Sportsnaut
The 2026 NFL offseason is fast approaching, and currently almost half the league is projected to be over the forecasted salary cap for next season. While contract restructures will be part of the solution for each club, we will also see quite a few notable players cut this spring.
Let’s dive into our list of potential NFL cap casualties for 2026.
In November 2024, the Washington Commanders traded third- and sixth-round picks to the New Orleans Saints for Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore. It was an aggressive move by a front office that hoped Lattimore would upgrade the secondary and get the team over the top. While Washington reached the NFC Championship Game, it has been downhill since, and Lattimore has been a non-factor. He has played just 11 games for the Commanders, allowing a 95.6 QB rating in coverage with 11 penalties committed. Washington can create $16 million in cap savings by releasing him this offseason; that is a no-brainer.
Kenny Clark has been a productive player for the Dallas Cowboys this season, but there’s no way to justify his cap hit next season given his relatively moderate impact. Clark, heading into his age-31 campaign, has a $21.5 million cap hit for the 2026 NFL season and he’s more of an above-average defensive tackle at this point in his career. Plus, it’s not like his presence on the field prevented Dallas from having a bottom-five defense. The Cowboys can free up $21.5 million in cap relief by releasing Clark before June 1, an easy call for Jerry Jones.
Related: NFL Defense Rankings 2025
Unfortunately for James Conner, his time with the Arizona Cardinals is likely over. A 1,000-yard rusher in consecutive seasons from 2023–24, the 30-year-old running back underwent season-ending surgery on his foot back in September. Now on the wrong side of 30, Conner is a safe bet to become a cap casualty this offseason, as releasing him would free up $8 million in cap space. The Cardinals will likely find his replacement in the 2026 NFL Draft, as Trey Benson cannot stay healthy either.
Even had he not suffered a season-ending injury, Tyreek Hill would not be returning to the Miami Dolphins in 2026. The All-Pro wide receiver is weighing retirement, as he is turning 32 years old in March and faces a long recovery from a dislocated left knee and multiple torn ligaments, including an ACL. Miami will release him this offseason, freeing up $23.65 million in cap space.
Read More: Offseason NFL Trade Candidates 2026
A two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Green Bay Packers and one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the NFL, Elgton Jenkins didn’t perform particularly well after moving inside to center this season. He could still be an above-average starter at guard in 2026 when he returns from...
