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THESE Are 7 Big-Name Veterans Who Will Likely Be CUT … Where Will They All End Up??

By Casey Kaye

We’re inching closer to the new league year in the NFL. 

With that means we’re getting closer and closer to the free agency and the NFL Draft as teams look to bolster their rosters ahead of the 2024 season.

As is always the case, several big-name veterans will soon be released … Some expected. Some not expected.

Here’s a look at seven notable players who may very well be released (along with important contract details)… 

Broncos QB Russell Wilson
-Years left on contract: 5 (!!!!!)
-2024 cap savings: -$49.6M
-2024 dead money: $85M

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, with five years remaining on his contract, presents a challenging financial situation for the team.

Despite a hefty dead money figure of $85 million in 2024 and a lackluster performance, it’s unlikely Wilson will be traded due to his age and contract.

Coach Sean Payton’s decision to bench Wilson towards the end of this season hinted at the end of his tenure with the Broncos, primarily to avoid his $37 million salary in 2025.

Consequently, Denver will inevitably release Wilson, burdened with significant dead cap, but still preferable to retaining him.

Designating Wilson as a post-June 1 cut would allow the Broncos to distribute his dead money over two years, albeit still a considerable hit.

Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo
-Years left on contract: 2
-2024 cap savings (post-June 1 cut): $12.8M
-2024 dead money (post-June 1 cut): $15.5M

The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in a similar predicament with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has two years left on his contract.

Following a disappointing 2023 season, where Garoppolo threw seven touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven games, the Raiders are unlikely to secure a trade for the 32-year-old.

Initially signed to align with Josh McDaniels coaching system, Garoppolo’s tenure in Las Vegas was a failure (along with McDaniels who ended up being fired).

Releasing Garoppolo is the logical step, but it must be designated as a post-June 1 move to maximize cap savings, as the team would only gain $19,000 in space otherwise.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara
-Years left on contract: 2
-2024 cap savings: $1.5M
-2024 dead money: $17.2M

In yet another year, Kamara finds himself on the chopping block. Once again, the New Orleans team faces salary cap constraints, projected to be a daunting $83.7 million over the cap.

While General Manager Mickey Loomis is renowned for managing the salary cap, the escalating numbers attached to Kamara’s contract may warrant consideration.

His cap hit is set to skyrocket from $7.9 million in 2023 to a staggering $18.7 million in 2024.

Opting for a post-June 1 release of the five-time Pro Bowler could yield significant relief, freeing up $11.7 million in cap space albeit with $7 million in dead money.

Kamara boasts a track record of surpassing 1,000 scrimmage yards for the past seven seasons, but his durability has waned since 2019, having not completed a full season.

A three-game suspension last year coupled with a subpar average of fewer than four yards per carry raises concerns.

Moreover, statistical analysis from Next Gen Stats places him as the fourth-worst tailback in rushing yards over expected.

While exploring a potential trade remains an option, the current chill in the running back market diminishes its viability.

With Kamara’s $1-million 2024 roster bonus looming on March 13, it’s likely that New Orleans will part ways with him before that deadline if they choose to go down that path.

Browns RB Nick Chubb
-Years left on contract: 1
-2024 cap savings: $11.8M
-2024 dead money: $4M

Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb faces uncertainty with one year left on his contract.

Despite being a fan favorite and maintaining his status as one of the league’s top running backs, Chubb’s potential release is looming due to Cleveland’s dire salary cap situation.

The team’s projected $23.9 million over the cap clashes with Chubb’s $15.8 million cap hit, prompting Browns general manager Andrew Berry to acknowledge the contract issue publicly.

While Cleveland would prefer to retain the four-time Pro Bowler, renegotiating his contract may prove challenging given the market for running backs and Chubb’s recent surgeries.

After undergoing procedures for meniscus, MCL, and ACL injuries, Chubb’s return is anticipated during the 2024 season, raising questions about his longevity and performance.

Nonetheless, Chubb’s consistent excellence since entering the league in 2018, never averaging fewer than five yards per carry in a season, adds complexity to the decision-making process.

Packers LT David Bakhtiari
-Years left on contract: 1
-2024 cap savings: $20.9M
-2024 dead money: $19M

Bakhtiari secured either first- or second-team All-Pro honors in each of the last five seasons he played at least 12 games.

However, he hasn’t achieved that since 2020, and knee problems have restricted him to just 13 appearances over the past three years, with only one game in 2023.

At 32 years old, his 2024 cap hit is $40 million, making it improbable that Green Bay will retain him on his existing contract for the forthcoming season.

He’s also best friends with former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers … Could he somehow end up joining Rodgers with the Jets???

Chargers WR Mike Williams
-Years left on contract: 1
-2024 cap savings: $20M
-2024 dead money: $12.4M

The Chargers are anticipated to surpass the cap by $45.8 million and face significant decisions on both offense and defense.

On offense, L.A. has two players with cap hits exceeding $30 million: Williams ($32.4 million) and Keenan Allen ($34.7 million).

Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler who turns 32 in April, is coming off one of his best seasons.

It would be more prudent for Los Angeles to part ways with Williams, who suffered an ACL tear in September and has a history of injuries.

He will be 30 in October. Since leading the NFL with 20.4 yards per reception in 2019, Williams’ effectiveness has declined, and he hasn’t reached the 1,000-yard mark in the past two seasons.

Chargers Pass-Rusher Joey Bosa
-Years left on contract: 2
-2024 cap savings: $14.4M
-2024 dead money: $22.2M

Chargers pass-rusher Joey Bosa has a cap hit of $36.6 million. First pursuing a trade would make sense rather than an out-right release.

When healthy, Bosa has proven to be one of the best defensive players in the league. However, his injury history has limited him to 14 appearances over the past two seasons.

Cutting him post-June 1 would free up $22 million in cap space for Los Angeles, with $14.6 million in dead cap.

With Jim Harbaugh now at the helm, it’s uncertain what direction the Chargers will take.

Will they opt to shake up the roster following a disappointing season, possibly parting ways with veteran players such as Bosa (and Khalil Mack)?

Can they negotiate contract restructures to alleviate the financial burden? It’s evident that keeping all aging stars on the team for another season isn’t feasible.

However, Bosa does seem like a “Harbaugh-guy,” which makes the decision interesting…

What are your thoughts on these seven players?

Will they all – or at least most of them – be released?

Which one of them would you want on your team most???

 

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