The NFL free agency class for 2016 could see some notable names become available, as players like Marshawn Lynch, Arian Foster, Mike Wallace and DeSean Jackson could be released this offseason. Those players could potentially join names like Lamar Miller, Doug Martin, Travis Benjamin, Matt Forte, Jermaine Kearse, James Jones and Chris Ivory on the free agent market.
Marshawn Lynch and his future with the Seahawks remains up in the air, as reports have the running back considering retirement this offseason. According to ESPN.com, general manager John Schneider said he is "under the impression" that Lynch is leaning towards retirement this offseason. Even if Lynch doesn't retire, he likely will not be back with the Seahawks for the 2016 season. Lynch dealt with numerous injuries last year and he has a high cap hit for next season that could lead to his release.
ESPN's John Clayton spoke with ESPN 710 Seattle and said that he thinks there is "no way" that Lynch is back with the team on his current salary for next season. Lynch is set to cost over $11 million on the cap next season and with the running back getting close to the age of 30, Seattle may consider moving on. Thomas Rawls stepped up as a rookie with Lynch out and the team could consider giving him the chance to start, as he will make less than $1 million for next season.
Arian Foster is in a similar position with the Texans, as he is coming off of an injury-plagued year and will be 30 by the time next season starts. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are considering releasing Foster this offseason, as he is coming into the final year of his contract. Foster has a non-guaranteed $6.5 million salary for next season and that could make it easier to move on from the running back.
Foster has not played a full season for the Texans since 2012 and he has had issues staying healthy during the course of his career. Foster is one of the best running backs in the league when healthy, but he has not been able to stay off the sidelines over the past three seasons, missing over 20 combined games. DeSean Jackson is also a potential release option for the Redskins, as the receiver dealt with injuries through last season and has a cap number over $9 million for next season.
CSN Washington's Rich Tandler writes that he thinks Jackson's future in Washington is "back up in the air" and that the team could consider making the move, as they could save nearly $7 million by cutting him. Wallace could also be a cap casualty for the Vikings after having a down season production wise. Lamar Miller, Doug Martin, Travis Benjamin and Matt Forte are some of the notable free agents hitting the market this offseason and those players should get significant attention from teams. The Dolphins are reportedly interested in bringing back Miller, but he could end up too expensive for the team this offseason.