Spotrac's MLB Offseason recap series continues with a look at the AL Central, including four teams all relatively close in terms of projection payrolls and 2025 wins - and then the White Sox.

Chicago White Sox

The 41-win White Sox carried the 23rd-highest tax payroll at $134.5M last season. After continuing to bottom-out, Chicago enters 2025 with an $83M projected payroll, 2nd lowest only to Miami ($79M) right now.

2025 Projections

62 wins, 5th in the AL Central

Notable Subtractions

Yoan Moncada joins the Angels after cashing over $70M as a member of the White Sox, while Garrett Crochet's trade to Boston could prove to be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason.

(3B) Yoan Moncada
OF) Gavin Sheets
(SP) Garrett Crochet, Mike Soroka
(RP) Dominic Leone

Notable Additions

Chicago added a few long-time vets to their mix to eat up innings, hold down the fort, and potentially become trade chips down the stretch. Chicago spent $15.2M in free agency this season, 23rd in the league.

Via Free Agency
(SP) Martin Perez, $3.5M
(3B) Josh Rojas, $3.5M
(OF) Mike Tauchman, $1.95M
(OF) Austin Slater, $1.75M
(RP) Bryse Wilson, $1.05M

Via Trade
(C) Matt Thaiss

Prospects/Farm System

The White Sox farm system currently ranks 4th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Noah Schultz (LHP). It's a stark rise for an organization that just 3 years ago, held what was considered the worst prospect pool in MLB. There's reason to believe that greener grass is coming quickly for this franchise.

Top 100 Prospects
(SP) Noah Schultz, (C) Kyle Teel, (SP) Hagen Smith, (SS) Colson Montgomery, (OF) Braden Montgomery, (C) Edgar Quero

2025 Storylines

• Two notable players (Luis Robert Jr., Andrew Vaughn) weren't moved amidst the purge this offseason. Both are heading into contract years (Robert holds club options), and could be dangled at the deadline if healthy.
• Is Colson Montgomery the SS of the future? He was drafted as such back in 2021 but has struggled mightly out of the gate.
• Is there a chance 2025 resembles 2024? Possibly, but 120+ losses again would be catastrophic for this franchise. They're a year away from getting a serious infusion of youth at the MLB level, so the upcoming season is a grin-and-bear-it situation once again.

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians somewhat surprisinlgy soared to 92 wins and an AL Central title in 2024 while carrying a 21st ranked $144M tax payroll. They've trimmed a little fat this offseaon financially speaking, and head into 2025 with a $119M projection, 25th in MLB.

2025 Projections

78 wins, 4th in the AL Central

Notable Subtractions

The Guardians moved on from two impact starters this winter, shipping Josh Naylor to Arizona and Andres Gimenez to the Blue Jays, as they turn to younger options at the midde of the infield (with even more firepower coming through the system quickly in that regard).

(1B) Josh Naylor
(2B) Andres Gimenez
(SP) Matt Boyd, Alex Cobb
(RP) Nick Sandlin, Scott Barlow, Eli Morgan, Peter Strzelecki

Notable Additions

Cleveland brought back a few familiar faces in Santana (who figures to be the Opening Day 1B), and Bieber, whose arm injury derailed his 2024 season and first go-around in free agency. Sewald's addition to the backend of the bullpen makes it one of the best in all of baseball (it already was).

The Guardians spent $54.5M in free agency, 16th in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(1B) Carlos Santana, $12M
(SP) Shane Bieber, $10M
(RP) Paul Sewald, $6M
(C) Austin Hedges, $4M

Via Trade
(SP) Luis Ortiz, Slade Cecconi

Prospects/Farm System

The Guardians farm system currently ranks 7th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Travis Bazzana (2B). Cleveland has long-been a pitching development machine, and that still appears to be the case for the next iteration of arms coming through the pipeline. They also possess very strong talent up the middle of the infield and outfield.

Top 100 Prospects
(2B) Travis Bazzana, (OF) Chase DeLauter, (OF) Jaison Chourio, (INF) Angel Genao

2025 Storylines

• Was last years run a bit of fool's gold? Most preseason projections have Cleveland buried in this division. Can they overcome a bit more turnover than normal?
• The loss of Naylor means this team will struggle even more to hit the long ball. Can they prove (again) that small-ball and sound pitching can prevail?
• Second Base and Right Field appear to be very fluid situations heading toward Opening Day. This could be an active "buy" team early on.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers put together a strong 2024 campaign, posting 86 wins (tied with KC for 2nd) against the 28th ranked $109M tax payroll. They've beefed up a bit heading into 2025, now projecting toward a $153M Opening Day payroll, 19th in MLB.

2025 Projections

82 wins, 2nd in the AL Central

Notable Subtractions

Detroit (rightfully) likes quite a bit about themselves right now, opting to keep their 2024 largely intact for the upcoming season, with hopes that a few of the younger players can platform themselves to another level in 2025.

(RP) Shelby Miller

Notable Additions

The Tigers made calculated additions this winter, adding veteran pieces to their rotation and bullpen, while identifying Gleyber Torres as a stopgap upgrade for the disastrous contract that is Javy Baez.

The Tigers spent $75M in free agency, 12th in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(SP) Jack Flaherty, $25M
(2B) Gleyber Torres, $15M
(SP) Alex Cobb, $15M
(RP) Tommy Kahnle, $7.75M
(RP) John Brebbia, $2.25M


Via Trade
N/A

Prospects/Farm System

The Tigers' farm system currently ranks 2nd according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Jackson Jobe (RHP). The internal pitching development process already started paying off with Tarik Skubal's Cy Young win in 2024. Jackson Jobe could be next in line to reach these heights, with at least 2-3 more legitimate starting arms nearing MLB-level status.

Top 100 Prospects
(SP) Jackson Jobe, (OF) Max Clark, (SS) Kevin McGonigle, (SS) Bryce Rainer, (C/1B) Thayron Liranzo, (1B/C) Josue Briceno

2025 Storylines

• Simply put: Can they recreate or even improve upon a great run in 2024?
• Detroit has moved around a few pieces to cover up for Spencer Torkelson's continued struggles. Does he have a role in this organization going forward?
• How aggressive will this front office be in July if the division and a postseason run is on the table? A $75M offseason is a good indication that they're pot-invested.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals tied with Detroit for 2nd in the AL Central last season, posting 86 wins against a $160M tax payroll (20th in MLB). They head into 2025 right around the some neighborhood, projecting to a $165M payroll for the upcoming season, 16th in the league.

2025 Projections

82 wins, 3rd in the AL Central

Notable Subtractions

The Royals have been operating on short-term, plug-and-play contracts for the better part of 3 offseasons now, so it'll be common to see them relinquish a number of free agents in this regard. Singer is of course the notable loss here, traded to Cincinnati in the Jonathan India acquisition.

(OF) Tommy Pham
(2B) Adam Frazier
(1B) Yuli Gurriel
(SS) Paul DeJong
(SP) Brady Singer
(RP) Will Smith

Notable Additions

Estevez joins from Philly on a 2 year, $22M contract and should slot in as the Opening Day closer. India can work in a few places defensively, but should most notably be an upgrade at the leadoff spot in front of Bobby Witt Jr. He's also arbitration-eligible for one more season.

The Pirates spent $29.2M in free agency, 20th in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(RP) Carlos Estevez, $10.1M
(SP) Michael Lorenzen, $7M

Via Trade
(2B) Jonathan India
(OF) Joey Wiemer

Prospects/Farm System

The Royals' farm system currently ranks 27th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Jac Caglianone (1B). This is a thin group, with only a few impact bats currently on track to progress to MLB in the coming years.

Top 100 Prospects
(1B) Jac Caglianone, (C) Blake Mitchell, (C) Carter, Jensen

2025 Storylines

• Despite minimal changes this winter, can the Royals continue to succeed off of their big 2024 offseason?
• With a weak farm system, how does this organization attract enough offensive firepower to keep Bobby Witt Jr. properly protected in the lineup?

Minnesota Twins

The Twins finished 2024 in 4th place in the AL Central, carrying a 19th ranked $161M tax payroll. Minnesota is on pace to stay right around the mark heading into 2025, with an Opening Day payroll projecting toward $150M right now.

2025 Projections

84 wins, 1st in the AL Central

Notable Subtractions

Minnesota sees a few key members of the 2024 roster leave in Santana & Kepler, but this offseason was about "officially" turning over the keys to their long-term development. 6 of the 9 projected starters were drafted by the Twins as either 1st or 2nd round picks.

(1B) Carlos Santana
(OF) Max Kepler
(SS) Kyle Farmer
(SP) Anthony Desclafani
(RP) Caleb Thielbar

Notable Additions

France figures to be the Opening Day 1B and Coulombe should secure a spot in the middle of the bullpen, but the Twins were largely silent on the open market this winter. Their $10.25M of free agent spending ranks 26th in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(OF) Harrison Bader, $6.25M
(RP) Danny Coulombe, $3M
(1B) Ty France, $1M

Via Trade
N/A

Prospects/Farm System

The Twins farm system currently ranks 8th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Walker Jenkins (OF). Jenkins is MLB's #3 overall prospect right now and should factor in by 2026. Minnesota's ability to draft and development arms has kept them relevant, and that trend should continue.

Top 100 Prospects
(OF) Walker Jenkins, (OF) Emmanuel Rodriguez, (2B) Luke Keaschall

2025 Storylines

• The ownership of the team has been in question for quite some time now, and it appears to be remaining in flux with a recent bid dropped by the Ishbias. Will this temper the organization's ability to stay competitive over the next few months of baseball if moves are required?
• The team is pot-committed toward SP Pablo Lopez, SS Carlos Correa, and OF Byron Buxton, all of whom carry serious injury history. Keeping this core healthy is a puzzle inside of the puzzle here.
• A quiet offseason indicates this team is ready for its youth to begin to breakout. If that happens, will the Twins become the 2024 Tigers?

The Cleveland #Browns have indicated that they plan to designate S Juan Thornhill a Post 6/1 release next month. They'll carry his $5,684,000 cap hit into June, then take on dead hits of:

2025: $2.284M
2026: $5.668M

The move will free up $3.4M of cap in June. Thornhill will be free to sign elsewhere as soon as the designation is processed (likely March 12th).

Brian Campbell wins Mexico Open at VidantaWorld. Aberg earns $1.26 million million bringing his 2025 on-course earnings to $1.52 million and his career on-course earnings to $1.56 million. 

Mexico Open at VidantaWorld Top 10 Payouts

Spotrac's MLB Offseason recap series begins with a look at the NL Central, led by a Cubs team that has ramped up, Pirates & Reds teams looking for magic, a Brewers team looking to win on value, and a Cardinals roster at a standstill.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs carried the 9th largest tax payroll in 2024, finishing just over the $237M threshold last season. They enter 2025 with a $210M CBT estimate, 14th in MLB and around $36M under the threshold ($241M).

2025 Projections

84.5 wins, 1st in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

The Cubs retained $2.5M of Cody Bellinger’s salary per his trade to the Yankees.
(OF) Cody Bellinger
(3B) Isaac Paredes
(SP) Kyle Hendricks
(RP) Hayden Wesneski, Jorge Lopez, Drew Smyly

Notable Additions

Tucker is the big catch this offseason, but the Cubs weren’t shy about adding pieces to the bullpen this winter as well. They were one of the most aggressive trade teams, a trend that could continue into the season as they see fit. Chicago spent $56.25M in free agency this season, 15th in the league.

Via Free Agency
(SP) Matt Boyd, $12.5M
(C) Carson Kelly, $5M
(SP) Colin Rea, $4.75M
(RP) Caleb Thielbar, $2.75M
(INF) Jon Berti, $2M

Via Trade
(OF) Kyle Tucker
(2B) Vidal Brujan
(SP) Cody Poteet
(RP) Ryan Pressly, Ryan Brasier, Eli Morgan

Prospects/Farm System

The Cubs farm system currently ranks 15th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Matt Shaw (3B). The pool is thin when it comes to pitching, but is loaded with middle infielders.

Top 100 Prospects
(3B) Matt Shaw, (OF) Owen Caissie, (C) Moises Ballesteros, (2B) James Triantos, (OF) Kevin Alcantara, (SS) Jefferson Rojas, (SP) Cade Horton

2025 Storylines

• Can Nico Hoerner prove he belongs in the mix long-term?
• Will the Cubs aggressively try to keep top pending free agent Kyle Tucker off of the open market?
• Is the bullpen deep enough to make this team a legit NL Central contender?

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds posted the 25th highest tax payroll in 2024, finishing just over $123M ($114M under the threshold). They enter 2025 with a $124M CBT estimate, 22nd in MLB and around $117M under the $241M threshold.

2025 Projections

78 wins, 4th in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

Jonthan India’s trade to Kansas City brought back Brady Singer, who currently slots in as the SP2 for Cincinnati in 2025. Both players are arb-eligible again in 2026.

(1B) Ty France
(2B) Jonathan India
(SS) Amed Rosario
(C) Luke Maile
(RP) Justin Wilson, Fernando Cruz, Buck Farmer, Jacob Junis

Notable Additions

Martinez surprised a few when he signed his qualifying offer, though it does represent a $9M raise from the $12M player option he declined this fall. Lux fills a much needed utility role for this Reds team defensively, while Rogers slots in as a very formidable setup reliever for Alexis Diaz in 2025.

The Reds spent $10M in free agency, 27th in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(SP) Nick Martinez, $21.050M (qualifying offer)
OF) Austin Hays, $5M
(SP) Scott Barlow, $2.5M

Via Trade
(SP) Brady Singer
(2B) Gavin Lux
(RP) Taylor Rogers
(C) Jose Trevino

Prospects/Farm System

The Reds farm system currently ranks 10th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Rhett Lowder (P). This is a pool flush with pitching, especially starting pitchers, but could use a few more impact bats as the Reds look to push toward contention.

Top 100 Prospects
(SP) Chase Burns, (SP) Rhett Lowder, (2B) Sal Stewart, (3B) Cam Collier, (SS) Edwin Arroyo

2025 Storylines

• Will new manager Terry Francona bring a little more magic to this young team?
• The Reds lost 4 significant relievers this winter and only replaced about half of that production on paper. Still work to do?
• Can a young OF core (Hays, Friedl, Fraley, Fairchild) develop into an MLB-producing group? They combined for a 26th ranked 1.7 WAR in 2024.
• Are we on the cusp of an Elly De La Cruz MVP-candidacy season, and the next massive MLB extension?

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers easily won the NL Central in 2024, posting 93 wins against an 18th highest $162M tax payroll last season. They’ve trimmed down financially quite a bit heading into 2025, currently projecting toward a $131M CBT payroll (23rd in MLB).

2025 Projections

81 wins, 2nd in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

Adames becomes the new centerpiece in San Francisco, to be replaced by youngster Joey Ortiz in Milwaukee going forward. It’s an upgrade defensively, but quite a drop-off at the plate currently speaking. The big, though expected, move came in swapping closer Devin Williams to the Yankees, officially handing the keys to the role over to Trevor Megill for the upcoming season.

(SS) Willy Adames
(C/DH) Gary Sanchez
(SP) Frankie Montas, Colin Rea
(RP) Devin Williams, Joe Ross, Hoby Milner, Bryse Wilson

Notable Additions

It’s been a winter of subtraction for the Brewers who added a few minor-league level players on near-minimum salaries, and acquired SP Nestor Cortes from NY in the Devin Williams swap. If they’re in the mix come July, this is a team poised to be active at the deadline in order to bulk up for the stretch run.

The Brewers spent $2.6M in free agency, 29th in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(SP) Elvin Rodriguez, $900,000
(RP) Grant Wolfram, $760,000

Via Trade
(SP) Nestor Cortes
(RP) Grant Anderson

Prospects/Farm System

The Brewers farm system currently ranks 9th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Jesus Made (SS). Milwaukee continues to use both the International pool and strong drafting habits to keep themselves near the top of the league from a prospect standpoint, and are certainly reaping some of those benefits with the likes of Jackson Chourio at the MLB level.

Top 100 Prospects
(C) Jefferson Quero, (SS) Jesus Made, (SS) Cooper Pratt, (P) Jacob Misiorowski

2025 Storylines

• Will their win total and respective place in the standings mimic a “subtraction-first” offseason?
• If the wheels fall off early, will the Brewers rip this roster down to studs? (1B) Rhys Hoskins, (SP) Aaron Civale, (SP) Freddy Peralta, (SP) Nestor Cortes are all fairly obvious trade-away candidates.
• Jackson Chourio gave us our first sniff at the production he can provide. Will the 21-year-old find another gear in 2025?

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates found themselves in the NL Central basement yet again in 2024, posting the 26th highest tax payroll at just under $123M. They’ve gone young and cheap again this winter, heading toward 2025 with a $110M projected payroll, 26th in MLB, and $131M under the $241M threshold.

2025 Projections

77 wins, 5th in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

Pittsburgh put their stamp on the offseason early, non-tendering notable players De La Cruz & Joe, turning to cheaper, more short-term options in each case.

(OF) Connor Joe
(OF) Bryan De La Cruz
(SP) Luis Ortiz
(RP) Aroldis Chapman

Notable Additions

The big add here is Horwitz, though he’ll miss a few months after undergoing wrist surgery this month. The 27-year-old has 5+ years of team control ahead of him still, and could quickly become a piece of this core lineup going forward.

The Pirates spent $19.95M in free agency, 22nd in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(DH) Andrew McCutchen, $5M
(OF) Tommy Pham, $4.025M
(RP) Caleb Ferguson, $3M
(2B) Adam Frazier, $1.525M
(RP) Tim Mayza, $1.150M

Via Trade
(1B) Spencer Horwitz
(RP) Peter Strzelecki

Prospects/Farm System

The Pirates farm system currently ranks 16th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Bubba Chandler (P). Pittsburgh remains flush with young pitching talent, but has little to say in terms of up-and-coming bats to make this a productive, winning lineup anytime soon.

Top 100 Prospects
(SP) Bubba Chandler, (SS) Konnor Griffin, (SP) Thomas Harrington, (2B) Termarr Johnson

2025 Storylines

• Pittsburgh entered the winter with the most exciting young player (Paul Skenes) and did little to nothing to build around him - especially as he offers maximum financial value.
• Recent deals for Mitch Keller & Bryan Reynolds were certainly a step in the right direction for this franchise, but until they get serious from all avenues (free agency, veteran extensions, large-scale trades), they’ll be categorized as not having done enough.
• Will Skenes get a full workload in 2025 - and remain healthy during it? Will the Pirates aggressively try to sign their golden goose?
• Can CF/SS Oniel Cruz put in a healthy campaign and put himself back in the category of one of MLB’s bright young stars?

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals tied with CHC for 2nd in the NL Central last season, boasting a 14th-ranked $207M tax payroll throughout the 2024 season. They’ve trimmed back significantly this past winter, heading into 2025 with a $158M projected payroll, 18th in MLB.

2025 Projections

79 wins, 3rd in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

Goldschmidt leaves for NY, allowing Willson Contreras a chance to move into the first base spot on a regular basis. St. Louis spent the better part of 4 months trying to add 3B Nolan Arenado to this list, but haven’t come to trade terms for the time being.

(1B) Paul Goldschmidt
(RP) Andrew Kittredge

Notable Additions

None. The answer here is none. The Cardinals haven’t added a single player via trade or free agency thus far.

Via Free Agency
N/A

Via Trade
N/A

Prospects/Farm System

The Cardinals farm system currently ranks 18th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect JJ Wetherhold (SS). There’s a good mix of hitting and pitching in the system, and their current Top 100 prospects are a star SS, and two top of the rotation projected starting pitchers. There’s a path forward here for sure.

Top 100 Prospects
(SS) JJ Wetherholt, (SP) Quinn Mathews, (SP) Tink Hence

2025 Storylines

• How long will it take St. Louis to find the right mix of retained salary/trade price to get Arenado out the door?
• Closer Ryan Helsley is a pending UFA after 2025. The Cardinals will want to maximize his trade value as soon as possible.
• All things considered, and despite a complete zero in offseason adding, this is still a legitimate division contending team. Their “rebuild on the fly” might make for interesting midseason decisions.

The Chicago Bears got an early jump on their 2025 offseason in releasing TE Gerald Everett & DE DeMarcus Lawrence. The moves freed up $10.75M of cap space, giving the Bears over $75M to work with as we approach the new league year.

Elsewhere, the Cincinnati Bengals announced the release of DT Sheldon Rankins, a move that opened up over $9.6M of cap room, while the Carolina Panthers freed up $4.35M by moving on from CB Dane Jackson.

The Chargers made their first big offseason move, locking in CB Elijah Molden to a 3 year, $18.75M extension this week. The deal comes with a reported $13.5M guaranteed, and keeps the former 3rd Round Pick under contract through the 2027 season.

As the NFL offseason approaches the new league year (March 12th) teams will begin the process of converting salaries, processing extensions, and of course - outright releasing players as they push for cap compliancy. Spotrac has identified a potential cap casualty from each NFL team in the coming weeks and months.

RELATED:
NFL CAP HIT RANKINGS

Arizona Cardinals

S Jalen Thompson

The 26-year-old is just 1 season removed from a 4 INT campaign, but had a more up-and-down 2024 season in Arizona. His $13.7M cap hit is a team-high among defensemen, and nearly $5.7M of that can be freed up before a $2M March 16th roster bonus is due/

Atlanta Falcons

QB Kirk Cousins

Well that escalated quickly. Cousins is fully guaranteed $27.5M in 2025, and the Falcons are highly unlikely to find a trade partner before another $10M locks in on March 16th. Atlanta likely designates the 36-year-old a Post 6/1 release prior to that bonus trigger, keeping his $40M cap hit on the books into June, then taking on dead hits of $40M 2025, $25M in 2026.

Baltimore Ravens

K Justin Tucker

Things were heading in this direction even prior to the (growing) list of allegations that have been reported against him. Tucker has 3 years, $13.5M remaining on his contract, but none of it is guaranteed, and there are no early bonuses to contend with either. Unfortunately, a few sizable salary conversions in recent offseasons means the contract holds $7.5M of dead cap against a $7M cap hit in 2025. An outright release this March actually comes with a cap loss of $445,000 (a Post 6/1 designation can free up $4.2M in June).

Buffalo Bills

OLB Von Miller

The nearly 36-year-old took an $8.6M pay cut to remain with the Bills in 2024, earning just over $12.4M when it was all said and done. Due a non-guaranteed $17.5M for the upcoming season, a similar arrangement may be in the works, but the Bills could surely use the $8.4M to be freed up by moving off of this contract completely. 

Carolina Panthers

RB Miles Sanders

Sanders was relegated to a backup role almost immediately after signing his 4 year, $25 million free agent contract back in 2023. The 27-year-old earned $13.2M over the past 2 years in Carolina, but will almost certainly be moved on from before a $1M roster bonus is due on March 14th. The Panthers will take on $2.95M of dead cap, freeing up $5.2M.

Chicago Bears

TE Gerald Everett

The 30-year-old enters Year 2 of a 2 year, $12M contract in Chicago, set to earn $5.5M for the upcoming season. Everett saw action in just 240 snaps last season, putting his $6.5M cap hit on notice in the coming weeks. The Bears can free up $5.5M of space by moving on.

Cincinnati Bengals

DE Sam Hubbard

Hubbard enters the final year of a 5 year, $42M contract with the Bengals, set to earn a non-guaranteed $9.6M in 2025. The 29-year-old posted a respectable 25 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception line in 2024, but saw action in just 46% of the team’s snaps. Cincinnati can free up $9.5M of space by moving on.

Cleveland Browns

G Joel Bitonio

The 33-year-old struggled in 2024, and has publicly mentioned the possibility of retirement this offseason. He enters the final year of a 5 year, $69M contract in Cleveland, set to earn a non-guaranteed $15M for the upcoming season. With $31M of dead cap on the books currently, the Browns would need to process a release or retirement as a Post June 1st move, freeing up $4.25M of space after 6/1. A decision will need to be made by March 14th, when a $3M roster bonus is due.

Dallas Cowboys

S Donovan Wilson

Wilson is a do-it-all safety when it comes to stuffing up a run game or even getting to the QB, but his coverage numbers tied with the fact that Dallas has two young players ready to compete for his job already rostered likely moves Wilson to the bubble this March. The nearly 28-year-old is set to earn $7M in 2025, but the Cowboys can free up $5.85M of cap by moving on.

Denver Broncos

S P.J. Locke

Locke posted a career-high 73 tackles in 2024, taking over 900 snaps for the Broncos D. He enters the final season of a 2 year, $7M contract in Denver, set to earn $4M in 2025. The Broncos can free up over $4.1M by moving on this spring.

Detroit Lions

LB Alex Anzalone

The Lions have a few higher-priced defensive players that may be on the bubble heading toward March, but we’ll focus on Anzalone here. The 30-year-old missed 6 weeks with an arm injury in 2024, allowing 2023 1st rounder Jack Campell to slide ahead of him on the depth chart. If Detroit feels like this move could prove permanent, they’ll look to capture the $4.8M of space they can free up here.

Green Bay Packers

CB Jaire Alexander

The 28-year-old is entering Year 4 of a 5 year, $97M contract in Green Bay, set to earn a non-guaranteed $17.5M for the upcoming season. When healthy, he’s still a top-flight cornerback in the league, but the availability has been few and far between of late. The Packers can open up $6.4M of space by moving on (release or trade) this March.

Houston Texans

DE Denico Autry

The 34-year-old enters the final season of a 2 year, $20M contract in Houston, set to earn $9M in 2025. He posted 3 sacks in a depth role (314 snaps) for the Texans last season, and is likely too expensive to carry into the new league year. Houston can free up $6M of space by moving on.

Indianapolis Colts

DT Raekwon Davis

The 27-year-old enters the final season of a 2 year, $14M contract in Indy, set to earn $6.5M in 2025. He posted extremely limited production in just 349 snaps last season, putting his $8.9M cap hit on notice. The Colts can free up $6.5M of space by moving on.

Jacksonville Jaguars

WR Christian Kirk

After a sparkling 2023 campaign, Kirk has battled injuries each of the last two seasons in Jacksonville, putting his $16.5M salary on notice. The Jags can free up $10.5M of space by moving on.

Kansas City Chiefs

CB Joshua Williams

A 4th-round pick back in 2022, Williams remains a depth CB for the Chiefs heading toward the final season of his rookie contract. Despite the backup role, Williams garnered enough snaps to trigger a Proven Performance Bonus for 2025, escalating his salary to a non-guaranteed $3.2M for the upcoming season. KC can free up this amount by moving on.

Las Vegas Raiders

QB Gardner Minshew

$3.16M of Minshew’s 2025 salary is already fully guaranteed, so this isn’t a slam-dunk scenario by any means. But the Raiders are almost certain to spend significant free agent and/or draft capital on the QB position this offseason, rendering the Minshew-project somewhat useless going forward. Las Vegas can free up $3M of cap with an early release this March.

Los Angeles Chargers

OLB Joey Bosa

Bosa renegotiated his contract to remain in the fold last season, signing a 2 year, $40.3M deal that included no guaranteed money for 2025. He started only 9 games last year, posting 5 sacks and causing 2 forced fumbles for his efforts. When healthy, he’s still a heck of a player, but the 29-year-old hasn’t played out a full season since 2021. The Chargers can free up $25.3M of cap by moving on before a $12.36M roster bonus is due on March 12th.

Los Angeles Rams

WR Cooper Kupp

The 31-year-old has been told to seek out a trade this winter, furthering the narrative that his time in LA is likely coming to an end. Kupp has 2 years, $39.85M remaining on his contract, including $5M fully guaranteed for the upcoming season. The Rams may need to eat a portion of the $7.5M bonus due on March 16th to facilitate a trade, but could also just outright release Kupp at the start of the league year, taking on $22.2M of dead cap, freeing up $7.5M of space.

Miami Dolphins

WR Tyreek Hill

The Dolphins have already trimmed a few veterans from their roster as they work to become cap-compliant in March, but this offseason is about making an expensive football team more competitive in the AFC as well. Hill still has separation, speed, and a ton of ability - but for one reason or another, wasn’t given a lot of opportunities to put that on display in 2024 within this Miami offense. If a team or two is willing to overpay a bit on the trade market, the Dolphins seem open to having someone else take on the $28M+ owed to Hill in 2025 (even if a Pre 6/1 trade only frees up $401,250 of cap space).

Minnesota Vikings

G Ed Ingram

A 2nd Round pick out of LSU back in 2022, Ingram fell out of the starting lineup in 2024 despite starting 32 games in his first 2 NFL seasons. His 2025 salary escalated over $3.2M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus, putting him squarely on the bubble this March. Minnesota can free up that $3.214M by moving on.

New England Patriots

WR Kendrick Bourne

Bourne’s 2024 got off to a slow start as he recovered from an ACL injury, and he never really found his footing in Drake Maye’s offense. That’s not to say that a full offseason can’t change that, but plenty of changes are coming to the offensive weapons this winter, so a bit of a “clean sweep” could make total sense.The Patriots can free up $5.1M of cap by on from the remaining 2 years, $13M left on Bourne’s deal.

New Orleans Saints

QB Derek Carr

As usual, the Saints have a lot of work to do (and potentially a lot of players to subtract) just to get cap-compliant for 2025. But they may take a big swing by moving on from their QB1 before the remaining $30M of his 2025 compensation becomes fully guaranteed on March 14th. New Orleans would still owe Carr a $10M payment on his way out, and the contract carries $50.1M of total dead cap on it this offseason, but signs still point to his release in the coming weeks. If the Saints designate Carr a Post June 1st release, they’ll split that dead cap into $21.5M this year, $28.6M next year once June hits, though they’d still be carrying a $51.4M cap hit for 3+ months.

New York Giants

TE Daniel Bellinger

Bellinger’s targets and subsequent production have fallen off of a cliff in each of the past two seasons in NY, putting his future there very much in doubt. The former 4th Round pick still secured a Proven Performance escalator, taking his 2025 salary north of $3.2M, but the Giants can free all of it up by moving on this March.

New York Jets

WR Davante Adams

The Jets will likely do all the due diligence they can to see if they can squeeze a draft pick or two from a team looking to acquire Adams this winter, though there won’t be a team in football that wants anything to do with the 2 years, $72.5M remaining on this current contract. The Jets only hold $8.3M of dead cap on the deal, so they stand to free up nearly $30M if/when they move on via trade or release.

Philadelphia Eagles

S Darius Slay

The 34-year-old is under contract at 1 year, $16M for the upcoming season, but it’s largely expected that the two sides will part ways, at least for the purpose of getting out of this current contract. Philly likely designates Slay a Post June 1st release this March, a move that will send him to free agency immediately, while also freeing up around $4.3M of cap for the Eagles when the calendar flips to June.

Pittsburgh Steelers

DL Larry Ogunjobi

The 30-year-old posted a pretty typical 40+ tackle, 2 sack campaign for the Steelers in 2024, and his cap figure actually DROPS $2.7M for the upcoming season, but the writing still may be on the wall in the coming weeks. PIttsburgh can free up $7 of cap by moving on before a $3M roster bonus is due on March 14th.

San Francisco 49ers

WR Deebo Samuel

The 29-year-old has been given the green light to seek out a trade partner this winter, as he and the 49ers head toward divorce. The problem with a Pre June 1st trade is the $31M+ of dead cap attached to the contract this offseason. It represents a $15.2M loss for San Francisco in 2025. It’s largely expected that Niners will instead designate Samuel a Post June 1st release this March, keeping his $15.8M cap figure on the books into June, then taking on dead hits of $10.6M in 2025, $20.4M in 2026.

Seattle Seahawks

WR Tyler Lockett

The 32-year-old was a 3rd round pick of the Seahawks back in 2015, but his time in Seattle appears to be coming to an end. While the 1 year, $17M remaining on his contract is somewhat feasible, the $30.9M cap figure certainly is not. The Seahawks are expected to release Lockett before a $5.3M roster bonus is paid out on March 16th, freeing up the entire $17M.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

S Jordan Whitehead

After a great 2023 campaign, Whitehead battled both a pec injury, and an unfortunate car accident through 2024, putting his immediate figure with the organization in a bit of question. The 2025 portion of his 2 year, $9M contract was always going to be a bit of an “option”, and Tampa Bay can free up $4.5M of cap by moving on this March.

Tennessee Titans

OT Nicholas Petit-Frere

The 3rd Round pick out of Ohio State back in 2022 hasn’t been able to find his sea legs as a starter in the NFL, putting his $3.21M salary for 2025 very much in question. The Titans will spend plenty of capital & assets bulking up their offensive line for their next QB1, so moving on here makes sense.

Washington Commanders

DL Jonathan Allen

A #17 overall pick back in 2017, Allen is the longest-tenured member of this Commanders franchise not-named Tress Way, but that could be coming to an end in the next few weeks. The 30-year-old is entering a contract year in 2025, set to earn $16.3M against a $22.3M cap hit. With just $6M of dead cap on the books, Washington can free up (even more) significant cap space for league year.

Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks has been suspended 25 games by the league for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. Portis' salary for this season is $12,578,286, therefore he'll stand to lose $114,348 per game (1/110 of salary for being suspended 20+ games).

Financial Implications:

• Portis will lose $2,858,701 in salary from the suspension.
• Milwaukee will receive a tax variance credit of $1,429,351.

NASCAR issued a major penalty to the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 team for illegal modifications to the spoiler.

• Chase Briscoe fined $100,000, docked 100 driver points and 10 playoff points
• JGR fined $100,000, docked 100 owner points and 10 playoff points
• Crew chief James Small suspended four races

Other penalties handed out by NASCAR to Front Row Motorsports No. 34 and Rick Ware Racing No. 51 for a safety violation with ballast found outside the ballast container(s). Drivers for each team were docked 10 points each as well as docked 10 owner points.

The new CBA might still be MIA, but the NWSL released the 59-page 2025 Competition Manual, and here is everything you need to know:

Roster Size

Still expecting 22-26 players on active roster during the season

Changes: Non-active roster - Mental Health leave added

Roster Relief Contracts

Roster Relief Contracts should be aligned with the length of the replaced Player’s absence with a minimum duration of one month and a maximum duration through the end of the calendar year.

Roster Relief situations: 45-day injury list, Season-Ending Injury, Goalkeeper Injury to maintain at least two goalkeepers, maternal/parental leave, mental health leave, national team duty

If the replaced player returns to the team prior to the expiration of the contract, the team doesn’t have to use a roster spot for the roster relief player and can either list the player as ‘unavailable’ or allow said player to remain on the roster if there is a roster spot available. If both players are on the roster at the same time, both will count towards the roster cap. 

National team replacement players (NTRPs) are domestic players paid the league minimum and do not count toward the team salary cap unless the NTRP remains rostered after the return of the player called up to National Team duty. 

In the case of an inbound loan NTRP, FIFA requires a minimum loan length equal to the duration between the Primary and Secondary Transfer Windows, for 2025, NWSL’s minimum loan length is 99 days. Any loan that is not recalled by their parent club upon the national team player’s return to market will be treated as a traditional loan and will not received roster or salary cap relief.

No loan fee may be paid for an inbound loan NTRP, unless the loan involved an inbound player from the USL, in which case, the team may pay a loan fee as a reimbursement for Player’s salary.

Season-Ending Injuries

For Season-Ending Injuries, a player may be listed on the SEI list retroactively to the date-of-injury. When approving adding a player to the SEI list, the league takes into account the severity of the injury and the remaining time in the season. A player placed on the SEI list at the conclusion of the league season may remain on the SEI list into the next league season and continue to accrue base salary cap relief and roster relief. 

A maximum of two players may unexpectedly recover from the SEI list during the season in which they went on the SEI list, as long as the team did not accept either roster or salary cap relief for the player. 

To join the active roster, a player must be cleared for full activity and participation – full participation means the ability to play in a league game. If at the end of the 30 days, the player is not ready, the team Medical must provide a letter to the league stating why the player is not cleared. 

Salary Cap Exempt Contracts

Salary Cap Exempt Contracts are a new addition this year. They are contracts for the league minimum salary and have a minimum length of two months and a maximum duration through the end of the calendar year. 

They are permitted to have Agent fees calculated that do not count against the salary cap — said fees may not be more than 10% of the Player’s salary.

Teams may sign an International Player to a Salary Cap Exempt Contract, however, the contract cannot be conditional on said player receiving their visa in a specific timeline. 

Trialists 

Teams are able to have trialists at any point in the season. The maximum trial duration for a Trialist who is 21 and under is 56 days, consecutive or nonconsecutive, per team in any one league season. The maximum trial duration for any Trialist over 21 is 21 days, consecutive or nonconsecutive. For the duration of a trial, trialists may participate in any preseason game or practice games only.

Amateurs 

Amateurs are not included in team roster size calculations, but may participate in Preseason Games; and Unofficial Tournaments only. No more than three amateur players may train with any one NWSL team at any given time. 

Should an NWSL team create, maintain, or partner with a reserve team or lower division team, the NWSL and NWSLPA shall meet to bargain over whether players from the reserve teams or lower division teams may be Loaned or “called-up” to train and/or play with an NWSL team or players loaned or “called down” to reserve teams. 

Standard Player Contract Terms/Benefits

The maximum length of a contract for a player over 18 is five years including any options. For players under the age of 18, the maximum term is three years, including any options.

Options in Standard Player Agreements (SPA) may be unilateral (team or player) or mutual. Option years may not exceed the length of the guaranteed contract. 

Example: 2+2 or 2+1+1 are okay, but 2+3 or 2+1+1+1 are not. 

If a mutual option is exercised on the team side, the mutual option can be rescinded at any time if the player has not yet executed their part of the mutual option. Clubs have no obligation to keep a mutual option open for a specific length of time to allow a player to accept.

An SPA offered to a player expires and will no longer be valid after 30 days if it is neither executed nor expressly rejected in writing. 

Salary Cap Regulations & Player Compensation

The league has established a $3.3 million base salary cap to be used against a 22-26 player roster for the 2025 season, with additional monies from the league’s new revenue sharing mechanism bringing the cap to $3.5 million.

The salary cap charges include: Bonuses (Performance, Roster, Signing, One-Time), Fees (going over the transfer fee threshold), Excess benefits above the amounts required by the terms of the CBA (housing, childcare, player benefits), and Excess additional work. 

Things not counted toward the player Salary Cap: Payment for additional work up to $15,000, travel and transportation reimbursements as set in the CBA, Parental/dependent care up to 2x the IRS maximum, Housing, automobile, relocation, and per diem per the CBA, Standard Player benefits provided by the league (insurance, dental, life insurance, 401k employer contributions). 

Achieved performance bonuses are paid out in the year achieved but count towards the salary cap for the following NWSL league season. The bonus amount earned in 2024 will count toward a team’s salary cap in 2025 regardless of whether or not the player remains on the team roster for 2025. 

Signing bonuses and one-time bonuses will be paid out in the current year, and count against the team’s current year salary cap. Team-provided player bonus packets cannot exceed 50% of a player’s total base salary across the term of the SPA. 

League-provided post-season and award bonuses will not count against the team’s salary cap. Prize money earned for competition in an official tournament will not count against the team’s salary cap. 

Salary Cap cash and charges are not tradable assets and cannot be included in transactions between teams. 

Teams may pay Transfer and/or Loan fees in excess of the Transfer Fee Threshold but will incur a Salary Cap charge at twenty-five percent (25%) of the excess amount over the Transfer Fee Threshold. For example, if a Team pays net Transfer fees of $600,000, the Team will incur a $12,500 Salary Cap charge (i.e., 25% of the excess $50,000).

A team may also receive Salary Cap relief for a Player’s Agent fee at the daily rate for the duration of time the Player is on the SEI/Maternity List. However, a team may only receive Salary Cap relief in the calendar year the player is initially placed on said lists. Relief does not roll over to the next calendar year, even if the player remains on the list in the new year. 

Mutual Termination (Buyout)

Teams have the ability to buy out one SPA per league season with no impact to their Salary Cap from the point of the buyout. Teams may buy out additional SPA(s) but the full amount will count towards the team salary cap. 

Buyout regulations apply to both SPAs and Salary Cap Exempt Contracts. 

Teams and Players may agree to Mutually Terminate a Guaranteed SPA. Mutual Terminations may include financial compensation terms (e.g., a Buyout), but they are not required to include financial compensation so long as the Player is in agreement

Related Party Transactions

This was introduced ahead of the 2024 NWSL season, and has a lot of clarifications in the 2025 Competition Manual, it is specifically around teams in different leagues which share ownerships. 

Clarifying rules:
No exclusivity agreements can exist between an NWSL team and a related party club. 
The number of players loaned or transferred to or from an NWSL by its related party club must not exceed three players at any given time during a league season. 
The loan period for all inbound loans between an NWSL team and the related party club must be for a minimum of one year.

If the League determines that the Related Party NWSL Team did not pay fair market value and the Related Party Club had previously acquired the Player for a $500,000 Transfer fee and signed the Player to a two (2) year contract, the NWSL may count up to $250,000 towards the Transfer Fee Threshold.

In the event that the League determines that an outbound Transfer fee is being used to manipulate the Transfer Fee Threshold, then the League may, in its discretion, determine that such outbound Transfer may not be used to offset the Transfer Fee Threshold.

Salary Cap implications :
For an inbound loan, a player’s salary cap charge will be equal to to the amount of compensation paid by the NWSL Club and the Related Party Club during the term of the Loan.

For example, if a Player is earning a $2,000 Salary per month from the Related Party Club, is brought in on a Loan, and will be earning an additional $3,000 per month from the related-NWSL Team, the Salary Cap charge to the NWSL Team for the Player will total $5,000 per month for the duration of the Loan (i.e., $2,000 + $3,000 = $5,000).

For an outbound loan, a player’s salary cap charge will be equal to the full compensation paid to the player by both the NWSL team and the related party club. 

For example, if the NWSL Team pays a Player $100,000 in Salary and subsequently Loans the Player at the end of the year to the Related Party Club, which agrees to pay the Player $800,000 in Salary, the Player’s Salary Cap charge will be $900,000 (i.e., $100,000 + $800,00 = $900,000). If the Related Party Club pays the Player an amount less than or equal to the Player’s NWSL Salary, the NWSL Team may offset the Player’s Salary against the Salary Cap.

Trades and Transfers

Beginning January 15, 2025, Players may be acquired in Trades and Intraleague Transfers with League and Player approval at any time during the calendar year.

Player Trades and Intraleague Transfers cannot be made for finite periods (i.e., Players may not be “loaned” from one Team to another), nor may a Team structure a Trade or Intraleague Transfer such that a Player may not play against their previous Team.

Players currently on Loan outside the League can be Traded, however Player’s Registration cannot be transferred to a new Team until Player returns or is recalled from Loan.

Trades and Intraleague Transfers may not be conditioned upon a Player passing a physical examination or voided because they failed to do so, unless the trading Team acts in bad faith regarding the details of a Player’s medical condition. 

Restricted Free Agency is not completely gone, but is only applicable to six players (not disclosed by the league who the six are). 

At any given time during the League Season, a Team may only have a maximum of three (3) Players Loaned in from a single foreign Club and have a maximum of three (3) Players Loaned out to a single foreign Club.

A Team may have no more than a total of six (6) Players Loaned in or out at any given time.

Transfers to and from USL Super League 

Because the Player’s ITC is already with USSF, Loans to and from the USL Super League may take place at any time during the calendar year. The Loan does not need to begin or end during a Registration Window to be approved, as long as the Loan meets the minimum and maximum length requirements from above. 

For outbound Loans from the NWSL to USL Super League, Teams will receive Salary Cap relief for the portion of the Salary reimbursed by the USL Club as the Loan Fee. The Loan fee would not be counted toward a Team’s Transfer Fee Threshold.

For inbound Loans from the USL Super League to NWSL, the Player’s Salary that is being reimbursed by the Team will hit the Salary Cap at the prorated daily rate for the duration of the Loan.

Removing a Player From a Roster

Player-Elected Leave
A Player may request a leave of absence from services required under the SPA. If approved by the League, the Player’s Rights will continue to be held by the Team for whom they last played, through the term of their SPA. Player-Elected Leave is an unpaid leave of absence, and the Player would not receive any SPA-provided compensation or benefits for the duration of the leave. The Player’s Team will also receive Salary Cap relief for the duration of Player’s leave of absence.

Retirement
Retirement shall mean that a Player shall not play soccer for any other professional soccer team following the date of retirement. The Team holding the Player’s rights pursuant to an SPA that is being terminated due to Retirement shall continue to hold the player’s playing rights for 30 months from the date of the Player’s retirement. The NWSL shall have no obligation to release a player’s International Transfer Certificate for the duration of this thirty (30) month period

Players with 10 or more Service Years who officially retire(d) from the NWSL between 2023 and 2030, will receive a one-time founding Player contribution payment of $5,000. 

Player Registration

For any weekday game (Monday-Friday), the PAF and required US Soccer registration materials must be received by the League by 6:00 pm ET on the day before the game (e.g., if the game is on Wednesday, the PAF must be received by the League before 6:00pm ET on Tuesday).

For Saturday and Sunday games, the PAF and required US Soccer registration materials must be received by the League by 1:00 pm ET on the Friday prior to the weekend (e.g., if the game is on Sunday, the PAF must be received by the League before 1:00 pm ET on Friday).

Submitting a PAF to the League does not guarantee a Player will be eligible to compete in the Team’s next competition. 

A maximum of four U18 players may be added to a team’s roster at a given time.

Tampering – Just don’t do it

Tampering was not in any of the previous competition rules. Clarifies that team representatives are not able to tamper with any player under contract with another team and that a team must contact a club prior to speaking to an individual under contract. If said individual has more than six months remaining on their contract, the team must get written permission to communicate with the individual from the current club. There was also a specific callout that ‘Expansion Team(s) must comply with the internal Tampering rule.’

Spotrac has identified one player from each of the 32 teams we consider a contract extension candidate in the coming weeks & months plus a few honorable mentions for each where applicable.

RELATED:
Spotrac’s Market Values

Arizona Cardinals

TE Trey McBride

The 2nd Rounder out of Colorado State enters the final year of his rookie deal in Arizona, having seen his 2025 salary escalate up to $5.2M per a Proven Performance Bonus. The knock on him (famously) is a lack of touchdowns, but this is a player with 192 catches for 1,971 yards over the past 33 games. He projected toward a 4 year, $72M extension in our system that would make him the highest average paid TE in NFL history.

Atlanta Falcons

RT Kaleb McGary

The nearly 30-year-old has been a reliable, consistent, productive player for the Falcons through 6 seasons, and he enters a contract year in 2025 (1 year, $14.5M remaining). McGary currently projects toward a 3 year, $52M extension in our system.

Also: Drake London (WR, $23.8M APY)

Baltimore Ravens

S Kyle Hamilton

A veritable no-brainer. Hamilton has been as-advertised since entering the league as the #14 overall pick back in 2022. He’s extension-eligible for the first time this winter, projecting toward a 3 year, $60M deal in our system (to add-on to the 2 remaining years of his rookie contract).

Also: Derrick Henry (RB, $13.5M APY), Marlon Humphrey (CB, $20M APY)

Buffalo Bills

RB James Cook

The Bills have around 8 players eligible & worthy of a contract extension this winter, but Cook might become the most sensible priority. 1) His salary escalated north of $5M due to a Proven Performance Bonus 2) Paying above-average Running Backs as early as possible seems to be the best path forward based on age/shelf live 3) RB Ray Davis remains at near minimum over the next two seasons (the duration of any sensible guarantee at signing for Cook). He’s a 4 year, $41M player in our system.

Also: Josh Allen (QB, $62.5M APY), Greg Rousseau (DE, $25M APY), Terrel Bernard (LB, $6.8M APY), Connor McGovern (C, $7.7M APY), Khalil Shakir (WR, $19.5M APY), Christian Benford (CB, $23M APY)

Carolina Panthers

OT Taylor Moton

One of the league’s true Ironmen, Moton missed a game for the first time in his 8-year-career during the 2024 season. Regardless, he’s been one of the most reliable, consistent offensive tackles in the game, and he enters a contract year in 2025 set to earn $17.5M. The 30-year-old carries a 3 year, $51M valuation in our system.

Also: Jaycee Horn (CB, $4.5M APY), Jadeveon Clowney (OLB, $11.5M APY)

Chicago Bears

S Kyler Gordon

A 2nd Round pick out of Washington, Gordon has found a role as the nickelback, a position that has increased its market value over the past few offseasons. His 2025 salary was escalated over $2M this winter due to a Proven Performance Bonus, setting up a potential extension this offseason. The 25-year-old projects toward a 3 year, $33M contract in our system. 

Cincinnati Bengals

WR Ja'Marr Chase

Chase is under contract through 2025 on a fully guaranteed $21.8M 5th-year option. He shouldn’t last long there, as the time for him to lock in a likely historic extension is now. The still 24-year-old projects toward a 4 year, $134M extension, but a number closer to $150M in total value likely makes more sense at this point.

Also: Trey Hendrickson (DE, $30M APY), Cam Taylor-Britt (CB, $15M APY)

Cleveland Browns

G Wyatt Teller

Teller missed a few weeks with a knee injury, but has been a pillar of reliability for Cleveland since joining from Buffalo back in 2019. He enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $14.8M against a $14.1M cap hit. Now 31, Teller projects toward a 3 year, $24M extension in our system.

Dallas Cowboys

DE Micah Parsons

Here we go again. Another offseason where the whole world knows that the Dallas Cowboys need to sign a player to an historic extension (except maybe this time around those trade rumors aren’t so crazy). The 25-year-old enters 2025 with a fully guaranteed $24M 5th-year option on the books. Mathematically, he’s a $33.7M per year player in our system, which means it shouldn’t take more than a couple of elbow twists to nudge this contract past Nick Bosa’s current $34M high bar. The real question is, can Parsons approach $40M per year with these negotiations?

Also: DaRon Bland (CB, $23.7M APY), Tyler Smith (G, $19.1M APY), Brandon Aubrey (K)

Denver Broncos

OLB Nik Bonitto

The 2nd Rounder out of Oklahoma has taken major steps forward in each of his first three NFL seasons, culminating with a 48 tackle, 14 sack, 2 forced fumble, 1 INT campaign in 2024. His 2025 salary escalated nearly $4M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus, but Bonitto has his eyes set on much bigger numbers this offseason, currently projecting toward a 4 year, $102M extension in our system.

Also: Courtland Sutton (WR, $23M APY), Zach Allen (DE, $22M APY), John Franklin-Myers (DE, $8.5M APY)

Detroit Lions

S Kerby Joseph

The 3rd Rounder out of Illinois has been an absolute ball-hawk over his first 3 NFL seasons, compiling 237 tackles and an astounding 17 interceptions. The Lions fed a lot of mouths last season, and there are at least 3 legitimate candidates again this time around. But Joseph, enters 2025 on a 1 year, $3.3M deal, now projects toward a 4 year, $93M extension.

Also: Aidan Hutchinson (DE, $31M APY), Jameson Williams (WR, $20M APY)

Green Bay Packers

RT Zach Tom

The 4th rounder out of Wake Forest has been the every week starter for the past two seasons now and has more than held his own. He enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $3.2M, but now projects toward a 4 year, $86M extension in our system.

Also: Romeo Doubs (WR, $12M APY), Rasheed Walker (LT, $18M APY)

Houston Texans

CB Derek Stingley Jr.

The #3 overall pick out of LSU has now become as-advertised through 3 NFL seasons and is now extension-eligible for the first time. He’s set to earn $5.4M guaranteed in 2025, with a 5th-year-option certain to be exercised for 2026, but there’s a clear path to Stingley Jr. securing the highest average per year contract for a cornerback in NFL history this offseason. He’s a 4 year, $104M player in our system.

Also: Danielle Hunter (DE, $20M APY), Jalen Pitre (NB, $11M APY)

Indianapolis Colts

LT Bernhard Raimann

A 3rd Rounder out of Central Michigan, Raimann has quickly built himself into one of the more reliable left tackles in all of football. He enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $3.3M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus. The 27-year-old is a 3 year, $61M player in our system.

Also: Nick Cross (S, $11.3M APY), Kwity Paye (DE, $15M APY)

Jacksonville Jaguars

ILB Devin Lloyd

Lloyd has now put together back-to-back strong seasons in Jacksonville, putting him in a nice position this offseason as he becomes extension-eligible for the first time. The #27 overall pick  in 2022 is guaranteed $2.5M in 2025, and there’s a 5th-year option available in 2026, but he’s a 3 year, $28M player in our system.

Also: Ezra Cleveland (G, $14.5M APY), Montaric Brown (CB, $4M APY)

Kansas City Chiefs

CB Trent McDuffie

The #21 overall pick from 2022 has been about as consistent, productive, and rock-solid as could have been asked through his first three seasons, setting up a major pay day in the coming months. The Chiefs have a lot of mouths to feed (or replace) this winter, and McDuffie still has a fully guaranteed $2.6M salary plus a 5th-year option ahead of him, but waiting will only make things more expensive. He’s a 3 year, $66M player in our system.

Also: Joe Thuney (G, $20.5M APY), George Karlaftis (DE, $22M APY)

Las Vegas Raiders

LT Kolton Miller

The Raiders haven’t gotten a lot of things right this past decade, but Miller has been one of them. The 29-year-old remains one of the better left tackles in all of football, and enters a contract year in 2025. He’s a 4 year, $79M player in our system.

Also: Jakobi Meyers (WR, $15M APY), Maxx Crosby (DE, $33M APY)

Los Angeles Chargers

LT Rashawn Slater

Outside of an injury-filled 2022, Slater’s NFL start has been near flawless, setting up for a mammoth pay day in the coming months. He enters 2025 on a fully guaranteed $19M 5th-year option salary, projecting toward a 5 year, $128M extension in our system. 

Los Angeles Rams

QB Matthew Stafford

The 37-year-old has expressed his intent on playing in 2025 - but not exactly at his current $27M pricepoint. With no viable backup plan on the roster (though free agency could change that), a 2 year, $70M renegotiation could make sense here.

Also: Quentin Lake (NB, $10.5M APY), Kyren Williams (RB, $10M APY)

Miami Dolphins

P Jake Bailey

Yep, this is where we’re at. The Dolphins have extended or re-extended so many players over the past two seasons that we’re simply out of options. There’s a case to be made for TE Jonnu Smith, who had a phenomenal turnaround year in Miami, but the safer bet from an age/need standpoint remains Bailey. The 27-year-old is set to earn a very friendly $1.9M in 2025, but should be considered for an extension at around $3.5M per year.

Minnesota Vikings

OLB Andrew Van Ginkel

Well, that worked. The Vikings brought over Van Ginkel from Miami on a 2 year, $20M deal that paid out $9M in 2024. Tacking on an extension not only autocorrects his cashflow, but will also work to lower his current $12.4M cap hit in 2025. A 3 year, $45M extension makes sense here.

Also: Josh Oliver (TE, $7M APY)

New England Patriots

C/G Cole Strange

A tumultuous start to his career may have been rectified by a late 2024 move to center, where the Patriots were prepared to have a hole heading into the 2025 offseason. The 26-year-old enters 2025 with $2.3M fully guaranteed, and a decision on an estimated $17M option for 2026 looming. With a new staff in place, the safer bet may be to extend Strange into something a bit more team-controllable. He’s around a $4.5M per year player in our system currently.

New Orleans Saints

LB Demario Davis

Now 36, Davis remains one of the most reliable, productive off-ball linebacker in football. He enters 2025 with 1 year, $8.25M remaining on his contract against a $12.4M cap hit. With so much change imminent around this Saints roster, tacking on a year for a player who wants to be there, and can still make a significant impact (while also delaying the dead cap that will hit once his contract voids) makes a lot of sense. A combined 2 years, $15M through 2026 should work fine.

Also: Chris Olave (WR $17.8M APY), Blake Grupe (K)

New York Giants

WR Wan'dale Robinson

Robinson had a mini-breakout year in 2024, posting 93 catches, for 700 yards and 3 scores. The 2nd Rounder may have played himself into a worthy WR3 conversation for this group going forward, and he enters a contract year in 2025. A 2 year, $13M extension keeps him tied nicely to Malik Nabers’ rookie deal.

New York Jets

G Alijah Vera-Tucker

The Jets have a few weapon-pieces to consider here, but with the entire regime turning over, locking in a building-block from the trenches seems a much more worthy decision. Injuries have been the major Achilles heel in Vera-Tucker’s career, but the Jets exercised a now fully guaranteed $15.3M option for 2025, setting up a potential extension this offseason. The math calls him an $11M per year player, but it’ll take a bigger punch than that from the Jets to keep him off of the open market next March.

Also: Garrett Wilson (WR, $23.5M APY), John Simpson (G, $14M APY)

Philadelphia Eagles

C Cam Jurgens

The 2nd Round center out of Nebraska assumed the full-time gig in 2024 and fared admirably. He now enters a contract year, with a salary that escalated north of $5.2M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus. He’s a 3 year, $25M extension in our system right now.

Pittsburgh Steelers

OLB T.J. Watt

One of the league’s most dominant players had another largely impactful season, collecting 12 sacks, 61 tackles, and 6 forced fumbles in 2024. He enters a contract year, set to earn just over $21M in 2025. He’s a 4 year, $130M player in our system, but there’s a case here to see that total value rise as high as $150M.

Also: George Pickens (WR, $23.5M APY), Deshon Elliott (S, $7M APY), Isaac Seumalo (G, $7M APY)

San Francisco 49ers

QB Brock Purdy

Will they? Won’t they? Should they? It’s never easy to project how a team that had such a run of bad luck/injuries in 2024 will rebound from an aggressiveness standpoint just a few months later, but all signs point to Purdy and the Niners locking in a multi-year guarantee this winter. Mathematically, Brock Purdy is a near $60M per year player in our system. A little supply/demand logic drops this down to a 4 year, $180M projection.

Also: George Kittle (TE, $16.3M APY), Jauan Jennings (WR, $10M APY), 

Seattle Seahawks

QB Geno Smith

There’s a world where the Seahawks move on from Smith completely this winter, but signs appear to be pointing to another extension for the 34-year-old, who carries a $44.5M cap hit against $31M cash for the upcoming season. Smith projects toward a 2 year, $86M extension in our system.

Also: Charles Cross (LT, $16.5M APY), D.K. Metcalf (WR, $25.5M APY)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

RT Luke Goedeke

The Bucs need to get younger (and a little cheaper) in a lot of areas, but throwing a few more dollars at a strong offensive line can only make the sum of the parts better. Goedeke has put together back-to-back strong campaigns, and is now a serious candidate for extension on the back-end of his rookie deal. He projects toward a 4 year, $66M extension in our system.

Also: Baker Mayfield (QB, $59.5M APY), Cade Otton (TE, $12.5M APY)

Tennessee Titans

S Amani Hooker

The 26-year-old enters the final season of a 4 year, $33.5M contract in Tennessee, set to earn $8.64M in 2025. He posted a career-year in 2024, compiling 5 INTs, 2 Forced Fumbles, and 70 tackles in 14 games. Mathematically, Hooker projects toward a 3 year, $52M deal in our system, but the Titans will need to swing a little bigger to keep him from the open market next March.

Also: Arden Key (ED, $13.5M APY)

Washington Commanders

WR Terry McLaurin

The 29-year-old has waited 5+ seasons for the organization to find a core, and that time is now here. McLaurin enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $19.65M for the upcoming season. A 3 year, $83M extension should keep him in the fold for at least 2 more seasons.