2016 NFL Free Agency: Top 5 Possible Salary Cap Casualties
By Erik Lambert
Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) gestures after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions won, 35-27. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The current slate of players available in 2016 NFL free agency is bound to change, not only due to extensions and franchise tags but also the likely potential of several notable names being cut due to bloated contract numbers. Who are some prominent names that could be salary cap casualties?
Drew Brees (QB, New Orleans Saints)
If it’s about production, there is no way the New Orleans Saints would be dumb enough to let Drew Brees walk. The problem is simple economics. Unless something happens, his contract will deliver a $30 million salary cap hit in 2016. That is a staggering amount of money and is the reason the Saints will be over $4 million in the red unless something is done. Brees will be 37-years old next year, so moving on would be understood given where the team is at present.
Calvin Johnson (WR, Detroit Lions)
It hasn’t been the best season he’s ever produced but Calvin Johnson continues to show why he will be in the Hall of Fame one day. The Detroit Lions have not lost faith in his abilities at all, but they have to know the money is becoming a problem. Johnson will have the highest cap number on the team next year at over $24 million. Talk has circulated about a pay cut but not much has come of it. Detroit will have $20 million in space this coming off-season. So they could make it work, if the next regime wants to.
DeSean Jackson (WR, Washington Redskins)
When he’s been able to stay on the field, DeSean Jackson has produced the big plays he’s become known for in his career. The issue is he’s approaching 30-years old, will cost $9.2 million against the cap in 2016 and continues to suffer recurring injury problems that keep out for frequent stretches during seasons. Never mind the personality traits that always tend to draw unwanted attention. With a coming need for cap relief and both their top receivers costing a lot, Jackson is likely the one who will get the axe.
Mario Williams (DE, Buffalo Bills)
It’s become apparent between the past two teams he’s played for that Mario Williams wasn’t meant to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He couldn’t do it with Wade Phillips in Houston and is proving he can’t with Rex Ryan in Buffalo. Williams is a classic 4-3 defensive end, and his $19.9 million salary cap hit is not something they’re likely to shoulder if he doesn’t fit what the head coach wants to do. That’s the classic scenario for a release.
Jerod Mayo (ILB, New England Patriots)
Things have changed at inside linebacker for the New England Patriots. Jerod Mayo, at one time one of their most dependable players, injuries have really ended his time as a starter. Given the $11+ million salary cap hit he’ll bring in 2016, it’s almost a guarantee that the team will move on from him after the season is over. For him the good news is he’s only turning 30-years old and still has credibility around the league.