As we are just under a week until NFL Free Agency kicks off, there are a number of players who could be on the move in the coming days. While it is an exciting period for many players to find a new home, it can be a scary part for others. We have already seen some veterans become salary cap casualties, with the releases of Darius Slay, Christian Kirk and Tyler Lockett.
With that being said, let’s look at five other players who could be cut in the coming days due to the NFL Salar Cap.
5 Vets Who Could Be Cap Casualties in NFL Free Agency 2025
Grady Jarrett – Atlanta Falcons
It is no secret that the Atlanta Falcons were somewhat of a disappointment last season. A team that was supposed to dominate the division fell short, as Kirk Cousins struggled before being benched in favor of Michael Penix Jr. Now, it feels like the Falcons are at a bit of a crossroads. With Penix likely starting for the future, the Falcons now need to surround the Washington alum with playmakers. They may need to find some extra money by cutting players, and that may start on the defensive line with Grady Jarrett.
Jarrett played his whole career in Atlanta and has provided ample production. The issue now is that Jarrett is due $20M for the upcoming season. Added to the large contract is that his best days are behind him. Over the last two seasons, he has recorded just 11 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Releasing Jarrett gives the Falcons around $16M to work with in NFL Free Agency. It is also possible that the Falcons bring him back on a cheaper deal. With names like Ruke Orhorhoro and Ta’Quon Graham on the roster, the Falcons may be inclined to see what else they have on the defensive line.
Miles Sanders – Carolina Panthers
While the Carolina Panthers are in no regard a great football team and are probably not in a position to get rid of weapons, one of the most obvious NFL cap casualties is Miles Sanders. With the recent extension to Chuba Hubbard, as well as an investment in Jonathan Brooks, it feels like Sanders is the player who is going to be left out in the Panthers running back room.
In 2023, the Panthers gave Sanders a four-year contract that seemed wrong at the time. In his two seasons in Carolina, Sanders has recorded just 637 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Looking at what we saw last season, Sanders is already being phased out of the Panthers’ offense. When Sanders is inevitably cut, the Panthers will save just north of $5M against the cap.
Using that money, the Panthers have an opportunity to add some offensive line depth or receiving talent around Bryce Young after his solid performance to end the season.
Jack Conklin – Cleveland Browns
In what may be the worst contract ever given out in NFL history, the Cleveland Browns must continue to move money around to counteract Deshaun Watson. While he has been a solid starting tackle for them over his career, Jack Conklin may be the odd man out when it comes to making some hard decisions.
Conklin’s injury history does not bode well for a team that is looking to get money anywhere they can. Cutting him before June 1st would result in $4M of cap relief, and cutting him after June 1 would result in $14M. With a projected cap room of -$32.7M, clearing out talented players’ contracts is in the cards, which could very well leave a really good starting tackle on the market.
For obvious reasons, fan-favorite Nick Chubb is also on the chopping block.
Gardner Minshew – Las Vegas Raiders
With the Las Vegas Raiders likely taking a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, it seems like one or both of the quarterbacks on the current roster are in danger of being let go. If you put a gun to my head and asked me who out of the two players would get cut, my gut feeling would be Gardner Minshew.
While Minshew is a solid player who can contribute to whatever team he plays for, it doesn’t feel like the team that the Raiders have the team around him that would help. The Raiders are projected to have $94M in cap space and cutting Minshew would free up $6.3M. As a bridge quarterback, Aidan O’Connell seems more likely to help transition a rookie into the offense. That means that Minshew probably sees a new team next season and should remain one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL.
Austin Ekeler – Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are looking to bounce back from their NFC Championship defeat by way of the Philadelphia Eagles. In order to retool, cutting a vet or two is probably in the cards. Given Jayden Daniels’ success in his rookie season, adding talented youth seems like the right decision to help grow alongside the LSU product. Looking at veterans on the team, Austin Ekeler is the most likely player to be cut in the coming days or weeks.
As his injuries continue to pile up, relying on Ekeler in this offense may not be the right way to get back to the NFC Championship. Cutting Ekeler clears out about $3.5M in cap space for the Commanders if they are looking for other options. With the talent running back class coming into the draft, Washington can likely take a swing on one of the rookies as a pass catcher.
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