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junker-town · 5 years ago

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Here are the biggest NFL veterans who could be cut this offseason

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

NFL teams looking to save some money means some familiar names will be looking for new homes.

The NFL’s salary cap leads to plenty of roster churn every year. Franchises are tasked with balancing expensive proven veterans with cheaper talent. That means some pricy athletes could find themselves looking for new homes — even if they’re still in their primes.

Last year, we saw former Pro Bowlers like Gerald McCoy, Demaryius Thomas, and Justin Houston excised in advance of free agency. This offseason has already seen All-Pro tight end Greg Olsen left to ponder his football future.

These are the other veterans who could join him on the free agent market, ranked by order of how much they can save their respective teams by leaving this spring.

Already gone

Josh Norman, CB, Washington

Savings from cutting Norman: $12.4 million

Norman was just one of many things that went wrong for Washington in 2019. He suffered through his worst season in the league, where he gave up more than 11 yards per target and accounted for -1 points saved, per SIS. That’s the lowest score among any cornerback who started at least five games last fall.

This sudden downturn at age 32 could put Dan Snyder’s former prized signing on the chopping block. The 2015 All-Pro has failed to reach that standard since joining Washington in 2016. As a result, the club plans to release him and make him a free agent this offseason.

#Redskins are releasing CB Josh Norman, source says. Intriguing situation to watch, as he now has time to find his new team ahead of free agency.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 14, 2020

Wide receiver Paul Richardson, who lasted just two seasons into his five-year, $40 million contract with Washington, will be released as well. Ryan Kerrigan, 31 years old and headed into the final year of his contract with none of the $11.6 million owed to him guaranteed, could also be up for discussion.

Prince Amukamara, CB, Chicago Bears

Savings from cutting Amukamara: $9 million

Amukamara has been a steady, if unspectacular cornerback in his nine seasons as a pro. While he made 42 starts for the Bears the past three years, Chicago felt it could better spend the additional $9 million owed to him elsewhere. Like perhaps on a veteran quarterback to push Mitchell Trubisky for the starting job?

Marcell Dareus, DL, Jacksonville Jaguars

Savings from cutting Dareus: $20 million

Dareus, at his best, is worth $20 million+ annually. The problem is, he hasn’t been that player in several years. Even if he was, the 2020 Jaguars — currently with negative cap space — probably couldn’t afford him. As such, they declined his 2020 option and made him a free agent on the eve of the Scouting Combine.

Dareus broke through with a 10-sack season in 2014 that he’s been chasing ever since. In just six games, he averaged a career-low 2.2 tackles for an underwhelming Jaguars defense in 2019. More telling, those tackles came an average of 4.2 yards past the line of scrimmage, which is an untenable mark for a player who is supposed to be pushing blockers backward and creating chaos in the trenches.

While he can still be a useful presence in the middle of a defensive line, he’s due for a major pay cut this offseason.

Russell Okung, OT, Los Angeles Chargers

Savings from cutting Okung: $13 million

Okung’s release would have been a surprise. The veteran left tackle played well in 2019 when he was on the field — but that only lasted six games due to a pulmonary embolism and, later in the season, a groin injury.

While he was capable, he didn’t fit in with LA’s rebuild. Rather than release a Pro Bowl-caliber blocker, he’ll be traded to the Panthers in exchange for guard Trai Turner.

The deal is tentatively agreed to and is expected to be processed at the start of the league year: The #Chargers are trading LT Russell Okung to the #Panthers in exchange for standout OL Trai Turner, sources say. A swap of big-time OLs. Nothing is final until it’s official.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2020

Turner is signed through 2021 compared to Okung’s 2020, and his $12.8 million cap hit for the upcoming season is less than Okung’s $15.5m. His cap number jumps to $15.4m next offseason, however — so we could see Turner wind his way to this list in 2021.

A.J. Bouye, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Savings from cutting Bouye: $11.4 million

Like Dareus, Bouye is a highly paid defender who has seen better days. And like his colleague, he’s looking at a change of venue this offseason thanks to the Jaguars’ cap crunch. He was traded to the Broncos for a fourth-round pick after news leaked about his imminent release in Jacksonville.

Bouye could be a boon for Denver, but he’ll have to put a disappointing season behind him. The former Texan allowed opposing QBs to post a 106.0 passer rating against him in 2019 while completing two-thirds of their passes with him in coverage.

With Jacksonville eager to find a way around Nick Foles’ cap-clogging $22 million average salary, Bouye’s departure may be the next step in a mini-rebuild of the Jacksonville defense.

Jimmy Graham, TE, Green Bay Packers

Savings from cutting Graham: $8 million

Graham wasn’t the red zone panacea the Packers hoped he would be when they signed him to a three-year, $30 million contract in 2018. After scoring 10 touchdowns in his final season with the Seahawks in 2017, Graham has just five scores over two years in Green Bay.

The Packers drafted Jace Sternberger in the third round in 2019 to take over as Graham’s replacement, but injuries limited him to only six games as rookie — and one target from Aaron Rodgers, which he dropped. Still, head coach Matt LaFleur must believe the second-year tight end is ready for a promotion, because Graham’s tenure in Wisconsin is over after two seasons.

Xavier Rhodes, CB, Minnesota Vikings

Savings from cutting Rhodes: $8.1 million

The Vikings have some very difficult decisions to make this offseason. After coming into the offseason with -$12.3 million in cap room — worst in the NFL by a significant margin — Minnesota had to cut some expensive veterans. First on the chopping block was Rhodes, who signed a five-year, $70.1 million contract extension in 2017 and struggled mightily in both 2018 and 2019. Per SIS, he gave up a 122.9 passer rating in coverage last fall.

Releasing Rhodes still left the Vikings over the cap, however. That led to DT Linval Joseph’s release as well. Together, they trimmed more than $20.5 from Minnesota’s 2020 salary cap.

The #Vikings have terminated the contracts of DT Linval Joseph and CB Xavier Rhodes.https://t.co/VIg4PYgTK7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 13, 2020

Joe Flacco, QB, Denver Broncos

Savings from cutting Flacco: $10 million

The Joe Flacco who led the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII win is no more. This is the era of a Joe Flacco who is barely a replacement-level passer.

The former Super Bowl MVP has been mostly forgettable the past five seasons, recording an 83.0 passer rating and a 26-33 record as a starter. He also had his lead role usurped in both Baltimore (Lamar Jackson) and Denver (Drew Lock) after midseason injuries. Rather than keep him in town as an extremely expensive backup, general manager John Elway decided to run with free agent signee Jeff Driskel as his No. 2, sending Flacco to the open market for the first time in his career.

Broncos just informed former Super-Bowl MVP Joe Flacco that he is being waived with a failed physical designation, per source. Flacco now joins a group of free-agent QBs looking for work. Three Super Bowl MVPs in headlines this week: Flacco waived, Foles traded, TB to TB.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020

Dontari Poe, DT, Carolina Panthers

Savings from cutting Poe: $9.8 million

The Panthers are a Matt Rhule-Teddy Bridgewater team now. The focus on the rest of Carolina’s offseason has been clearing out its ballast tanks and absorbing new talent into the cap room it’s created.

A 30-year-old Poe didn’t have much of a role in a Panther renaissance. The space-clogging tackle would have been the third-highest paid player on the roster after a good, but not great season. General manager Marty Hurney declined his contract option for 2020, allowing him to sign with the Cowboys instead.

Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals

Savings from cutting Dalton: $17.7 million

Dalton gave the Bengals nine seasons of mostly good, never great quarterbacking. Now he has no place on a team that drafted Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick. Dalton’s career in tiger stripes is over.

Bengals are releasing QB Andy Dalton, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2020

Even though Cincinnati will need a veteran quarterback to help ease Burrow’s transition from LSU to the NFL, it’s time for both sides to move on. The money saved by releasing the Pro Bowl quarterback can be spent acquiring weapons and bolstering the offensive line tasked with keeping Burrow’s jersey clean in 2020 — especially now that remaining free agents can be signed without affecting next year’s compensatory pick balance. The Bengals had already released one expensive standby before Dalton offensive tackle Cordy Glenn was jettisoned before the official start of the league year, clearing $9.5 million in cap space in the process.

Sticking around

Sammy Watkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Savings from cutting Watkins: $14 million

Watkins has shown flashes of star-making play throughout his six-year career, but has ultimately failed to live up to the potential that made him the fourth overall pick in 2014. This past season was no different. He began it with a three-touchdown, 198-yard performance in the Chiefs’ season opener, had just one 100-yard game in the next 13 games, and finished the year with 14 catches for 288 yards in the postseason.

That makes it hard to justify Watkins’ $21 million cap hit for 2020 — especially now that reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes is eligible for what’s sure to be a massive contract extension. With Chris Jones careening toward free agency, the team’s decision may come down to either its second-best wide receiver or the defensive lineman who helped save a Super Bowl win.

Then again, in the biggest game of his life, he put Richard Sherman on roller skates.

Sammy Watkins diced up Richard Sherman, then Patrick Mahomes just had to drop a pass in the bucket pic.twitter.com/ezEyARIu26

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) February 3, 2020

That’s why the two sides came to terms on a restructured one year, $9 million contract that could pay him up to $16 million should he meet certain incentives. That move will shave at least $5 million from the team’s cap this fall.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, New Orleans Saints

Savings from cutting Jenkins: $11.3 million

The Saints claimed Jenkins after he was released by the Giants for a combination of on-field malaise and off-field concerns. He performed well in New Orleans despite the team’s sudden playoff exit, but his one-year, $11+ million cap number was too steep for the team’s liking. Not wanting to lose him in 2020, the team worked out a two-year extension that lowers that cap hit for the upcoming year but also allows head coach Sean Payton to walk away from him in 2021 with minimal dead salary cap repercussions.

Faced with a big cap number for CB Janoris Jenkins, the #Saints chose to sign him to an extension that could keep him in the fold in the future: It’s a 2-year, $16.75M extension based on new money, source said. So, 3 years, $27M overall with $10.2M guaranteed — all in 2020.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2020

No official decision yet

Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

Savings from cutting Carr: $13.6 million

Carr’s future with the Raiders is very much up in the air. Reports suggest the franchise is interested in making free agent Tom Brady the face of its Las Vegas debut.

Brady may be a long shot, but this year’s free agent crop includes plenty of veteran alternatives should the Raiders want to swap out QBs. Las Vegas could also package its two first-round picks this April and move up to select a rookie quarterback at the draft.

The team has a lot of spending room this offseason, so moving Carr isn’t a priority, even if it lures a young QB to Nevada. He remains an efficient, if low-impact passer who could bring back a decent return via trade. There isn’t really a glaring reason for the Raiders to cut him loose, but this is Jon Gruden we’re talking about. You can’t rule out any splash-making move in advance of his team’s first season in Vegas.

Malcolm Butler, CB, Tennessee Titans

Savings from cutting Butler: $7.4 million

While he’s been steady in two seasons with the Titans, Butler is far removed from the form that made him an All-Pro with the Patriots in 2016. He’s been a good, if inconsistent, corner when healthy — and Tennessee is paying him like a great one.

The Titans have two major priorities at hand with both Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry barreling toward the open market. Carving out extra space for them could mean cutting Butler, who didn’t play a snap for the club in 2019 after Week 9 and thus missed the team’s Cinderella run through the first two weeks of the postseason. Dion Lewis, another former Patriot lured south with a big contract, has already been informed he’s no longer part of the team’s plans:

#Titans release Dion Lewis and Cameron Wake Roster Moves » https://t.co/56J1hYazCv https://t.co/ubnTnfqrE4

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) March 12, 2020

Three other notable veterans — Wake, tight end Delanie Walker and kicker Ryan Succop — were each served their walking papers this offseason as well. Butler’s been better than Lewis was as a Titan, but if he can’t convince leadership he’s due for a bounce-back year, he could be next on the chopping block.

Nate Solder, OT, New York Giants

Savings from cutting Solder: $6.5 million

Solder was the first big-ticket signing of general manager Dave Gettleman’s tenure. He hasn’t panned out the way the Giants hoped, though. His 37 blown pass protection blocks were the most in the NFL in 2019.

He’ll turn 32 years old before the upcoming season, so last year’s struggles could either be an outlier in an otherwise solid career or the beginning of an age-related decline. He was the most important piece of an offensive line that allowed Daniel Jones to get sacked 38 times in 12 starts last season, a number that threatens to stunt the young QB’s growth if it isn’t remedied.

If Solder isn’t cut in 2020, this could be the former blindside protector’s last chance to prove he’s still an upper-tier blocker.

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zeroviraluniverse-blog · 7 years ago

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AFC free agency capsules

Visit Now - https://zeroviral.com/afc-free-agency-capsules/

AFC free agency capsules

BALTIMORE RAVENS (9-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Mike Wallace and Michael Campanaro; TEs Benjamin Watson and Crockett Gillmore; OT James Hurst; Cs Ryan Jensen and Luke Bowanko; QB Ryan Mallett; RB Terrance West; CB Brandon Boykin; LB Steven Johnson.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

NEEDS: Even if they retain Wallace and Campanaro, Ravens are going after big-play wide receiver. Baltimore appears ready to give up on 2015 first-round pick Breshad Perriman, who has thus far been bust. Baltimore also needs pass rusher to help out 35-year-old Terrell Suggs and could use more depth on offensive line, especially if Hurst and Jensen end up elsewhere. Tight end is also trouble spot, given that Watson is 37 and Gillmore has struggled to stay healthy.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $5.4 million.

BUFFALO BILLS (9-8)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Jordan Matthews, Deonte Thompson, Brandon Tate, and Jeremy Butler; CBs E.J. Gaines, Leonard Johnson, and Shareece Wright; LBs Preston Brown and Ramon Humber; DTs Kyle Williams and Cedric Thornton; Ss Colt Anderson and Shamarko Thomas; RBs Travaris Cadet and Taiwan Jones; FB Mike Tolbert; OT Seantrel Henderson; QB Joe Webb.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

NEEDS: Quarterback moved to the top of the list after Buffalo traded three-year starter Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a third-round pick. The deal leaves Nathan Peterman — a fifth-round draft pick last year — as the only quarterback on the roster. Aside from free agency, the Bills are anticipated to select a quarterback in the draft. The defensive front seven could be in store for major overhaul with Williams yet to determine whether he’ll retire, starters Brown and Humber eligible for free agency. Unanticipated hole to fill is center after Eric Woods was diagnosed with career-ending neck injury in January. Bills already addressed needs by signing nine-year veteran CB Vontae Davis and running back Chris Ivory, who is expected to take over as LeSean McCoy’s primary backup.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $30 million.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-9)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB AJ McCarron; C Russell Bodine; TE Tyler Eifert; RBs Jeremy Hill and Cedric Peerman; P Kevin Huber; LB Kevin Minter; OTs Andre Smith and Eric Winston; DT Pat Sims.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

NEEDS: McCarron won grievance against Bengals, making him free agent and giving team unexpected task of finding backup for Andy Dalton. Bodine has started every game in past four seasons and team would like to keep him. Offensive line is priority after struggling to protect Dalton and open holes for running backs. Eifert has been injury-prone TE but when healthy is one of Dalton’s favorite targets near goal line. Offense finished last in league and needs major all-around upgrade.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $32.4 million.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-16)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RB Isaiah Crowell; LB Tank Carder.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DL Jamie Meder.

NEEDS: S, maybe LT. Cleveland figured to be in market for veteran quarterback, but that changed Friday when team acquired Tyrod Taylor in trade with Buffalo. Arrival of dynamic Taylor would seem to rule out Browns making run at AJ McCarron or any other free agent QBs. Still, team is expected to use No. 1 overall draft pick on a young QB to compete with Taylor or maybe start at some point in 2018. Browns also added wide receiver Jarvis Landry via trade, but would like to add depth at what has been troublesome position. Star left tackle Joe Thomas still hasn’t told team if he plans to keep playing or retire. If Thomas is done, team will need to address replacing future Hall of Famer. Browns have been league’s youngest team past two seasons and need infusion of both talent and experience in free agency.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $113 million.

DENVER BRONCOS (5-11)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: ILBs Todd Davis and Corey Nelson; DEs Jared Crick and Billy Wynn; QB Brock Osweiler; WR Cody Latimer; TE Virgil Green; RB Jamaal Charles; OL Allen Barbre; OT Donald Stephenson; G Billy Turner.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Shaquil Barrett; WR Bennie Fowler; C Matt Paradis.

NEEDS: After last year’s deflating draft class produced so little, Broncos need upgrades throughout roster but especially on offense. GM John Elway said high-priced WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, both of whom underperformed last season, will be back. That would make for attractive draw for veteran QB. They need to bolster running backs corps and do usual O-line fix, which has become annual rite of spring in Denver. Even with Jake Butt back from ACL surgery, they could use some more tight end prowess. On defense, they’re no longer elite unit that carried them to Super Bowl 50 title, but still very good behind Von Miller, MVP of Pro Bowl. They could use some jolts at linebacker and even in secondary, which for years was among league’s best.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE: $24 million.

HOUSTON TEXANS (4-12)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CBs Johnathan Joseph and Marcus Williams; RBs Alfred Blue, Andre Ellington and Jordan Todman; OTs Chris Clark and Breno Giacomini; Ss Marcus Gilchrist and Eddie Pleasant; G Xavier Su’a-Filo; QBs Tom Savage, Josh Johnson and T.J. Yates; OLB Jelani Jenkins; WR Bruce Ellington.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: ILBs Ben Heeney and Brian Peters; DE Angelo Blackson; WR Cobi Hamilton; C Greg Mancz.

NEEDS: Texans look to have finally found franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson. Now they need to upgrade offensive line to keep him protected when he returns from knee injury this season. They’ll likely let Clark and Su’a-Filo go in attempt to improve with better talent for Watson to play behind. They’ll also decide on Savage or Yates to back up Watson, or if they want to look elsewhere after both players struggled with Watson injured. Texans could also be in market for cornerback if they choose not to re-sign 12-year veteran Joseph.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $67.5 million.

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INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-12)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RB Frank Gore; S Darius Butler; WRs Donte Moncrief and Kamar Aiken; LBs Barkevious Mingo and Jon Bostic; QB Scott Tolzien; OLs Jack Mewhort and Michael Person; CBs Pierre Desir and Rashaan Melvin; TE Brandon Williams.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

NEEDS: With so many holes to fill, Colts could go anywhere in free agency. Their top need is pass rusher but they may have better luck finding option in draft. Instead, Indy will likely look for complementary rusher and starting cornerback, and attempt to upgrade offensive line, find No. 2 receiver and maybe even veteran running back to replace Gore. If they lose Melvin, they could be in market for two cornerbacks.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $66 million.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (12-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Arrelious Benn; CB Aaron Colvin; LBs Paul Posluszny and Lerentee McCray; OL Patrick Omameh; QB Chad Henne; TE Mychal Rivera; S Peyton Thompson; LS Matt Overton.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RB Corey Grant; LB Donald Payne.

NEEDS: Offensive help. With futures of wideouts Robinson, Lee and Allen Hurns unclear, Jaguars have to add playmakers to take some burden off second-year RB Leonard Fournette and inconsistent QB Blake Bortles. Jags also have 33-year-old TE Marcedes Lewis entering 13th season and needing to cut back on playing time, so they could have several new faces on that side of ball. Multiple WRs and at least one TE are possibilities in free agency and/or draft. Backup QB also needed. Coach Doug Marrone wants to be run-first team and needs explosive personnel outside to reduce and maybe eliminate eight- and nine-man defensive fronts.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $29 million.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (10-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DTs Bennie Logan and DT Stefan Charles; P Dustin Colquitt; LBs Derrick Johnson and Kevin Pierre-Louis; WRs Albert Wilson and De’Anthony Thomas; FB Anthony Sherman; QB Tyler Bray; RB C.J. Spiller; DE Jarvis Jenkins; CBs Phillip Gaines, Kenneth Acker and Terrance Mitchell; S Steven Terrell; LG Jordan Devey; C Zach Fulton.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Ramik Wilson; DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches.

NEEDS: Chiefs’ trades of QB Alex Smith to Redskins and CB Marcus Peters to Rams become official March 14. That means Kansas City will likely be in market for veteran backup for QB Patrick Mahomes II and another cornerback to compete with incoming Kendall Fuller and recently signed David Amerson. Chiefs have big needs everywhere on defense, including linebackers and defensive line, and could use playmaking wide receiver to complement Tyreek Hill.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $1.9 million over.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (9-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TEs Antonio Gates and Jeff Cumberland; LBs Korey Toomer and Jerry Attaochu; RB Branden Oliver; OLs Matt Slauson, Chris Hairston, Kenny Wiggins, Michael Ola and Michael Schofield; S Tre Boston; QB Kellen Clemens; DT Tenny Palepoi.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: S Adrian Phillips; CBs Trevor Williams and Greg Ducre; RBs Andre Williams and Russell Hansbrough; LBs Chris McCain and Nick Dzubnar; WRs Geremy Davis, Tyrell Williams and Isaiah Burse; TE Sean McGrath.

NEEDS: After 9-3 finish to season, Chargers believe they’re few pieces away from contending. Offensive line wasn’t outstanding, and top-notch right tackle would be welcome bookend for Russell Okung. Re-signing safety Tre Boston or finding his replacement is important. Clemens could be replaced by more viable backup to Philip Rivers. Linebacker depth is significant need. GM Tom Telesco said he wants to find established veteran kicker after last season’s struggles likely cost Bolts playoff spot. And they must decide whether to give another season to Gates, who will be 38.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $22 million.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-10)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: SS Michael Thomas, Walt Aikens and S Nate Allen; QBs Matt Moore and Jay Cutler; LBs Lamin Barrow and Koa Misi; G Jermon Bushrod; LS John Denney; TE Anthony Fasano; DEs Terrence Fede and William Hayes; K Cody Parkey; CB Alterraun Verner; RB Damien Williams; OT Sam Young.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB David Fales; LB Neville Hewitt; G Anthony Steen.

NEEDS: After backsliding in Year 2 under coach Adam Gase, Dolphins need starters at tight end, linebacker, receiver and perhaps two offensive line positions. They need more depth at running back and safety. Miami already made two significant moves, agreeing to trade receiver Jarvis Landry to Browns for two draft picks, and agreeing to acquire Rams edge rusher Robert Quinn for mid-round draft pick. But with severe salary cap constraints and mediocre pool of free agent talent, Dolphins are unlikely to be as aggressive in free agency as in recent years.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $4 million over.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (15-4)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CBs Malcolm Butler and Johnson Bademosi; WRs Danny Amendola and Matt Slater; RBs Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead; OTs Nate Solder, Cam Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle; DTs Alan Branch and Ricky Jean Francois; LBs James Harrison and Marquis Flowers; DE Geno Grissom; FS Nate Ebner.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FS Brandon King; G Ted Karras.

NEEDS: Butler’s comments following his Super Bowl benching point to exit for him and opening at cornerback. New England likes Burkhead and got big production in 2017 from Lewis. Both are just 27 years old, but Patriots likely won’t stand pat after disappointing season by 2017 free agency pickup Mike Gillislee. Linebacking core needs some help with Harrison unlikely to be re-signed at age 39 and starter Dont’a Hightower coming off shoulder surgery. Getting another player to pair with Trey Flowers at defensive end will be another priority.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $14.7 million.

NEW YORK JETS (5-11)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB Josh McCown; CB Morris Claiborne; C Wesley Johnson, TEs Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Chris Gragg; LBs Demario Davis, Bruce Carter, Julian Stanford, and David Bass; S Terrence Brooks; PK Chandler Catanzaro; DLs Kony Ealy and Ed Stinson; DT Mike Pennel; OLs Jonotthan Harrison, Ben Ijalana and Dakota Dozier.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Quincy Enunwa; S Rontez Miles; OL Brent Qvale; TE Neal Sterling; DL Xavier Cooper.

NEEDS: It’s all about finding quarterback, running theme for this franchise for, well, decades. New York will be in Kirk Cousins sweepstakes and has money it would take to land him. But will the former Washington QB want team that has failed to make playoffs for seven straight seasons and underwent massive rebuild last year? Jets have new offensive coordinator in former QBs coach Jeremy Bates, who runs Mike and Kyle Shanahan-style system Cousins learned during his first two seasons in league. If Jets whiff on Cousins, there’s good chance McCown will be back to mentor whomever New York takes with its first draft pick at No. 6 overall. Plenty of holes elsewhere, although Jets are interested in re-signing Claiborne, Seferian-Jenkins and Davis as core players. Help on offensive line, namely at center, proven pass rusher and cornerback will also be high priorities for GM Mike Maccagnan. Running back Matt Forte is retired, so Jets might look for some depth in backfield, as well as on defensive line after releasing disappointing Muhammad Wilkerson.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $90 million.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (6-10)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Ss Reggie Nelson and Keith McGill; LB NaVorro Bowman; CB TJ Carrie; K Sebastian Janikowski; DT Justin Ellis; DL Denico Autry; TE Lee Smith; QB E.J. Manuel; LS Jon Condo.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

NEEDS: Coach Jon Gruden takes over team coming off disappointing season with many holes. There could be even more voids if Raiders choose to release several high-priced veterans to create even more cap room. Biggest holes right now are on defense; Raiders must upgrade at linebacker and in secondary, as well as find pass rush help for Khalil Mack. Oakland also would like to add at least one more receiver, along with possible upgrade at tackle. Another question is at running back; keep Marshawn Lynch and his $6 million salary or find starter in free agency or draft?

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $16 million.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (13-4)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Arthur Moats; G Chris Hubbard; WR Justin Hunter; LB Sean Spence; RBs Stevan Ridley and RB Fitz Toussaint; DT Daniel McCullers; S Daimion Stafford.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: K Chris Boswell; LB Anthony Chickillo; WR Eli Rogers.

NEEDS: Two-time defending AFC North champions need help at inside linebacker with Ryan Shazier already ruled out for 2018 with spinal injury. Pittsburgh’s defense sagged late in season without Shazier and was shredded by Jacksonville in stunning home playoff loss. Depth at running back is also concern with Le’Veon Bell’s long-term status uncertain after team placed franchise tag on him for second straight spring. Steelers as usual are right up against cap; contract restructuring and cutting some veterans would give them wiggle room if needed. They could even sign marquee player if they opted to pull back franchise tag on Bell, which would free up $14.5 million in cap space off top.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $1 million.

TENNESSEE TITANS (10-8)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LBs Avery Williamson and Erik Walden; WRs Eric Decker and Harry Douglas; DE DaQuan Jones; CB Brice McCain; G Josh Kline; C Brian Schwenke; QB Brandon Weeden.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Quinton Spain; DE David King; CB Curtis Riley.

NEEDS: Now that QB Matt Cassel is being released, upgrading Marcus Mariota’s backup is crucial after Titans lost one game Cassel started last season. Both starting guards also are hitting market, though any offer to Spain can be matched, with Titans possibly looking at options after run game slumped from first in AFC to 15th. Wide receiver is must with Decker hitting market after ranking second with 54 catches. Money seems biggest obstacle for Titans keeping pair of defensive starters in Williamson and Jones, who was playing his best when he tore biceps.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $59 million.

___

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

#AFC #agency #capsules #free #News #Random News

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mikrowelle-kaufen · 8 years ago

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rotoworld-yahoopartner · 8 years ago

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Beckham�s Latest Meltdown

It wasn’t the boat. It wasn’t Bieber. The Packers were just better.

There’s no shame in that. Lately, the Packers have been better than everyone. Sunday’s blowout win over the Giants was their seventh straight. The key, as usual, has been Aaron Rodgers. He’s been God’s gift to the quarterback position during the Packers’ win streak, completing a remarkable 69.6 percent of his passes for 19 touchdowns and (wait for it) ZERO interceptions.

Even with his best wide receiver sidelined for much of the day (we’ll get to that in a minute), Rodgers still had no trouble carving up one of the league’s best secondaries on Sunday. Of course, just like the Packers’ season, it took a while for him to get going. The Giants didn’t bring much pressure but still managed five sacks because Rodgers’ receivers were having trouble getting open downfield.

But often in sports a single play can change the course of an entire game. No player is better at making his own luck than Rodgers. His 42-yard touchdown strike to Randall Cobb at the end of the first half—another strong entry in the Rodgers’ Hail Mary canon—gave the Packers all the momentum they would need.

Cobb was the difference maker none of us were expecting. He wasn’t even a lock to play on Sunday after missing the previous two weeks with a nagging ankle injury. But a perfect set of circumstances unfolded. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, an All-Pro selection and PFF’s No. 3 cornerback in 2016, hurt his thigh early in Sunday’s game and was limited to two snaps. That gave Cobb more room to operate in the slot while Jordy Nelson’s rib injury paved the way for more targets.

When all was said and done, Cobb finished with five catches for 116 yards and three touchdowns. Sunday marked Cobb’s second 100-yard performance of the season. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), Cobb’s other 100-yard effort also came against the Giants. That was back in Week 5 when Cobb nabbed nine catches for 108 yards in Green Bay’s 23-16 victory. Cobb’s three touchdowns Sunday were more than he had scored in his previous seven games combined.

The early news on Nelson isn’t encouraging, which means Cobb should be in for another big role in the Divisional Round. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Nelson suffered at least two rib fractures and would need nothing short of a miracle to suit up Sunday against top-seeded Dallas. Nelson’s value to the Packers is easy to quantify. He led the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns, while also finishing in the top-10 in numerous other categories including catches (97), targets (152), yards (1,257) and yards per game (78.6). But why would the Packers sweat it after hanging nearly 40 points on the Giants with Nelson sidelined for most of the game?

The Packers have essentially applied the popular fantasy technique “Zero Running Back” to real life. Only three teams logged fewer carries during the regular season, a product of both injuries and a perplexing lack of depth at running back. Green Bay’s most effective rusher this year was Ty Montgomery, who began the year as a backup wide receiver. So don’t expect the Packers to go away from what’s been working for them. They’re going to keep slinging with or without Jordy. Cobb and Davante Adams should both be up to the task against a Dallas secondary that yielded the seventh-most passing yards per game this season.

Green Bay’s prolific passing game was obviously on display Sunday at Lambeau but perhaps the Packers aren’t getting enough credit for shutting down Odell Beckham. And it wasn’t just Sunday either. In his two games against the Packers this year, Beckham managed only nine catches for 84 yards on 23 targets. That’s a success rate of 39.1 percent.

The Packers threw the kitchen sink at Beckham, shadowing him with Ladarius Gunter while also doubling him in obvious passing situations. Even then Beckham still had opportunities but couldn’t make the most of them. He finished with three drops including what would have been a 28-yard touchdown during the first quarter.

For an athletic freak who can do things like this, Beckham has botched far too many routine plays this season. While Beckham was often the Giants’ only source of offense this year, his composure—or lack of any—continues to undermine his play. Beckham reportedly punched through a wall after Sunday’s loss and also had a testy exchange with a member of the Packers’ ground crew.

That’s not the most professional way to handle losing but Beckham is far from the first player to lose his cool after a tough game. The problem is that Beckham’s meltdowns are occurring on a near-weekly basis and it seems like he’s made no effort to correct his behavior. Nobody has it all figured out at age 24. Beckham is going to make mistakes. But he’s also the Giants’ best player, a role that comes with some expectation of leadership.

“We all had to grow up at different times in our lives,” said GM Jerry Reese after Beckham’s latest outburst. “I think it’s time for him to do it now. He’s been here three years now.”

The boat trip to Miami was great headline fodder for the New York newspapers but mostly meaningless. Even the golden boy Tom Brady (who is now on Instagram, if that’s important to you) admitted that he used to live it up on his off-days. “When I was young, I did a lot of things when I look back, I probably wish I wouldn't have done—flying across country and things like that,” Brady told WEEI on Monday. “It just wasn't publicized."

Brady is probably thankful Twitter didn’t exist in his 20s. The story was overblown, as all matters with New York sports teams seem to be, but after seeing it blow up in his face, I’m betting Beckham and his crew will wait until after the season the next time they decide to hit up South Beach.

Beckham doesn’t have to be a choir boy but if he’s going to put on a Broadway show with kicking nets or warm up shirtless in 10-degree weather, he better get the job done on game day. Sunday he couldn’t deliver on that promise.

Quick Hits: One of the six head-coaching vacancies has been filled. Doug Marrone, who served as the Jaguars’ interim head coach after the firing of Gus Bradley, will take over as the full-time head coach next season. The Jags also inked GM Dave Caldwell to a two-year extension while hiring former head coach Tom Coughlin as the team’s new Executive VP of Football Operations. According to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union, Coughlin is expected to have the “final say on everything” … The Bills have cast a fairly wide net in their head-coaching search but according to WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio, interim coach Anthony Lynn and Panthers DC Sean McDermott have emerged as the clear frontrunners. Those two have distanced themselves from other candidates including Cardinals OC Harold Goodwin, Eagles OC Frank Reich and Seahawks DC Kris Richard … The Vikings fired QBs coach Scott Turner on Monday. Turner’s father Norv resigned as the team’s offensive coordinator prior to Week 9, handing the reigns to Pat Shurmur. Both Turners had been with the Vikings since 2014 … Falcons OC Kyle Shanahan impressed during his interview with the Broncos and has narrowed the gap between himself and perceived favorite Vance Joseph, according to 9News Denver’s Mike Klis. Shanahan, who also has an interview coming up with the Rams, is known to prefer the Denver job over other coaching vacancies. If Joseph lands a head-coaching job this offseason, he’s expected to bring on former Chargers coach Mike McCoy as his offensive coordinator … Pep Hamilton is leaving the Browns for the University of Michigan, where he’ll serve as an assistant coach/passing-game coordinator under Jim Harbaugh. Former Bills OC Greg Roman could be a candidate to replace Hamilton in Cleveland … The Redskins have interviewed Mike Pettine for their opening at defensive coordinator. Pettine coached the Browns to a 10-22 record during his two-year stay in Cleveland. The Redskins are looking to replace Joe Barry, who was fired last week … Tom Savage is out of the concussion protocol and will serve as Brock Osweiler’s backup Saturday against New England. The Texans lost 27-0 when they traveled to Foxboro in Week 3, and that was with third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett filling in for Jimmy Garoppolo and Tom Brady … In addition to his criticism of Odell Beckham, Giants GM Jerry Reese also said in his year-end press conference that Eli Manning is “probably on the back nine of his career.” The youngest Manning brother turned 36 earlier this month … Jason Pierre-Paul was forced to sign a one-year “prove-it” contract after losing two of his fingers in a fireworks accident last year but expects to get a long-term deal this offseason. He underwent hernia surgery about a month ago … Ben Roethlisberger has already shed the walking boot he wore on his injured ankle after Sunday’s win over the Dolphins. It looks like he’ll be fine for the Divisional Round against Kansas City … Steelers OLB coach Joey Porter has taken a leave of absence following his arrest Sunday night in Pittsburgh. He’s facing five charges including aggravated assault, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct … On the injury front, Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed that Justin Houston and Spencer Ware will both be active for Sunday’s Divisional matchup against the Steelers. Houston sat out the Chiefs’ final two regular season games with a knee issue while Ware was sidelined for Week 17 with a rib injury … The Seahawks were hoping to get C.J. Prosise (shoulder) back this week but he still needs to be cleared for contact. Meanwhile, lead back Thomas Rawls set a team playoff record by rushing for 161 yards in Saturday’s win over the Lions … Ameer Abdullah expects to be 100 percent for OTAs. He missed most of the season with a torn ligament in his foot … Impending free agent Anquan Boldin hinted that he plans on playing at least one more season. The 36-year-old led the Lions with eight touchdowns in 2016 … Fresh off upsetting Alabama in the National Championship (what a game!), Clemson QB Deshaun Watson has decided to forego his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. The two-time Heisman Trophy finalist is expected to be a first-round pick.

#_uuid:8c6c9d97-f061-3250-bf47-c1bf05f70b1f #_revsp:rotoworld.com #_author:Jesse Pantuosco #_lmsid:a077000000MEFaHAAX

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junker-town · 5 years ago

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Here are the biggest NFL veterans who could be cut this offseason

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

NFL teams looking to save some money means some familiar names will be looking for new homes.

These are the other veterans who could join him on the free agent market, ranked by order of how much they can save their respective teams by leaving this spring.

Already gone

Josh Norman, CB, Washington

Savings from cutting Norman: $12.4 million

#Redskins are releasing CB Josh Norman, source says. Intriguing situation to watch, as he now has time to find his new team ahead of free agency.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 14, 2020

Prince Amukamara, CB, Chicago Bears

Savings from cutting Amukamara: $9 million

Marcell Dareus, DL, Jacksonville Jaguars

Savings from cutting Dareus: $20 million

While he can still be a useful presence in the middle of a defensive line, he’s due for a major pay cut this offseason.

Russell Okung, OT, Los Angeles Chargers

Savings from cutting Okung: $13 million

While he was capable, he didn’t fit in with LA’s rebuild. Rather than release a Pro Bowl-caliber blocker, he’ll be traded to the Panthers in exchange for guard Trai Turner.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2020

A.J. Bouye, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Savings from cutting Bouye: $11.4 million

With Jacksonville eager to find a way around Nick Foles’ cap-clogging $22 million average salary, Bouye’s departure may be the next step in a mini-rebuild of the Jacksonville defense.

Jimmy Graham, TE, Green Bay Packers

Savings from cutting Graham: $8 million

Xavier Rhodes, CB, Minnesota Vikings

Savings from cutting Rhodes: $8.1 million

Releasing Rhodes still left the Vikings over the cap, however. That led to DT Linval Joseph’s release as well. Together, they trimmed more than $20.5 from Minnesota’s 2020 salary cap.

The #Vikings have terminated the contracts of DT Linval Joseph and CB Xavier Rhodes.https://t.co/VIg4PYgTK7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 13, 2020

Joe Flacco, QB, Denver Broncos

Savings from cutting Flacco: $10 million

The Joe Flacco who led the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII win is no more. This is the era of a Joe Flacco who is barely a replacement-level passer.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020

Dontari Poe, DT, Carolina Panthers

Savings from cutting Poe: $9.8 million

Sticking around

Sammy Watkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Savings from cutting Watkins: $14 million

Then again, in the biggest game of his life, he put Richard Sherman on roller skates.

Sammy Watkins diced up Richard Sherman, then Patrick Mahomes just had to drop a pass in the bucket pic.twitter.com/ezEyARIu26

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) February 3, 2020

Janoris Jenkins, CB, New Orleans Saints

Savings from cutting Jenkins: $11.3 million

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2020

No decision yet

Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals

Savings from cutting Dalton: $17.7 million

Dalton gave the Bengals nine seasons of mostly good, never great quarterbacking. Now he has no place on team ready to draft Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick. Dalton’s career in tiger stripes is almost certainly over.

Even though Cincinnati will need a veteran quarterback to help ease Burrow’s presumptive transition from LSU to the NFL, it’s time for both sides to move on. The money saved by releasing the Pro Bowl quarterback can be spent acquiring weapons and bolstering the offensive line tasked with keeping Burrow’s jersey clean in 2020. The Bengals have already released one expensive standby this offseason; offensive tackle Cordy Glenn was released before the official start of the league year, clearing $9.5 million in cap space in the process.

Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

Savings from cutting Carr: $13.6 million

Carr’s future with the Raiders is very much up in the air. Reports suggest the franchise is interested in making free agent Tom Brady the face of its Las Vegas debut.

Malcolm Butler, CB, Tennessee Titans

Savings from cutting Butler: $7.4 million

#Titans release Dion Lewis and Cameron Wake Roster Moves » https://t.co/56J1hYazCv https://t.co/ubnTnfqrE4

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) March 12, 2020

Nate Solder, OT, New York Giants

Savings from cutting Solder: $6.5 million

If Solder isn’t cut in 2020, this could be the former blindside protector’s last chance to prove he’s still an upper-tier blocker.

0 notes

junker-town · 5 years ago

Text

Here are the biggest NFL veterans who could be cut this offseason

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

NFL teams looking to save some money means some familiar names will be looking for new homes.

These are the other veterans who could join him on the free agent market, ranked by order of how much they can save their respective teams by leaving this spring.

Already gone

Josh Norman, CB, Washington

Savings from cutting Norman: $12.4 million

#Redskins are releasing CB Josh Norman, source says. Intriguing situation to watch, as he now has time to find his new team ahead of free agency.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 14, 2020

Prince Amukamara, CB, Chicago Bears

Savings from cutting Amukamara: $9 million

Marcell Dareus, DL, Jacksonville Jaguars

Savings from cutting Dareus: $20 million

While he can still be a useful presence in the middle of a defensive line, he’s due for a major pay cut this offseason.

Russell Okung, OT, Los Angeles Chargers

Savings from cutting Okung: $13 million

While he was capable, he didn’t fit in with LA’s rebuild. Rather than release a Pro Bowl-caliber blocker, he’ll be traded to the Panthers in exchange for guard Trai Turner.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2020

No decision yet

Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals

Savings from cutting Dalton: $17.7 million

Sammy Watkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Savings from cutting Watkins: $14 million

Then again, in the biggest game of his life, he put Richard Sherman on roller skates.

Sammy Watkins diced up Richard Sherman, then Patrick Mahomes just had to drop a pass in the bucket pic.twitter.com/ezEyARIu26

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) February 3, 2020

It’s possible the two sides find a middle ground on a restructured contract that extends Watkins’ contract while spreading his massive cap hit and guaranteed cash into the future.

Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

Savings from cutting Carr: $13.6 million

Carr’s future with the Raiders is very much up in the air. Reports suggest the franchise is interested in making free agent Tom Brady the face of its Las Vegas debut.

A.J. Bouye, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Savings from cutting Bouye: $11.4 million

Like Dareus, Bouye is a highly paid defender who has seen better days. And like his colleague, he could be looking at a change of venue this offseason thanks to the Jaguars’ cap crunch. The former Texan allowed opposing QBs to post a 106.0 passer rating against him this past season while completing two-thirds of their passes with him in coverage.

With Jacksonville eager to find a way around Nick Foles’ cap-clogging $22 million average salary, Bouye’s departure could be the next step in a mini-rebuild of the Jacksonville defense.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, New Orleans Saints

Savings from cutting Jenkins: $11.3 million

The Saints will have to figure out what to do with all three of their quarterbacks — Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater, and Taysom Hill — and are already strapped for cash heading into the new fiscal year. One easy space-saving move would make New Orleans the second team to cut Jenkins in the past three months.

The Saints claimed Jenkins after he was released by the Giants for a combination of on-field malaise and off-field concerns. He performed well in New Orleans despite the team’s sudden playoff exit, but his one-year, $11+ million cap number may be too steep. There’s a chance the Saints work out a longer-term deal in order to massage those numbers and keep him in black and gold moving forward.

Joe Flacco, QB, Denver Broncos

Savings from cutting Flacco: $10 million

The Joe Flacco who led the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII win is no more. This is the era of a Joe Flacco who is barely a replacement-level passer.

The former Super Bowl MVP has been mostly forgettable the past five seasons, recording an 83.0 passer rating and a 26-33 record as a starter. He also had his lead role usurped in both Baltimore (Lamar Jackson) and Denver (Drew Lock) after midseason injuries. General manager John Elway could keep him in Colorado to continue in his role as Lock’s mentor, or the Broncos could cut Flacco and invest a fraction of the savings involved to lure an available free agent quarterback to town instead.

Dontari Poe, DT, Carolina Panthers

Savings from cutting Poe: $9.8 million

The Panthers have a new coach for 2020. Olsen is no longer with the team. With Cam Newton’s Carolina future up for debate, there’s a chance we’re looking at a wholesale rebuild in Charlotte.

A 30-year-old Poe wouldn’t have much of a role in a Panther renaissance. The space-clogging tackle is set to be the third-highest paid player on the roster after a good, but not great season. With limited expectations for the upcoming year, he could be cut free as new head coach Matt Rhule looks to assemble his own roster.

Xavier Rhodes, CB, Minnesota Vikings

Savings from cutting Rhodes: $8.1 million

The Vikings have some very difficult decisions to make this offseason. With -$12.3 million in cap room — worst in the NFL by a significant margin — Minnesota is going to have to cut some expensive veterans. First on the chopping block will likely be Rhodes, who signed a five-year, $70.1 million contract extension in 2017 and struggled mightily in both 2018 and 2019. Per SIS, he gave up a 122.9 passer rating in coverage last fall.

Cutting Rhodes still leaves the Vikings well over the cap, however. Minnesota will have to trim the fat elsewhere, and that could mean one or two strong players winds up as an unexpected jewel in this year’s free agent crop.

Jimmy Graham, TE, Green Bay Packers

Savings from cutting Graham: $8 million

Graham hasn’t been the red zone panacea the Packers hoped he would be when they signed him to a three-year, $30 million contract in 2018. After scoring 10 touchdowns in his final season with the Seahawks in 2017, Graham has just five scores over two years in Green Bay.

The Packers drafted Jace Sternberger in the third round in 2019 to take over as Graham’s replacement, but injuries limited him to only six games as rookie — and one target from Aaron Rodgers, which he dropped. Still, if head coach Matt LaFleur thinks the second-year tight end is ready for a promotion, Graham’s tenure in Wisconsin could be over after two seasons. While the team hasn’t made an official decision yet, it seems to be trending away from the former Pro Bowler.

One potential play-maker hitting the market: #Packers TE Jimmy Graham is not expected back in Green Bay, sources say. The move with the 33-year old former free agent signing is noteable, though not a surprise for anyone involved.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2020

Malcolm Butler, CB, Tennessee Titans

Savings from cutting Butler: $7.4 million

Nate Solder, OT, New York Giants

Savings from cutting Solder: $6.5 million

If Solder isn’t cut in 2020, this could be the former blindside protector’s last chance to prove he’s still an upper-tier blocker.

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