Who Is Darron Lee? Former NFL Linebacker Charged With Murder of Girlfriend in Tennessee Who Is Darron Lee? Former NFL Linebacker Charged With Murder of Girlfriend in Tennessee
Who Is Mack Hollins? NFL Star’s Prisoner Outfit for Super Bowl Who Is Mack Hollins? NFL Star’s Prisoner Outfit for Super Bowl
NFL Free Agency 2026: 20 Star Players Who Could Be Released
NFL Free Agency 2026: 20 Star Players Who Could Be Released

As the NFL calendar flips toward March 11 and the start of the new league year, front offices are facing hard truths. Every team must be under the salary cap before free agency begins. That means difficult conversations, surprise cuts, and big names hitting the open market.

This year could be especially dramatic. Several former Pro Bowlers and high-priced veterans may be released in the coming weeks as teams chase cap flexibility, younger rosters, or full-scale rebuilds.

NFL Salary Cap 2026: 20 Big-Name Players Facing Potential Release

Quarterbacks

1. Kirk Cousins – Atlanta Falcons

Cousins’ January contract restructure signaled the end of his time in Atlanta. His 2027 base salary balloons to nearly $68 million if he remains on the roster past the start of the league year.

The Falcons can avoid further damage by moving on now. Despite his age, Cousins could still attract interest as a bridge starter or high-level backup.

2. Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins

This would be one of the most expensive separations in NFL history. Cutting Tagovailoa could trigger nearly $100 million in dead cap.

Still, Miami may consider a reset if it believes a long-term transition is unavoidable. A trade would be ideal, but financially complicated.

3. Justin Fields – New York Jets

The Jets’ two-year gamble on Fields has not paid off. Even with limited cap savings attached to a release, the move would signal a clean break and allow the organization to start fresh at quarterback.

Running Backs

4. James Conner – Arizona Cardinals

Conner turns 31 soon and is coming off a season-ending ankle injury. Arizona appears to be trending younger. A nearly $10 million cap hit for an aging back may not fit that plan.

5. Aaron Jones – Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota is deep in cap trouble. Jones carries a hefty cap hit after posting a career-low 4.2 yards per carry. At 32 next season, he may be part of the financial trimming required.

6. Joe Mixon – Houston Texans

Mixon missed the 2025 season with a foot injury. Houston’s rushing attack ranked near the bottom of the league, and freeing up $8 million could help them pursue a younger, more explosive option.

Wide Receivers

7. Michael Pittman Jr. – Indianapolis Colts

Pittman is set to carry one of the highest cap hits among receivers, despite a modest 784-yard season. Indianapolis must decide whether to restructure or save significant cap space by moving on.

8. Calvin Ridley – Tennessee Titans

Tennessee has plenty of cap space, but Ridley hasn’t delivered consistent production under his four-year deal. A pay cut or release could be on the table as the Titans reshape their offense.

Tight End

9. Jonnu Smith – Pittsburgh Steelers

Smith never became the reliable weapon Pittsburgh expected. With nearly $11 million tied to his cap number, the Steelers could create savings and reset the tight end room.

Offensive Line

10. Elgton Jenkins – Green Bay Packers

A fractured fibula cut short Jenkins’ season. His cap hit exceeds $24 million. Green Bay may decide that financial flexibility outweighs positional continuity.

11. Mekhi Becton – Los Angeles Chargers

Scheme fit has been a concern. With nearly $10 million in potential savings, the Chargers could opt to move on from Becton after just one season.

12. Jawaan Taylor – Kansas City Chiefs

Taylor’s penalties and inconsistency have drawn attention since signing a major contract. Kansas City could free up $20 million by releasing him, a meaningful number for a team navigating tight cap margins.

Defensive Line

13. Rashan Gary – Green Bay Packers

Despite solid sack totals, Gary’s pressure rate has declined. His cap number is steep for a player who hasn’t consistently dominated in critical moments.

14. Bryce Huff – San Francisco 49ers

Huff hasn’t replicated his earlier double-digit sack form. With modest cap savings tied to a release, a pay cut might be more realistic.

15. Javon Hargrave – Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota’s cap crunch makes this decision simpler. Hargrave’s production has declined, and the Vikings need room to maneuver.

16. Uchenna Nwosu – Seattle Seahawks

Nwosu remains productive, but his cap hit approaches $20 million. Seattle must weigh financial math against pass-rush depth.

Linebacker

17. Tremaine Edmunds – Chicago Bears

Edmunds has been solid but not transformative. Chicago could free roughly $15 million and explore new defensive options.

Cornerbacks

18. Marshon Lattimore – Washington Commanders

With no guaranteed money remaining, Washington could erase his full cap hit. The defense needs retooling, and flexibility matters.

19. Marlon Humphrey – Baltimore Ravens

Humphrey’s cap number is among the highest at his position. Performance dips make that price difficult to justify, though dead cap implications complicate the decision.

20. L'Jarius Sneed – Tennessee Titans

Tennessee invested heavily in Sneed but has seen limited return. Clearing cap space may matter less than correcting a misstep and reallocating resources.

What This Means for NFL Free Agency

The NFL salary cap forces constant recalibration. Teams must balance loyalty with logic, production with price, and past performance with future value.

If even half of these players hit the market, the 2026 NFL free agency period could feature:

  • Veteran quarterbacks seeking second chances

  • Proven defenders available at reduced rates

  • Former Pro Bowlers looking to revive their careers

  • Teams aggressively reshaping rosters

Smart franchises will use this window not just to save money, but to build sustainable depth.

March always brings surprises. This year should be no different.