The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2022 offseason with a projected -$21M of Top 51 cap space, the 3rd lowest figure in all of football. While a few notable names could be moved off the roster, Dallas holds plenty of big contracts that lend themselves to salary restructures, and freed up cap space. Here’s our look at how the Cowboys can open up $70M of new cap space in the coming weeks.

Related Pieces

• Freeing Up $100M of Rams' Cap Space
• Freeing Up $100M of Saints' Cap Space
• Freeing Up $75M of Chiefs' Cap Space

Quarterbacks

Predicted Savings: $15.1M

Dak Prescott
Prescott’s $34.45M cap figure currently ranks 8th in all of football. A full restructure of his $20M salary can drop it down to $19.2M.
Predicted Savings: $15.1M

Running Backs

Predicted Savings: $9M

Ezekiel Elliott
Despite rumors that the Cowboys may move on from Zeke and roll with Tony Pollard in 2022, his contract tends to make us believe he’ll be in Dallas for at least one more season (though a Post June 1st trade does have some financial merit). His $18.22M cap hit is by far the most of any running back in the NFL, but a full base salary restructure can drop it to $9.1M
Predicted Savings: $9M

Tony Pollard
Enters a contract year in 2022, including a $1.1M cap hit. His future remains tied to the potential out for Elliott.

Wide Receivers

Predicted Savings: $16M

Amari Cooper
Carries 3 years, $60M left on his contract including a $22M cap hit for 2022. There’s been some speculation that Cooper will be moved on from this offseason, but other options exist

1. Do nothing, keep his $22M cap hit intact, making a 2023 trade or release extremely painless in terms of Cowboys’ dead cap ($6M).
2. Restructure most of his $20M salary into a signing bonus, tacking on 2 void years to the end of the contract. This drops his 2022 hit to $6.89M, freeing up $15.1M of space.
3. Trade him prior to June 1st, freeing up $16M of space.
4. Trade him after June 1st, freeing up $20M of space.
5. Release him prior to March 20th, when his $20M salary becomes fully guaranteed, freeing up $16M of cap space.

Predicted Savings: $16M

CeeDee Lamb
Enters year three of his rookie contract and won’t become extension eligible until after 2022.

Michael Gallup
Pending UFA 

Tight Ends

Predicted Savings: $3.85M

Blake Jarwin
Missed nearly all of 2020, & half of 2021 due to injury, giving pending free agent Dalton Schultz an opportunity to steal his role. Schultz is a tag/extension candidate. While moving on from Jarwin won’t free up a ton of room, it’s still the predicted outcome here.
Predicted Savings: $3.85M

Dalton Schultz
Pending UFA

Offensive Line

Predicted Savings: $15.6M

Tyron Smith, LT
Despite two years, $27.1M remaining on his contract, and his 8th Pro Bowl berth just a few weeks ago, rumors about Dallas trading Smith away this offseason have begun to percolate. The Cowboys don’t have a viable replacement on the roster as of yet, but that could change in the coming weeks. For now, we’ll assume he stays as is on a $17.5M cap hit, though a Pre June 1st trade would free up $5.5M, while a Post June 1st swap opens up $13.5M.

Connor Williams, LG
Pending UFA

Tyler Biadasz, C
Is entering year 3 of his rookie contract and won’t become extension eligible until after 2022.

Zack Martin, RG
His $20.1M cap hit is the most of any guard in football, and his 93.4 grade from PFF in 2021 ranks him 2nd. A full base salary restructure, adding on two void years, drops that figure to $11.6M.
Predicted Savings: $8.5M

La'el Collins, RT
Finished 2021 as a Top 15 tackle according to PFF, and more than half of his $10M salary is set to become fully guaranteed on March 20th. A full base salary restructure, adding on two void years, can drop his cap hit from $15.25M to $8.14M.
Predicted Savings: $7.1M

Defensive Line

Predicted Savings: $8M

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE
Is quickly becoming one of the more polarizing names this offseason, as local beats have him being Restructured, Extended, Cut, and Traded in parallel articles. He finished 2021 as the 4th graded edge defender according to PFF, but carries a certainly high $27M cap figure into 2022. With Randy Gregory a tag/extension candidate this month, it seems like that either he or Lawrence is let go this offseason in some way, shape or form.

1. Do nothing, keep his $27M cap hit intact, making a 2023 trade or release extremely painless in terms of Cowboys’ dead cap ($11M).
2. Restructure most of his $19M salary into a signing bonus, tacking on 2 void years to the end of the contract. This drops his 2022 hit to $12.69M, freeing up $14.3M of space.
3. Trade or Release him prior to June 1st, freeing up $8M of space.
4. Trade or Release him after June 1st, freeing up $19M of space.

Predicted Savings: $8M

Randy Gregory, DE
Pending UFA

Neville Gallimore, DT
Enters year 3 of his rookie contract and won’t be extension eligible until after 2022.

Carlos Watkins, DT
Pending UFA

Linebackers

Predicted Savings: $0M

Micah Parsons, LB
Enters year 2 of his rookie contract and won’t become extension eligible until after 2023.

Keanu Neal, LB
Pending UFA

Leighton Vander Esch, LB
Pending UFA

Secondary

Predicted Savings: $0M

Anthony Brown, CB
Enters a contract year in 2022, carrying a somewhat friendly $6.5M cap figure. Dallas would probably be looking to add a CB this offseason, but Brown’s role should be relatively safe. A small extension could lower this cap hit a bit ($1M-$2M), but with minimal financial impact, we’ll assume not for now.

Trevon Diggs, CB
Enters year 3 of his rookie contract and won’t become extension eligible until after 2022.

Donovan Wilson, S
Enters the final year of his rookie contract but could be pushed to a depth role if Dallas adds experience to this position.
Jayron Kearse, S
Pending UFA

Special Teams

Predicted Savings: $2.4M

Greg Zuerlein
Enters a contract year in 2022, carrying a $2.8M cap figure into the offseason. With $2.4M to be freed up in moving on, we’ll assume Dallas looks to get cheaper at this spot.
Predicted Savings: $2.4M

Bryan Anger
Pending UFA

Kyler Murray, ARI, 24

2022 Cap Hit: $11,186,842

All we know is nothing, but speculation is enough reason to bear out the possible details here.

Most Likely Scenario:
Murray is signed to a $40M+ per year contract, reunites with his team on social media, and joins them in minicamp.

1% Possible:
The Cardinals trade Murray any time before training camp, taking on $5.9M of dead cap, freeing up $5.5M of space. The receiving team takes on a 1 year, $5.5M fully guaranteed contract, plus the right to his 5th year option for 2023.

Matt Ryan, ATL, 36

2022 Cap Hit: $48,662,500

The Falcons don’t yet have Ryan’s replacement on the roster, but that might change in the next few months. A $7.5M roster bonus due March 18th puts any kind of move into early focus.

Most Likely Scenario:
Ryan sticks with the Falcons for one more year, putting him on an expiring contract, with $28M to be freed up if they move on next offseason.

Slightly Possible:
The Falcons trade Ryan before March 18th, taking on an historic $40,525,000 dead cap hit - all in 2022, saving $8.1M of cap space. The receiving team would acquire a 2 year, $51.75M contract, including $23.75M in 2022.

Sam Darnold, CAR, 24

2022 Cap hit: $18,858,000

Darnold enters 2022 with a fully guaranteed $18.858M salary, and very little clarity as to his role with the Panthers.

Most Likely Scenario:
Despite a likely high draft selection of a QB this year from Carolina, Darnold is the Week 1 starter. He eventually gives way to the rookie sometime in 2022.

Slightly Possible:
Carolina finds a trade partner, but has to take on a portion of the salary to move him out. There are no restrictions to this process, meaning the Panthers can convert all the way up to $17.8M of the salary into signing bonus prior to trading him, sending along a minimum salary to the new team.

Baker Mayfield, CLE, 26

2022 Cap Hit: $18,858,000

Baker's injuries and inconsistent play have his future in question, but he should still be considered the starting QB for 2022 as of now.

Most Likely Scenario:
The Browns may try to reel in one of the big fish this spring (Rodgers, Wilson, Watson), but in failing to do so, run it back with Mayfield for 2022.

Slightly Possible:
Cleveland trades Mayfield to a QB-needy franchise (TB, IND, etc…) paving the way for Case Keenum to take the reins in 2022. The Browns might need to take on some of the $18.8M salary to ship him out.

Jared Goff, DET, 27

2022 Cap Hit: $31,150,000

With two first round picks, the Lions could be targeting Goff’s replacement in the next few months.

Most Likely Scenario:
Despite the pending draft selection, Goff sticks as an overpriced Lion for 2022.

Slightly Possible:
Detroit flips Goff before March 17th (when a $15.5M roster bonus is due), taking on a $15M dead cap hit, freeing up $16.15M. The receiving team takes on 3 years, $78.4M, including a fully guaranteed $26.15M for 2022. The contract would contain no dead cap in 2023 for the new team.

Aaron Rodgers, GB, 38

2022 Cap Hit: $46,664,157

It seems like the right time to move on. But in what fashion?

Most Likely Scenario:
Rodgers works with the GB front office to facilitate a trade to the team of his choosing (despite not owning a no trade clause), ensuring he’ll be in a situation that won’t make him retire instead of reporting to his new franchise.

If Pre June 1st, the Packers will take on a $26.8M dead cap hit in 2022, freeing up $19.8M of cap space. If Post June 1st, the Packers will take on $19.1M of 2022 dead cap, & $7.6M of 2023 dead cap, freeing up $27.5M of space this season.

The new team would immediately take on a 1 year, $27.5M non-guaranteed contract, certain to be converted into a new multi-year extension at or around the time of the trade.

Also Possible:
Rodgers retires from the NFL. Green Bay drops his $27.5M salary down to the minimum $1.12M, and carries him as an active roster player until June 1st, after which they place him on the reserve/retired list for the remainder of 2022. This process keeps his dead cap hit split as $19.1M for 2022, $7.6M for 2023.

Deshaun Watson, HOU, 26

2022 Cap Hit: $40,400,000

Watson shouldn’t even be considered an active roster player until his legal proceedings not only start - but come to a conclusion both with the court system, and the NFL.

Most Likely Scenario:
Watson is moved when the dust settles, leaving behind a $16.2M dead cap hit to the Texans, freeing up $24.2M of space. The receiving team takes on a 4 year, $132M contract, including a fully guaranteed $35M for 2022, and fully guaranteed $37M for 2023 (by March 20th). It should be noted that any future salary/bonus guarantees would be voided if Watson is suspended by the NFL for personal conduct.

Also Possible:
Watson’s career is over based on his legal verdict. All future salary guarantees will void, and the Texans will look to recoup $16.2M of his signing bonus. Houston would place him on the reserve/retired list on June 2nd, taking on a $5.4M dead cap hit in 2022, and a $10.8M hit in 2023.

Carson Wentz, IND, 29

2022 Cap Hit: $28,294,119

The Colts haven’t exactly been shy about their lack of intentions to run it back with Carson Wentz for 2022.

Most Likely Scenario:
Despite his late season troubles, Indy finds a trade partner, but must almost certainly take on some of his $28.3M compensation. With no additional dead cap on the contract, whatever salary is converted to bonus will become Indy’s property, while the remainder of the $28M will transfer to the receiving team, fully guaranteed. The remaining 2 years, $53.3M on the deal is non-guaranteed.

Also Possible:
Nobody bites, and Wentz is outright released prior to March 18th (when a $5M roster bonus is due and an additional $7M of salary fully guarantees). Indy takes on $15M of dead cap & cash, but with offsets available, could see that reduced should Wentz sign on elsewhere in 2022 (likely at the league minimum).

Kirk Cousins, MIN, 33

2022 Cap Hit: $45,000,000

The new regime in Minnesota seem to favor keeping Cousins, but everyone has a price.

Most Likely Scenario:
The Vikings not only keep Cousins, they extend his contract out another 2-3 years, lowering his cap hit significantly for the 2022 season. Cousins holds a $35M projection in our system, but something closer to $40M seems extremely likely.

Also Possible:
Minnesota trades Cousins to a QB needy franchise (PIT, IND, TB), ripping the band-aid off on what could be a full-blown rebuild. The move would leave behind just $10M of dead cap to the Vikings, freeing up $35M of space. A receiving team takes on a fully guaranteed 1 year, $35M contract, which will likely be extended out at or around the time of the trade.

Derek Carr, LV, 30

2022 Cap Hit: $19,877,519

Josh McDaniels and Co. seem thrilled about the chance to work with Derek Carr in 2022. But this remains a landing spot for a Rodgers or Wilson if the opporutnity arises.

Most Likely Scenario:
Carr not only sticks, but he's extended to a $40M per seasons multi-year contract.

Also Possible:L
The Raiders reel in a big fish to replace Carr, and trade him (possibly as part of the new QB deal). Las Vegas takes on no dead cap to move on from Carr, freeing up all $19.8M of space. The new team gets Carr at a non-guaranteed 1 year, $19.8M, with a new contract certain to follow.

Gardner Minshew, PHI, 25

2022 Cap Hit: $2.54M

Minshew is buried on the Philly depth chart, that could get even deeper with a big move this offseason.

Most Likely Scenario:
Minshew is traded for a better than 6th round pick, leaving behind $0 of dead cap to Philly. He brings with him a non-guaranteed 1 year, $2.54M contract.

Also Possible:
Minshew sticks in Philly, acting as a very capable backup option to Jalen Hurts for 2022. He’s slated for unrestricted free agency in 2023.

Jimmy Garoppolo, SF, 30

2022 Cap Hit: $26,950,000

Jimmy has all but confirmed that his time in SF has come to a close.

Most Likely Scenario:
The 49ers trade Garoppolo this offseason, taking on a $1.4M dead cap hit, freeing up $25.5M of much needed cap space. The receiving team takes on a 1 year, non-guaranteed $25.5M contract.

Also Possible:

San Francisco gets cold feet about Trey Lance, don’t convince Tom Brady to come out of “retirement”, and can’t strike a deal with their rival Packers to secure Aaron Rodgers for 2022. Garoppolo stays, restructures his contract, tacking on 4 void years to the deal while dropping his 2022 cap hit to $8.23M.

Russell Wilson, SEA, 33

2022 Cap Hit: $37,000,000

We haven’t heard a thing about Russell leaving Seattle for almost an entire year now. But crazier things have happened.

Most Likely Scenario:
Wilson stays, restructures his $24M salary, and opens up space for Seattle to add pieces at the start of free agency. A full restructure plus 3 void years, frees up $18.3M of space for the Seahawks.

Also Possible:
The trade list is pulled out of the drawer, and Seattle ships their franchise QB out of town prior to his March 20th roster bonus payment. The move leaves behind $26M of dead cap in 2022, freeing up $11M of space. A receiving team takes on a 2 year, $51M contract, with just the $5M roster bonus considered as upfront guarantee. The two sides likely hammer out a new contract at or around the time of the trade. Wilson currently projects to s $43M contract in our system.

Tom Brady, TB, 44

2022 Cap Hit: $20.2M

Is he, or isn't it?

Most Likely Scenario:
Tom Brady remains retired and quadruples his annual earnings via business ventures & investments. The Buccaneers place him on the reserve/retired list on June 2nd, leaving behind dead cap hits of $8M in 2022, & $24M for 2023

Slightly Possible:
Brady works with the Buccaneers to facilitate a trade (seemingly only to SF), running it back for one more season. Tampa Bay would want this move to happen after June 1st most likely, splitting their dead cap into $8M for 2022, $24M for 2023, freeing up $12.2M of space this season. Brady brings with him a 1 year, $10.8M contract to a new team - a ridiculous value for the 2021 passing leader.

Ryan Tannehill, TEN, 33

2022 Cap Hit: $38,600,000

Tennessee would probably like to upgrade here, but wanting and being able to are two very different things.

Most Likely Scenario:
Tannehill sticks in TEN for 2022, and restructures his salary to free up space for the Titans. A full salary restructure can free up $20M of 2022 cap space for Tennessee.

Slightly Possible:
Tennessee pulls a late spring move, trading Tannehill after June 1st. The move leaves behind $9.6M of dead cap in 2022, and another $18.8M in 2023, freeing up $29M in 2022. The receiving team takes on a fully guaranteed $29M in 2022, and a non-guaranteed $27M for 2023.

The Chiefs roll into March with an estimated $3.7M of Top 51 cap space, including 4 cap figures north of $20M and 6th above the $12M mark. With LT Orlando Brown Jr., FS Tyrann Mathieu, CB Charvarius Ward, & EDGE Melvin Ingram headlining a strong list of pending free agents, KC will need to free up a healthy amount of room to consider keeping a few notable starters, especially as Orlando Brown's likely franchise tag will come with a $16.5M cap hit.

The following exercise shows how Kansas City can free up over $75M of cap space in the coming weeks via contract restrucutres, extensions, & releases. It should be noted that while the bottom line here sounds great, many of these moves will greatly impact the Chiefs' 2023 & 2024 salary cap tables, as taking from today adds to tomorrow. Will the Chiefs go "all-in" again for a chance to run through the AFC?

Related Pieces

• Freeing up $100M+ of Rams' Cap Space
• Freeing up $100M+ of Saints Cap Space
• Freeing Up $70M of Cowboys' Cap Space

Quarterbacks

Predicted Savings: $21.9M

Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes’ $35.8M cap hit currently ranks 7th in the NFL. His $27.4M roster bonus screams restructure, but the Chiefs need to be conscious of a potential breaking point in annually pushing his cap down the line. A full restructure of this bonus drops the 2022 cap hit to $13.8M ($22M saved), but it increases the next 3 cap figures up to $52.2M, $49.7M, & $51.7M respectively.
Predicted Savings: $21.9M

Running Backs

Predicted Savings: $0M

Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Isn’t extension eligible until after 2022, and that notion seems far-fetched at the present time anyway. Jerick McKinnon & Darrel Williams are headed for free agency, while Derrick Gore can be brought back at an $825,000 minimum.
Predicted Savings: $0M

Wide Receivers

Predicted Savings: $11.9M

Tyreek Hill
Enters a contract year in 2022 with 1 year, $18M remaining.

1. Do nothing, keep his $20.6M cap hit intact, and utilize a tag after 2022 should the desire to keep him thereafter still exist.
2. Restructure his $15M of offseason bonuses into a signing bonus, tacking on 4 void years to the end of the contract. This drops his 2022 hit to $8.68M, freeing up $11.9M of space.
3. Trade him this offseason prior to camp, freeing up $18M of space.
4. Extend him to a projected 4 year, $88M extension, converting his $15M of offseason bonus into a signing bonus, which drops his 2022 cap hit to $8.6M, freeing up nearly $12M.

Predicted Savings: $11.9M

Tight Ends

Predicted Savings: $0M

Travis Kelce
Kelce’s $6.5M salary can certainly be restructured to free up a bit of space, but his $8.8M cap figure is likely deemed “friendly” enough to keep where it is for 2022. Kelce’s 2023 cap figure jumps to $14.65M, so we’ll wait a year to mess with this contract some more.
Predicted Savings: $0M

Offensive Line

Predicted Savings: $7.1M

Orlando Brown Jr.
Brown is headed for a $16.5M tag, which will further add to the Chiefs early cap limitations.

Joe Thuney
Enters year two of his contract as a prime restructure candidate. Converting his $13.5M base salary into bonus (adding a void year) drops his cap figure from $17.8M to $10.7M.
Predicted Savings: $7.1M

Creed Humphrey
Enters year two of his rookie contract, and won’t become extension eligible until after 2023.

Kyle Long
Pending UFA

Mike Remmers
Pending UFA

Defensive Line

Predicted Savings: $28.4M

Chris Jones
Enters year 3 of a 4 year contract, including a $29.4M cap hit for 2022. His $18M roster bonus is already fully guaranteed, and the remaining $4.25M cash locks in March 18th. A full restructure of that roster bonus + 3 void years can free up $15M of cap this year, but it also sends his 2023 cap hit north of $30M. KC may opt to rip up the final two years and start fresh with a new contract, but for purposes of this exercise, we’ll assume the bonus conversion.
Predicted Savings: $15M

Frank Clark
With a $26.3M cap hit, Clark’s roster spot is in question for 2022. An outright release before June 1st frees up $13.4M, while a cut after can open up $19.85M. If the plan is to keep him, a full restructure of his $19M base salary + 3 void years opens up $14.3M of 2022 cap space.
Predicted Savings: $13.4M

Linebackers

Predicted Savings: $8.4M

Nick Bolton
Enters year two of his rookie contract and won’t become extension eligible until after 2023.

Anthony Hitchens
Is a slam dunk cap casualty candidate, with a $12.6M cap figure and $4.2M of dead cap to boot.
UPDATE: The Chiefs officially released Hitchens 2/23
Confirmed Savings: $8.4M

Willie Gay Jr.
Enters year three of his rookie contract and won’t become extension eligible until after 2022.

Secondary

Predicted Savings: $0M

3 of the 4 starting defensive backs from 2021 are slated for free agency, meaning there will be much more adding than subtracting at this position group over the next few weeks. An extension for Juan Thornhill could be in the cards.

Special Teams

Predicted Savings: $0M

Harrison Butker
Remains one of the best kickers in football and has 3 yrs, $11M remaining on his contract, including a $4.2M cap hit for 2022. About $1.76M could be freed up with a full salary restructure + two new void years, but that seems like a last ditch move as needed.
Predicted Savings: $0

Tommy Townsend
Enters the final year of an undrafted rookie contract on a near minimum $897k.
Predicted Savings: $0

As the sky is blue, the New Orleans Saints enter the offseason will in the red in terms of projected cap space. At the time of this piece, Spotrac estimates a $76.1M overage with 57 players under contract, and less than a month until the official start of the 2022 league year. As we did with the Super Bowl Champion Rams, we'll take a crack at freeing up ample cap space for the Saints, by way of (many) restructures, a few contract extensions, & a release or two.

Related Pieces

• Freeing Up $100M of Rams' Cap Space
• Freeing Up $75M of Chiefs' Cap Space
• Freeing Up $70M of Cowboys' Cap Space

Quarterbacks

Predicted Savings: $7.1M

Taysom Hill
Has a $9M roster bonus due March 20th that’s already fully guaranteed. With his $9.9M 2023 base salary soon to fully guarantee as well, it makes sense for New Orleans to convert the roster bonus, add a void year to the back end of the contract, and free up space.
Predicted Savings: $7.1M

Running Backs

Predicted Savings: $8.3M

Alvin Kamara
Dropping Kamara’s $5.5M fully guaranteed salary down to the minimum and converting his $6M roster bonus while tacking on a void year frees up over $8M. Dropping his base salary to the minimum also means 4x less pay forfeited should he be suspended.
Predicted Savings: $8.3M

Wide Receivers

Predicted Savings: $11.9M

Michael Thomas
Has 3 years, $52M remaining on his contract, but hasn’t seen legitimate action since 2019. The dead cap on his deal says he stays 1 more seasons, but here are the options:

1. Do nothing, keep his $24.7M cap hit intact, and free up significant savings in 2023 should the two sides split after the 2022 season.
2. Simple restructure his $15.35M base salary & $450,000 offseason bonuses, adding two void years to the back end of the contract, dropping his 2022 cap figure to $12.8M.
3. Trade or Release him immediately, freeing up a measly $2M of cap space.
4. Trade or release him after June 1st, freeing up $15.35M of cap space.

Predicted Savings: $11.9M

Tight Ends

Predicted Savings: $1.57M

Nick Vannett
75% of Vannett’s 2022 salary is already fully guaranteed, so while the savings aren’t great, it makes sense to convert what’s available and free up the cap anyway. A base salary + $400,000 roster bonus restructure + 3 void years clears $1.57M
Predicted Savings: $1.57M

Offensive Line

Predicted Savings: $25.8M

Terron Armstead
Is a pending UFA who will leave behind $13M of dead cap if the Saints allow his contract to void on March 16th. Extending their left tackle won’t be cheap, but it’s probably the right move for plenty of reasons. He projects to a 4 year, $96M contract in our system, which if structured properly can put $30M in his pocket this year, and drop the $13M cap charge down into the $11M range.
Predicted Savings: $2M

Andrus Peat
Would be a release candidate in a perfect world, but his $10.85M salary is already fully guaranteed, so barring a trade (possible), New Orleans will focus on a restructure. Tacking on 2 void years frees up over $9M.+
Predicted Savings: $9.3M

Erik McCoy
Is entering a contract year for his rookie contract with an expected salary boost thanks to the Proven Performance Bonus. There’s $2.8M to be saved here if the Saints move on, but it seems likely he sticks for 2022.

Cesar Ruiz
Enters year 3 of his rookie contract carrying a $3.4M cap hit. He may be asked to move to guard should the Saints move on from Erik McCoy. 

Ryan Ramczyk
Is a prime restructure candidate for both his base salary & roster bonus, a move that would drop his cap hit from $23M to $8.4M.
Predicted Savings: $14.5M

Defensive Line

Predicted Savings: $21.78M

Cameron Jordan
Still a Top 10 edge rusher, a 3rd consecutive restructure comes with risk, but it’s likely a necessity right now. His $23.1M cap figure can be dropped to $11.8M by tacking on two void years with a full restructure of his base salary, roster bonus, workout bonus, and a new condition to his incentives that make them not likely to be earned.
Predicted Savings: $11.3M

David Onyemata
Enters a contract year in 2022 currently carrying a $13.17M cap figure. That hit can be reduced to $7.19M with a base salary + roster bonus restructure, while adding on 3 void years.
Predicted Savings: $5.97M

Marcus Davenport
Projects to a 4 year, $94M extension in our system. If we assume a $20M signing bonus, we can drop the current cap hit from $9.5M to $5M.
Predicted Savings: $4.5M

Linebackers

Predicted Savings: $5.1M

Demario Davis
Was a Top 8 linebacker in 2021 according to PFF and holds $10.5M of dead cap against an $11M cap hit for 2022. His $7.5M base salary can be dropped to the $1.1M minimum, freeing up $5.1M if two void years are tacked on.
Predicted Savings: $5.1M

Secondary

Predicted Savings: $32.8M

Marshon Lattimore
Represents the biggest potential savings with his “baked-in” restructure. Lattimore’s $9.1M salary & $15M roster bonus can be converted to signing bonus, freeing up $18.4M of space.
Predicted Savings: $18.4M

Malcolm Jenkins
Is both a restructure and a trade/release candidate this offseason. An early March trade/release frees up $3.8M of cap, while a Post June 1st designated release would open up $7.75M. If the plan is to keep him, a base salary & roster bonus restructure with 3 void years tacked on can clear $4.9M of cap space.
Predicted Savings: $4.9M

Bradley Roby
The 30 year old holds a $10.1M cap hit, $9.5M of which can come off the books with an early March release. This moved is largely expected.
Predicted Savings: $9.5M

Special Teams

Predicted Savings: $2M

Wil Lutz
Lutz missed half of 2021 with injury. Factor in a $5.5M cap hit and no upfront guarantees on his contract, and an outright release might be possible here. Doing so in early March only frees up $1.73M however, whereas an outright restructure of his salary and offseason bonuses can clear over $2M. We’ll assume that route for now.
Predicted Savings: $2M

The Super Bowl Champion Rams enter the 2022 offseason with -$10M of projected cap space, and 48 players under contract, turning our immediate focus to just how much of this team can run it back next year. We'll take a deep dive into the contract status for every notable starter from 2021, discussing options to restructure, extend, trade, or release where applicable, and the predicted savings to the salary cap based on moves we anticipate could be made.

In essence, here's our look at how the Los Angeles Rams can free up nearly $100M of cap in the coming weeks.

Related:

• Freeing Up $100M of Saints' Cap Space
• Freeing Up $75M of Chiefs' Cap Space
• Freeing Up $70M of Cowboys' Cap Space

Quarterbacks

Predicted Savings: $17.5M

Matthew Stafford
With 1 year, $23M remaining on his contract, the Rams have 3 legitimate options here:

1. Do nothing. Live with the $23M cap hit and let Stafford play into a contract season for 2022.
2. Restructure the $23M into a signing bonus, adding 4 void years to spread the cap out, lowering his 2022 cap figure down to $5.5M.
3. Extend him out to a new contract (projected at 4 years, $168M), hoping he’ll follow the path of Brady & Brees in taking a significant discount (4 years, $120M?) to help the team.

Predicted Savings: $17.5M

John Wolford, Bryce Perkins
Wolford remained the QB2 through 2021, and can be brought back at a minimum $895,000 for 2022. Perkins is under contract at a minimum $825,000, putting both in line to stick around if the Rams choose to keep 3 QBs again.

Running Backs

Predicted Savings: $0

Cam Akers
Has 2 years, $2.6M remaining on his rookie contract, none of which is guaranteed. He doesn’t become extension eligible until after 2022.

Darrell Henderson
Became extension eligible after 2021, but with back to back injury filled seasons, it seems likely he’ll be asked to play out the 1 year, $1M remaining on his rookie contract before decisions are made.

Sony Michel
Is slated for unrestricted free agency, likely to end up in a new spot for 2022. Michel carries a $5M valuation into the offseason.

Wide Receivers

Predicted Savings: $20.9M

Cooper Kupp
Has 2 years, $29.125M remaining on his contract, a steal considering new WR contracts are filing in at around $25M per year. His $18.675M cap hit for 2022 is on the high side, putting a few options on the table for LA:

1. Do nothing, give this contract another year to breathe before ripping it up and going big prior to 2023, when the league cap is expected to skyrocket.
2. Simple restructure his $14.875M base salary, adding another void year to the back end of the contract, dropping his 2022 cap figure to $7.6M.
3. Extend Kupp (currently projected at 4 years, $96M), locking him in for then next 3 years, while lowering his 2022 cap hit for team purposes.

Predicted Savings: $11M

Robert Woods
Has 4 years, $60.5M remaining on his contract, recovering from an ACL injury suffered in Week 11, but will certainly be back in the fold once he does so. His $3.5M roster bonus for 2022 is already fully guaranteed, and his $10M upcoming salary locks in on March 20th. If both of these figures are restructured, Woods’ cap hit for 2022 can be dropped from $15.7M to $5.7M.
Predicted Savings: $9.9M

Odell Beckham, Jr.
The torn ACL is brutal news for both he and the Rams, as the two sides really did appear to be a match-made-in-heaven scenario in their short time together. Will Les Snead throw OBJ a bone in offering a 2 year contract with a near minimum salary ($1.12M) for 2022 as he recovers, then a boost in pay for 2023 with plenty of incentives to build up his earnings as the production comes in? Beckham was trending toward a $12M-$15M per year contract before the injury.

Van Jefferson
Has 2 years, $2.4M remaining on his rookie contract and doesn’t become extension eligible until after 2022. He’ll be back with a bigger role

Tight Ends

Predicted Savings: $4.1M

Tyler Higbee
Was missed in Super Bowl 56 (knee), and should be brought back for 2022. His $8M+ cap figure however likely needs to be addressed. With 2 years, $12.8M remaining on his contract, an outright extension isn’t likely, but a simple restructure fits the bill here. Reducing his $6.25M base salary down to the minimum $1.035M, while tacking on 3 void years to the back of the contract can reduce that 2022 cap figure by $4.1M
Predicted Savings: $4.1M

Brycen Hopkins
Has 2 years, $1.9M remaining on his rookie contract (none of it guaranteed), and carries a cap figure just north of $1M for 2022. He should be back.

Kendall Blanton
Holds a minimum $895,000 salary for 2022 and should factor as inexpensive depth.

Offensive Line

Predicted Savings: $16M

Andrew Whitworth
The 40 year old left tackle was sensational yet again in 2021, but has all but said out loud that he plans to walk away from the game on top this offseason. Whitworth has 1 year, $16M left on his contract, including a $5.5M roster bonus due March 18th. If he steps away before that, the Rams can free up $16M of cap & cash by adding him to the reserve/retired list prior to that date.
Predicted Savings: $16M

David Edwards
Is entering a contract year in 2022, and is projected to get a salary boost up to $2.79M thanks to the proven performance bonus system. His $2.8M cap hit is still plenty of value for a starting left guard. Edwards is a mild extension candidate this offseason.

Brian Allen
Is a pending free agent, and a Top-10 rated center according to PFF. He’s a $6M player according to our valuation system, and should be highly considered to be brought back by the Rams.

Austin Corbett
Is a pending free agent, and the #22 ranked guard according to PFF. He’s a $9M player according to our valuation, and an extension candidate - but the Rams could look to add a few interior lineman via free agency for both upgrade and depth purposes.

Rob Havenstein
Enters a contract year in 2022, set to make $7.25M on a $9.5M cap figure. Havenstein was the 9th ranked tackle in football according to PFF, and Top-3 right tackle in this regard, making him an extension candidate this offseason. Bryan Bulaga’s 3 year, $30M deal with the Chargers is inline with his valuation.

Defensive Line

Predicted Savings: $15.5M

Aaron Donald
Has 3 years, $52M remaining on his contract, including $14.25M cash & a $26.75M cap figure for 2022. Will he retire? Will the Rams blow out a massive 2 year extension? Will they offer a new signing bonus + a simple restructure to quantify the player and maximize the cap?

1. He retires. There's a $5M March 17th roster bonus, so the Rams would want a quick decision from Donald in this regard. LA would likely need to carry his $26.75M cap hit until June 1st, at which time they can place him on the reserve/retired list, dropping his 2022 cap figure to $12.5M (assuming they discard the $5M bonus), leaving $9M of dead cap to be taken on in 2023. This is obviously not an ideal football or business option for the Rams.
2. Do Nothing. The $26.75M cap figure seems too high to go this route, but it’s not unheard of.
3. Tack on a 2 year, $50M extension, much of which comes via an upfront signing bonus, slightly lowering this year’s cap (but not by much thanks to $12.5M of proration already baked into the cake).
4. Rebuild this contract as 3 years, $60M, offering him a $20M per year hook to hang his hat on, while keeping the team cap and cash flow somewhat healthy in the process. An $18M signing bonus spread out over 5 years (2 void years) plus a $1M pay bump in each of 2023 & 2024 (fully guaranteed) might be attractive enough for Donald. That’s a straight $20M cash per year, and nearly $9M of cap savings to the Rams in 2022.
5. Simple restructure his 2022 compensation, lowering his 2022 cap hit to $16.2M, freeing up $10.5M.

Predicted Savings: At least $9M

Greg Gaines
Should see a slight bump up on his final year base salary thanks to the Proven Performance Bonus system, now projected to carry a $2.7M cap hit. Is he a trade/release candidate to free up $2.5M of space? Seems more likely that Gaines is kept and A’Shawn Robinson is moved on from here.

A'Shawn Robinson
Has 1 year, $8M remaining on his contract, including a $9.5M cap figure. He was the #11 ranked interior defender according to PFF, putting him in extension candidate conversation. Is he also a trade candidate? Moving on before March 20th means $6.5M saved, but he’s probably too valuable to this defensive line to make that a real thought at the moment. Restructuring his base salary & roster bonus (adding 3 more void years) can lower his cap hit from $9.5M to $3.9M. As an extension candidate, Robinson projects toward Grover Stewart’s 3 year, $31M deal in Indy.
Predicted Savings: $6.5M via trade/release

Linebackers

Predicted Savings: $12.3M

Leonard Floyd
Enters year 2 of his 4 year $64M extension, leaving 3 years, $48M to go, including $16.5M fully guaranteed through 2022. He’s a slam dunk restructure candidate this March, a move that would lower his current cap hit from $20M to $7.6M.
Predicted Savings: $12.3M

Ernest Jones
The 3rd rounder enters year 2 of his rookie contract that has 3 years, $3.2M remaining on it (none of guaranteed). He won’t be extension eligible until after 2023.

Troy Reeder
Is slated for restricted free agency, likely headed for a $2.4M right of first refusal tender. He should be able stick at this price point.

Von Miller
Is slated for unrestricted free agency, and has already made it clear he plans to test the waters a bit. Is a return to Denver possible should they find an upgrade at the QB position? At nearly 33 years old, his days of cashing in are likely over, though statistically speaking Miller still projects to a $10M per year deal. 

Secondary

Predicted Savings: $11.1M

Jalen Ramsey
Has 4 year, $70M left on his massive contract, including $7.5M fully guaranteed in 2022, and another $12.5M that locks in March 20th. Ramsey restructured his base salary last season, pushing his cap figures up over $23M+ each for the final 4 seasons, but that likely doesn’t stop the Rams from doing it again this March. A full base salary restructure lowers his 2022 cap figure from $23.2M to $12M, freeing up $11.1M of space.
Predicted Savings: $11.1M

Darious Williams
Is slated for unrestricted free agency, and should be allowed to test the open market despite the Rams’ lack of depth at the cornerback position. Williams was once on pace for a top-tier CB contract before his play suffered a bit in 2021. He finished the season as the #64 ranked CB according to PFF.

Taylor Rapp
Enters a contract year in 2022, including $2.54M cash and a $2.9M cap hit. It’s very likely he’s asked to play out his contract before future decisions are considered.

Jordan Fuller
Enters year 3 of his rookie contract that includes 2 years, $1.9M remaining (none guaranteed). He’ll be extension eligible after 2022, and after a #19 rating from PFF last season, has a chance to make a decent bit of coin.

Special Teams

Predicted Savings: $2M

Johnny Hekker
The 32-year-old looked human at times in 2021, putting his 2 years, $5.2M remaining contract in a bit of question. There’s $2M+ to be freed up by moving on, and if the cap remains an issue late into the spring, this could be a surprise move.
Predicted Savings: $2M

Matt Gay
Is slated for restricted free agency, likely headed for a $2.5M tender in the coming weeks. It’s highly possible the Rams look to upgrade here.

THE CAP IS A MYTH. No, it really exists, it’s just extremely fluid and able to be manipulated at a moment’s notice. With that said, as quarterback contracts continue to rise at the rate they have been, any team with a well-paid player at the position will eventually need to come to a “reckoning” point with the salary cap hits of that particular contract (even if they kick the can down the road 4-5 times).At some point in the near future, a QB with an absurdly high cap hit will go on to win the Super Bowl. But until that happens, we offer you the following (visual breakdown below):

Percentage of League Salary Cap

One of the metrics we track is the percentage of league salary cap that each player represents based on their own cap hit in a given year. In this regard, we can compile a list of all the starting QBs to make a Super Bowl, and their respective cap percentage.

The Highest Cap Percentages to Reach a Super Bowl

Going back to the year 2000, the QB who reached the Super Bowl with the highest percentage of league salary cap is Peyton Manning, whose $23.2M cap hit in 2009 represented 18.8% of the league cap. The Saints beat the Colts that year.

Top 10 Super Bowl QB Cap Percentages

• 2009: Peyton Manning (IND): 18.8%
• 2016: Matt Ryan (ATL): 15.3%
• 2013: Peyton Manning (DEN): 14.16%
• 2021: Tom Brady (TB): 12.61%
• 2018: Tom Brady (NE): 12.42%
• 2015: Peyton Manning (DEN): 12.21%
• 2011: Eli Manning (NYG): 11.71%
• 2014: Tom Brady (NE): 11.13%
• 2011: Tom Brady (NE): 10.76%
• 2007: Eli Manning (NYG): 10.75%

What About Winning the Super Bowl?

At 12.61%, Tom Brady’s 2021 Super Bowl victory with the Buccaneers made him the highest cap-percentage quarterback to ever win the game, surpassing his 2018 victory with the Patriots, when he represented 12.42%.

This Metric On Average

Since 2011, the median cap percentage for a QB reaching the Super Bowl is 8.97%. The median cap percentage for a QB to win the Super Bowl is 10%.

In the past 10 Super Bowls, 5 of the winning QBs represents less than 10% of the cap (with Nick Foles at 0.96% being the outlier), and 5 were above 10% (all named Brady or Manning).

Where Do Matthew Stafford & Joe Burrow Stand?

This year’s final two QBs certainly fall in line with the trends, as Matthew Stafford’s $20M cap figure in LA represents 10.96% of the league cap, while Joe Burrow’s 2nd year figure calculcates to just 4.51%. If Burrow were to win the Super Bowl, the median figure for winning QBs since 2011 will drop to 8.8%, falling under the median for losing QBs (which would increase to 9.07%).

This would further enable the point that putting too many chips into one basket is risky business, even if that basket (a.k.a the Quarterback) represents one of the most important positions in all of sports.

BUT WAIT

We spent so much time this year discussing the Carson Wentz situation & how he left a $33M dent on the Eagles' salary cap this year, but we've glossed over how the Ram's have not only been in a similar situation - but with far bigger numbers.

If we include ALL QB cap hits for 2021 (active, reserve list, practice squad, & dead cap), the Rams hold the most Quarterback cap in the NFL by a wide margin. In fact, the $46.2M allocated to Rams' QBs in 2021 is the 2nd most of all-time, behind the 2020 Colts. ($56.5M), who were still reeling from Andrew Luck's retirement, a careless Jacoby Brissett extension, & a cup of coffee for Philip Rivers

A Breakdown of Our Quarterback Super Bowl Cap Data

With the NFL offseason all but here, a fun look at 10 (sure to be wrong) bold trade, release, & extension predictions for a few notable players heading toward the 2022 league year.

Listen to this Segment

The Broncos acquire QB Aaron Rodgers & WR Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers for 2 first round picks, 2 second round picks, WR Jerry Jeudy, & QB Drew Lock

Before you scream “that’s way too much!”, remember that the Jaguars received 2 first round picks and a 4th round pick for Jalen Ramsey, and the Lions received 2 first round picks, a 3rd round pick, & Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford. It’s going to take a haul to get both of those players out of Green Bay simultaneously, but if Denver truly is all in (as their recent moves suggest), then this is the icing on that cake.

The problem? Acquiring Aaron Rodgers on his current contract, & Davante Adams on his pending franchise tag means taking on $47.6M of cap at the time of this trade. The Broncos currently possess an estimated $39M of room, so getting to this number is feasible, as long as extensions are penciled in to reduce their 2022 cap hits to much more team-friendly figures immediately following.

Jerry Jeudy holds 2 yrs, $3.5M plus a 5th year option on his rookie contract, while Drew Lock will be entering a contract year, bringing over a non-guaranteed $1.45M salary.

Also Maybe: Both stay in GB for Brinks trucks.

The New England Patriots acquire WR Amari Cooper & a 2nd round pick from the Dallas Cowboys for CB J.C. Jackson

There’s a world where the Patriots lose more pieces than they gain this offseason, as quite a few question marks currently hang over the offensive line and the defensive secondary. But there’s a sense that Mac Jones simply needs one more legitimate weapon to really open up the Pats’ spread passing game, and Amari Cooper’s contract & production level appear enough of a problem for Dallas to consider this move. Jackson is a pending UFA, and while New England likely wants no part of a $17.5M franchise tag, if they sniff a tag and trade scenario like this, it will certainly be worth their early March cap troubles.

Cooper’s contract contains 3 years, $60M left, but just a $20M salary in 2022 contains upfront guarantees (fully vests March 20, 2022). New England can acquire and restructure this contract as needed for cap purposes.

Also Maybe: The Patriots get Jackson back on a team friendly $12M per year deal, cuz, Patriots.

The San Francisco 49ers trade QB Jimmy Garoppolo to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a 2nd round pick & a 3rd round pick.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s exit from SF seems inevitable, and as 2022 rosters begin to shake out, there’s a world where 4+ teams could be vying for his services soon (TB, PIT, CAR, WSH to name a few).

He carries a 1 year, $25.5M contract with him currently, but a restructured extension seems likely, if for nothing more than cap relief in the upcoming season. Ryan Tannehill’s recent contract (4 yrs, $118M) in Tennessee seems the right model for a Garoppolo extension once the two sides feel comfortable in doing so.

Also Maybe: Steelers acquire Garoppolo, but no extension (yet).

The New Orleans Saints move on from 2x All-Pro WR Michael Thomas, designating him a Post June 1st release.

Michael Thomas still might hold trade value, but with $15.35M set to become fully guaranteed on March 18th, New Orleans will want to make a quick decision on their former WR1. A pre-June 1st trade will mean $22.7M of dead cap in 2022, still $2M of savings, but maybe not the most ideal business move (barring a great trade return of course).

Assuming the release designation, the Saints will lower his base salary to $1.035M, remove his March 20th roster bonus, & his workout bonus, lowering his cap hit to $9.9M. They’ll carry this figure until June 2nd, at which point the release will become official, leaving behind dead cap hits of $8.9M for 2022, & another $13.8M in 2023. Thomas will be eligible to sign with a new team as soon as the Saints designate him to be released (March 16-17th).

Also Maybe: Bears offer a late-mid round pick to take a flier on Thomas.

The Las Vegas Raiders extend QB Derek Carr to a 4 year, $150M contract, including $90M guaranteed at signing

Derek Carr’s never going to be considered for the Top Tier of QBs in this league, but he’s done enough to warrant another contract, and a chance to turn his production into playoff wins with the new Raiders’ regime. Josh McDaniels has done wonders with players of Derek Carr’s capacity in the past, so there’s reason to believe this situation can work out nicely, barring a few major additions to the rest of the roster.

Assuming the $90M guaranteed is spread across the next three seasons, this should be a relatively low risk extension for the Raiders going forward.

Also Maybe: Josh McDaniels needs a minute to see this through.

The Buffalo Bills acquire RB Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers for Cole Beasley, a 3rd round pick, & a 5th round pick

The Panthers insist he’s not actually on the trade block, but it seems reasonable that the right price could peak their interest. In terms of the Bills, there are a few matches here. First, Christian McCaffrey stands to switch more into a “slot receiver” role wherever he plays in 2022, so replacing Cole Beasley with him in this move holds logic. While Devin Singletary showed he’s got RB1 production in him, his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield still remains suspect at best. Finally, the Bills just hired Joe Brady as their new QBs coach, drawing an immediate tie to McCaffrey per his time as the Panthers’ OC.

Also Maybe: McCaffrey to the Dolphins, Bills acquire a WR2 (Calvin Ridley, D.J. Moore)

The Baltimore Ravens acquire WR Calvin Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons for CB Marcus Peters & a 2nd round pick, & a 4th round pick

Calvin Ridley stepped away from Atlanta for personal reasons 5 weeks into the 2021 season, leaving his future there considerably unclear. If a change of scenery is what he desires, it makes sense for the Falcons to secure a Top 60 draft pick for him ASAP. Ridley carries an $11.1M fully guaranteed option salary for 2022, so an extension will be in his immediate future, though his time away last season likely pumps the brakes on that out of the gate. Enough demand for him on the trade block, despite a small risk that he might not be long for the game, could easily drive his price tag up to a 1st round pick.

Marcus Peters has 1 year, $10M (non-guaranteed) remaining on his current contract, and is recovering from a terrible ACL injury suffered just prior to the 2021 opener. Atlanta will have the opportunity to work him back on a “prove it” deal (possibly with a pay cut), with a chance to keep him long-term at a position currently in need of much improvement.

Also Maybe: Bills, Jaguars - many teams assuming Ridley shows an interest to play.

The Minnesota Vikings acquire CB Xavien Howard from the Miami Dolphins for two 2nd round picks

The 49ers also desperately need help in their secondary, but they probably don’t possess the draft capital to put up against many other teams, especially if this price tag soars to a first round pick level. The rage in Minnesota will likely focus around the QB position this offseason, but this was nearly a Top 10 offense living with a nearly last place defense for most of 2021. So adding a few bigtime defenders could be a quick fix for this organization.

Xavien Howard has 3 years, $39M left on his current contract, but only $6.7M is fully guaranteed right now. Any kind of movement likely means ripping that up and starting over, to the tune of 4 years, $87M - his current projection in our system.

Also Maybe: Dolphins add not subtract, forcing their hand into a major extension for Howard.

WR Allen Robinson returns to the Jacksonville Jaguars on a 4 year, $75M free agent contract

The Jaguars desperately need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but it seems likely they’ll look to the draft for that as more of a long-term investment to align with Trevor Lawrence, but in the interim, getting the QB1 new toys to play with should be a priority, and a familiar face in Allen Robinson offers both high ceiling, and a bit of value based on his projected contract.

Also Maybe: Cleveland, Baltimore, Jets

The Kansas City Chiefs release both DE Frank Clark & LB Anthony Hitchens in cap casualty moves

The Chiefs are up against the cap threshold heading toward the 2022 league year, but do have multiple ways to free up space (restructures to Patrick Mahomes/Chris Jones, extending Tyreek Hill).

With 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, Frank Clark still made an impact in 2021, but it seems his contract is now too rich for his expected production. An early release frees up $13.4M of cap space.

With $12.7M to be saved, and a breakout season from Nick Bolton, Hitchens seems a lock to be moved on from this offseason.

Also Maybe: Clark accepts a pay cut to stick around for 2022.

The Kings promised that Tyrese Haliburton was untouchable for this deadline, but as everyone knows - there’s always a price. 

Kings Acquire…

Domantas Sabonis, PF
Sabonis is under contract through 2023-24 with cap hits of $19.8M the rest of this year, $18.5M next year, and $19.4M to finish it off. The 25 year old is averaging 19 points, 5 assists, and 9 boards in 34 minutes per game this season.

Jeremy Lamb, SG
Lamb is an expiring contract, holding a $10.5M cap hit for the rest of 2021-22. The 29-year-old is posting 5 year lows in 2021, with just 7 points, 1 assist, and 2 boards per game.

Justin Holiday, SF
Holiday brings team-friendly cap hits of $6M & $6.3M respectively over this and next year. The 32-year-old has collected 11 points, 3 boards, & 2 assists in 2021-22 thus far, hitting over 41% of his shots.

2027 2nd Round Pick

Pacers Acquire…

Tyrese Haliburton, PG
The #12 overall pick in 2020 was rumored to be “untouchable” for this deadline, but the Pacers found the right price. Haliburton holds cap hits of $4M, $4.2M, & $5.8M through 2023-24, after which he’ll be eligible for restricted free agency. His ceiling offers major value for the Pacers going forward.

Buddy Hield, SG
Hield is in year 2 of a 4 year, $94M extension, bringing with him cap hits of $23M, $21.1M, & $19.2M through 2023-24. Buddy is posting 5 year lows in points (14), Assists (2), & Rebounds (4) thus far this season.

Tristan Thompson, C
Thompson offers an expiring contract, with a $9.7M to boot for the rest of 2021-22. His minutes and production have been rapidly declined over the past two seasons, currently sitting at 6 points, and 5 boards per game.

Financial Ramifications

The Pacers promised they would find a way to rip this current roster apart and start anew next season, and they’re well on their way to that with a few days left to spare. The Caris LeVert trade plus this move allows them to free up what could be $21M of cap space for the 2022 offseason, a good start to getting another key piece in the building to pair with Haliburton. Today’s move puts the Pacers right at the luxury tax threshold for 2021-22, suggesting there’s still another move to be made to free themselves from that burden.

The Kings’ added significant salary with Sabonis’ $38M of future salary, but it’s hard not to look at his production vs. contract and see a ton of value in adding this player to an overpaid De’Aaron Fox to try to restart this process on the fly.

The February 10th trade deadline finally heats up with a blockbuster move between the Portland Trailblazers, & the New Orleans Pelicans. The deal included 7 players and 3 picks (for now).

The Portland Trailblazers Receive…

The Pelicans 2022 1st Round Pick
As long as it lands between #5 & #14. If not, the pick will push out to a future year.

Two Future 2nd Round Picks
Details TBD

Josh Hart, SG
Brings with him a $12M cap hit to finish off 21-22, then a non-guaranteed $12.96M next season, and a $12.96M player option for 2023-24. The 26 year old is averaging almost 14 points, 4 assists, and 8 rebounds this year.

Tomas Satoransky, SG
Is an expiring contract with a $10M cap figure for 21-22. Satoranksy’s production has been minimal this year, with just 2 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds in 15 minutes per game.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG
The 23 year old #17 overall draft pick back in 2019 brings a $3.2M cap hit this year, and a $5M already exercised option for 2022-23 before restricted free agency eligibility. The youngster has posted nearly 13 points, 3 assists, and 3 boards thus far in 26 minutes per game.

Didi Louzada, SF
Louzada holds a $1.78M cap figure this year, and a guaranteed $1.8M next year before his non-guaranteed salaries kick in. He’s also amidst a 25 game suspension for a positive PED test.

The New Orleans Pelicans Receive…

C.J. McCollum, SG
The 30-year-old brings with him $30.8M cap figure, then fully guaranteed salaries of $33.3M, & $35.8M respectively through 2023-24. McCollum has posted 20 points, 4 assists, and 4 boards per game in around 35 minutes played. It should also be noted that he suffered a scary collapsed lung injury that kept him away for 18 Portland games. He earned $136.25M in 8.5 seasons with Portland.


Larry Nance Jr., PF
Nance holds a $10.7M cap hit for the remainder of 2021-22, then a small dip down to $9.6M for the 2022-23 season. The 29-year-old has posted 7 points, 2 assists, and 5 boards in 23 minutes per game this season.


Tony Snell, SG
The 30 year old brings a 1 year veteran minimum deal over to the Pelicans, which carries a valuable $1.6M cap hit for the remainder of the season. Snell has posted about a basket a game numbers in 14 minutes played thus far.

Financial Ramifications

The Trailblazers now sit with $17.3M of tax space this year, while the Pelicans are sitting with nearly $5.1M of tax space.

Portland sheds almost $80M of future cash, bringing back just $6.8M of future guarantees. This is a tale of one franchise beginning to break things down, and another (finally) pushing the gas pedal down. 

Portland gains a $21M trade exception per this move, and now has a chance to free up significant cap space this summer. If the plan is to keep Damian Lillard, they now have assets to add at least one significant (new) piece around him going forward.