.75M savings) |
Douglas could barely find the field in 2016 while the rest of the Titans WR core improved. This should be a no-brainer. |
Tight Ends
| Player | Team | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Witten | DAL | $12,262,000 | Trade/Release: $4,862,000 ($7.4M savings) |
Still a productive weapon for the Cowboys, Dallas may choose to restructure/extend Witten to reduce the 2017 cap hit and keep him on the roster. |
| Julius Thomas | JAC | $8,300,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $3.6M ($4.7M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.2M ($7.1M savings), $2.4M 2018 dead cap |
He's started 16 games across 2 seasons in Jacksonville. But he is extremely productive when healthy, especially in terms of finding the end zone. His roster spot is probably safe for another year. |
| Lance Kendricks | LAR | $4,250,000 | $0 ($4.25M savings) | He's fallen out of favor and nowhere near worth his upcoming cap figure. |
| Ed Dickson | CAR | $2,716,668 | $666,668 ($2.05M savings) | Simply not enough targets or production to warrant a nearly $3M cap figure next year. |
| Brent Celek | PHI | $5,000,000 | Pre 6/1 Trade: $2M ($3M savings) Pre 6/1 Release: $4M ($1M savings) Post 6/1 Trade: $1M ($4M savings), $1M 2018 dead cap Post 6/1 Release: $3M ($2M savings), $1M 2018 dead cap |
Celek was targeted only 19 times in 2016, accounting for 14 receptions, 155 yards, and 0 TDs. With Zach Ertz clearly the #1, the 31-year-old may have played his last snap for Philly. |
| Jimmy Graham | SEA | $10,000,000 | Pre 3/11 Release: $0 ($10M savings) Post 3/11 Release: $2M ($8M savings) |
While a $10M cap figure is high for a TE, Graham can still be productive. It's more likely the Seahawks restructure this cap figure into an extension that lowers it for 2017. |
| Ladarius Green | PIT | $6,187,500 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $3.5M ($2.625M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1,187,500 ($5M savings), $1,187,500 2018 dead cap |
Foot and concussion injuries kept him out of 14 games in his first season with the Steelers, who may not be willing to take the risk going forward. |
| Niles Paul | WAS | $2,208,334 | Trade/Release: $333,334 ($1.875M savings) |
Paul missed all of 2015, and saw action in just 8 games in 2016. With Jordan Reed the clear TE1, and the Redskins in need of cap, Paul may be moved on from. |
| Benjamin Watson | TE | $4,000,000 | Trade/Release: $1M ($3M savings) |
Coming off a torn ACL in 2016, the 36 year old may simply be replaced with a younger cheaper option, especially with Dennis PItta's $7.7M cap hit on the books. |
| Dennis Pitta | TE | $7,700,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $4.4M ($3.3M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $2.2M ($5.5M savings), $2.2M 2018 dead cap |
Pitta and the above Watson may represent and either/or scenario for the Ravens this offseason. Both have battled injuries and are on the wrong side of father time, and both likely carry cap hits too rich for their production. |
Offensive Linemen
| Player | Team | Pos. | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Peters | PHI | OT | $11,200,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $2M ($9.2M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1M ($10.2M savings), $1M 2018 dead cap |
When healthy he remains an excellent blindside tackle. Peters will be 35 next season, and the Eagles will need cap space to fill holes. A restructure might be the likely option. |
| Donald Stephenson | DEN | OT | $5,000,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $2M ($3M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1M ($4M savings), $1M 2018 dead cap |
Struggled mightily in his 1st year in Denver. He may survive the offseason if the Broncos can't find sufficient upgrades on the line, especially with a relatively low cap hit. |
| Chris Clark | HOU | OT | $3,250,000 | Trade/Release: $500,000 ($2.75M savings) |
Still a strong run-blocker, Clark didn't do much to keep Texans' QBs off their backside in 2016. He'll likely be pushed to a depth player if Houston can bring in an upgrade. |
| Ryan Clady | NYJ | OT | $10,500,000 | Decline Option (): $500,000 ($10M savings) |
Clady has a $2.5M roster bonus due in February, so the Jets will be moving quickly with this transaction. |
| Russell Okung | DEN | OT | $11,700,000 | Decline Option (3/9): $0 ($11.7M savings) |
Okung wasn't terrible, but if the Broncos exercise his option on March 9th, a 4 year, $48M extension ($20.5M guaranteed) kicks in. It's one of the tougher calls across the league. |
| Breno Giacomini | NYJ | OT | $5,125,000 | Trade/Release: $625,000 ($4.5M savings) |
Giacomini followed up a miserable 2015 season with an injury plagued 2016. The 31-year-old likely won't be back on a $5M+ cap hit. |
| Kelvin Beachum | JAC | OT | $8,500,000 | Decline Option (2/15): $0 ($8.5M savings) |
Like Okung (above) Beachum's deal came with a 1 year guarantee, that can be exercised into a 4 yr, $40M extension this February. |
| Brandon Fusco | MIN | OG | $4,800,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.6M ($3.2M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $800,000 ($4M savings), $800,000 2018 dead cap |
With no guaranteed money remaining on the deal, the below average lineman will likely be upgraded this offseason. Especially with $3M+ in cap savings. |
| Jason Kelce | PHI | OC | $6,200,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $2.4M ($3.8M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.2M ($5M savings), $1.2M 2018 dead cap |
Kelce's production has declined over the past few years, and the 29-year-old has $24.5M remaining on his deal through 2020, including a $6.2M cap hit in 2017. |
| Jeremy Zuttah | BAL | OC | $4,607,206 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $2,214,412 ($2.4M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1,107,206 ($3.5M savings), $1,107,206 2018 dead cap |
Zuttah's spot appears likely safe for now, but if Baltimore has cap trouble at crunch time, he could be a chip that falls. |
| King Dunlap | SD | OT | $8,375,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $3.25M ($5.125M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.625M ($6.75M savings), $1.625M 2018 dead cap |
The 31-year-old ranked out of the Top 50 among PFF tackles in 2016, and the cap space saved by releasing him could go toward a 1st rounder contract to replace him. |
| D.J. Fluker | SD | OG | $8,821,000 | Pre 3/9: $0 ($8.821M savings) |
Fluker is set to play out his 5th-year option in 2017, a figure that becomes fully guaranteed on 3/9. San Diego might decide to release him prior to this happening. |
| Kory Lichtensteiger | WAS | OC | $3,878,125 | Trade/Release: $550,000 ($3,328,125 savings) |
The 31-year-old saw action in just 5 games in 2016, while playing on a $1.25M paycut. It's unlikely he's offered the same opportunity in 2017. |
| Shawn Lauvao | WAS | OG | $5,000,000 | Trade/Release: $1,000,000 ($4M savings) |
Rated 60th among all guards in 2016 according to PFF, a $5M cap hit for the 29-year-old might be too rich for Washington to swallow. |
| Alvin Bailey | CLE | OG | $2,333,333 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $666,667 ($1.6M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $333,333 ($2M savings), $333,334 2018 dead cap |
Bailey was one of the lower-rated Guards in 2016 according to PFF, but comes at a fairly reasonable cost. |
| Nick Mangold | NYJ | OC | $9,075,000 | Trade/Release: $0 dead cap ($9.075M savings) |
The 33 year old is entering a contract year, and his $9M+ cap hit ranks 3rd among active centers. The Jets simply may want to get younger and cheapere here going forward. |
Defensive Linemen
| Player | Team | Pos. | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharrif Floyd | MIN | DT | $6,757,000 | Pre 3/9 Trade/Release: $0 ($6,757,000 savings) Post 3/9 Release: $6,757,000 ($0 savings) Post 3/9 Trade: $0 ($6,757,000 savings) |
Floyd's health and general productivity has been poor over the past 3 seasons, and he may not live to see his 5th-year option in Minnesota. It becomes fully guaranteed on March 9th. |
| Mario Williams | MIA | DE | $10,500,000 | Pre 3/13 Trade/Release $2M ($8.5M savings) Post 3/13 Trade: $2M ($8.5M savings) Post 3/13 Release: $5.5M ($5M savings) |
Williams fell out of favor in Buffalo 2 seasons ago, and quickly do so again in Miami. He'll be released as soon as the Dolphins can do so. |
| Tyson Jackson | ATL | DL | $5,850,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $3.2M ($2.65M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.6M ($4.25M savings), $1.6M 2018 dead cap |
His production has decreased steadily since joining Atlanta in 2014. With no guaranteed salary remaining on his deal, a divorce may be forthcoming. |
| Paul Soliai | CAR | DT | $3,500,000 | Pre 3/11 Release or Trade: $1M ($2.5M savings) Post 3/11 Release or Trade: $2M ($1M savings) |
With Kawann Short's contract expired & Star Lotulelei heading toward his 5th-year option, Carolina will need cap space to pay their youth. |
| Michael Johnson | CIN | DE | $5,125,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $2.25M ($2.875M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.125M ($4M savings), $1.125M 2018 dead cap |
The soon to be 30 year old ranked outside of the Top 100 edge rushers according to PFF. His $5M+ cap figure isn't outrageous, but it could raise some eyebrows internally. |
| Haloti Ngata | DET | DT | $7,750,000 | Retirement/Release/Trade: $2M ($5.75M savings) |
His production has slipped a bit, but he's still an excellent run plugger at 32 years old. If he doesn't retire, at $7.75M, he may need to accept a paycut to stick around. |
| Arthur Jones | IND | DT | $7,350,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $2.2M ($5.15M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.1M ($6.25M savings), $1.1M 2018 dead cap |
Jones faced injuries and a 4 game PED suspension in 2016. Add in a $7.35M cap hit for 2017 and his future remains unclear. $5M savings could be a dealbreaker. |
| Jared Odrick | JAC | DE | $8,500,000 | Pre 3/13 Release/Trade: $0 ($8.5M savings) Post 3/13 Release/Trade: $2M ($6.5M savings) |
Odrick hit the shelf with an elbow injury this December, and his $8.5M salary for 2017 might not be a sure thing now. He's due a $2M roster bonus on March 13th. |
| Ricky Jean Francois | WAS | DE | $4,000,000 | Trade/Release: $1,000,000 ($3M savings) |
The 30-year-old posted 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2016, and may simply be upgraded this offseason. |
Linebackers
| Player | Team | Pos. | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Barwin | PHI | OLB | $8,350,000 | Trade/Release: $600,000 ($7.75M savings) |
There's been discussion that Barwin's size & skillset doesn't match well with DC Jim Schwartz's system. He may be on the trade block this spring. |
| Rey Maualuga | CIN | ILB | $3,700,000 | $0 ($3.7M savings) | After a bounceback year in 2015, Maualuga battled through a tough season. The Bengals may be wise to turn his $3.7M in cap savings into a young draft pick. |
| Clay Matthews | GB | LB | $15,200,000 | Trade/Release: $4.1M ($11.1M savings) |
Matthews is tough to value, as the Packers have moved him inside and out over the past few seasons. Regardless it will be tough to see him play out a $15.2M cap hit in 2017. A restructure seems most likely. |
| D'Qwell Jackson | IND | ILB | $5,750,000 | Pre-3/13 Trade/Release: $250,000 ($5.5M savings) Post-3/13 Trade/Release: $750,000 ($5M savings) |
Faced a 4 game suspension for PEDs, but can still tally a big number of tackles at the center of the defense. He's due a $500,000 roster bonus on March 13th. |
| J.T. Thomas | NYG | OLB | $4,000,000 | Trade/Release: $1M ($3M savings) |
After accepting a pay cut in 2016, Thomas has seen action in just 13 of 33 games since 2015. The Giants will use the $3M saved elsewhere. |
| DeAndre Levy | DET | OLB | $8,390,000 | Pre 3/11 Trade/Release: $7.2M ($1.19M savings) 3/11-6/1 Trade: $7.2M ($1.19M savings) 3/11 - 6/1 Release: $8.95M (-$560,000 savings) Post 6/1 Trade: $2.4M ($5.99M savings), $4.8M 2018 dead cap Post 6/1 Release: $4.15M ($4.24M savings), $4.8M 2018 dead cap |
Levy barely found the field in 2016, but his cap vs. dead cap structure isn't favorable for an outright release this spring, especially with an additional $1.75M salary guarantee on March 11th. A pay cut is the most likely move for 2017. |
| Ahmad Brooks | SF | OLB | $8,648,750 | Trade/Release: $848,750 ($7.8M savings) |
Brooks played all 16 weeks for the 49ers in 2016, compiling 6 sacks and 52 tackles. With that said, it may simply be time for the Niners to move forward here. |
| Koa Misi | MIA | OLB | $6,535,500 | Trade/Release: $2,335,500 ($4.2M savings) |
He's battled injuries since the 2010 season, and will provide much needed cap space for the Dolphins this offseason. |
| Elvis Dumervil | BAL | OLB | $8,375,000 | Trade/Release: $2,375,000 ($6M savings) |
The 33-year-old compliled 3 sacks in 8 games this past season, and could be upgraded for younger/cheaper talent this offseason. |
| Mychal Kendricks | PHI | ILB | $6,600,000 | Pre 3/11 Release or Trade: $4.8M ($1.8M savings) 3/11 - 6/1 Trade: $4.8M ($1.8M savings) 3/11 - 6/1 Release: $9.15M (-$2.55M savings) Post 6/1 Trade: $1.6M ($5M savings), $3.2M 2018 dead cap Post 6/1 Release: $5.95M ($650,000 savings), $3.2M 2018 dead cap |
Kendricks had a better 2016 than 2015 campaign according to PFF, but his $6.6M cap figure might be too rich for the Eagles this offseason. They'll have to move quick as $4.35M of his 2017 salary guarantees on 3/11. |
Defensive Backs
| Player | Team | Pos. | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Fuller | CHI | CB | $3,082,228 | Trade: $1,341,273 ($1,740,955 savings) Release: $3,082,228 ($0 savings) |
There was speculation that an injured Fuller simply "did not want" to return to the Bears this season, putting his future in question. He'll be a trade candidate at best. |
| Darrelle Revis | NYJ | CB | $15,333,333 | Pre-3/11 Release $6M ($9,333,333 savings) Post 3/11 Trade: $2M ($13,333,333 savings) |
Revis had a better 2nd half to his 2016 season, but hardly productive enough to warrant a $15.3M cap hit going forward. With a $2M roster bonus due March 11th, this will be a situation to watch closely. |
| Brandon Flowers | SD | CB | $11,000,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $4M ($7M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $2M ($9M savings), $2M 2018 dead cap |
Back to back injury plagued seasons and an $11M cap hit for 2017 has Flowers' status in question. |
| Tyvon Branch | ARI | S | $4,187,500 | Pre 3/12 Trade/Release: $500,000 ($3,687,500 savings) Post 3/12 Trade/Release: $1M ($3,187,500 savings) |
Due a $500,000 roster bonus on March 12th, , Arizona will likely see Branch's $4M+ cap hit as too much to swallow heading into the offseason. |
| Aaron Williams | BUF | S | $6,625,000 | Pre 6/1 Retirement/Release/Trade: $4.85M ($1.775M savings) Post 6/1 Retirement/Release/Trade: $2.425M ($4.2M savings), $2,425M 2018 dead cap |
Williams' has struggled with unfortunate neck/back issues over the past 2 seasons, and retirement may be his safest option going forward. |
| Tracy Porter | CHI | CB | $4,050,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $600,000 ($3.45M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $300,000 ($3.75M savings), $300,000 2018 dead cap |
Still a solid player at 30 years old, Porter struggled with illness and a bit of decline in 2016. With Fuller likely out the door, Porter's roster spot could be safe in 2017. |
| Sam Shields | GB | CB | $11,656,250 | Retirement/Trade/Release: $3.125M ($8.5M savings) |
Shields suffered his 5th career concussion in 2016, and while there's been little talk of him walking away, the Packers must be concerned, especially with a substantial cap hit in 2017. |
| Davon House | JAC | CB | $6,000,000 | Trade/Release: $0 ($6M savings) |
House was benched after Week 4, making his $6M cap hit with no dead money connected an easy decision. |
| Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie | NYG | CB | $8,500,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $4M ($4.5M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $2M ($6.5M savings), $2M 2018 dead cap |
Still a strong player in the secondary, the 30+ year old is likely just too expensive to remain a role player for the Giants going forward. He'll latch on quickly. |
| Vontae Davis | IND | CB | $10,250,000 | Trade/Release: $1.25M ($9M savings) |
Davis struggled much of the year along with the Colts defense as a whole. His $10.25M cap figure makes bringing him back almost impossible. |
| Buster Skrine | NYJ | CB | 8,500,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $5M ($3.5M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $2.5M ($6M savings), $2.5M 2018 dead cap |
He was benched during one point in 2016, and was one of the most penalized players in football last season. He's a Post June 1st release candidate this spring. |
| Darrell Stuckey | SD | S | $3,333,750 | Trade/Release: $433,750 ($2.9M savings) |
He saw just 34 snaps in 2016 and will most certainly be passed over for the cap savings this March. |
| Jason McCourty | TEN | CB | $7,000,000 | Trade/Release: $0 ($7M savings) |
Coming off a shoulder injury, the 29-year-old will be fighting for a starting role in 2017. A paycut may be a compromise here. |
| Lardarius Webb | BAL | CB | $7,500,000 | Trade/Release: $2M ($5.5M savings) |
The Ravens are in cap trouble for 2017, and multiple veterans may become casualties in light of it. |
| Leodis McKelvin | PHI | CB | $3,450,000 | Trade/Release: $250,000 ($3.2M savings) |
Battling injuries and below average production in 2016, the price will be too rich for the Eagles to muster next season. |
| Ron Brooks | PHI | CB | $2,100,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $500,000 ($1.6M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $250,000 ($1.85M savings), $250,000 2018 dead cap |
The 28-year-old Brooks suffered a knee injury in 2016 and will likely be replaced this offseason. |
| Adam Jones | CIN | CB | $7,666,666 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $1,333,334 ($6.3M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $666,666 ($7M savings), $666,668 2018 dead cap |
Jones is dealing with legal trouble again, and his status as of now is up in the air. Still a strong player, the cap space saved might win out in the end. |
| DeAngelo Hall | WAS | CB | $5,062,500 | Trade/Release: $812,500 ($4.25M savings) |
The 33-year-old hit the IR early in 2016 with a torn ACL. Combine that with $4.25M in potential cap savings and the Redskins may have to move on. |
| Jairus Byrd | NO | FS | $11,700,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $8M ($3.7M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $3.4M ($8.3M savings), $4.6M 2018 dead cap |
Byrd's been a free agent bust since joining the Saints in 2014. With his cap hit/dead cap finally not upside down, the Saints could break free this offseason. |
| Marcus Gilchrist | NYJ | SS | $6,625,000 | Pre 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.25M ($5.375M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $625,000 ($6M savings), $625,000 2018 dead cap |
Likely headed for the Reserve/PUP list due to a knee injury, the Jets will likely rather cut their losses and take the freed up cap space. |
Special Teams
| Player | Team | Pos. | 2017 Cap | Dead Cap Details | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Carpenter | BUF | K | $2,937,500 | Pre 3/15 Trade/Release: $537,500 ($2.4M savings) Post 3/15 Trade/Release: $787,500 ($2.15M savings) |
Carpenter has been inconsistent over the past 2+ seasons with the Bills. If they can find a viable replacement, they'll certainly look to save cap space here. |
| Dustin Colquitt | KC | P | $4,900,000 | Trade/Release: $800,000 ($4.1 savings) |
Kansas City will need cap space to keep their defense intact this offseason, and they can gain $4M+ by replacing Colquitt. |
| Thomas Morstead | NO | P | $4,700,000 | Pre 3/13 Release or Trade: $1.65M ($3.05M savings) 3/13 - 6/1 Release/Trade: $2.15M ($2.55M savings) Post 6/1 Release or Trade: $1.45M ($3.25M savings), $700,000 2018 dead cap |
Morstead is owed a $500,000 roster bonus on March 13th, which could become a focal date should the Saints be in need of cap space. |
