As the NFL’s salary cap is expected to rise in 2025, several teams still face financial challenges, forcing them to make tough decisions regarding their rosters. Free agency is just around the corner, and while some players are in line for lucrative contracts, others may become cap casualties as teams scramble to make the necessary cap space. Let’s look at 10 prominent NFL players who could be released or traded during the 2025 offseason due to salary cap constraints.
Contents
- 1 1. Joey Bosa (Los Angeles Chargers)
- 2 2. Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)
- 3 3. Davante Adams (New York Jets)
- 4 Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints)
- 5 5. Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)
- 6 6. Von Miller (Buffalo Bills)
- 7 7. Christian Kirk (Jacksonville Jaguars)
- 8 8. Jonathan Allen (Washington Commanders)
- 9 9. Darius Slay (Philadelphia Eagles)
- 10 10. Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks)
1. Joey Bosa (Los Angeles Chargers)
Joey Bosa’s time with the Los Angeles Chargers might be coming to an end after nine productive seasons. The standout defensive end has missed 23 games over the last three seasons due to injuries yet still managed to put up solid numbers in 2024. Despite his efforts, his $36.5 million cap hit for 2024 is not justifiable, and the Chargers are likely to part ways with him. Cutting Bosa would free up approximately $25.4 million in cap space, which could help the team further bolster their roster after a successful 2024 playoff run.
2. Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons could also move on from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, just a year after signing him to a hefty $180 million contract. While releasing Cousins would not immediately provide cap relief, it would help in the long term, especially given his $27.5 million guaranteed salary for 2025. Although Cousins has struggled in recent seasons, his release, particularly with a post-June one designation, could provide a strategic solution to cap issues while allowing the Falcons to explore other quarterback options.
3. Davante Adams (New York Jets)
After the Jets signalled their intent to move on from Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Davante Adams could also be on his way out. With a hefty $38.3 million cap hit for 2025, the Jets could clear nearly $30 million in cap space by cutting Adams. Although the star wide receiver remains productive, recording over 1,000 receiving yards for five straight seasons, his massive contract might be more of a burden than an asset as the team looks to rebuild under new management.
Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr could be released due to his expensive contract, which has a cap hit of $51.5 million for the 2025 season. The Saints are currently more than $47 million over the salary cap, and releasing Carr with a post-June one designation could free up $30 million in cap space. However, Carr has struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances, which could make him an even more expendable asset as the Saints look to retool their roster under new leadership.
5. Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)
While the Los Angeles Rams have signalled their intention to trade wide receiver Cooper Kupp, they may release him instead. Kupp, who has been one of the league’s top receivers in recent years, carries a cap hit of $22.3 million for 2025. Releasing Kupp with a post-June one designation would free up $15 million in cap space but also incur $14.8 million in dead money. With the Rams’ financial flexibility, cutting Kupp could be a move to help them regain salary cap room and shift focus to younger players.
6. Von Miller (Buffalo Bills)
Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller could also become a cap casualty as the team faces a $10.1 million cap shortfall. With a $23.8 million cap hit for 2025, Miller’s future in Buffalo is uncertain. While the 36-year-old pass rusher remains effective, recording six sacks in 2024, the Bills might choose to part ways with him to alleviate cap pressure. Releasing Miller with a post-June one designation would free up $17.4 million, which could help the team improve their roster for a potential playoff push.
7. Christian Kirk (Jacksonville Jaguars)
The Jacksonville Jaguars, who are sitting pretty with over $38 million in cap space, could still choose to part ways with wide receiver Christian Kirk. His $24 million cap hit in 2025 is the highest on the team, and with emerging talents like Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis, Kirk might become expendable. Releasing him could create over $16 million in cap space, which would give the Jaguars more flexibility as they look to improve their roster after a disappointing 2024 season.
8. Jonathan Allen (Washington Commanders)
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen might also be a cap casualty despite the team having over $80 million in cap space. Releasing Allen could save the Commanders $16.5 million in cap space. Although Allen is a key defensive leader, his recent decline in production and injury history might make him an unattractive option at his current cap hit. With the Commanders already invested in fellow defensive tackle Daron Payne, parting ways with Allen could help the team allocate resources elsewhere.
9. Darius Slay (Philadelphia Eagles)
The Philadelphia Eagles could be forced to release cornerback Darius Slay as they juggle their cap situation with a number of other key free agents. Slay, who has a $13.7 million cap hit in 2025, could be cut to help free up cap space for different needs. Although he had a solid 2024 season, his play has declined somewhat, and the Eagles could choose to go younger at cornerback. If the Eagles release Slay with a post-June one designation, they will free up $17.8 million in 2026, easing their cap concerns while providing flexibility for future acquisitions.
10. Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks)
Tyler Lockett, the Seattle Seahawks’ longest-tenured player, could also be on the chopping block as the team faces a $6 million cap shortfall. With a cap hit of $30.9 million in 2025, Lockett’s release would clear up $17 million in cap space, helping the team manage their financials as they transition into the future. Lockett’s performance has slowed, and with younger talents like DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging, Seattle could decide to move on from the veteran wide receiver to focus on their future.
As the 2025 NFL free agency period approaches, several teams face tough decisions regarding high-profile players with hefty cap hits. Releasing or trading these players could help teams clear much-needed cap space, enabling them to make significant moves in the offseason. With rising cap numbers and new roster-building strategies, the next few months will be critical for these teams as they look to improve their chances for the upcoming season.
