The NFL offseason could see players like Arian Foster, Mike Wallace, Calvin Johnson, Roy Helu, DeSean Jackson, Jamaal Charles, DeMarcus Ware, Julius Peppers and Marshawn Lynch get released as salary cap cuts to help save money.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the Houston Texans are considering releasing Arian Foster after the running back dealt with injuries this season. Foster is coming into the final year of his contract this season and that could lead to his release by the team. Foster has been one of the best backs in football when healthy, but he has not played a full season since back in 2012. Foster has a non-guaranteed $6.5 million salary and that could make the decision a bit easier for the Texans.
Calvin Johnson and Marshawn Lynch are both reportedly considering retirement this offseason and those decisions could make things easier for their teams. The Seahawks and Lions may consider releasing Lynch and Johnson, as both players have high cap hits for this season. Johnson is one of the best players in the league at his position, but the Lions are likely starting a rebuild, while the Seahawks may consider cutting Lynch with his $11 million cap hit for next season. Lynch missed most of the season while dealing with injuries.
Helu is not that expensive for 2016 at $1.9 million, but the team could consider making a move after the production that Helu put up last season. Helu signed as a free agent to be a backup and third down option for Latavius Murray, but he ended up playing in just nine games, rushing 17 times for 39 yards and added just nine catches for 75 yards on the season. That disappointing production could lead to his release.
The Vikings may consider releasing Mike Wallace this offseason after the wideout had a disappointing season, as he will be making $11.5 million. ESPN reports that there are no dead cap penalties if the team releases Wallace, which could give the team more money to spend in free agency. The Chiefs could consider releasing Jamaal Charles after the running back suffered his second ACL tear, as the team saw Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware step in well for the RB this season. Charles being cut could save the team over $5 million.
Two aging defensive linemen could be cut this offseason, as DeMarcus Ware and Julius Peppers could be targets for cap cuts. The Broncos could save $10 million by cutting Ware and that could help the team ensure they have enough money to keep Von Miller. Peppers will cost $10.5 million on the cap next season and if the team releases him, it will only cost a little over $2 million, saving the team around $8 million that they could spend on free agents.
Check here for more on potential release options this offseason.
