2023 NFL offseason potential cut candidates, cap casualties

The 2023 NFL offseason is finally here.

After the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, you might think its time to stop worrying about the NFL but this league never sleeps. Over the next few months, rosters will completely turn over with free agency and the draft.

One thing to keep an eye on over the next month before free agency in mid-March is roster cuts. Many talented players across the NFL will be released, not because of their skill level but because of their cap hits. Sometimes, clearing space becomes more important than retaining a key player.

Here are 10 players that could be salary cap casualties this offseason:

Before the playoffs even ended, there were reports that Allen could be cut this offseason. Allen will be 31 next season and hes played his entire 10-year career with the Chargers, making the Pro Bowl five times. But the team is $23.4 million over the cap and can save $14.8 million by releasing Allen. He played just 10 games last year and injuries have frequently been an issue.

With so much uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers, this could be an obvious move to clear cap space. The Packers could save $10.44 million by cutting the 28-year-old running back, who had seven total touchdowns last season after reaching 10 or more in the previous three. A.J. Dillon is primed for a bigger role in 2023 and a new contract in 2024, so Jones time in Green Bay might be over unless he agrees to a restructured deal.

After an injury-riddled 2021 season with the Bears, Mack returned to Pro Bowl form with the Chargers in 2022. He had eight sacks and two forced fumbles, playing a key role in Los Angeles run to the postseason. The Chargers would save $18.4 million by cutting Mack, though their preference could be to work out a restructured contract.

Thielen has been with the Vikings since 2014, but the former star wide receiver could be on the move this offseason. Despite being paired with young star Justin Jefferson, Thielen has continued to produce 30 touchdowns in the last three years. Minnesota would save $6.4 million by releasing Thielen, which would open up playing time for K.J. Osborn.

Tom Brady is gone, and you have to expect many of the players he recruited to Tampa Bay will soon follow. Fournette is a prime cut candidate, with the Bucs saving $3.47 million by releasing him. Most importantly, it frees up the backfield for second-year running back Rachaad White, who thrived in spurts last season while Fournettes effectiveness dwindled.

Could the Titans be in the quarterback market this offseason? Tannehill battled injuries last season as Tennessee missed the postseason for the first time under his leadership. The Titans, now led by new GM Ran Carthon, would save $17.8 million by cutting the 34-year-old veteran. It all comes down to whether or not Tennessee wants to embrace a full rebuild or continue with its current core.

Even though the Chiefs just won the Super Bowl, the clock is ticking on one key defender. Clark came alive in the postseason, but its hard to justify his $30.175 million cap hit in 2023. The Chiefs can save $21.1 million by cutting ties with the 29-year-old defensive end. Clark made the Pro Bowl in three out of four years with Kansas City and had 10.5 sacks in 12 postseason starts.

The Colts will look completely different in 2023, and that starts at quarterback. Ryan was benched last season after a failed offseason trade. Now, Indianapolis is likely to cut the former league MVP and save $17.2 million while moving on to its sixth different opening day starting quarterback in as many years.

When the Dolphins signed Jones to a lucrative five-year deal in 2020, they hoped to form one of the leagues dominant cornerback duos with him and Xavien Howard. Injuries prevented that from becoming reality, and nows the time for Miami to bite the bullet. Hes still just 30 years old, but the odds of Jones turning things around with the Dolphins arent high.

Another year, another failed Wentz experiment. This time it was in the nations capital, where Wentz was ineffective, then injured, then flat-out benched for Taylor Heinicke and Sam Howell. The Commanders can save $26.2 million by cutting Wentz and would incur no dead cap. Of all the names listed, Wentz is the most likely to be released.

All salary figures courtesy of Spotrac.

It sucked. There is no other way to put it. The Eagles lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in a late LATE field goal which forced the Eagles to try a desperation heave. While the team led 24-14 at the half, the team choked in the second half and finished with a final score of 38-35. So lets talk about SOME of the reasons why the Eagles lost.

Issac Seumalo had a BRUTAL series in the first quarter where he blew coverage, looked lost, and capped it off with a costly false start on 3rd and 1. The Eagles lined up for their usual money play (Jalen Hurts up the middle) and Seumalo flinched. It backed them up and caused the Eagles to change their play calling. The very next play Jalen Hurts had an uncharacteristic fumble and it led to the Chiefs touchdown.

If you want to blame Jalen Hurts for actually coughing up the ball then fine. But it never wouldve happened had Seumalo just done his damn job.

Youre facing Patrick Mahomes on one leg. He reinjured the ankle during the game. And yet, the Eagles and their 70+ sack defense did nothing to make him uncomfortable. The front 4 was MIA the entire game. Sacks? They didnt even get pressure! The Eagles defense let the NFL MVP sit in the pocket and pick them apart.

A horrendous punt by Arryn Siposs led to a 65 yard return by Kadarius Toney which basically gifted the Chiefs an 8 point lead. Should the Eagles have gone for it on 4th and 3? Maybe. But they did themselves no favors with their special teams performance.

Too many times the Eagles defense looked LOST against the Chiefs offense. And it led to a few walk in touchdowns where fans at home were screaming "how was he THAT open." Its one thing to give up a touchdown, but its another to be completely confused on what the offense is doing. It was a REALLY bad job by Jonathan Gannon and his defense.

Jonathan Gannon, as I wrote above, looked horrible. But Nick Sirianni got outcoached. Andy Reid made adjustments and Nick Sirianni didnt. Yes, the offense put up 35 points which is great, but it was the untimely errors. Not being able to get the play call in which resulted in a delay of game and a time out being taken. The penalties (6 compared to the Chiefs 3).

They blew a 10 point lead at the half. They let Patrick Mahomes go off on their defense. They didnt stop the Chiefs ONCE in the second half. Chiefs scored every time they had the ball. They choked. The moment was too big for them and they choked.