As the initial frenzy of NFL free agency subsides, a new strategic phase is unfolding: internal contract restructures. While significant funds remain available across the league and a substantial pool of top-tier free agents are still unsigned, teams are shifting their focus to managing their existing rosters and financial obligations. This marks the third distinct wave of the offseason cycle, following the legal tampering period where top talent was quickly snapped up, and the start of the new league year, which saw teams shed “cap casualties” to become compliant.
Now, the attention turns to a delicate negotiation between clubs and their own players. Teams are looking to adjust contracts for players they don’t wish to pay at their current rate for the upcoming season, while simultaneously preventing those players from exploring the open market where cap space is rapidly diminishing. This dynamic grants teams considerable leverage. If a player refuses a restructure, they risk being released later, when other teams have even less financial flexibility. This strategy has been observed previously, such as with Jaire Alexander in 2025.
Beyond these restructures, teams must also allocate approximately $7 million to cover the transition from the offseason 51-man roster to the in-season 53-man roster, along with provisions for the injured reserve, a 17-man practice squad, rookie draft class signings, and essential financial flexibility.
Potential Cap Casualties: A Watchlist
While a dedicated tracker monitors released players who have seen significant action, this analysis delves into individuals who could become available as team circumstances evolve. Over The Cap’s January projection of the 100 most likely cap casualties has seen nearly half of those situations resolved through trades, releases, restructures, or retirements. While not every player on this list is guaranteed to be released, they represent a valuable watchlist for potential future availability.
Position-by-Position Breakdown of Potential Cap Casualties:
Quarterbacks
- Andy Dalton, Panthers
- Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals
- Jameis Winston, Giants
- Jarrett Stidham, Broncos
- Justin Fields, Jets
The Arizona Cardinals may find themselves relying on Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback in 2026, even after signing Gardner Minshew. Brissett’s availability might hinge on the Cardinals drafting a quarterback early, but a trade before then seems unlikely.
Justin Fields presents an interesting case. He is due $10 million in guaranteed money from the New York Jets in 2026. Given that he’s unlikely to secure a similar contract on the open market, Fields is incentivized to have the Jets pay out that guaranteed amount. Any salary he earns with a new team would offset the Jets’ obligation, rather than increase his personal earnings for 2026, unless he surpasses $10 million this year, which is improbable. The Jets currently appear content to carry Fields’ contract, hoping for a restructure or a trade, though paying him $20 million ($10 million guaranteed) as a backup this season seems highly improbable.
Running Backs
- Alvin Kamara, Saints
- D’Andre Swift, Bears
- Tony Pollard, Titans
The New Orleans Saints’ significant free agency signing of Travis Etienne suggests a potential move away from Alvin Kamara. The Saints, known for their financial maneuvering, have reportedly utilized a loophole in the collective bargaining agreement to reduce Kamara’s cap hit without guaranteeing additional funds, a move that likely serves as a short-term measure to retain him at a reduced rate for a potential future trade. This mechanism, requiring prior void years on a contract, may see increased use in the future.
Receivers
- Davante Adams, Rams
- Demarcus Robinson, 49ers
A release for Davante Adams appears highly unlikely.
Tight Ends
- Charlie Woerner, Falcons
- Colby Parkinson, Rams
- Cole Kmet, Bears
- Dalton Schultz, Texans
- Evan Engram, Broncos
- Hunter Henry, Patriots
- Tommy Tremble, Panthers
Dalton Schultz is in a peculiar situation. Despite agreeing to a contract restructure with the Houston Texans, the NFL has reportedly declined the deal without public explanation. While a return to the Texans is probable, his contract remains officially unchanged until a new, league-approved agreement is submitted.
Offensive Linemen
- Jake Brendel, 49ers
- Jaylon Moore, Chiefs
- Nick Allegretti, Commanders
- Patrick Mekari, Jaguars
Interior Defensive Linemen
- Arik Armstead, Jaguars
- Broderick Washington, Ravens
- Daron Payne, Commanders
- Davon Godchaux, Saints
- Davon Hamilton, Jaguars
- DeForest Buckner, Colts
- Grover Stewart, Colts
- Harrison Phillips, Jets
- Maliek Collins, Browns
- Roy Robertson-Harris, Giants
- Tedarrell Slaton, Bengals
Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner are considered unlikely to be made available, despite the Jacksonville Jaguars’ challenging salary cap situation. Both players fit the 3-4 defensive end role envisioned by new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, a position likely to be filled by Devonte Wyatt and Javon Hargrave. The Packers, meanwhile, are more likely to be in the market for a 3-4 nose tackle than a player suited for a 3-4 end or nickel package role.
Edge Defenders
- Anthony Nelson, Buccaneers
- Baron Browning, Cardinals
- Dorance Armstrong Jr., Commanders
- Frankie Luvu, Commanders
- Jonathan Greenard, Vikings
- Patrick Jones II, Panthers
- Uchenna Nwosu, Seahawks
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly actively shopping Jonathan Greenard, though no trade has materialized yet.
Off-Ball Linebackers
- Blake Cashman, Vikings
- Christian Elliss, Patriots
- Malik Harrison, Steelers
- Patrick Queen, Steelers
- Zaven Collins, Cardinals
Sources indicate that Patrick Queen was being shopped by the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to free agency. The Packers are unlikely to add further to their linebacker corps unless they receive a compelling trade offer for Isaiah McDuffie, as they aim to retain no more than five off-ball linebackers, with the fifth often being a special teams-only contributor.
Cornerbacks
- Donte Jackson, Chargers
- Isaiah Rodgers, Vikings
- Kenny Moore, Colts
- Kristian Fulton, Chiefs
- Marlon Humphrey, Ravens
Marlon Humphrey is a significant name to watch, with a $19.25 million cash payment due this year. A $4 million bonus is scheduled for the fifth day of the new league year, March 15th, meaning a resolution is imminent. His retention in Baltimore is anticipated.
Safeties
- Brandon Jones, Broncos
- Grant Delpit, Browns
- Jeremy Chinn, Raiders
- Jessie Bates III, Falcons
- Will Harris, Commanders
Kickers
- Jason Myers, Seahawks
