2015 NFL Free Agency: Cap Casualties To Watch For
By Erik Lambert
October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during player introductions before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi
The known players are up on the board for 2015 NFL free agency, so who are some possible late additions via the salary cap sweep?
Marques Colston – WR – New Orleans Saints
He has been a staple for the team throughout the glory years of their success. Marques Colston helped the New Orleans Saints recover from Hurricane Katrina and reach the NFC championship in 2006 and then was a favorite target for Drew Brees on their run to the Super Bowl three years later. However, at age 31 he hasn’t looked like the same player and with his healthy cap number and the Saints immersed in cap hell (-$23 million) it’s all but certain he won’t be back.
More from NFL Free Agency
- Ideal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backs
- AFC East Buzz: Ezekiel Elliot visits Patriots; Dalvin Cook-Jets rumors heat up
- NFL Free Agency: 5 most intriguing landing spots for Dalvin Cook
- AFC South Buzz: Titans nab DeAndre Hopkins; Engram gets paid
- 5 Teams That Should Sign Free Agent WR DeAndre Hopkins
Larry Fitzgerald – WR – Arizona Cardinals
The same situation faces Larry Fitzgerald. He is still an effective pass target but what made him the best in the business has passed him by. The Arizona Cardinals can’t shoulder his $23.6 million cap number in 2015 and need breathing space. This has led to inevitable rumors that they will part ways.
Jerod Mayo – LB – New England Patriots
He was a leader on the field and one of their most consistent producers but the New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl and they did it without Jerod Mayo. He has missed 24 games between the past two seasons … Combine that with a $10.6 million cap number and he’s right in the crosshairs of the Patriots ax.
Patrick Willis – LB – San Francisco 49ers
A mainstay on defense for a lot of years for the San Francisco 49ers. The 2014 season marked a turning point for Patrick Willis. It was the first of his pro career in which he failed to finish, playing just six games and never looking good when he was on the field. He is only 30-years old but the 49ers are in a cap crunch he releasing him would save them over $7 million. The timing just fits.
Tamba Hali – LB – Kansas City Chiefs
Justin Houston is without question the top priority in 2015 NFL free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs. The problem is they don’t have the money as of right now, which means they need to make hard decisions to get it. Tamba Hali has been one of their most reliable pass rushers for a long time but the $9 million he could save them at age 31 is all about business.
Troy Polamalu – S – Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s been a day they’ve tried to avoid for a long time but the Pittsburgh Steelers had to know this was coming. Troy Polamalu is a future Hall of Fame safety but his production has slipped and he will be 34-years old at the start of next season. The Steelers have to free up money in order to give Ben Roethlisberger an extension, among other things of course.
Jake Long – OT – St. Louis Rams
The former Pro Bowl left tackle hasn’t completed a full season since 2010. He missed 11 games this past year with a torn ACL and will turn 30-years old before next season begins. The St. Louis Rams have his replacement set with Greg Robinson at left tackle so unless Long can kick inside to guard — which is unlikely — the Rams are better off taking the $7.5 million in space and moving on.
Dannell Ellerbe – LB – Miami Dolphins
Linebacker has remained a source of problems for the Miami Dolphins defense, who ranked just 24th against the run. One of their bigger disappointments has been Dannell Ellerbe, who missed most of the past season with a hip injury. He still may have some value but not at the current $9.85 million cap figure he’s holding. Unless he’s willing to take a pay cut, they could look to start fresh at that position.