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2017 NFL Salary Cap Casualties: Likely Fate of the Biggest Names

By Erik Lambert

Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts defeated the Vikings 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts defeated the Vikings 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Adrian Peterson

The star fell fast for Adrian Peterson. At the start of 2016 he was the bell cow of what many considered a Super Bowl contender in waiting. Then injuries struck and he has looked like the same player since. Everything points to the Minnesota Vikings parting ways with the future Hall of Famer and saving $18 million on their cap. Peterson will be 32-years old this March. So any deal he signs with another team will be a short one and probably for a contender.

New home:  Seattle Seahawks

Ever since Marshawn Lynch left, the Seahawks haven’t had that same presence on the ground. If they could squeeze one or two more years out of Peterson, it would help all parties involved.

Jamaal Charles

There is nothing a running back fears more than constant leg injuries. After years of good health, Jamaal Charles suffered a torn ACL in 2015 and hasn’t been quite right since then. Kansas City has run the ball just fine without him and they’re going to need every penny they can save this year in order to retain star safety Eric Berry. Charles and his $7 million cap savings will be the unfortunate sacrifice. He’ll garner interest from teams, but so much depends on the health of that knee.

New home:  New England Patriots

This would be a classic Bill Belichick type of move. The Patriots love investing in older, cheaper backs who were great once. Getting even one more good year out of Charles would be worth it.

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