10 NFL veterans who could be offseason cuts
With the 2022 season in the rearview mirror, NFL teams begin balancing budgets and building their rosters for 2023 and beyond.
Here are 10 veterans whose hefty contracts, age, and performance could place them on the chopping block in the offseason.
(Contract information courtesy of OverTheCap)
Titans QB Ryan TannehillYears left on contract: 1
2023 cap savings: $18.8M
2023 dead money: $17.8M
The Titans have about $12.4 million in cap space, and moving on from Tannehill is the easiest way to free up even more to rework this roster. That's especially true if Tannehill is designated as a post-June 1 cut, as he'll save the Titans $27 million against the 2023 cap.
The decision to let the 34-year-old go might not come down to financials alone. New general manager Ran Carthon could want his own guy under center, and Tannehill is coming off an ankle injury that required surgery to repair.
Tennessee has already let go of tackle Taylor Lewan, receiver Robert Woods, and linebacker Zach Cunningham. Pass-rusher Bud Dupree could find himself on the chopping block, too.
Cowboys LT Tyron Smith
Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyYears left on contract: 1
2023 cap savings: $9.5M
2023 dead money: $8M
Smith is a potential Hall of Famer, but he's also a possible cut candidate at this point in his career. The Cowboys aren't in a huge hole, sitting just $7.2 million over the cap. But letting the 12-year veteran go would give them some much-appreciated flexibility to address other needs.
Injuries have also been an issue for Smith for much of his career. He hasn't played a full season since 2015, and he's made just 17 combined starts over the last three years due to various ailments.
Buccaneers EDGE Shaquil BarrettYears left on contract: 2
2023 cap savings: $22.9M
2023 dead money: -$1.6M
The Bucs are about $56.5 million over the salary cap, and Tampa can designate Barrett as a post-June 1 cut to save $14.6 million. The 30-year-old has produced 21 combined sacks over the last three seasons. However, he's getting paid to have campaigns closer to his 2019 season when he led the NFL with 19.5 quarterback takedowns.
Left tackle Donovan Smith is another candidate who could be shown the door. Releasing the 30-year-old offensive lineman would net the Buccaneers up to $15.3 million in cap space, though it would leave a major hole on the offensive line.
Dolphins CB Byron Jones
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyYears left on contract: 2
2023 cap savings: $3.5M
2023 dead money: $14.8M
Jones is currently scheduled to have the Dolphins' fourth-highest cap hit, the club is $16.3 million over the cap, and he spent the entire 2022 campaign on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing ankle surgery in March 2022. That's not a recipe for sticking around on a roster, especially when Miami can save $13.6 million by designating Jones as a post-June 1 cut.
Jones' 2021 production likely isn't enough to salvage his time with the Dolphins. He allowed a 60% completion percentage for 729 yards and four scores, translating to a passer rating of 100.6 allowed.
Cowboys RB Ezekiel ElliottYears left on contract: 4
2023 cap savings: $4.9M
2023 dead money: $11.9M
The second Cowboy to make this list, Elliott is due to earn a ton of money in 2023. Backfield mate Tony Pollard, who's set to become a free agent, outperformed Elliott for much of the 2022 season, outgaining him 1,378 scrimmage yards to 968. Owner Jerry Jones has previously insisted that Elliott is Dallas' engine, but the money doesn't match the production at this point in his career.
Bengals RB Joe Mixon
Cooper Neill / Getty Images Sport / GettyYears left on contract: 2
2023 cap savings: $7.3M
2023 dead money: $5.5M
Despite being just 26 years old, part of an offense that's had a lot of success over the last two years, and the Bengals enjoying $35.5 million in cap space, Mixon shouldn't feel too safe. Cincinnati's front office will try to balance the budget to keep quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins together over the next several years. Letting the running back go this offseason or next could be necessary to afford the others.
In addition to the Bengals' financial reasons to move on from Mixon, there's also his on-field usage to consider. A healthy Mixon logged just 35% of Cincinnati's snaps in the AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, while Samaje Perine was in on 65% of the team's plays.
Chargers EDGE Khalil MackYears left on contract: 2
2023 cap savings: $18.4M
2023 dead money: $9M
L.A. acquired Mack just last offseason, but the nine-year veteran is still a prime candidate to be released as the Chargers look to continue building in the loaded AFC. The Bolts are roughly $20.5 million over the salary cap, and Mack wasn't quite the game-wrecker he's been in the past, despite the 2022 Pro Bowl nod.
The Chargers could also consider letting long-time wide receiver Keenan Allen go to free up to another $17.5 million, but the five-time Pro Bowler has been a key part of quarterback Justin Herbert's success.
Jets EDGE Carl Lawson
Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / GettyYears left on contract: 1
2023 cap savings: $15.4M
2023 dead money: $333K
Lawson signed a three-year, $45-million contract with the Jets prior to the 2021 campaign, but he might not see the final year of that deal. The 27-year-old missed the entire 2021 season with an Achilles tear, and he produced just seven sacks and nine tackles for loss in 2022.
Letting Lawson's good-not-great production go gives New York $15.4 million to improve the offensive line or spend on a quarterback. It also clears the way for 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson to see more playing time.
Both linebacker C.J. Mosley ($17 million as post-June 1 designation) and wide receiver Corey Davis ($10.5 million) would also net the Jets significant cap space if released.
Vikings WR Adam ThielenYears left on contract: 2
2023 cap savings: $6.4M
2023 dead money: $13.5M
Kirk Cousins is the only Viking scheduled to carry a bigger 2023 cap hit than Thielen, and Minnesota sits $24 million in the hole right now. Designating the receiver as a post-June 1 cut would go a long way in getting under the cap, freeing up $13.4 million.
Thielen has been one of the best complementary weapons in the NFL for a long time, but his contract is closer to that of a superstar's. The 32-year-old's age is unlikely to help, despite him eclipsing 700 yards or six touchdowns every season since 2016.
Teammate Harrison Smith is another name to keep an eye on in Minnesota. Letting the hard-hitting safety go could free up to $15.2 million.
Saints WR Michael Thomas
Chris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / GettyYears left on contract: 2
2023 cap savings: -$12.8M
2023 dead money: $26M
Thomas' time in New Orleans feels destined to come to a close this offseason after appearing in just 10 games over the last three years. Making Thomas a post-June 1 designation frees up $1 million in cap space and splits the penalty over the next two offseasons, making the move possible.
His release won't net the Saints a ton of financial relief for 2023, but it prevents the contract from snowballing even further and puts an end to the receiver's dramatic relationship with the team. First-round pick Chris Olave excelled as a rookie and should be New Orleans' top receiver moving forward.
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