The 2021 NFL offseason promises lots of big-name movement, thanks to an unprecedented quarterback trade market and a top-heavy free agent class featuring young stars like Dak Prescott and Chris Godwin. But the pool of available veterans could — and likely will — grow exponentially as teams trim bloated salaries and look to stay under a pandemic-affected cap.
Which big names could be victims of money-saving cuts? Here are 25 of the most notable potential cap casualties:
Note: All salary cap figures are courtesy of Over The Cap.
2021 savings: $23.6 million
The 49ers are OK riding with Garoppolo as their starter in 2021, but they’re not overjoyed about it. In the event they actually land an upgrade, whether via trade or the draft, there’s a decent chance they could get a draft pick for the former Super Bowl starter (hello, Patriots), but it’s not out of the question they’d outright cut Jimmy G to clear almost $24 million.
2021 savings: $2.9 million
Like the 49ers, the Panthers wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to entering 2021 with their incumbent under center, but Carolina has been busy hunting for an upgrade. The savings of a Bridgewater cut would not be substantial, but he’s also due more than $20 million in 2022, which could be grounds for a release — something he might also request in the event they crown a new starter.
2021 savings: $14.7 million
He was a great story in 2020, as evidenced by the Comeback Player of the Year honors. But he was not a great quarterback, and Washington seems to be well aware of that while exploring veteran replacements. Saving almost $15 million to let him find one last mentor-type gig elsewhere seems like a no-brainer, unless a major restructure is in order.
2021 savings: $6.4 million
To think, just one offseason ago, he was the centerpiece of Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins blockbuster. Johnson has enough tread on his…
Read More: 2021 NFL free agency: 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo among 25 potential big-name cap