The NFL is heading into a period where teams must make hard choices about keeping or cutting veteran players. It’s like a massive roster shuffle, driven by the league’s salary cap.
Take the New York Jets’ situation with Davante Adams. He’s still a good player, catching passes and scoring touchdowns. But keeping him costs the Jets $30 million next year in cap space. That’s money they could use to strengthen other positions on the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs face a similar choice with Travis Kelce. He’s been their star tight end for years, but his efficiency has plummeted. He had fewer than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons and just eight touchdowns combined in 2023 and 2024. The Chiefs could save $17.3 million by letting him go – money that could help them address other team needs.
Some teams are really feeling the money squeeze. The New Orleans Saints are $54.1 million over their salary cap. Their quarterback, Derek Carr, will cost them $51.5 million next year – the fourth-highest cap hit at his position. The Saints will need to make significant roster adjustments to get under the cap.
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In Seattle, Tyler Lockett’s story shows how things change in the NFL. Since 2023, he’s averaged just 747 yards and four touchdowns per season. The Seahawks are paying him $30.9 million next year – a high cap figure for that level of production.
Young stars are shaping these decisions too. The Cincinnati Bengals need to decide about Tee Higgins, who scored a career-high 10 touchdowns last year despite missing five games. Teams like the Broncos and Commanders are looking to add receivers of his caliber.
Some teams have plenty of cap space – the Washington Commanders have $75 million available. Others, like the Cleveland Browns, are $31 million over the cap. This difference means we’ll see lots of player movement as teams adjust their rosters.
The Philadelphia Eagles show how teams are thinking differently now. They have two veteran cornerbacks in James Bradberry IV and Darius Slay Jr., but rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean played well in 2024, making the veterans potential cap casualties.
These decisions will reshape how teams look next season. Good players will change teams, and some fan favorites might be wearing different uniforms. It’s all part of the NFL’s constant balance between winning games and managing the salary cap.
