As the NFL offseason approaches, franchises are meticulously assessing their salary cap situations, poised to make strategic decisions that could redefine their rosters. The Atlanta Falcons, for instance, are navigating a complex financial landscape with $10 million guaranteed and an additional $30 million set to become guaranteed in mid-March. The Baltimore Ravens, on the other hand, could potentially save $11 million on this year's cap by cutting wide receiver Tyler Lockett before his roster bonus becomes payable, as his current cap number stands at $16.9 million.
Turning to individual players, notable contracts are influencing team strategies. Maxx Crosby's deal, with two years remaining at an average annual value of approximately $21.5 million, lacks any guaranteed money. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce is slated to earn $17 million this season, reflecting his continued value to the Kansas City Chiefs. T.J. Watt's contract extension, signed before the 2021 season and making him the highest-paid defensive player at the time with an annual salary of around $28 million, still has one year remaining.
The Cleveland Browns are strategically constrained, as they cannot trade Myles Garrett until after June 1 if they wish to distribute the cap charge over two years. Micah Parsons is preparing for his fifth-year option season with a salary and cap number of $24.007 million slated for 2025. The Minnesota Vikings made a significant investment in last year's draft by selecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers 10th overall.
The financial implications for teams like the New York Jets are severe. They face a staggering $63 million in dead money if they retain Rodgers this season and decide to cut him next offseason. Similarly, Miami Dolphins find themselves $11.6 million over the cap, necessitating substantial cuts to comply with the 2025 salary cap requirements. The Denver Broncos, having carried $89 million in dead money this past season, are under scrutiny as they evaluate their future financial commitments.
For Chris Godwin, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a challenging scenario with his 2024 cap number sitting at $27.534 million. Should they opt for a franchise tag in 2025, it would cost them a hefty $39,648,960. In San Francisco, trading Deebo Samuel would result in a $31.55 million dead money cap charge for 2025—a significant financial consideration for any potential deal.
Von Miller's contract situation with three years remaining but without guaranteed money underscores the delicate balance teams must strike between financial flexibility and retaining key talent.
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