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With the official NFL negotiating window just 20 days away, teams are intensively examining ways to maximize their salary cap space. One straightforward approach to increasing financial flexibility is cutting players who have underperformed, especially those with hefty contracts. This practice not only creates additional funds for spending but also alleviates potential financial burdens down the line.

In the past week, we have seen notable players released, including RB Raheem Mostert, CB Kendall Fuller, and EDGE Preston Smith, among others. As the landscape continues to shift, many more cuts are expected shortly. Below, you'll find a list of 15 players who are strong candidates for release. 🏈

DL Sheldon Rankins, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are intent on retaining star receiver Tee Higgins and enhancing their defense, making it prudent to jettison some underperforming assets. Rankins, who only logged 287 total snaps last season, managed just four pressures and a disappointing 46.2 PFF run-defense grade. With Cincinnati poised to potentially better its interior defensive line through the draft, parting ways with Rankins would free up $9.6 million. This move seems almost necessary. 💰

EDGE Von Miller, Buffalo Bills

Miller demonstrated his effectiveness last season when he was on the field, recording an impressive 84.5 PFF pass-rushing grade and an 18.4% pass-rush win rate. However, he has struggled with injuries, playing under 500 snaps in three consecutive seasons. Currently, the Bills are $16 million under the cap and will need to make strategic moves to bolster their struggling defense. With Miller at 36 years old and carrying a $23 million cap hit, cutting him could yield around $8.4 million in savings while allowing the team to get younger at edge rusher. This could be a pragmatic choice. ⚡

DL Larry Ogunjobi, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers fielded one of the league's top defensive lines last season, but Ogunjobi's performance fell short of expectations. Across 550 snaps, he recorded a mere 48.3 overall PFF grade and a lackluster run-defense score of 41.6. When the Steelers re-signed Ogunjobi to a three-year, $28.75 million contract, they anticipated a more substantial impact. Releasing him could save $7 million and provide an opportunity for an upgrade beside Cameron Heyward, likely through this year's abundant draft class. 🔄

DL Grady Jarrett, Atlanta Falcons

Jarrett has long been a key player on Atlanta's defense, but his production has noticeably declined. Last year, he achieved a career-low 60.6 PFF pass-rushing grade, alongside a below-average run-defense score of 61.5. As the Falcons focus on improving their defense, cutting the soon-to-be 32-year-old could free up $16.25 million, allowing for a transition to fresher options in the defensive line. 🦅

EDGE Sam Hubbard, Cincinnati Bengals

Another defensive player for the Bengals who underperformed last season, Hubbard's struggles were apparent as evidenced by his 6.3% pass-rush win rate, marking his lowest since 2020. Assuming the Bengals successfully negotiate a deal with sack leader Trey Hendrickson, they will certainly seek to pair him with a more effective runner. Cut Hubbard, and the Bengals would save $9.5 million, providing necessary funds for other roster improvements. 📉

EDGE Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints

The Saints are once again grappling with a challenging cap situation. Restructuring Derek Carr’s contract could provide significant relief, but with a $54 million deficit, the team needs to be strategic. Jordan's 2024 season was lackluster, including a career-low 54.3 PFF pass-rushing grade. If Jordan is released after June 1, the Saints could save $11 million, a needed boon to their financial standing. ⌛

WR Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jaguars' new general manager steps into a challenging financial landscape, Kirk's contract is among the most burdensome. After an injury-plagued 2024 where he posted a mere 68.2 PFF receiving grade, releasing Kirk could save the team $10.4 million. While the option to trade him exists, if no trading partners emerge, parting ways with this high cap hit could become a necessity. 💔

EDGE Denico Autry, Houston Texans

Autry was part of a Texans edge-rushing group that performed reasonably well, finishing third in overall PFF grade. However, among the primary four defenders, his 65.2 PFF pass-rushing grade was the lowest. Given his underwhelming performance, coupled with a cap hit over $10 million, transitioning away from Autry could yield labor savings of around $5.8 million, which could help the Texans navigate their cap challenges more effectively. 💵

WR Allen Lazard, New York Jets

With Aaron Rodgers' era in New York concluding, Lazard may face an uncertain future. Over two seasons, Lazard posted a modest 63.9 PFF receiving grade with just 1.21 yards per route run. As the Jets' new general manager looks to reshape the roster, releasing Lazard would free up $6.6 million, a financial boost that could prove beneficial. 🌪️

TE Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks

Fant's role diminished considerably last season as the Seahawks shifted their offense reliance towards rookie A.J. Barner. Although he recorded a solid 70.2 PFF receiving grade, his 34.5 pass-blocking grade ranked among the lowest for qualifying tight ends. Moving on from Fant ahead of free agency could free up $8.9 million, especially if the team aims to explore other tight-end options in the draft. 📊

DL Raekwon Davis, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts find themselves in a curious situation with their defensive line, with much-needed upgrades looming ahead. Davis had a difficult year, garnering only four pressures and a disappointing 38.5 PFF run-defense grade. A cut before June 1 could see the Colts saving around $6.5 million, paving the way for enhancements through the talented upcoming draft. 🚀

EDGE D.J. Wonnum, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are deeply in need of pass-rushing support after last year’s performance ranked last in the league. Wonnum’s first season in Carolina didn’t yield substantial results, posting only 26 pressures and a 56.4 PFF grade. If the team manages to acquire more substantial talent, Wonnum could be facing a role reduction. Releasing him would save approximately $6.2 million, marking a practical choice to address their needs. 📉

OG Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns

With the Browns possessing the No. 2 overall draft pick, their offseason strategies are complicated by a significant cap situation. Teller's overall PFF grade had dipped to only 62.6 last year, signaling a need for transition. Cutting him after June 1 could serve as a strategic financial maneuver, especially considering the team's pressing need for offensive line upgrades. ⚙️

ILB Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers

As the Steelers look to finalize their inside linebacker options, Holcomb appears susceptible to release. After sitting out the entirety of 2024 due to injury, his previous performance offered little value for his $7.6 million cap hit. Letting him go would provide $6 million in savings, potentially allowing for reinforcements in a vital position. 🛡️

TE Gerald Everett, Chicago Bears

The Bears have other viable tight end options including Cole Kmet, and after joining Chicago on a two-year, $12 million deal, Everett hasn’t produced enough to justify his salary. After a lackluster 41.5 PFF grade, cutting Everett would save $5.5 million and allow the team to pursue better fits at the position. 🏴‍☠️