Every offseason, NFL teams face tough decisions about their rosters. The salary cap forces front offices to make painful choices, sometimes cutting or trading star players to free up space. While teams would love to keep all their elite talent, financial constraints often make that impossible to fill out an entire roster.
This offseason, several big names have been on the move or even cut due to cap concerns, including DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, Joey Bosa, Darius Slay, Aaron Rodgers, and Davante Adams. Let’s take a look at why these stars find themselves wearing new uniforms in 2025.
DK Metcalf has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s offense, but the Seahawks have financial decisions looming. His trade request seems like a forgone conclusion as it was heavily rumored at the beginning of the offseason that the Seahawks would part ways with Metcalf. His cap hit in 2024 is over $24 million, and Seattle has other needs to address, including their offensive line and defense. This offseason has also seen the Seahawks cutting longtime WR Tyler Lockett as well.
With the Seahawks transitioning under new head coach Mike Macdonald, they might look to get younger and cheaper at receiver. If Metcalf is moved, expect teams like the Patriots, Panthers, or Ravens to show interest in a trade.
Deebo Samuel is a dynamic playmaker, but the 49ers already have Brandon Aiyuk, who just signed a new contract last offseason. After drafting Ricky Pearsall and the emergence of Jauan Jennings, Deebo is the odd man out on a team that has plenty of needs elsewhere. Deebo’s physical playing style makes him a long-term injury risk especially after missing time this year, and San Francisco saved over $20 million by trading him.
Joey Bosa is one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, but his massive contract—a $36.6 million cap hit in 2025—is a problem for the Chargers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to reshape the roster, and cutting Bosa was the first step towards freeing up some much-needed cap space.
Darius Slay has been a lockdown corner for years, but he turns 33 this season and carries a $17 million cap hit. The Eagles, already dealing with cap issues, decided to part ways with him to get younger at corner with Cooper DeJean and Quinton Mitchell.
Aaron Rodgers is a unique case because the Jets are financially tied to him, but his $17 million cap hit in 2024 and nearly $100 million in future guarantees make him a massive financial burden.
Rodgers is now weighing whether to retire or continue playing, but now as a free agent a move to a team that is a quarterback away seems most likely. Look for the Raiders, 49ers, or the Vikings to be contenders for Rodgers’ services.
Davante Adams is still elite, but the Jets are in a transition phase, and his $25.3 million cap hit forced them to move on. It is surprising the Jets opted to cut Adams rather than extracting value via a trade.
Possible landing spots? The Panthers, Cowboys, or Lions could make a move for him.
NFL teams are constantly balancing talent and financial flexibility. While cutting or trading star players is never easy, it’s often necessary to stay competitive. This offseason, expect teams to make more tough calls to ensure their future remains bright.
Who will be the next big name to be traded or released? The NFL offseason always brings surprises.
