Top 25 Potential Salary Cap Cuts in 2026 NFL Free Agency

The upcoming NFL Free Agency in 2026 is set to bring major changes for various teams. As organizations prepare to make critical roster decisions, several players with high salaries are expected to be cut to create salary cap space. With the new league year commencing on March 11, many teams are likely to reassess their rosters.

Top 25 Potential Salary Cap Cuts in 2026 NFL Free Agency

Here are 25 players projected to be released before the start of the free agency period, each aiming to alleviate salary cap constraints.

• Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins – Released, signaling Miami’s move to free up salary cap space.
• Bradley Chubb, EDGE, Miami Dolphins – Expected release could follow Hill’s departure.
• Danna, 28, EDGE – Limited production since signing a $24 million deal, only $2 million dead cap to cut.
• Stewart, 32, OL – Non-guaranteed $12 million salary with significant drop in performance rankings.
• Carter, 26, LB – Low contributions after trade. Due $10 million, unlikely to remain unless significant role is seen.
• Tomlinson, 32, DL – Expected to move on after a drop in his performance.
• Mixon, 29, RB – Non-guaranteed $8 million salary after missing 2025; Houston may seek other options.
• Conner, 30, RB – Due to limited games and injury history, his contract is in jeopardy.
• Decker, 32, OL – Considering retirement; a potential cut could allow for younger talent.
• Hockenson, 28, TE – High salary versus performance raises questions about his future in Minnesota.
• Lattimore, 29, CB – Expected to be part of a defensive overhaul due to high salary and low performance.
• Becton, 26, OL – Underperforming with a job at risk as the Chargers look to revise their line.
• Sneed, 29, CB – Injuries have limited his contributions, and his salary could trigger a release.
• Kmet, 26, TE – A drop in usage might make his $10 million salary too high for a backup role.
• Clark, 30, DL – With no guaranteed money, he could suddenly be cut to save on cap space.
• Smith, 35, QB – A veteran struggling with consistency, leading to speculation over his status.
• Queen, 26, LB – After a drop in PFF ranking, he might not warrant his $13 million salary.
• Huff, 27, EDGE – Under-performance casts doubt on his expensively structured deal.
• Ridley, 31, WR – Injury issues and poor production may lead to his release despite dead money considerations.
• Taylor, 28, OT – High penalties might result in his release as teams reconsider their line costs.
• Fields, 26, QB – His inconsistencies may place him at risk of being cut.
• Diggs, 32, WR – Underwhelming playoff performance could lead to savings on his hefty salary.
• Humphrey, 29, CB – Significant salary combined with declining performance makes him a candidate to be released.
• Pittman, 28, WR – Conditional on free agent maneuverings for the Colts, with a relatively low dead cap impact.
• Gary, 28, EDGE – Lack of production puts his future with Green Bay in doubt.
• Aiyuk, 27, WR – Injury concerns might force the 49ers to reevaluate his hefty contract.
• Cousins, 37, QB – His good play in 2025 could encourage cuts to make space for salary and draft picks.

Conclusion

As NFL teams prepare for free agency, these potential cuts may significantly shift the landscape of the league. The financial repercussions will be crucial for franchises looking to strengthen their rosters. Keeping a close eye on these developments will be essential for fans and analysts alike.