The NFL informed teams that the 2025 salary cap will be approximately between $277.5 and $281.5 million. That represents a significant increase from last year's figure ($255.4 million). General managers can now begin their roster-building approach to the offseason. With keynote information at their disposal, releasing aging, veteran players to create additional financial flexibility will start occurring around the league.
The NFL free agency frenzy is roughly three weeks away. Expect veteran releases to join the pool of available talents. We've identified five potential cap casualties.
Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets
The New York Jets have already informed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers that they'll be releasing him this offseason. Let's be honest, they only traded for Davante Adams to appease Rodgers. Adams will be following him out the exit door. New Jets general manager Darren Mougey will save a hefty $29.8 million by releasing the 32-year-old wideout.
Denico Autry, DE, Houston Texans
Denico Autry started his Houston Texans career by being suspended for violating the league's performance-enhancing policy. The veteran pass rusher then started just two of 10 games this past season. Autry still has some pass-rushing juice, but not enough to justify his $10.2 million cap hit. The Texans will save $8.8 million by designating him as a post-June cut. They’ll survive his absence, thanks to having Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter at the position.
Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
It was previous Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke who signed Christian Kirk to a bloated four-year contract worth $72 million. In fairness, Kirk initially lived up to his payday, totaling 1,108 yards in his first season. He's since missed 14 games in two combined seasons since with injury and has been replaced by Brian Thomas Jr. on the depth chart. The next GM (Jacksonville is still interviewing candidates) will save $10.4 by releasing the injured pass catcher.
Kenneth Murray, LB, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee's decision to sign former first-round bust Kenneth Murray to a two-year deal last offseason was questionable. The general manager who made that decision, Ran Carthon, has since been fired. Murray turned in a familiar season, occasionally flashing volume tackle upside, but struggled in coverage while putting forth some stinkers. The veteran off-ball defender isn't worth his $10.2 million cap hit, and the $7.7 million in potential savings are worth cutting ties with. It means new general manager Mike Borgonzi, who owns the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, has to start over at linebacker.
Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets
Adams isn't the only receiver Rodgers demanded the Jets bring to East Rutherford. Allen Lazard has essentially spent his entire career alongside Rodgers, signing a four-year contract worth $44 million in free agency in the same offseason the veteran signal-caller was acquired from the Green Bay Packers. With a culture reset coming, Lazard will be released. His scheduled $13.2 million cap charge is bloated. Even the modest $6.6 million available savings created by cutting ties are worthwhile. Garrett Wilson will be the last man standing in a new-look receiver room.
