A visual look at the cap hits, bonuses, guarantee structure, and practicality of Maxx Crosby's $94M contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders. Related: View the Full Contract

A visual look at the numbers behind Matthew Stafford's $160M extension with the Rams, including the double bonus structure, $120M guaranteed through 2023, and near $50M cap hits. Related: View the Full Contract

A visual look at the numbers behind Deshaun Watson's $230M guaranteed with the Browns, & how the cap hits may be managed over the next 7+ seasons in Cleveland. Related: View the Full Contract

Matt Olson (1B, OAK, 27)

Olson projects to a $12M salary in his second year of arbitration, with free agency not currently scheduled until 2024. This is generally the time the A’s begin to deal away their position players, and with major power & outstanding defense on his resume, Olson should bring back a nice package. If the Braves let Freddie Freeman get away, this is a slam dunk replacement. Olson projects to a 6 year, $136M extension in our system.

Dominic Smith (1B/OF, NYM, 26)

Smith’s role has been reduced more and more each season, and the infrequent hitting has led to inconsistent production. There’s a world where an everyday role elsewhere reignites his abilities, and this spring could be the time for us to find that out. Smith is under team control through 2024. Cleveland has long seemed a strong fit.

Matt Chapman (3B, OAK, 28)

Like Olson, Chapman is headed into his Arbitration 2 year, projected at around $9.5M for the upcoming season. The Gold Glove defender has consistently provided near 5 WAR production on average, and could have his sights set on one of the NY teams for the foreseeable future. Chapman projects to a 6 year, $138M extension in our system.

J.D. Davis (3B/OF, NYM)

Davis’ bat was always touted as his strong point, while defensively (especially at 3rd base) he was considered a liability. The power at the plate was evident in 2019, but hasn’t been back since, though a part-time role is certainly a factor in that conversation. Davis will be seeking a more full-time opportunity in 2022, and a change of scenery probably makes sense for both sides. Contractually he projects to a $2.5M arbitration salary for 2022, with two more years of arbitration eligibility still remaining.

Jose Ramirez (INF, CLE)

Cleveland is probably ready to move on from their long-time All-Star, but they won’t do it on the cheap. Ramirez holds a $12M salary for 2022, then a $14M club option 2023 - ideally friendly salaries for any team looking to take on the 29 year old’s services. The Blue Jays had plenty of interest in this move last year.

Kevin Kiermaier (OF, TB, 31)

Kiermaier missed 40 games in 2021, but still posted decent production, and a 3.4 WAR across the season. His contract carries a $12M salary in 2022, & a $13M club option for 2023, numbers that generally scream “get out” based on Tampa Bay’s financial limits. 

Sean Manaea (SP, OAK, 30)

The Athletics could be in store for a very busy spring with (at least) three notable trade candidates. Manaea will be entering the final year of team control, set to earn an estimated $10M in the final year of arbitration. He’s a more traditional pitcher in that his advanced metrics don’t exactly jump off the page, but he’s a perfect middle of the rotation add for some of the better teams in the game, if even for just one year. He aligns well with the 4 year, $44M contract Steven Matz just scored in St. Louis.

Sonny Gray (SP, CIN, 32)

While the home runs against are up, Gray made the most of his time in Cincinnati - after a tumultuous tenure with the Yankees. There's middle of the rotation value here, and with a $10.3M salary for 2022, plus a $12M club option in 2023, there's very little risk involved as well.

Craig Kimbrel (RP, CWS, 33)

The White Sox overpaid for Kimbrel last summer, and they’ll look to get some of that compensation back via a trade this spring. He’s on the books for $16M this season, but it probably takes Chicago eating a few million of that to get him out the door. The Rangers and Blue Jays seem to be in serious “all-in” mode this offseason for a move like this.

Josh Hader (RP, MIL, 27)

Hader’s been rumored in trades for the better part of two seasons now. He’s still under team control through 2023, headed for an arbitration 3 salary in the $8M range for 2022. Milwaukee will want a mix of top prospects and MLB ready talent back in a Hader move, and the Mets currently seem best positioned to offer that. Hader projects to a 4 year, $70M extension in our system.

A first round pick, a third round pick and a 6th round pick, for a second round pick, a seventh round pick, and the rights to pay Khalil Mack. That’s the move that brought the now 31 year old edge rusher from the Raiders to the Bears. Chicago in turn signed him to a 6 year, $141M contract extension, of which $91M has been paid out.

Mack offered up 36 sacks in 3.5 years, and until last season was largely available, consistent, and productive across the board. Was this the right time to move on? Much of the Bears current roster construction says yes, especially as much of the team’s focus will be on protecting, and offering weapons for their next attempt at a franchise QB.

Terms of the Trade

The Chargers send the Bears a 2022 2nd round pick (#48), & a 2023 6th round pick for the rights to Khalil Mack. The #48 pick projects to carry a cap hit of $1.4M in 2022, so LAC will free up a bit of space in that regard.

The Traded Contract

2022: $17.75M ($12.05M salary, $5.5M roster bonus, $200k workout bonus)
2023: $22.9M ($17.2M salary, $5.5M roster bonus, $200k workout bonus)
2024: $23.25M ($17.55M salary, $5.5M roster bonus, $200k workout bonus)



The Chargers agreed to take on all of Mack’s remaining contract, to the tune of 3 years, $63.9M. But - as with almost every NFL contract - not everything is as it first seems.

While a $5.5M roster bonus is due next Friday, the remaining contract offers no other “upfront” guarantees from here out. Even his $12.05M base salary for 2022 won’t fully lock in until Week 1. So theoretically speaking, the Chargers could walk away from this contract after 2022 with no financial impact.

Cap Flexibility

Not only does a Joey Bosa Khalil Mack combo on the field offer flexibility in terms of defensive rush scheming, but there’s plenty of wiggle room in each of their contracts for cap clearing as needed.

With Mack specifically, the acquired contract brings on zero dead cap with it. His roster bonus will vest next week, but it probably makes sense for the Chargers to restructure this a bit in the next few days to free up additional cap space for what seems like a major push this March.

Is it required? No, the Chargers currently rank 13th in terms of Top 51 cap space with just under $25M to work with, but if the plan is to add another piece to their secondary, or a notable TE for Herbert to utilize, more room will be required (not to mention Derwin James needs a top of the market extension).

Converting the $5.5M roster bonus into a signing bonus, spread out over the final 4 years of the contract frees up over $4M of cap space this year. That might be all the Chargers opt to do with this contract to keep the dead cap at a minimum.

However, a full restructure of all 2022 compensation, with another void year added, can drop his 2022 cap hit all the way down to $4.44M, freeing up over $13M of cap space for the Chargers to utilize.

Positional Spending

The benefit of a great QB on a rookie contract is of course the ability to overspend a bit elsewhere. Keenan Allen & Mike Williams now represent $33.2M of combined 2022 cap dollars. Joey Bosa & Khalil Mack now represent a whopping $46M of combined 2022 cap dollars.

And the Chargers aren’t yet done.

Minimum Salaries

The minimum salary in MLB for the 2021 season was $570,500, by far the lowest in all of the big four American sports. The new CBA addresses this undervaluation:

2022: $700,000
2023: $720,000
2024: $740,000
2025: $760,000
2026: $780,000

Not only have the salaries increased, but the annual increase in each year of this CBA has grown as well. From 2017-2021, the minimum salary went from $535,000 to $570,500, a 6.6% increase versus what will now be north of 11%.

Note: The $700,000 minimum salary still ranks last among the Big 4 for 2022
NBA: $925,000; NHL: $750,000; NFL: $705,000; MLB: $700,000

Minor Leaguers with major league contracts also see a strong increase in their base pay. First year players saw a minimum salary of $43,000 last year, with all other minor leaguers on a $93,000 pay grade. That now increases to:

2022: $57,200; $114,100
2023: $58,800; $117,400
2024: $60,300; $120,600
2025: $62,000; $123,900
2026: $63,600; $127,100

The Competitive Balance Tax

New Thresholds (Maximums)
The 2021 season held a $210,000,000 threshold for team tax salaries. This was one of the biggest battles throughout the negotiation process, but the final numbers ended up at:

2022: $230M
2023: $233M
2024: $237M
2025: $241M
2026: $244M

The tax threshold jumps up 9.5% immediately per the new CBA, but offers just 1.3%-1.4% increases annually from there (despite the minimum salary increasing at nearly 3%, like any normal working wage should).

Tax Tiers & Payer Rates
Teams that go over the tax threshold are now subject to four tiers (previously three) that dictate how they’ll be billed accordingly. Simply, every $20M a team goes over, the more they’ll be billed. And going over in subsequent years will mean even more pain (despite the fact that only 2-3 teams per year have been going over the threshold at any capacity).

The $50M Pre-Arbitration Bonus Pool

This was one of the bigger new asks from the MLBPA, and the resulting plan is both well thought out, and effective for the game’s current model.

In short, Pre-Arbitration represents a player’s first three seasons of service time in MLB. For the most part these players are earning, or slightly above, the league’s minimum salary. With this pool, players who well outperform these salaries will now be compensated via bonuses after the season (throwing a bit of a wrench into some of these team’s CBT calculations I imagine).

Pre-Arbitration Bonus Allocations

League MVP or Cy Young

• 1st: $2.5M
• 2nd: $1.75M
• 3rd: $1.5M
• 4th-5th: $1M

Rookie of the Year

• 1st: $750,000
• 2nd: $500,000

All-MLB Selection

• 1st Team: $1M
• 2nd Team: $500,000

WAR
The rest of the bonus pool will be allocated to the Top 100 WAR players in a given season (actual allocation breakdown to be confirmed by 7/1/22).

Note: If a player qualifies for two of these bonuses, he will only be awarded the highest possible payout. So Vlad Guerrero JR. winning rookie of the year ($750k), but also being selected to 1st-team All-MLB ($1M), would negate his ROY payment.

Arbitration

Contracts for all arbitration-eligible players will now be guaranteed, perhaps putting a bit more onus on extended these players to a multi-year contract versus just the one year tender.

Service Time Adjustments

While the 6 year requirement before free agency wasn’t addressed, a few small tweaks were built in to help a small percentage of players progress toward a payday.

• Pre-arbitration players who finish 1st or 2nd in Rookie of the year voting will automatically receive a full year of service (1.0), regardless of when those players were called up during that season.
• Teams who promote their top prospects for Opening Day (Pete Alonso with the Mets) will be rewarded with additional compensatory draft picks for their gesture.

Minor League Option Limits

Prior to this new CBA, MLB players were offered three seasons with “options”, essentially allowing a team to move to and from the minor leagues an unlimited amount of times within those three years.

While the three option seasons remain, there’s now a 5-move limit on how many times a player can be sent down. After 5 demotions, a player will need to pass through waivers in order to be sent down for the remainder of that season.

MLB Amatuer Draft Lottery

Essentially the only change implemented to improve “competitive imbalance”, the MLB Draft will no longer be ordered solely based on a team’s record from the previous season.

The first 6 selections in each draft will be determined by a lottery (essentially ping pong balls), allowing all 18 non-playoff teams a chance to vie for these picks. The percentage at which these 18 teams will be weighted (more ping pong balls) will be based on their previous year winning percentage.

Once the 6 picks are chosen via lottery, the remaining draft order will be set based on previous year winning percentage.

Also of note, the amateur draft will revert back to 20 rounds, and slot values (signing bonuses) will have annual increases after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Expanded Playoffs

The MLB Postseason is expanded from 10 teams to 12 teams, effective immediately. A few notable takeaways:

• 163rd Game Tiebreakers are dead. Playoff spot tiebreakers will be decided based on a “system”, likely pulling from strength of schedule, divisional wins, run differential, etc…
• Wild Card Games are now a Wild Card Series. The Top 2 overall teams in each League get a Wild Card bye. From there, the 3rd seed plays 6, 4th seed plays 5 in a Best-of-Three series. The higher seed will host every game in this round.
• There will be no re-seeding when we get to the Divisional Round. The 1st seed will play the winner of the 4 / 5 matchup, and the 2nd seed the winner of the 3 / 6 series.

Roster/Schedule Changes

Universal DH
As expected, the Designated Hitter is now in place in both leagues, which should not only help NL batting averages rise, but also elongate a few more careers per year.

Roster Sizes
Roster sizes will remain at 26 players until September, at which time an extra two players will be added. Note: It should be assumed that for 2022, roster sizes may be adjusted to accommodate the expedited schedule.

Rule Changes
Though items like the pitch clock, banning shifts, etc…have not been immediately implemented, the opportunity for them to be has been expedited. Starting in 2023, a committee of active players, MLB execs, and an umpire will be tasked with considering gameplay alterations. Any change can be made effective within 45 days of notice to the MLBPA.

Doubleheaders & Extra Innings
Doubleheaders will be 9-inning games again, and extra inning games will no longer start with a runner at second base.

Games Schedule
Starting in 2023, the schedule will feature fewer divisional games, and every team will play at least one series against every other opponent, including in the other league. The exact format is still being determined.

The International Draft

This issue has been tabled for now, with a July 25th, 2022 deadline in place to negotiate its future. The negotiation will be VERY important from the player’s perspective for a few reasons:

• International players do not want this at all. The opportunity for dozens of players to receive a bonus and at least get a shot to make a camp tryout will be extinguished, as the draft will likely only offer this opportunity to a select few. There’s also a major concern that international communities simply do not have a structure in place to prepare for this type of formal process.
• If the MLBPA does not agree to implement the International Draft, then the current draft pick compensation tied to qualifying offers will remain in place, further jettisoning star player’s chances are getting the best deal possible in free agency.

Despite much less speculation this offseason in comparison to last, the Seahawks traded QB Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, signaling the end to a fantastic 10 year relationship. We’ll discuss the details of the trade, what’s next for Wilson financially, & what’s left for Seattle going forward.

The Trade

Denver Receives

Russell Wilson (QB, 33)
As the key part of this cog, Russell Wilson brings along a 2 year, $51M contract, including cap & cash hits of $24M for 2022, $27M for 2023. Wilson is owed a $5M roster bonus on March 20th, so if a restructured extension is forthcoming, there’s some sense it may happen prior to that date.

2022 4th Round Pick (estimated #114)
The Broncos are now slated to pick back to back in Round 4. In total, they still maintain picks 64, 66, 75, 96, 113, 114, 137, 206, 222, 227 (exact picks estimated based on comps.)

Seattle Receives

Drew Lock (QB, 25)
Lock brings a 1 year, $1.45M, non-guaranteed, contract with him to Seattle. For now, he’s probably the odds on favorite to start Week 1, competing with Jacob Eason, and potentially Geno Smith (a pending free agent).

Noah Fant (TE, 24)
The talented tight end holds a $2.2M, non-guaranteed, salary for 2022, with a $6.85M option in 2023 that must be exercised by May 3rd (likely). He stands to thrive in a Seattle offense that has always held the position in high regard (when the right kind of playmaker exists). Gerald Everett & Will Dissly are pending free agents.

Shelby Harris (DT, 30)
Harris carries a 2 year, $17M contract with him to Seattle, including cash/cap hits of $8M for 2022, $9M for 2023. $5M of his 2022 salary is already fully guaranteed. He’ll replace pending free agent Al Woods on the defensive line.

2022 1st Round Pick (#9)
A draft deep with O-Tackles, Edge Rushers, & Cornerbacks should make this a very valuable pick for Seattle.

2023 1st Round Pick
This might be the big one. If the plan is to punt on taking or acquiring a new starting QB in 2022 in order to make a run at one of the major prospects in 2023, having capital to move up in that draft will be important.

2022 2nd Round Pick (#40)
Plenty of Day 1 starters are drafted here.

2023 2nd Round Pick
More ammo to move up?

2022 5th Round Pick (#144)

What’s Next for Seattle?

There are two immediate ways for this franchise to go:

• Continue to rip-it down with more trades and releases in the coming days, loading up on draft picks in order to fully rebuild this thing.
• Trim off some more fat, but hold on to the major pieces. Prepare for a tough 2022 season, with the intention of selecting the next immediate QB1 in the 2023 draft. Is starting Drew Lock the best way to secure a high 2023 pick?

Notable Financials

• Trading Wilson freed up $11M of cap from his contract ($37M starting point, $26M stays). That $11M went directly into the salaries of the 3 newcomers (Fant, Harris, Lock), who account for $11.6M of 2022 salary cap.
• The #9 pick should account for around $4.2M in cap, while the added #40 pick will tack on another $2M or so.
• Despite ample cap space, Bobby Wagner likely still falls off of this roster. It’s perfectly possible his replacement comes with the #9 pick. There’s $16.6M of cap space to be freed up by moving on. (Wagner was released 3/9)
• Speculation rose immediately after the Wilson move that Tyler Lockett could be next to move, but his contract makes this a difficult trade, as the deal holds $15.2M of signing bonus proration. Furthermore, a $13M option bonus that became fully guaranteed last month is set to be paid between March 16th - March 20th, meaning Seattle would need to get out from under this and trade Lockett immediately, taking on the $15.2M dead cap hit all in 2022. It's possible - but not likely.

What’s Next for Denver?

The Broncos have been preparing for a move like this for the past 18 months, with in-house extensions, a few notable releases/trade aways, and a new coaching staff. The offensive line is in pretty good shape, the secondary is exceptional, and the weapons have the potential to be as good as any in the league.

There are legitimate question marks on the defensive line and certainly on the edge, notably what the future holds for Bradley Chubb. With a projected $26M of cap space (and plenty more should Denver restructure Garrett Bolles, Justin Simmons, or even Wilson), there’s a reasonable expectation that the Broncos will be in the market for a major pass rusher this month. The likes of Chandler Jones, DeMarcus Lawrence, Frank Clark, or even the return of Von Miller could very much be on the table here.

What’s Next for Russell Wilson?

Will Wilson take a cue from Matthew Stafford and leave his contract alone for a year before re-upping with his new franchise? Generally speaking, it behooves the player to do so, as recency bias can work wonders in amplifying a negotiation. Stafford is likely days away from a $45M+ per year contract extension in Los Angeles, as the quarterback money continues to climb at a much higher rate than any other position.

From a valuation standpoint, Wilson currently projects to a 3 year, $128M extension in our system (tacked on to the remaining 2 years of his current contract. His production has suffered over the past two seasons, along with the Seahawks offense as a whole. With new weapons to play with in Denver, a rejuvenated Wilson easily finds himself in the $46M+ range, especially at just age 33.

Prediction: Wilson plays 2022 on his $24M salary, and signs a 4 year, $192M extension next offseason.

Starting with the 2018 draft, 5th year options for all 1st round selections took on a very different calculation process. The big deciding factor now? Pro Bowls. The valuation process for the 5th year option is broken down into 4 tiers:

Tier 1: A player is selected to 2+ Pro Bowls in his first three seasons (original ballot placement only)
Tier 2: A player is selected to 1 Pro Bowl in his first three seasons (original ballot placement only)
Tier 3: A player does not garner a Pro Bowl berth, but plays in either 75% of snaps in 2 of 3 seasons, or an average of 50% over all 3
Tier 4: A player does not garner a Pro Bowl berth, nor does he meet the necessary playing time criteria

March 8th is the deadline for teams to designate a franchise or transition tag.
Related: Projected 2022 Tag Values

Orlando Brown Jr. (OT, KC)

• Has been offered a $16.5M tag by the Chiefs
• Was acquired for a 1st, 3rd, & 4th (while also getting a 2nd & 6th)
• Projects to a 5 year, $116.5M historic extension

Davante Adams (WR, GB)

• Should be offered a $20.145M franchise tag (120% of his 2021 cap hit)
• Packers are trying to avoid the tag, as they simply do not have the cap space to take it on
• Aaron Rodgers’ March 8th deadline isn’t an accident, it’s the end of the tag window. He goes I go situation
• Projects to a 5 year, $129M extension in our system, easily the largest total value for any WR in history (Calvin Johnson, $113.45M)
• Adams is looking to surpass Julio Jones’ $64M of fully guarantee at signing

Chris Godwin (WR, TB)

• May be offered a 2nd tag at $19.18M
• Won’t be available all offseason, projects to return right at Week 1 (torn ACL/MCL)
• Bucs smelling blood in a weak division? Band-aid QB with tons of weapons?
• Projects to a 5 year, $103M extension (but might need to prove health?)

Mike Williams (WR, LAC)

• Should be offered an $18.5M tag by the Chargers
• Likely to play on it? (Feels Godwin-y)
• Projects to a 5 year, $90M extension
• LAC has the cap space to structure this as a “double-tag” extension with value in years 3-5 if they so choose.

Mike Gesicki (TE, MIA)

• Will be offered an $11M tag by the Dolphins
• Could argue that he’s a WR based on his formation numbers, but not likely ($7.5M difference)
• Miami probably extends him, I would not. I believe the $11M tender is both fair and good business for a team with a lack of identity right now.
• Projects to 4 years, $44M (same value as the tag)

Dalton Schultz (TE, DAL)

• Should be offered an $11M tag by the Cowboys
• Blake Jarwin’s injury status secures his spot
• Projects to a 4 yr, $50M+ extension

Harold Landry (LB, TEN)

• Should be offered an $18.5M tag by the Titans
• TEN will need to restructure a few contracts to fit this in
• Strong candidate to play on the tag
• Projects to a 4 year, $68M contract (Shaq Barrett-y)

Jessie Bates (S, CIN)

• Will be offered a $13M tag by the Bengals
• Bengals possess around $49M of cap space
• Projects to a 5 year, $74M+ extension
• Probably plays on the tag, while Cincy focuses cash on the OL?

James Conner/Chase Edmonds (RB, ARI)

• Arizona wants to keep both RBs, Transition Tag for one?
• Keim has shown he’ll do this with Kenyan Drake
• Is keeping one at $8.5M(ish) too expensive from a cap perspective?
• I’d rather see them sign both at $5M-$6M multi-year extensions, with cap flexibility built in.

As NFL franchises prepare their 2022 roster for the upcoming March 16th league year start, we'll take a last minute look at players who could be on the roster bubble for a variety of reasons. These candidates vary from potential retirement, trade, or outright releases in the coming weeks or months.

Arizona Cardinals

Jordan Hicks (LB, 31)
Hicks has a $250,000 roster bonus due March 19th, so a quick release seems likely. The move frees up $6.5M of cap.

Jordan Phillips (DT, 30)
Phillips’ $13.3M cap hit is a problem, but with $9.2M of dead cap against it, a Post June 1st release may be the only viable way out. That designation frees up $10M of 2022 space.

Justin Pugh (G, 31)
With just a $2M of dead cap against an $11.8M cap figure, moving on from Pugh means $9.8M cleared.

Matt Prater (K, 37)
There’s $3.5M to be saved here if the Cardinals want to explore a cheaper option.

Atlanta Falcons

Mike Davis (RB, 29)
If he’s pegged to be the RB1, the $3.25M cap hit is good value. But there’s $2.5M of cap to be freed up here otherwise.

Calvin Ridley (WR, 27)
Safe to say Atlanta would love him back, but if Ridley wants a change of scenery, the Falcons can free up $11.1M of cap and cash to trade him this offseason.

Grady Jarrett (DT, 28)
The contract poses a problem for Atlanta, with a $23.8M cap figure in the final year. An extension keeps him around and lowers the hit, but it’s possible the Falcons listen to trade offers this spring. Doing so would leave behind $7.3M of dead cap, freeing up $16.5M.

Baltimore Ravens

Alejandro Villanueva (OT, 33)
Still viable, but with $6M to be freed up, it stands to reason that Baltimore will look elsewhere.

Marcus Peters (CB, 29)
Enters a contract year with a $15.5M cap hit and just $5.5M of dead cap against it. He’s a trade option before a release candidate.

Sam Koch (P, 39)
The Ravens can free up $2.1M if they move on from their longtime vet.

Buffalo Bills

Cole Beasley (WR, 32)
The targets and catches remained the same, but Beasley’s yardage and touchdowns took a nose dive in 2021. There’s a $500,000 roster bonus due March 20th that could become a “deadline” for his 2022 status. Buffalo can free up $6.1M to cut or trade him prior to this date.

Jon Feliciano (G, 30)
Feliciano was extended a year ago, but there’s an “out” on this deal prior to a $500,000 March 20th roster bonus. Buffalo can open up $3.4M of cap space with an early release.

Cody Ford (G, 25)
Moving on means $1.5M of added cap space.

Star Lotulelei (DT, 32)
As part of a restructure last year, the Bills guaranteed $2.5M of Lotuleilei’s 2022 base salary. That may not stop them from moving on this March. Designating Star a Post June 1st release frees up $4.1M (after June 1st).

A.J. Klein (LB, 30)
Klein has value on this roster, and a paycut could be in order if agreed upon, but an outright release frees up $5.1M.

Matt Haack (P, 27)
Moving on means freeing up $1.2M of cap.

Carolina Panthers

Sam Darnold (QB, 24)
With $18.8M guaranteed on the books, an outright release seems out of the question here, but some form of “split-salary” trade isn’t crazy.

Christian McCaffrey (RB, 25)
McCaffrey’s role needs to change to keep him active more consistently, and a move to a contender could help reshape his career before it’s too late. Contractually this would need to happen post June 1st for Carolina’s dead cap purposes. A late trade frees up $8.6M.

Chicago Bears

Cody Whitehair (OL, 29)
Whitehair is useful, but the contract gets mildly expensive from here out. He’ll need to be designated a post 6/1 release for cap purposes, a move that will eventually free up $8M of cap.

Eddie Goldman (DT, 28)
The guarantees on this contract are long gone, and there’s $6.6M to be freed up with an early release.

Danny Trevathan (LB, 31)
With $9M of dead cap against a $5.7M cap hit, a Post June 1st release seems the only out option here. Doing so eventually frees up $3.3M.

Eddie Jackson (S, 29)
Even a Post June 1st release only frees up $6.1M of Jackson’s $15M cap hit (with an early release only clearing $1.5M). The Bears probably want to move on, but it won’t do much for their cap table.

Khalil Mack (OLB, 31)
There’s a $5.5M roster bonus due March 18th, and $24M dead cap against a $30M cap hit for 2022. Another restructure seems more likely than a trade away.

Cincinnati Bengals

Trae Waynes (CB, 29)
With almost $11M to be freed up in moving on, this is a slam dunk move.

Trey Hopkins (C, 29)
Plenty of changes are forthcoming to this offensive line in 2022. With $6M to be cleared from Hopkins’ contract year, he’s an early release candidate.

Cleveland Browns

Jarvis Landry (WR, 29)
Holds just $1.5M of dead cap against a $16.3M cap hit, but probably finds his way to a restructure versus an outright release.

Austin Hooper (TE, 27)
With no guarantees remaining, Cleveland simply has to maneuver the dead cap trail to get out of this one. A Post June 1st release frees up $9.5M ($2M if before).

Dallas Cowboys

Amari Cooper (WR, 27)
With $6M of dead cap against a $22M cap hit, the speculation will continue in Dallas. His $20M salary fully guarantees on March 20th, but that won’t scare away trade offers if the Cowboys are looking for them.

Blake Jarwin (TE, 27)
Jarwin could give way to a new Dalton Schultz contract in the coming weeks. There’s $3.8M to be freed up with an early release.

DeMarcus Lawrence (DE, 29)
Still highly productive, but might be a true cap casualty this March. An early trade frees up $8M of cap (but offers compensation in return), while a Post June 1st release means $19M saved this spring.

Greg Zuerlein (K, 34)
Will Dallas get younger and cheaper here? There’s $2.4M of needed space to be opened up if so.

Denver Broncos

Daesean Hamilton (WR, 26)
The WR room in Denver is talented and crowded. There’s $2.1M to be opened up here.

Mike Purcell (DT, 30)
Purcell holds $1.5M of dead cap against a $4.3M hit. This is an upgrade watch spot for Denver.

Sam Martin (P, 32)
Denver can free up $2.25M if they move on from the veteran punter.

Detroit Lions

Trey Flowers (OLB, 28)
Oft-injured and wildly unproductive, a Flowers release frees up over $10M early, and $16M after June 1.

Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers (QB, 38)
A pre June 1 trade means $26.8M of dead cap, $19.8M saved. A retirement list placement (if applicable) will likely be held until after June 1st, meaning $27.5M saved this year.

Randall Cobb (WR, 31)
Moving on here means $6.7M free up.

Billy Turner (RT, 30)
Enters a contract year with $4.9M of dead cap against a $9.1M hit. Green Bay needs the $4.2M difference here.

Za'Darius Smith (OLB, 29
One of the Smiths is on the bubble here, but a Za’Darius release opens up more than $15.2M.

Mason Crosby (K, 37)
The long-time Packer might need a paycut to stick for 2022. There’s $2.4M to be saved with an outright early release.

Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson (QB, 26)
The 2022 salary is already fully guaranteed (until he’s suspended), but the Texans hold just $16.2M of trade dead cap on this contract. A pre June 1st trade frees up $24.2M, while anything after opens up $35M.

Brandin Cooks (WR, 28)
Enters a contract year with $7.5M of dead cap against a $16.2M hit. If Houston can garner the proper compensation, they’ll likely take the $8.7M to be saved in order to send him to a better situation.

Laremy Tunsil (OT, 27)
Tunsil becomes the third notable player rumored in trades this offseason, despite a massive trade haul to bring him in 3 years ago, and $40M paid out the last two seasons. Houston would free up $9.5M of cap with an early trade.

Indianapolis Colts

Carson Wentz (QB, 29)
Wentz has a $5M roster bonus that locks in March 18th, to go along with $15M of salary already fully guaranteed. Can they find a trade partner this offseason? Will they need to pay down some of that $20M to get him out the door? Is there a viable replacement in mind? Plenty of unknowns.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Chris Manhertz (TE, 29)
He’s a solid contributor, and the $4M cap hit doesn’t scare anyone (especially with $1M of salary fully guaranteed), but Jacksonville may look to add a significant upgrade to this position in March. A release frees up $1.9M.

Carlos Hyde (RB, 31)
Moving on at any point this offseason frees up $1.9M.

Kansas City Chiefs

Frank Clark (DE, 28)
Plenty of options on the table here, but getting out from under this contract probably makes sense to start the process. A Pre June 1st release/trade frees up $13.4M. Any type of Post June 1st move opens up $19.85M.

Las Vegas Raiders

Clelin Ferrell (DE, 24)

Ferrell holds a fully guaranteed $4.7M salary for 2022, with a $9.9M cap figure to boot. While a trade would certainly be ideal, an outright release seems more likely here, even if it won't free up any cap space.

Denzel Perryman (LB, 29)
There’s a $1.8M roster bonus due March 18th, but a release prior to that frees up $3M.

Denzelle Good (G, 30)
He’s a fringe bubble player heading into March, but there’s $4.1M to be freed up here.

Los Angeles Chargers

Bryan Bulaga (OT, 32)

Bulaga's production as dipped since joining the Chargers from Green Bay in 2020, and back injury has limited his ability to help the squad down the stretch this season. He holds a $14M cap hit in 2022, with $10.75M to be freed up should LA move on.

Los Angeles Rams

Andrew Whitworth (OT, 40)
This is all about a possible retirement, as the ageless wonder would be welcomed back if possible. If he decides to hang them up, LAR frees up $16M of cap space.

A'Shawn Robinson (DT, 26)
Still a very productive player, Robinson finds himself here because he's one of the only contracts on the Rams' roster with a sizable 2022 cap hit, and decent savings if moved on from. A simple base restructure is a more likely solution here (especially with a $1M roster bonus already fully guaranteed), but there's $5.5M of cap space to be freed up if LA moves on.

Miami Dolphins

Jesse Davis (RT, 30)
Davis has played nearly every snap for the 2021 Dolphins, but there are likely to be plenty of changes on the Dolphins’ O-Line this winter. Miami can free up $3.6M of cap by moving on.

Adam Butler (DT, 28)
Butler has limited production despite a starting role on the Dolphins D-Line. The $3.75M to be saved is better used elsewhere.

Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins (QB, 33)
With 1 year, $35M (fully guaranteed) left, this is still a very tradable contract, and it stands to reason that a few calls could be made in that regard. Minnesota would take on $10M of dead cap with a trade away, freeing up $35M of cap and cash in the process.

Adam Thielen (WR, 31)
Thielen’s contract is out of upfront guarantees, but there’s still $11.1M of dead cap against a $16.8M hit. Another restructure is most likely, but if trade offers come in there’s a chance that move is made.

Danielle Hunter (DE, 27)
Hunter missed the entire 2020 season (neck), and half of 2021 (torn pec), with injuries so there's a long road ahead still. Factor in a $26.12M cap hit for 2022 (thanks to an $18.5M roster bonus), and it's a certainty that something is forthcoming with the edge rusher's contract. At this point, a trade then restructure still seems feasible, a move that would leave $7.4M of dead cap with Minnesota, freeing up $18.64M of cap space.

New England Patriots

N'Keal Harry (WR, 24)
Harry is averaging 1 reception per game in 2021, and has only found the end zone 4 times in 3 years. Only $674k of his 2022 salary is fully guaranteed, meaning $1.8M of cap/cash can be cleared per his release.

Jake Bailey (P, 24)
Bailey is too good to move on from, but his $4M cap hit against just $72k of dead cap can be reworked. An extension that lowers the 2022 figure makes a ton of sense.

New Orleans Saints

Malcolm Jenkins (FS, 34)
Jenkins still has games left in him, but the Saints will need to be creative with their financials yet again in 2022, putting his $11.7M cap figure on notice. A post June 1st release frees up $7.75M.

Bradley Roby (CB, 29)
Roby was acquired from Houston for a 3rd & 6th round pick, so it stands to reason that New Orleans would prefer to get another year out of the defensive back. A restructure is probably more likely here, a move that can free up $6.8M of cap space in 2022.

New York Giants

Sterling Shepard (WR, 28)
There's a lot to like about Shepard, but he's failed to complete a full season for three straight years now, and with Golladay & Toney now in the mix, his role was already in line to be diminished. Both sides could stand for a change of scenery, and the Giants can free up $4.5M with an early release, $8.5M after June 1st.

Kyle Rudolph (TE, 32)
Rudolph's cap number jumps up $3M in 2022 ($7.425M), and when factoring in minimal production in 2021, and the Giants snug with cap space, there's little reason to believe he remains in his contract. New York can free up $5M of space by moving on.

Blake Martinez (LB, 27)
Martinez was good in 2020, but a torn ACL cut his 2021 campaign short after just 3 weeks. He's a player who can still contribute when healthy, but a $14M cap figure for 2022 right now has to be addressed somehow. Moving on frees up $8.5M.

Saquon Barkley  (RB, 25)
Barkley's headed for his option year, with a fully guaranteed $7.2M salary to boot. An extension likely isn't coming anytime soon - but a trade might be. Unless salary is eaten prior to (not likely), the Giants would incur no dead cap to trade Barkley this offseason.

New York Jets

Sheldon Rankins (DT, 27)
Despite his most productive season in 3 years, Rankins likely won’t be kept on a $6.25M cap figure for 2022. There’s $5.5M to be freed up here.

Ryan Griffin (TE, 32)
The Jets probably want to see what a healthy Griffin/Wilson year looks like, but there’s $3.2M of cap to be freed up if not.

Greg Van Roten (G, 32)
Van Roten gave up his starting gig late in 2021, and might not be given the chance to get it back. The Jets can clear $3.5M by moving on.

Philadelphia Eagles

Brandon Brooks (G, 32)
Brooks announced his retirement on January 26th. His contract has already been reduced for the purpose of carrying it until June 1st, after which he’ll be placed on the reserve/retired list, splitting his dead cap as $5.9M for 2022, $9.7M for 2023. Philly will only see $1.1M of new cap space in June.

Gardner Minshew (QB, 25)
Minshew will be a good value and capable backup for Jalen Hurts if all stays as is, but if the QB position shakes up this offseason, look for teams to come calling for this contract. A trade frees up $2.54M for Philly.

Jason Kelce (C, 34)
He’s contemplating retirement still, while his contract holds $13.5M of dead cap against a $7.5M hit. He’s good value if he returns, and a $1.5M March 16th roster bonus will make this decision come early. If he hangs it up, Philly will carry him until June 1st before adding him to the reserve/retired list, splitting up the dead cap as $4.5M this year, $9M in 2023. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tyson Alualu (DL, 34)
Lost in 2021 due to injury, Pittsburgh can free up $2.5M by moving on.

Joe Schobert (LB, 28)
He might get another year with the Steelers to try to settle in better, but there’s almost $8M of cap to be freed up with an early release. Getting out of this contract and starting over might be the safer move.

Zach Banner (OT, 28)
There are big changes coming to this offensive line, and the $5M freed up by moving on from Banner can help (if he’s properly replaced).

San Francisco 49ers

Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, 30)
For the most part, the Niners stuck to their guns in keeping Trey Lance on the sidelines for the majority of 2021. Garoppolo responded with a very Garoppolo-like season, good enough for most teams to appreciate, but likely not enough to keep him in San Franc's plans going forward. With just $1.4M of dead cap against a $27M cap hit, there's $25.6M to be freed up in trading or releasing the veteran QB.

Samson Ebukam (OLB, 26)
Ebukam has shown flashes of high production in 2021, but the 2nd year of his contract was always to be considered a bit of an option, as his cap figure jumps from $3.7M to $8.25M. There's $6.5M to be freed up by moving on.

Dee Ford (DE, 30)
His $4.6M roster bonus became fully guaranteed last week, so there’s going to be some pain in moving on ($14.4M of dead cap to move on before June 1st). If they designate him a Post June 1st release, they’ll free up $2.4M, but not until June 2nd. It seems like he’s going to stick for another year, despite back to back seasons filled with injury.

Seattle Seahawks

Bobby Wagner (LB, 31)
Wagner probably belongs in the extension grouping, but the uncertainty of the Seattle roster as a whole puts everything in question. His $20.35M cap hit for 2022 is intolerable, and there's $16.6M to be freed up by moving on, but a restructured extension to lower this figure and keep the 10 year vet in Seattle seems the most likely path forward.

Christopher Carson (RB, 27)
Carson's extension was essentially a one year deal in terms of guarantee structure, and a serious neck injury now has his future in question. The contract holds $3M of dead cap against a $6.4M cap hit in 2022, but with Rashaad Penny & Alex Collins slated for free agency, there's a chance he sticks for one more year.

Jason Myers (K, 30)
Myers' consistency has fallen off of a cliff in 2021, and his $5M cap figure may be too rich to tolerate. With just $1M of dead cap on the final year of his contract, Seattle likely opts for the $4M saved here.

Kerry Hyder (DE, 30)
Hyder's cap figure nearly doubled ($3.7M) in 2022, putting him on a soft bubble this offseason. There's $2M to be freed up in moving on.

Russell Wilson (QB, 33)
We’ve heard nothing about Wilson wanting out this time around, but that won’t stop offers from coming in. Wilson has a $5M roster bonus due March 20th, and an early March trade would leave behind $26M of dead cap to Seattle, freeing up $11M of space.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ryan Succop (K, 25)
He probably sticks around another year, but TB can free up $2.5M if they look elsewhere at the position.

Bradley Pinion (P, 27)
Pinion enters a contract year in 2022 with a $2.9M cap hit, all of which can come off the books if necessary.

Mike Evans (WR, 28)
Evans has two years left on his contract, but he might look around in a couple of weeks and realize he’s one of the only stars remaining on his side of the ball. Will a trade demand follow? With FOUR restructures already processed on his contract, the Bucs would only really benefit from trading him after June 1st, at which point they can open up $14M of cap, and lock in some 2023 draft picks to boot.

Tennessee Titans

Taylor Lewan (OT, 30)
He’s a more than capable blind side lineman still, but the contract offers space to move on, so we’ll make Lewan a fringe bubble candidate for now. Moving on opens up $12.9M of room.

Zach Cunningham (LB, 27)
Cunningham is a nice fit for the Tennessee defense, but getting out of the contract and starting over probably makes sense for the team. They can open up $10.5M of space by doing so.

Kendall Lamm (OT, 29)
If Lewan is kept around, maybe Lamm becomes the odd man out on that O-Line. There’s $3.2M to be freed up in moving on.

Washington Commanders

Matthew Ioannidis (DT, 27)
The Commander's D-Line is loaded with youngsters, most of which are nearing the point of their big-time extensions. With pass-rush production all but diminished over the past two seasons, Ioannidis' trade or release can free up $6.9M of cap & cash this offseason.

Landon Collins (S, 28)
Collins has banked $44M in 3 seasons with Washington, but he becomes a fringe bubble player entering 2022. An early release frees up $6.6M of cap, while a Post June 1st move opens up $12M.