15 NFL veterans who could be offseason cuts
With the 2021 season behind us, NFL teams are set to begin balancing budgets and building their rosters for a run in 2022.
Here are 15 notable veterans whose hefty contracts could place them on the chopping block in the offseason.
(Contract information courtesy of OverTheCap)
49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $25.55M
2022 dead money: $1.4M
It's no guarantee the 49ers will find a trade partner for Garoppolo, whose limited ceiling could put off quarterback-needy clubs. Garoppolo has asked San Francisco to send him to a competitive situation. However, prospective contenders might hold out for a bigger name. A trade still seems more likely, but a release could come if the right deal doesn't.
Chiefs DE Frank ClarkYears left on contract: 2
2022 cap savings: $12.7M
2022 dead money: $13.6M
Clark has fallen short of expectations over three seasons in Kansas City, and he could now be on his way out. He mustered only 4.5 sacks last season, continuing a downward trend since his 14-sack campaign in 2018 with the Seahawks. The Chiefs will have a tough time keeping Clark's $26.3-million cap hit on the books while Patrick Mahomes' number rises to nearly $36 million.
Cowboys WR Amari CooperYears left on contract: 3
2022 cap savings: $16M
2022 dead money: $6M
It's hard to imagine Jerry Jones cutting one of his top stars, but the Cowboys are going to have to re-jig their roster somehow. Dallas enters the offseason over the cap and has holes to fill. It could solve both problems by shedding Cooper's salary. The 27-year-old underperformed last season with 865 yards and eight touchdowns, and he has no more guaranteed money left on his contract.
Packers LB Za'Darius Smith
Quinn Harris / Getty Images Sport / GettyYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $15.28M
2022 dead money: $12.38M
The Packers will try to keep their prolific pass-rusher, but it's going to be tough. Green Bay is the only team that can't get under the cap through veteran restructures, and the club still has to sign or franchise tag Davante Adams, meaning another high-priced veteran probably has to go. An Aaron Rodgers extension could alleviate some financial pressure, but Smith is one of the only other options for major salary relief.
Browns WR Jarvis LandryYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $14.88M
2022 dead money: $1.5M
The Browns need to overhaul their receiving core, and Landry could very well be part of sweeping changes. Not only is the slot specialist coming off a down year, but he may be ready to follow best bud Odell Beckham Jr. and find a more favorable situation. If you're Baker Mayfield, you probably wouldn't mind removing any associations to OBJ from the team.
Seahawks LB Bobby WagnerYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $16.6M
2022 dead money: $3.75M
There's a good chance Wagner returns if the Seahawks want to keep the band together - or whatever is left of it - for another run. But if Russell Wilson asks for a trade or Seattle decides to retool, the Seahawks will have little incentive to keep the aging Wagner, who makes a ton of money and plays a non-premium position.
Colts QB Carson Wentz
Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / GettyYears left on contract: 3
2022 cap savings: $13.29M
2022 dead money: $15M
Speculation has hovered over Wentz since he and the Colts choked away a playoff spot, and all signs point to Indianapolis wanting to move on. It's unclear how the Colts would proceed at quarterback since they don't have a first-round pick or any obvious path to a more attractive alternative. Still, if GM Chris Ballard can pull something off, Wentz will be one-and-done in Indy.
Lions DE Trey FlowersYears left on contract: 2
2022 cap savings: $10.39M
2022 dead money: $12.85M
Between his lack of production, his injuries, and the Lions' youth movement, Flowers no longer fits in Detroit. Tack on the fact he's owed $16 million in base salary next season and will count against the cap for $23.24 million, and it's unlikely the rebuilding Lions bring back Matt Patricia's one-time prized acquisition.
Patriots WR Nelson AgholorYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $4.88M
2022 dead money: $10M
Agholor cashed in with the Patriots after a career year with the Raiders, only to have one of his least productive seasons for New England. The Patriots' conservative offense wasn't kind to receivers overall, but three pass-catchers still managed more than the 473 yards and three touchdowns Agholor registered. He'd leave behind significant dead money, but New England might be willing to stomach it.
Giants CB James Bradberry
Mike Stobe / Getty Images Sport / GettyYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $12.14M
2022 dead money: $9.73M
A Pro Bowler in his first year with the Giants, Bradberry crashed back down to earth with a subpar 2021. The Giants probably regret restructuring Bradberry's deal a year ago when they pushed $4 million of dead money into 2022. The eight touchdowns and 100.3 passer rating he allowed last season doesn't justify the $13.4 million he's due in base salary next campaign.
Bills C Mitch MorseYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $8.5M
2022 dead money: $2.75M
Morse has been fine for the Bills, but Buffalo needs cap space and can probably find a cheaper replacement without downgrading too much. The Bills may also prefer to get a better run-blocker in the middle of their offensive line considering the struggles they've had in that department the last couple of years.
Commanders S Landon CollinsYears left on contract: 3
2022 cap savings: $6.48M
2022 dead money: $9.6M
The Commanders have waited longer to get out of Collins' contract than they waited to get a new name. Washington moved the former Pro Bowl safety into a linebacker role last season, a clear sign of what it thought about him at his original position. While Collins responded well to the change, he made it known he doesn't want to stay there. Perhaps the dead cap is still too high for Washington to cut ties, but this is the first year it would be manageable.
Ravens OT Alejandro Villanueva
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $6M
2022 dead money: $3.25M
The Ravens signed Villanueva to serve as a bridge to 2022 after being forced to trade Orlando Brown Jr. last year, and they're now on the other side of the water. Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari are set to return at the tackle spots next season, and a healthy Ja'Wuan James could also factor into the equation. Villanueva can't win this game of musical chairs.
Bengals CB Trae WaynesYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $10.86M
2022 dead money: $5M
Waynes has played five games since inking a three-year, $42-million contract with the Bengals in 2020. There isn't much more to say. Cincinnati made a run to the Super Bowl without him and would surely like to reallocate his salary to its offensive line.
Titans G Rodger SaffoldYears left on contract: 1
2022 cap savings: $10.44M
2022 dead money: $2.38M
The Titans have plenty of avenues to create cap space, and Saffold is the most logical starting point. He'll turn 34 in June, and his pass protection has declined since joining Tennessee in 2019. While Saffold is still an asset in the run game, his value and salary no longer align.
Copyright (C) 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.