Potential 2019 NFL Roster Bubbles

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJanuary 24, 2019
© USA TODAY Sports

We've identified players from each NFL team who may be trending toward the 2019 roster bubble, based on performance vs. compensation & dead cap structure. The list below shows the individual financial implications to trade or release each player based on various bonus dates some may have. We'll continue to update this list as new reports emerge. Did we miss someone? Send suggestions to @spotrac.


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Quarterbacks
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Ryan Tannehill  MIA QB $26,611,666 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release:
$7.8M ($18.75M savings), $5.5M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$13.4M ($13.1M savings)		 Injuries, and an overall lack of consistency over the past few seasons have put the Miami starter on high notice. It's possible the Dolphins look to restructure here by way of a pay cut. But they'll still have to deal with the $13.4M of dead cap.
Joe Flacco BAL QB $26,500,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$16M ($10.5M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$8M ($18.5M savings), $8M 2020 dead cap		 Flacco's hot start to 2018 actually had us questioning his inevitable release next March. But a mid-season injury, and Lamar Jackson's quick success at the reigns makes this move a slam dunk heading toward the new league year.
Ben Roethlisberger PIT QB $23,200,000 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$6.2M ($17M savings)

Post 3/15 Trade/Release
$11.2M ($12M savings)		 All signs to start 2019 have pointed to a new contract, putting Ben's potential retirement on the backburner for the time being. He'll carry over $6.2M of dead cap in 2019 to the new deal, and currently has a $5M roster bonus due 3/15.
Eli Manning  NYG QB $23,200,000 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$6.2M ($17M savings)

Post 3/17 Trade/Release
$11.2M ($12M savings)		 It's been a tough few years for Eli to say the least, but he's actually starting to look halfway decent in this star-studded offense to finish out 2018. It's still a longshot he returns in 2019.
Derek Carr OAK QB $22,500,000 Pre 2/6 Trade/Release
$7.5M ($15M savings)

2/6-6/1 Trade
$7.5M ($15M savings)

2/6-6/1 Release
$27.4M (-$4.9M savings)

Post-6/1 Trade
$2.5M ($20M savings), $5M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$22.4M ($100,000 savings), $5M 2020 dead cap		 Derek Carr's been very "Bortlesey" over the past season and a half, which makes his $20M per year salary & $22M+ cap figures tough to swallow. Factor in a Gruden-led rebuild, and a team in the tank, and Carr's future in Oakland is very much in question.
Blake Bortles  JAX QB $21,000,000

Pre 6/1 Trade:
$10M ($11M savings)

 

Pre 6/1 Release:
$16.5M ($5.5M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade:
$5M ($16M savings), $5M 2020 dead cap

 

Post 6/1 Release:
$11.5M ($9.5M savings), $5M 2020 dead cap

 Bortles is right about where Bortles has always been. Below average production, below average analytics, and a team record that shows as much. It's expensive to move on from him after 2018 thanks to his extension this past summer, but it's doable, and the Jaguars will probably do.
Nick Foles  PHI QB $21,600,000 Trade/Release:
$2.8M ($18.8M savings)		 The Eagles have officially exercised Foles' option, but reports state Foles will exercise his ability to buy himself out for $2M. It's possible Philly slaps a franchise tag on him in order to complete a trade in the coming weeks.
A.J. McCarron OAK QB $5,000,000 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$0 ($5M savings)		 While Derek Carr's job appears to be safe for 2019, it makes little sense for McCarron to stick in the fold with a Raiders team looking to turn over pretty much everywhere. $3M of salary guarantees on March 17th, so an early release is likely.
C.J. Beathard SF QB $962,358 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$353,144 ($609,214 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$176,572 ($785,786 savings), $176,572 2020 dead cap		 Beathard looked good in his spot appearances, but Nick Mullens has come out of nowhere to earn the backup role (at least) from here out.
DeShone Kizer GB QB $914,856 Trade/Release
$0 ($914,856 savings)		 One of the statistically worst QBs of all-time, keeping Kizer at nearly $1M to backup Rodgers makes little sense.
 
Running Backs
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
LeSean McCoy BUF RB $9,050,000 Trade/Release
$2.625M ($6.425M savings)		 The Bills have ample cap space & desperately need to refresh/improve the offensive line & weapons around Josh Allen. With that said, it wouldn't surprise me to see the 31-year-old back in Buffalo for one more year.
Leonard Fournette JAC RB $7,404,774 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$8.9M (-$1.5M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$4.4M ($3M savings), $4.4M 2020 dead cap		 Fournette's season ending with a benching, and a public call-out from the Jags front office. While he still posesses enough talent to stick around, it's possible Jacksonville puts him on the trade block this winter. They've already voided his salary guarantees.
Lamar Miller  HOU RB $7,250,000 Trade/Release:
$1M ($6.25M savings)		 Miller's yet to live up to the $26M contract he signed back in 2016. The RB position needs an upgrade across the board for a very good Houston team top get even better going forward.
Dion Lewis TEN RB $4,862,500 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$1.6875 ($3.175M savings)

3/17 - 6/1 Trade
$1.6875M ($3.175M savings)

3/17 - 6/1 Release
$4.1875M ($675,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$562,500 ($4.3M savings), $1.125M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$3.06M ($1.8M savings), $1.125M 2020 dead cap		 Lewis just hasn't been the impact player the Titans were hoping for when they made him a near $5M per year player this past March. Injuries have forced inconsistencies across the entire offense, and a late year surge could secure things a bit more. This is an "unlikely" move right now.
Carlos Hyde JAX RB $4,750,000 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$0 ($4.75M savings)

Post 3/15 Trade
$1M ($3.75M savings)

Post 3/15 Release
$3M ($1.75M savings)		 Hyde's acquisition from Cleveland was a handcuff move to fill-in for an injured Leonard Fournette. But a near $5M cap figure over the next two seasons seems too high for a #2 RB.
Theo Riddick DET RB $4,387,500 Trade/Release:
$962,500 ($3.425M savings)		 Kerryon Johnson has risen to the top of the depth chart in Detroit, with the ageless LeGarrette Blount taking most of the other snaps away from Riddick. With $3.4M to be saved, this seems like a no brainer.
Chris Ivory  BUF RB $3,000,000 Trade/Release
$750,000 ($2.25M savings)		 The Bills need upgrades at all of their offensive weapon positions, including backup running back. Youngster Marcus Murphy might be an option, especially as he's much less expensive than Ivory at $3M.
Jonathan Stewart NYG RB $2,775,000 Trade/Release
$250,000 ($2.525M savings)		 With a plethora of free agent RBs to be had, the Giants will be able to find a reliable backup for Barkley at a cheaper rate than Stewart's deal holds. Especially after clearing $2.5M per his release.
C.J. Prosise  SEA RB $918,116 Trade/Release
$173,116 ($745,000 savings)		 Prosise is at the bottom of what appears to be a logjam of solid RBs locked into Seattle's roster for 2019.
 
Wide Receivers
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Antonio Brown

PIT

 WR $22,165,000

Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$21.1M ($1.045M savings)

3/17-6/1 Trade Release
$23.62M (-$1.455M savings)


Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$9.54M ($12.6M savings), $14.08M 2020 dead cap

 As the drama continues to unfold from within the Steelers inner circle, it's looking more and more like Antonio Brown will be seeking a ticket out of Pittsburgh this winter. It's a costly move both financially and in terms of on-field production. Brown has a $2.5M roster bonus due March 17th.
Allen Robinson CHI WR $15,000,000 Pre 3/15 Trade
$4M ($11M savings)

Pre 3/15 Release
$7M ($8M savings)

3/15 - 6/1 Trade
$7M ($8M savings)

3/15 - 6/1 Release
$14.2M ($800,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$5M ($10M savings), $2M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$12.2M ($2.8M savings), $2M 2020 dead cap		 The Bears took a flyer on Robinson coming off a major leg in Jacksonville. He's been OK, but probably not the WR1 they were hoping for. With Anthony Miller ready to take over more reps, a $15M cap charge may be too rich for Chicago's blood next year.
Demaryius Thomas HOU WR $14,000,000 Trade/Release:
$0M ($14M savings)		 Hopkins, Fuller, Coutee should be plenty to keep the Texans' passing game afloat going forward. Thomas' $14M to be saved will come in handy elsewhere next spring.
Emmanuel Sanders DEN WR $12,937,500 Trade/Release
$2,687,500 ($10.25M savings)		 Sanders can still produce, but there may be wholesale changes coming to Denver. Toss in a late 2018 Achilles injury & his future is murky.
DeSean Jackson  TB WR $10,000,000 Trade/Release
$0 ($10M savings)		 This isn't a slam dunk by any means, as Jackson put together a pretty nice season before the injury. He'll always be a "boom or bust" type receiver, but even art 32, can still stretch the field.
Kenny Stills MIA WR $9,750,000 Pre 6/1 Trade:
$3.5M ($6.25M savings)

Pre 6/1 Release
$5.5M ($4.25M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$1.75M ($8M savings) $1.75M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$3.75M ($6M savings) $1.75M 2020 dead cap		 Stills showed promise in 2017 after the Dolphins handed him a 4 year, $32M extension. But he took a step backward in 2018 thus far. Miami could choose to spend their cap dollars elsewhere (in a lot of places).
DeVante Parker MIA WR $9,387,000 Pre 3/13 Release
$0 ($9.387M savings)

Trade
$0 ($9.387M savings)

Post 3/13 Release
$9.387M ($0 savings)		 Parker's been battling injuries since the 2017 season, and just hasn't been a factor in the Dolphins' offense when he's able to go. While a $9.3M option salary isn't crazy, it just might not fit a rebuilding Miami cap in 2019. Parker might have trade value.
Michael Crabtree BAL WR $9,333,333 Pre 3/17 Release/Trade
$4.6M ($4.6M savings)

3/18 - 6/1 Trade
$4.6M ($4.6M savings)

3/18 - 6/1 Release
$9.6M (-$300,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$4.3M ($5M savings), $2.3M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$7.3M ($2M savigns), $2.3M 2020 dead cap		 Crabtree's logged 50+ catches & 600+ yards receiving, but only found the endzone 3 times in 2018. With that said, Lamar Jackson will need veteran WRs around him, & if the Ravens don't think they can upgrade him elsewhere, he's likely safe.
Marvin Jones DET WR $9,183,333 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$5.3M ($3.81M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$2.6M ($6.5M savings), $2.6M 2020 dead cap		 Jones had a nice 2017 season, but he, and the Lions offense as a whole, have really taken a step back in Year 1 of the Matt Patricia era. It's hard to imagie him back at a $9M+ cap hit.
Pierre Garcon SF WR $8,400,000

Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$7.2M ($1.2M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$2.4M ($6M savings), $4.8M 2020 dead cap

 Garcon's battled injury, but also a lack of targets in 2018. With plenty of cap to burn, this wouldn't be a financial move, but simply an effort to upgrade the position going forward.
Mohamed Sanu ATL WR $7,400,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$2.8M ($4.6M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.4M ($6M savings), $1.4M 2020 dead cap		 To be honest, this decision relies heavily on the state of the Falcons this winter. If they look to break it down and start over, the trading Julio Jones makes a little more sense here. Sanu actually increased his production from 2017, but with Calvin Ridley in the wings, he's expendable.
Cameron Meredith NO WR $6,800,000

Trade/Release
$2.75M ($4.05M savings)

 Meredith's 2018 was cut short due to injury, and the Saints had plenty of other (cheaper) weapons step up in his place. New Orleans will be looking for cap dollars next March, and Meredith's $4M seems needed.
Travis Benjamin  LAC WR $6,500,000 Trade/Release
$1.25M ($5.25M savings)		 The emergence of Tyrell & Mike Williams, plus a healthy Keenan Allen have reduced Benjamin's targets to a minimum. He'll be better served elsewhere in 2019.
Allen Hurns DAL WR $6,250,000 Trade/Release
$1.25M ($5M savings)		 Hurns was signed to a 2 year, $12M deal this March, but has barely made it on TV. The Cowboys have big fish to feed this offseason, & will need the $5M of savings here.
Willie Snead BAL WR $5,000,000 Trade/Release
$1M ($4M savings)		 Snead just hasn't found consistency in the Ravens' offense, especially since Lamar Jackson took the reigns. The Ravens will likely take the $4M of savings to help rebuild elsewhere.
Terrance Williams DAL WR $4,750,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$2.5M ($2.25M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.25M ($3.5M savings), $1.25M 2020 dead cap		 Williams dealt with a foot injury that eventually led him to IR, and a substance abuse suspension in 2018, putting his future in Dallas squarely in question. But can the Cowboys afford to lose Beasley, Hurns, & Williams this offseason?
Seth Roberts OAK WR $4,650,000 Trade/Release
$0 ($4.65M savings)		 Roberts caught a career-high 45 balls in 2018, and maybe he's a role player for the Raiders going forward, but the Raiders need to improve this position across the board.
Jaron Brown SEA WR $3,725,000 Trade/Release
$975,000 ($2.75M savings)		 Brown was a reliable redzone target for Wilson, but not much of a consistent option elsewhere. His role can likely be replaced by a cheaper, younger, David Moore going forward.
Laquon Treadwell MIN WR $3,161,132 Trade
$1,356,362 ($1.8M savings)

Release
$3.1M ($0 savings)		 With 56 catches and 1 TD in 3 seasons, it's unlikely the Vikes can find a trade partner for Treadwell, but it still may be time to cut bait, even if doing so comes with no cap savings.
 
Tight Ends
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Jimmy Graham GB TE $12,666,666 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$7.3M ($5.3M savings)

3/16 - 6/1 Trade/Release
$12.3M ($300,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$8.6M ($4M savings), $3.6M 2020 dead cap		 If i could put him on here twice I would. The 32-year-old was never going to pile up reception numbers anymore, but he was signed to be a red zone weapon for Aaron Rodgers, and has barely touched the end zone in 2018.
Rob Gronkowski NE TE $12,000,000

Trade/Release/Retirement
$2M ($10M savings)

 It's been tough to watch Gronk's ability & physicality regress so quickly over the past year and half, but it appears the end is near for one of the GOATs. The Pats can use the cap space as well.
Charles Clay BUF TE $9,000,000 Trade/Release
$4.5M ($4.5M savings)		 The Bills have plenty of cap space to work with, but they need younger, fresher weapons for Josh Allen. Clay's had trouble staying healthy, getting open, and compiling any sort of consistent production over the past 4 seasons in Buffalo.
Jermaine Gresham  ARI TE $8,250,000 Pre 6/1 Trade
$3.5M ($4.75M savings)

Pre 6/1 Release
$5.75M ($2.5M savings)

Post 6/ 1 Trade
$1.75M ($6.5M savings), $1.75M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$4M ($4.25M savings), $1.75M 2020 dead cap		 The Cardinals need to upgrade the TE position as a whole in 2019, & can afford to get younger and cheaper while doing so. $2.25M of Gresham's 2019 salary is already fully guaranteed, so it'll cost a little to get out, barring a trade.
Kyle Rudolph MIN TE $7,625,000 Trade/Release
$0 ($7.625M savings)		 The 2-time Pro Bowler had a down year in 2018, and the Vikings need cap help for the 2019 offseason. This would be a tough, but possibly necessary move (a restructured extension might be more likely?)
Dwayne Allen NE TE $7,306,250 Trade/Release
$0 ($7.3M savings)		 Even with Gronk's status for 2019 an unknown, it's hard to imagine Allen and his $7M+ cap figure sticking around. The Pats will need to address this position both in via draft/free agency as a full rebuild.
Cameron Brate TB TE $7,000,000 Pre 3/17 Release/Trade
$0 ($7M savings)		 Brate signed a 6 year contract 10 months ago, but has been completely overshadowed by OJ Howard. His 2019 salary fully guarantees on March 17th, so we'll know then where the Bucs stand with him.
Dion Sims CHI TE $6,333,334 Trade/Release
$333,334 ($6M savings)		 With Trey Burton now in the fold, it's hard to imagine the Bears keeping Sims around at this cost.
Vernon Davis  WAS TE $6,302,084 Trade/Release
$1,333,334 ($4.96M savings)		 Davis has still been a productive asset into his 30s, but the Redskins need to improve their weapons as a whole in 2019, and his $5M of cap to be saved would be useful.
 
Offensive Linemen
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Andrew Whitworth LAR OT $15,909,168 Trade/Release
$5.1M ($10.75M savings)		 The 36-year-old has had an outstanding 2018 campaign with the Rams, but won't be allowed to play out a near $16M cap figure in 2019. If he chooses to return (instead of retiring), a restructured extension seems likely.
T.J. Lang DET OG $11,510,418 Trade/Release
$2,666,668 ($8.84M savings)		 Lang's been a solid interior lineman now for the better part of 10 years, but it's hard to justify him on an $11.5M cap figure. A restructure/paycut should do the trick.
Jason Peters PHI OT $10,666,668 Trade/Release/Retirement
$2,666,668 ($8M savings)		 It stands to reason that the Eagles would likely welcome Peters back in 2019, but retirement seems very possible. Philly certainly needs the $8M that stands to be saved here.
Andrus Peat NO OG $9,625,000 Pre 3/13 Release
$0 ($9.62M savings)

Post 3/13 Trade
$0 ($9.625M savings)

Post 3/13 Release
$9.625 ($0 savings)		 Peat's done a nice job on the left side of Drew Brees, but he's had an awful lot of help with the great Terron Armstead to his left. The Saints have $47M of cap allocated to their starting O-Line next year, which might be too rich. It might be more likely that a restructured/extension is in the cards for Peat to lower the hit.
Ron Leary DEN OG $9,375,000 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$1.75M ($7.625M savings)

3/17-6/1 Trade
$1.75M ($7.625M savings)

3/17-6/1 Release
$7.1M ($2.275M savings)

Post 6/1 Release
$6.225M ($3.15M savings), $875,000 2020 dead cap		 Leary's been injured in each of his first two seasons in Denver, putting his near $10M cap figure for 2019 in jeopardy. $5.35M of his 2019 salary fully guarantees on March 17th, so it'll be a quick decision one way or the other.
Donald Penn OAK OT $8,350,000 Trade/Release
$2.75M ($5.6M savings)		 Penn was having a tough year before a leg injury finished his 2018 campaign, and possibly his tenure with the Raiders as well. Noone's safe in Oakland.
Justin Britt SEA OC $7,916,666 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$5.83M ($2.08M savings)

3/18-6/1 Trade
$5.83M ($2.08M savings)

3/18-6/1 Release
$10.33M (-$2.4M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$2.91M ($5M savings), $2.91M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$7.41M ($500,000 savings), $2.91M 2020 dead cap		 Britt's been a week spot on a surprisingly decent Seahawks O-Line. Seattle needs to ramp up protection & weapons for Russell Wilson as his contract expiration nears, so an upgrade seems likely possible here, though messing with a QB's center is risky.
Ryan Schraeder ATL OT $7,750,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$3.8M ($3.95M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.3M ($6.45M savings), $2.5M 2020 dead cap		 Once one of the top-rated RTs in all of football, Schraeder's play has fallen off a cliff in 2018. If the Falcons start making sweeping changes to this team, he could be one.
Chris Hubbard CLE OT $7,300,000 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$3.2M ($4.1M savings)

3/16 - 6/1 Trade
$3.2M ($4.1M savings)

3/16-6/1 Release
$9.35M (-$2.05M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$800,000 ($6.5M savings), $2.4M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$6.95M ($350,000 savings), $2.4M 2020 dead cap		 While he just signed a 5 year, $36.5M contract last March, Hubbard's been one of the weaker links on the Browns O-Line this season. If Cleveland is serious about getting better quickly, upgrading Hubbard might be in the plans.
Marcus Gilbert  PIT OT $6,643,500 Trade/Release
$1.7285M ($4.915M savings)		 Gilbert can hold the fort down when healthy, but has struggled to stay on the field with any regularity. While the Steelers don't like to shake too much up generally, this $5M to be saved might be needed.
Spencer Long NYJ OC $6,500,000 Pre 2/6 Release
$0 ($6.5M savings)

Post 2/6 Trade/Release
$3M ($3.5M savings)		 Long has a $3M roster bonus due February 6th, so it'll likely be quick decision if the Jets decide to move on. With protection for Darnold of the utmost importance, they'll likely do so.
Mike Remmers MIN OG $6,350,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.8M ($4.55M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$600,000 ($5.75M savings), $1.2M 2020 dead cap		 Remmers had a career-worst year for the disappointing Vikings. With a cap charge that jumps up $2M next year, he'll be on the bubble entering 2019.
Garry Gilliam SF OT $5,050,000 Trade/Release
$0 ($5.05M savings)		 The Niners don't need to make any "financial" moves, but Gilliam's been reduced to a depth role, so $5M+ seems too rich for any team.
Ted Larsen MIA OG $2,291,668 Trade/Release
$416,668 ($1.875M savings)		 Larsen was rated the worst guard in football according to PFF, which doesn't bode well for his $500,000 increase in cap for 2019.
 
Defensive Linemen
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Malik Jackson JAX DT $15,000,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$4M ($11M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$2M ($13M savings), $2M 2020 dead cap		 Jackson's just one example of a complete drop-off in production for a Jaguars' defensive player in 2018. It's likely either he or Dareus are moved this offseason.
Timmy Jernigan PHI DT $13,000,0000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$6M ($7M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$2M ($11savings), $4M 2020 dead cap		 Jernigan suffered a back injury that pressed the Eagles to restructure his deal, protecting them from future salary guarantees. It's likely they rework this deal again to make things a little more cap friendly.
Gerald McCoy TB DT $13,000,000 Trade/Release
$0 ($13M savings)		 The perennial top-tier defensive lineman had a bit of a setback year in 2018, rating out 27th among his fellow interior D-Men. While a $13M cap figure isn't overly excessive, it may be too rich for a team looking to add many pieces this offseason.
Star Lotulelei BUF DT $11,500,000

Pre 3/17 Release
$12.4M (-$900,000 savings)

Pre 3/17 Trade
$10.4M ($1.1M savings)

3/18 - 6/1 Release
$18.55M (-$7.05M savings)

3/18 - 6/1 Trade
$11.4M ($100,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Release
$10.75M ($750,000 savings), $7.8M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Trade
$3.6M ($7.9M savings), $7.8M 2020 dead cap

 His 5 year $50M signing looks like one of the worst free agent deals in all of 2018, and with ample cap space in 2019, the Bills should cut their losses and get out now. They'll owe him $2M cash by releasing him in early March and lose $900,000 in cap space by doing so as well. This is a very unlikely move.
Mike Daniels  GB DE $10,900,000 Trade/Release
$2.4M ($8.5M savings)		 Daniels had a decent 2018 before his injury shelved him, but a cap raise to nearly $11M in 2019, plus new coaching staff forthcoming could put him on the bubble.
Michael Brockers LAR DL $10,750,000 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$750,000 ($10M savings)

Post 3/16 Trade/Release
$2.97M ($7.77M savings)		 Brockers simply isn't being asked to do as much on a ridiculously talented DL, forcing his value down, and making a near $11M cap figure in 2019 tough to swallow. He has a $2M roster bonus due 3/15, so the Rams will do this quickly. A restructured extension is also possible here.
Marcell Dareus JAX DT $10,585,000 Trade/Release
$0 ($10.585M savings)		 Dareus has battled injuries (again) in 2018, but has otherwise been OK for the Jags. He's never going to be a big stat-guy, but a $10M cap charge for a guy who can stuff the run seems...OK.
Dontari Poe CAR DT $9,333,333 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$6.66M ($2.67M savings)

3/16-6/1 Trade
$6.66 ($2.67M savings)

3-16 - 6/1 Release
$9.1M ($200,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$3.33M ($6M savings), $3.33M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$5.83M ($3.5M savigns), $3.33M 2020 dead cap		 Poe's been a disappointment in terms of production, though it's clear he's been a strong veteran presence for a younger Panthers' defense. That shouldn't be enough reason to keep him around once his cap figure jumps $4M.
Vinny Curry TB DE $8,000,000 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$0 ($8M savings)		 Curry was a shell of himself in 2018 in comparison to his time in Philly prior. $5M of his 2019 salary guarantees on March 17th, so a decision on him will be quick.
Beau Allen TB DT $5,000,000

Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$0 ($5M savings)

Post 3/18 Trade
$1.5M ($3.5M savings)


Post 3/18 Relesae
$2.25M ($2.75M savings)

 Allen's battled a foot injury all season, but has seen limited snapcounts even when he's made it to the field. While a $5M hit isn't crazy for a run-stuffer, there are likely better, cheaper, options for Tampa Bay.
Earl Mitchell SF DT $4,356,250 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.5M ($2.85M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$750,000 ($3.6M savings), $750,000 2020 dead cap		 Mitchell's deal carries an option for the 2019-20 seasons that the Niners will likely decide against. After taking a few big swings financially last offseason, expect SF to be a little more refined with their team building in 2019.
Akeem Spence MIA DT $2,500,000 Trade/Release
$0 ($2.5M savings)		 While the cap figure isn't daunting, Spence was graded one of the worst interior linemen in all of football according to PFF. The Dolphins will be looking to get younger & cheaper everywhere.
 
Edge Defenders
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Justin Houston  KC OLB $21,100,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$7.1M ($14M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$5.6M ($15.5M savings), $1.5M 2020 dead cap		 Houston's still a Top 25 edge defender in the league. But at $21.1M, and with fellow OLB Dee Ford in need of a pay raise, this might be a move Kansas City feels they need to make this spring.
 Robert Quinn MIA OLB $12,932,332 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$0 ($12.9M savings)

Post 3/15 Trade/Release
$1.1M ($11.8M savings)		 Quinn was brought in to complement Cameron Wake, but was rated an "average" EDGE defender in 2018. With plenty to be saved per his release, and a big shakeup coming, this seems likely.
Vic Beasley ATL DE $12,810,000

Pre 3/13 Release

$0 ($12.81M savings)

Post 3/13 Trade
$0 ($12.81M savings)

Post 3/13 Release
$12.81M ($0 savings)

 The Falcons were hoping that an increase in snaps would bring back the 2016 version of Vic Beasley. But it's more of the same from 2017 unfortunately. It's hard to imagine Atlanta keeping him on the $12.81M 5th-year option now.
Everson Griffen MIN DE $11,900,000 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$1.2M ($10.7M savings)

3/16 - 6/1 Trade
$1.2M ($10.7M savings)

3/16 - 6/1 Release
$12.1M ($-200,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$400,000 ($11.5M savings), $800,000 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$11.3M ($600,000 savings), $800,000 2020 dead cap		 Griffen battled some persona, off-the-field demons in 2018 that could keep the Vikings away from his near $12M cap figure in 2019. It's possible the 30-year-old has some trade value as well.
Derek Wolfe DEN DE $10,925,000 Trade/Release
$2,375,000 ($8.55M savings)		 Wolfe can still get it done, & might be more inline for an extension than a ticket out. But if the Broncos break it down and vow to go younger, and cheaper through the draft, his near $11M cap figure just might be a bad fit.
Tyrone Crawford DAL DE $10,100,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$4.2M ($5.9M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$3.1M ($7M savings), $1.1M 2020 dead cap		 Crawford's still a viable asset to the Cowboys D, and could become a trade piece if Dallas needs to move on here. With new deals for Prescott, Lawrence, and Amari Cooper forthcoming, Crawford just may become a financial casualty.
Andre Branch MIA DE $9,000,000 Trade/Release
$2M ($7M savings)		 Life without Ndamukong Suh hasn't been great, as Branch has compiled just one sack, and 17 tackles in 288 snaps.
Chris Long PHI DE $5,600,000 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release/Retirement
$300,000 ($5.3M savings)		 Long had a 5-year-high 6.5 sacks in 2018, and a solid year productively across the board. If he doesn't retire, the Eagles will likely restructure this deal to free up some 2019 cap.
Connor Barwin NYG OLB $1,865,000 Trade/Release
$365,000 ($1.5M savings)		 Barwin was one of the worst graded EDGE defenders in 2018 according to PFF, and while $1.5M to be saved isn't a splash, it's still money to be used elsewhere.
 
Linebackers
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Jamie Collins CLE OLB $11,750,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$2.5M ($9.25 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.25M ($10.5M savings), $1.25M 2020 dead cap		 Collins has proved a strong veteran presence for a young Browns team, but with Cleveland on the verge of contending, may not carry enough production to warrant a near $12M cap figure. The $9M+ saved will be useful.
Alec Ogletree NYG ILB $11,750,000 Pre-3/15 Trade/Release:
$5.25M ($6.5M savings)

3/15 - 6/1 Trade/Release
$11.25M ($500,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$7.75M ($4M savings), $3.5M 2020 dead cap		 Ogletree was traded to the Giants as a cap-casualty this past offseason, & might be short-lived in New York as well. He's one of the lowest rated LBers in all of football this year.
Dont'a Hightower NE OLB $10,375,000 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$5M ($5.375M savings)

3/17 - 6/1 Trade
$5M ($5.375M savings)

3/17 - 6/1 Release
$7M ($3.375M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade
$2.5M ($7.875M savings), $2.5M 2020 dead cap

Post 6/1 Release
$4.5M ($5.875M savings), $2.5M 2020 dead cap		 Hightower's production (and health) have both taking a hit since he signed his year extension in March of 2017, and his $10M+ cap figure will likely become a liability with a Pats team that needs to clean up financially a bit in 2019.
Sean Lee DAL OLB $10,075,000 Trade/Release
$3.075M ($7M savings)		 Lee's been the captain of the Cowboys' defense for 8 years now, but age + injuries + a $10M+ cap figure likely = the end of the road.
Mark Barron LAR ILB $8,916,666 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$2M ($6.9M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1M ($7.9M savings), $1M 2020 dead cap		 Barron's been a jack of all trades for the Rams over the past 5 seasons, and may be deemed too important to move on from. It's possible a restructure can work things out, but the Rams will need to find cap $ somewhere this winter.
Zach Brown WAS ILB $8,750,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$3M ($5.75M savings)		 Brown's been as solid as ever, but the Redskins appear poised to move away from much of their core next offseason. Brown's near $6M to be saved would be helpful in a rebuild.
Malcolm Smith SF ILB $5,418,750 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$4.2M ($1.21M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.4M ($4M savings), $2.8M 2020 dead cap		 The soon to be 30-year-old just hasn't panned out according to plan since joining the Niners 2 years ago. This is a position SF will be addressing via draft, so a Post 6/1 release makes sense.
Barkevious Mingo SEA OLB $4,400,000 Trade/Release
$1.1M ($3.3M savings)		 Mingo never seemed to find a footing in Seattle, and was used inconsistently through 2018. While he's young and relatively cheap enough to consider again next year, his savings might be useful elsewhere.
Lerentee McCray JAX OLB $2,875,000 Trade/Release
$625,000 ($2.25M savings)		 McCray's snaps have been limited, and one of Jacksonville's major offseason needs will be a stud EDGE defender.
Joe Thomas DAL ILB $2,237,500 Trade/Release
$300,000 ($1.9375M savings)		 Dallas must clear cap space in order to keep a few of its own, and extend a few others. There will be restructures, but also a few casualties as well. Thomas is inline to be one of them.
Reuben Foster WAS ILB $1,286,392 Trade/Release
$0 ($1.2M savings)		 Controversially picked up on waivers, if the Redskins decide to bail on this choice eventually, they'll take on no dead cap.
   
Defensive Backs
PlayerTeamPos.2019 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Jimmy Smith BAL CB $15,850,685 Trade/Release
$6.3M ($9.5M savings)		 Smith has been recovering from an achilles injury & getting up to speed after a 4-game suspension to start 2018, but has rounded into form somewhat since. Still, a near $16M cap figure isn't pretty.
A.J. Bouye JAX CB $15,500,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$6M ($9.5M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$2M ($13.5M savings), $4M 2020 dead cap		 Bouye's a solid defensive back, who's being asked & paid to be an elite one. With the dead cap reasonable, it's likely he's on the bubble heading into 2019.
Janoris Jenkins NYG CB $14,750,000 Early March Trade/Release
$7M ($7.75M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$4.5M ($10.25M savings), $3.5M 2020 dead cap		 Jenkins might be the next piece of the puzzle to fall for the struggling Giants, though he's improved some in latter stages of 2018. He's likely a trade candidate.
Josh Norman WAS CB $14,500,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$6M ($8.5M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$3M ($11.5M savings), $3M 2010 dead cap		 Norman had a solid takeaway numbers in 2018, with 3 INTs, 3 FFs, but also gave up 8 TDs, a 67% reception rate. His cap figure actually drops $2M in 2019, but it still may be too rich for WAS to handle.
Joe Haden PIT CB $11,916,668 Trade/Release
$1.9M ($10M savings)		 Haden's just not the player he was in his first NFL life, and while the Steelers managed his near $12M cap figure in 2018, it's not likely they'll do it again next year.
Rodney McLeod PHI SS $9,906,250 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$4.8125M ($5.09M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$2.4M ($7.5M savings), $2.4M 2020 dead cap		 McLeon suffered a season-ending knee injury in what was already a "prove-it" year for the veteran DB. A post 6/1 release is very possible here, if not likely.
Robert Alford ATL CB $9,100,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.2M ($7.9M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$600,000 ($8.5M savings), $600,000 2020 dead cap		 Alford's one of the worst-rated CBs in all of football according to PFF despite playing 90% of the Falcons' defensive snaps in 2018. Expect plenty of movement out of ATL.
Marcus Peters LAR CB $9,069,000 Pre 3/13 Release
$0 ($9.069M savings)		 The Rams took a shot withPeters being a low-cost financial value for two seasons, but he's been far from it. It's highly unlikely he's allowed to play out his $9M option year.
Kevin Johnson HOU CB $9,069,000 Pre 3/13 Release
$0 ($9.069M savings)		 Johnson has missed the entire season with concussion issues, so he'll need to pass a physical before Houston can move on. If he can't this $9M salary fully guarantees on 3/13. With Aaron Colvin's contract upside down from dead cap, Johnson is the likely casualty here.
Eric Weddle BAL FS $8,250,000 Trade/Release
$1.75M ($6.5M savings)		 Weddle had a pretty strong 2018, especially for a 33 year old, so if the Ravens move on, it would appear to be strictly business.
Glover Quin DET S $7,916,668 Trade/Release
$1,666,668 ($6.25M savings)		 Quin will be 33 years old next year, and Matt Patricia can't be pleased with the defensive performance from the Lions in 2018. Quin might be one of a few Lions defenders on the block next March.
Brandon Carr BAL CB $7,000,000 Pre 3/17 Trade/Release
$2M ($5M savings)		 Carr has been on the bubble for the better part of two years now, and actually had an above average 2018. But the Ravens might be opting to go younger in a few areas. He has a $1.5M roster bonus due March 17th.
John Cyprien TEN S $6,750,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.5M ($5.25M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$750,000 ($6M savings), $750,000 2020 dead cap		 Cyprien was excellent against the run in 2017, but an injury in 2018, plus a cap figure that nears $7M in 2019 will put his spot in question.
Darian Stewart DEN S $6,400,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$2.8M ($3.6M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.4M ($5M savings), $1.4M 2020 dead cap		 The Broncos might be in for a sizeable rebuild on the defensive side of the ball over the next two offseasons, including potentially parting ways with CB1 Chris Harris Jr. Stewart might be in the group to go this coming offseason.
Tramon Williams GB CB $6,375,000 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$1.625M ($4.75M savings)

Post 3/15 Trade/Release
$2.625M ($3.75M savings)		 Williams was a low risk signing at a $3.6M cap figure for 2018, but that number doubles in 2019, and it won't be worthy of his production.
Nevin Lawson DET CB $5,275,000 Pre 3/15 Trade/Release
$1.125M ($4.15M savings)

Post 3/15 Trade/Release
$2.375M ($2.9M savings)		 Lawson's 2018 production is right inline with his 2017 results, so Detroit apparently got what they paid for, but that won't merit a a cap increase of $1.5M in 2019.
Captain Munnerlyn CAR CB $5,000,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$3M ($2M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.5M ($3.5M savings), $1.5M 2020 dead cap		 Munnerlyn's production/rating has dipped gradually over the past 4 seasons, culminating with a career-worst in 2018. While a $5M cap figure isn't crazy, it's too much for a depth DB at this stage.
Daniel Sorensen KC S $4,750,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$2M ($2.75M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$1M ($3.75M savings), $1M 2020 dead cap		 Sorenson's played limited snaps in 2018, but the Chiefs need to get better pretty much everywhere on the defensive side of the ball. Clearing nearly $3M of cap here would be helpful.
Artie Burns PIT CB $3,051,678 Trade/Release
$1.3M ($1.75M savings)		 Burns only saw 30% of the Steelers defensive snaps in 2018, and has seemingly fallen out of favor. The 2016 first round pick might have a make it or break it camp coming up.
 
Special Teams
PlayerTeamPos.2018 CapDead Cap DetailsThoughts
Mason Crosby  GB K $4,850,000 Trade/Release
$1.25M ($3.6M savings)		 Crosby's had a shaky season, and with big changes coming in GB, it makes sense that this would be one of them.
Chris Boswell PIT K $4,200,000 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$4.8M (-$600,000 savings)

Post 6/1 Release
$1.2M ($3M savings), $3.6M 2020 dead cap		 The Steelers might be stuck with Boswell, who's been one of the worst kickers in all of football, because of the structure of his dead cap. He has a $2M roster bonus due in early March that also complicates things here.
Matt Bryant ATL K $4,166,666 Pre 6/1 Trade/Release
$1.3M ($2.8M savings)

Post 6/1 Trade/Release
$666,666 ($3.5M savings), $666,668 2020 dead cap		 There's no denying Bryant can still do his job well, even at 43 years old, but injuries have affected his ability to stay active in 2018, and the Falcons me look to get cheaper, and a bit more stable here going forward.
Cody Parkey CHI K $4,062,500 Pre 6/1 Release
$5.1875M (-$1.125M savings)

Post 6/1 Release
$4,062,500 ($0 savings), $1.125M 2020 dead cap		 It's a right of passage to put him here after all that played out, but it's a really bad move financially, for a team that's very close to the top & won't have cap dollars to burn. A post 6/1 move is the only feasible option here.

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