The 2026 NFL league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 11. That’s just over two weeks away! First thing’s first is free agency. Teams are going to start spending and, to do so, may need to make decisions with their current rosters in order to make room or gain cap space. Generally, this can be done by signing players to extensions, restructuring contracts already in place, making trades, or releasing players.
The players below are not currently set to be free agents; that’s an entirely separate group. However, these players could join them shortly. Tyreek Hill is the most recent example as he was released by the Dolphins just last week. Hill’s departure generated $28.2 million in dead money for 2026 while saving Miami $22.9 million in 2026 cap space.
Some players in this piece may be referenced as a “post-June 1 release,” of which NFL teams can designate a maximum of two players to spread dead cap charges across the current and following season. Example: The Broncos designated Russell Wilson as a Post-June 1 release in 2024, spreading his (NFL record) $85M dead cap charge across 2024 ($53M) and 2025 ($32M). It’s important to note that when a player is designated as a post-June 1 release, the financial impact of their departure isn’t felt until then, though they become available immediately to sign elsewhere.
Note: The information regarding financial details is drawn from Spotrac — some figures may vary elsewhere.
Cap Cut Candidates at Fantasy Football Relevant Positions
Running Back
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
2026 Dead Cap: $2,562,000
2026 Savings: $13,000,000
No, I don’t believe the Colts are going to release Jonathan Taylor. If anything, he’s likelier to receive another extension at 27 years old with just one year left on his current contract. Taylor finished first in rush attempts (323) and third in total rush yards (1,585) last season. He’s only included here to set the scene for the rest of the article in regard to teams weighing whether to extend, trade or release big-name players.
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
2026 Dead Cap: $2,000,000
2026 Savings: $8,000,000
Despite not playing an NFL snap since Jan. 18, 2025 (last year’s playoffs), Joe Mixon still ranks fifth among active players in total career touches (including playoffs) with 2,313 behind only Saquon Barkley (2,343), Alvin Kamara (2,406), Christian McCaffrey (2,463) and Derrick Henry (3,062). Mixon turns 30 in late July, and the Texans will surely look to add to their backfield in the coming months.
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Designated as a post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $10,133,471
2027 Dead Cap: $8,140,471
2026 Savings: $8,500,000
The Saints are currently $41.7M over the projected 2026 cap, ranking dead last in cap space. Kamara’s $18 million cap hit in 2026 isn’t astronomical, but it does rank third on the team. He also turns 31 in July. Kamara voiced opposition to playing anywhere other than New Orleans ahead of last season’s trade deadline, but maybe releasing him with the freedom to choose where he will end his career has some appeal.
James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
2026 Dead Cap: $2,250,000
2026 Cap Savings: $7,580,000
The Cardinals have a new coaching staff, and releasing 31-year-old James Conner makes too much sense, especially when considering the financial benefit. Though he missed 14 games last season, Conner did average 4.6 yards per carry and posted a 47/414/1 receiving line during the 2024 season in Arizona. Drew Petzing was the offensive coordinator in Arizona 2023-2025 and is now the offensive coordinator in Detroit. Conner could end up signing on with the Lions as a veteran change-of-pace back behind Jahmyr Gibbs, which is about what to expect from the veteran at this point in his career. He has just 1,703 total career touches but won’t be leading a backfield in 2026 unless absolutely necessary.
David Montgomery, Detroit Lions
2026 Dead Cap: $4,862,499
2026 Cap Savings: $3,508,334
So, if James Conner (above) does sign with Detroit, that probably means David Montgomery is gone. Obviously, Montgomery leaving via release or trade would take place before any additions by the Lions. They’ve suggested Montgomery deserves to play elsewhere with a larger role. They’re also expected to sign Jahmyr Gibbs to a large extension this off-season as well. Montgomery has handled 220 or more touches in six straight seasons up until last year with the Lions. He could very much lead a backfield in 2026 if traded or he signs a one-year deal somewhere.
D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
2026 Dead Cap: $1,333,334
2026 Cap Savings: $7,470,000
Among running backs in 2025, Swift was 22nd in touches per game (16.1), tied for ninth in yards per carry (4.9!), sixth in explosive run rate (13.5%) and second in DVOA (22.9%). Swift is only 27 years old, though it feels like he’s been around for far longer. The Bears could extend him, but they’re currently 26th in projected cap space, at nearly $11 million over the limit. Swift isn’t a huge reason why, but if the Bears look to get younger and cheaper at the position or see a benefit to signing another feature back to a long-term extension, Swift could be playing elsewhere in 2026.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
2026 Dead Cap: $2,000,000
2026 Savings: $7,250,000
The Titans were bad in 2025, but Tony Pollard was surprisingly good. His is one of 12 running backs to have rushed 220 or more times with an average of 4.5 yards per carry or greater. Unfortunately, Pollard handled just 19 red zone carries, as the Titans simply didn’t spend much time in scoring position. That ranks 43rd among 49 qualified running backs. Pollard is another cap cut candidate running back that has an entirely new coaching staff in 2026. They also currently have the most cap space heading into free agency. They’re going to spend, and spend big, at a variety of positions to right the ship. Pollard will be 29 years old at the end of April and the savings that go along with releasing him makes this feel like a no-brainer.
Aaron Jones Sr., Minnesota Vikinga
2026 Dead Cap: $6,800,000
2026 Cap Savings: $8,000,000
The Vikings signed Jones to an extension last March. It included $11.5 million in full guarantees with up to $13 million in guarantees. Minnesota just recently fired their general manager. If the Vikings don’t release Jones before March 13 but do so after, they’ll save just $6 million and eat $8 million in dead money. They currently sit a projected $40 million over the cap, Jones is 32 years old, and the Vikings have a projected 11 picks in April, compared to just five last year. Jordan Mason is more likely to stay as it only saves less than $1 million to release him and they only traded a fifth and sixth to acquire him last season.
Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $3,125,000
2027 Dead Cap: $3,125,000
2026 Savings: $11,417,647
When the Packers signed Jacobs in 2024, it was a four-year, $48 million deal though with just $12.5 million guaranteed. In other words, it was a one-year deal with three different team options to keep him. He did earn a $5.9 million bonus last off-season. Moving forward, any additional money is via per game active bonuses. The Packers are just slightly over the cap as it stands and Jacobs’ $14.5 million cap hit ranks seventh on the team. However, that’s ever so slightly more than the one-year guaranteed value of the 2026 running back franchise tag number. Jacobs just turned 28 and is a valuable asset to their offense, so there’s no expectation he gets released with two seasons left on his deal, I’m but throwing it in here at the end, because crazier things have happened!
Wide Receiver
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
2026 Dead Cap: $5,000,000
2026 Cap Savings: $24,000,000
It’s not that Pittman isn’t a good player, but looking at the future for this franchise, it’s do-or-don’t time to extend him again or benefit from a release. Indianapolis is without their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, so exceling in free agency is crucial. They have to decide whether to extend Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce and consider doing so for Jonathan Taylor, as well. The numbers here reflect a pre-March 15 release, which would create an additional $24 million to help with these decisions. Pittman could be a valuable asset to a young team starving for a wide receiver like, say, the Patriots, who may not cost as much as others. He’s only 28 and probably signs at least one more sizable multi-year extension.
Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots
Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $5,700,000
2027 Dead Cap: $4,000,000
2026 Savings: $20,800,000
New England ranked 21st in total targets to wide receivers during the regular season. Diggs led the way with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards. No other Patriots wide receiver had 50 receptions or 600 yards. Drake Maye desperately needs a WR1, and 32-year-old Stefon Diggs isn’t it. Releasing him before March 13 saves $18.5 million with just an $8 million dead cap hit, which could happen sooner than later.
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans
2026 Dead Cap: $8,020,000
2027 Dead Cap: $5,000,000
2026 Savings: $18,730,000
As mentioned earlier with Tony Pollard, the Titans currently have the most projected cap space. Calvin Ridley hardly played last season due to injury, he’s 31, and with a new coaching staff, considering the financial benefit to moving on from him, this release is bound to happen. The Titans can save roughly $25 million while eating just $10 million in 2026 by releasing Pollard and Ridley. Tennessee is going to put significant pieces in place on offense around second year quarterback, Cam Ward. That, plus Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator, makes Ward a buy in dynasty leagues right now if possible.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $5,700,000
2027 Dead Cap: $4,000,000
2026 Savings: $20,800,000
Aiyuk signed his four-year, $120 million extension in August of 2024. He tore his ACL Oct. 20, 2024, and hasn’t played since. What an absolute disaster for the 49ers who somehow have made do offensively without him on the field last season especially. Given the public disdain both player and organization seem to have for one another, Aiyuk will likely become a free agent. San Francisco needs to revamp their wide receiver room as Christian McCaffrey led the team with 102 receptions last year followed by George Kittle (57), who played in just 11 games.
DJ Moore, Chicago Bears
If traded before June 1
2026 Dead Cap: $12,000,000
2026 Savings: $16,500,000
Nope, this isn’t a cap cut situation, but DJ Moore is a possible trade candidate from the Bears, who have Rome Odunze (Year 3) and Luther Burden III (Year 2) and could probably get a decent return for Moore, who has had his ups and downs during a short stint in Chicago. His $28.5 million cap hit in 2026 is the largest on the Bears so that, if nothing else, provides some incentive to move him. Moore ran the 15th-most routes among all players last season, but his 50 receptions rank just 64th league-wide. His 1.3 yards per route run were lower than both Burden (2.9) and Odunze (1.8), as well.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
If traded before June 1
2026 Dead Cap: $11,250,000
2026 Savings: $15,264,706
This is cheating a bit, but it’s the offseason and we have nothing else to do but talk football, so let’s discuss the impact of a Tee Higgins trade. Yes, he just signed an extension last offseason with the Bengals. It was a four-year, $115M deal, but really a two-year deal based on structure and guarantees. The Bengals have always needed more than just Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins to be successful. While both WR1 caliber players, their defense is atrocious. Cincinnati could probably get a 2026 first for Higgins while saving a significant amount of money in doing so. It would be hard to hang up the phone if a team desperate for a wide receiver upgrade, and the money to support Higgins, calls and offers significant draft capital for him.
Quarterback
Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
2026 Dead Cap: $18,500,000
2026 Cap Savings: $8,000,000
This is a no-brainer for the Raiders. They currently have the second-most cap space and, more importantly, the first overall pick. They’ll select Fernando Mendoza in April, and he will be the Week 1 starter for Las Vegas. Smith may be one of the first quarterbacks available to needy teams. If the Raiders wait until March 13 to release him, the dead cap hit jumps to $26.5M with nothing in savings. This is only a matter of time.
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Designated as a Post-June 1 Release
2026 Dead Cap: $22,500,000
2027 Dead Cap: $12,500,000
2026 Savings: $2,100,000
The Falcons currently rank 13th in projected 2026 cap space. A new coaching staff of Kevin Stefanki (HC) and Tommy Rees (OC) will look to move forward with Michael Penix Jr., albeit recovering from a season-ending ACL injury. It’s extremely possible Atlanta brings in another option to be the Week 1 starter. It could be as simple as signing the aforementioned Geno Smith to a low-cost, two-year deal (that’s really a one-year deal based on guarantees.) Either way, the Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta is likely over as the Falcons move forward with a new regime.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Designated as a Post-June 1 Release
2026 Dead Cap: $70,053,177
2027 Dead Cap: $7,200,000
2026 Cap Savings: $-17,392,500
Considering the lackluster rookie quarterback class and veterans who may become available over the next few weeks, Kyler Murray is probably “best player available” to teams desperate to find a franchise player. That said, he will probably get traded at some point over the next month. That will save the Cardinals $34.7M while eating just $17.9M in dead money for 2026. Though he played in just five games last season, in a full 17-game season in 2024, Murray ranked ninth in pass attempts (541) and seventh in completion rate (68.8%) with 3,851 yards passing and an additional 78/572/5 rushing line. His career average of 6.11 rush attempts per game paces him for 104 attempts per season. He did have 29 attempts in five games last season, pacing for just shy of 100 attempts in 17 games. There’s still fantasy value to be had from Murray in 2026.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Designated as a Post-June 1 Release
2026 Dead Cap: $67,400,000
2027 Dead Cap: $31,800,000
2026 Savings: -$11,132,353
It’s much more beneficial for the Dolphins to find a trade partner to acquire Tagovailoa. If so, the dead cap hit drops dramatically to $45.2 million, while saving $11 million toward the 2026 cap. Assuming the Dolphins are successful in doing so, don’t be surprised if the return is a Day 3 pick (Rounds 4-7) solely to lessen the financial burden on their end. Considering it’s a new coaching staff, and new GM, in Miami, this is only a matter of time.
Justin Fields, New York Jets
Designated as a Post-June 1 Release
2026 Dead Cap: $13,000,000
2027 Dead Cap: $9,000,000
2026 Savings: $10,000,000
The Justin Fields experiment in New York failed, though won’t cost the franchise much in the grand scheme of things. Unfortunately, the Jets locked in the second overall pick which, in this upcoming draft, will not be a quarterback. They could still draft a rookie on Day 2 or 3, but it’s likely they sign one of the available veterans looking to start right away. Beggars can’t be choosers and that will apply to both team and player when they do find their eventual starter. Whoever it is will be the ninth different starting quarterback that Garrett Wilson will have caught a pass from in five seasons. Woof.
Tight End
Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills
Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $5,068,000
2027 Dead Cap: $2,336,000
2026 Savings: $12,800,000
The Bills are projected to be $10.6 million over the 2026 cap with the 25th-most cap space Dawson Knox’s $17.8 million cap hit ranks fifth on their current cap table. His release would be big news for Dalton Kincaid (2.9), who trailed only Jaxon Smith-Njigba (3.8) and Puka Nacua (3.7) yards per route run this season.
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
2026 Dead Cap: $3,200,000
2026 Cap Savings: $8,400,000
If designated as a post-June 1 release, the Bears eat just $1.6 million in both 2026 and 2027 while saving $10 million in 2026. Releasing Kmet before March 15 is probably the way to go as it generates just $3.2 million in dead money with $8.4 million in savings. Kmet could sign an extension to lessen his cap hit this upcoming season, but after drafting Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick last season, Kmet’s time in Chicago may be up.
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $5,355,000
2027 Dead Cap: $7,110,000
2026 Savings: $16,000,000
Hockenson logged just a 51/438/3 receiving line in 15 games last season. His 6.6 yards per target ranked 42nd among 55 qualified tight ends. His $21.35 million cap hit in 2026 is seventh on the team. The Vikings have a new general manager, and Hockenson has played two seasons of his four-year extension already. It’s hard to fathom removing weapons of J.J. McCarthy (or his competition’s) arsenal, but trading Hockenson could be an option, as well. That would save the Vikings roughly $9 million with a $12.46 million hit. Hockenson turns 29 in July so plenty of good ball left to play.