NFL Cut Candidates Surface
Up to 20 notable players are rumored as cut candidates this week as franchises clear cap space for free agency and the draft. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is at the center of trade speculation with no deal materialized yet. A Super Bowl champion franchise is for sale signaling potential major ownership changes in the league.
- The Seattle Seahawks are for sale following their Super Bowl LX victory, a move initiated by the estate of the late owner, Paul G. Allen. The sale is in accordance with Allen's will, which directs that proceeds from the sale of his sports franchises be dedicated to philanthropy. The franchise is expected to command a record-breaking sale price, potentially exceeding the $6.05 billion paid for the Washington Commanders in 2023. - Kyler Murray's contract, a five-year, $230.5 million extension signed in 2022, includes $103.3 million fully guaranteed. For the 2026 season, he carries a significant salary cap hit of over $52 million for the Arizona Cardinals. A pre-June 1 trade would result in a dead cap value of over $54 million for the Cardinals, but would also generate cap savings. - Teams with significant salary cap space heading into the 2026 free agency period include the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers, giving them the flexibility to be aggressive in signing new players. Conversely, about a third of the league is currently over the salary cap and will need to make roster moves to become compliant. - Notable players who are considered potential cut candidates due to their high cap hits include Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson and Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary. Releasing Hockenson could save the Vikings a significant amount, while the Packers may look to pivot to younger, cheaper pass rushers. - Several running backs could also be on the chopping block, including Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers, Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints, and Joe Mixon of the Houston Texans, as teams look to shed large salaries at the position. - Even some high-profile wide receivers, such as Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins and Calvin Ridley of the Tennessee Titans, are being discussed as potential cap casualties. Releasing Hill, for instance, could provide the Dolphins with substantial cap savings. - The projected NFL salary cap for the 2026 season is expected to be between $301.2 million and $305.7 million. - The sale of the Seahawks is being handled by investment bank Allen & Company and the law firm Latham & Watkins, with the process expected to continue through the 2026 offseason.
