The 2024 NFL All-Bubble Team

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertFebruary 19, 2024
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#nick chubb #mike williams #c.j. uzomah #david bakhtiari #laken tomlinson #corey linsley #davon godchaux #joey bosa #leighton vander esch #xavien howard #jamal adams #jake moody #tress way
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With the 2024 league year less than a month away (March 13th), NFL teams will soon begin to make plenty of moves to begin the process of getting cap compliant from a Top 51 standpoint. We’ve identified at each major position group that is currently trending toward a release, trade, or retirement in the coming weeks, including any pertinent financial information for each.

QB: Russell Wilson (DEN, 35)

The contract might not say it’s time to move on - but the Broncos certainly are. There are a few ways Wilson’s release can go down, and we’ve detailed those as much as possible here. All you need to know for now, is that the deal contacts $39M in guaranteed cash, and $85M of total dead cap. Denver’s Contract Options with Russell Wilson

Also: Jimmy Garoppolo (LV), Zach Wilson (NYJ), Mac Jones (NE)

RB: Nick Chubb (CLE, 28)

The Browns absolutely want a healthy Nick Chubb leading their offense again, but that might be easier said than done at this point. The reality here is that an organization with -$20M of cap space right now, probably needs to get out of this Chubb deal, freeing up $11.8M of cap in doing so. A reunion on a much more team-friendly contract can certainly be hammered out in succession.

Also: Miles Sanders (CAR), Nyheim Hines (BUF), Jeff Wilson (MIA)

WR: Mike Williams (LAC, 29)

Williams was going to be a bubble candidate even before the ACL injury, which further complicates things for the Chargers this March. If Williams can’t yet pass a physical, LA will need to carry this contract indefinitely before making a firm decision. There’s a $3M roster bonus due on March 15th, but none of his $17M base salary will become guaranteed until Week 1. The Chargers may opt to process a salary cap conversion, and stash him on a PUP list through the spring.

Also: Brandon Aiyuk (SF), Tim Patrick (DEN), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC)

TE: C.J. Uzomah (NYJ, 31)

It doesn’t appear as though the Jets are primed to shake up their roster a whole lot this offseason, but picking up an extra $5.3M of cap space & upgrading the TE room this spring probably makes a lot of sense. Uzomah has just 29 catches in 27 games as a Jet.

Also: Will Dissly (SEA), Jonnu Smith (ATL), Logan Thomas (WSH)

OT: David Bakhtiari (GB, 32)

Much of Bakhtiari’s 5 year, $107M contract has been detoured by injury, as the former 4th round pick has seen action in just 14 games across the past 3 seasons. Green Bay can open up almost $21M of much needed cap space by moving on this March.

Also: Joseph Noteboom (LAR), Chukwuma Okorafor (PIT)

G: Laken Tomlinson (NYJ, 32)

Tomlinson started 16 games last season, but appears to be showing direct signs of decline as his clock turns past 32-years of age. The Jets will certainly focus their offseason on the interior of their offensive line, so opening up $8.1M of cap space by moving on here makes sense.

Also: Austin Corbett (CAR), Ryan Bates (BUF)

C: Corey Linsley (LAC, 32)

Linsley was diagnosed with a heart-related condition during the 2023 season, putting his football career on high notice. The guaranteed portion of his 5 year, $62.5M contract has expired, and the Chargers can open up $8.9M of cap by moving on (or with an expected retirement).

Also: Mason Cole (PIT) 

DL: Devon Godchaux (NE, 29)

Godchaux was on an upward trajectory in New England, just 18 months removed from an extension that secured him $15M guaranteed, but started to see his playing time reduced slightly in the 2023 campaign. He carries a non-guaranteed $8.15M for 2024, all of which can be freed up if the Patriots decide to release or trade him this spring.

Also: D.J. Jones (DEN), Harrison Phillips (MIN), Bryan Mone (SEA)

ED: Joey Bosa (LAC, 28)

The Hot Stove has been full of reports that the Chargers may move on from 32-year-old Khalil Mack this spring (maybe rightfully so?), but the franchise may be more concerned about the availability of Joey Bosa going forward. The former #3 overall pick has been paid over $45M for just 14 games played since 2022. Bosa’s deal contains 2 years, $47.3M remaining, and the Chargers can free up over $14M of space by moving on by March 15th, when a $7M roster bonus is due.

Also: Khalil Mack (LAC), Emmanuel Ogbah (MIA), Tyus Bowser (BAL)

LB: Leighton Vander Esch (DAL, 28)

A neck injury (spinal stenosis) could force Vander Esch to walk away from the game this offseason. $1M of his 2024 salary is fully guaranteed, leading to $2.25M of dead cap against a $4.4M hit.

Also: De'Vondre Campbell (GB)

CB: Xavien Howard (MIA, 30)

Howard agreed to a restructured contract back in April of 2022, earning $37.5M over the past two seasons in Miami. An early trade/release only frees up $2.8M of cap space, but a Post June 1st designation can open up $18.5M on June 2nd. Can the Dolphins afford to keep his $25.9M hit on the books that long?

Also: J.C. Jackson (NE), Tre'Davious White (BUF), Donte Jackson (CAR)

S: Jamal Adams (SEA, 28)

Back to Back to Back IR stints have made Jamal Adams’ 4 year, $70M contract in Seattle one of the tougher ones to swallow. With the guaranteed portion of this contract now expired, the Seahawks can move on this March, freeing up $6M of 2024 cap in doing so.

Also: Budda Baker (ARI), Kevin Byard (PHI), Tracy Walker (DET)

K: Jake Moody (SF, 24)

Will the Niners front office give up on a 2023 3rd round pick this quickly? In most cases this answer would be no, but San Francisco’s reluctance to utilize Moody in big spots down the stretch has to be a factor in how they feel about him long-term. None of the $3.7M due over the next 3 seasons is guaranteed.

Also: Eddy Pineiro (CAR), Anders Carlson (GB)

P: Tress Way (WSH, 33)

Way has spent the past decade in Washington, but a parting could be in the cards this offseason. The Commanders can free up all of his $3.15M salary in the coming months.

Also: Johnny Hekker (CAR), Jamie Gillan (NYG)


#nick chubb #mike williams #c.j. uzomah #david bakhtiari #laken tomlinson #corey linsley #davon godchaux #joey bosa #leighton vander esch #xavien howard #jamal adams #jake moody #tress way
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