As the NFL offseason heats up, teams across the league are making tough roster decisions to free up cap space ahead of free agency. With the new league year set to begin next week, several high-profile players—including Pro Bowlers, All-Pros, and even a four-time MVP—have been released, making them available to sign with any team.
From franchise cornerstones to veteran playmakers, here are 10 of the most notable players released before the 2025 free agency period begins.
1. Christian Kirk, WR – Jacksonville Jaguars
📌 Contract Status: Due to earn $15.5 million (non-guaranteed) in 2025
📌 Reason for Release: Injury concerns, cap space
Christian Kirk was an expected cap casualty, given that he was entering the final year of his deal with no guaranteed money remaining. Despite his 2022 breakout season (1,108 yards, 8 TDs), injuries limited him to just eight games in 2024.
🔹 Best Fit: A team needing WR depth with reliable route running and possession ability.
2. Darius Slay, CB – Philadelphia Eagles
📌 Accolades: Six-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro
📌 Reason for Release: Age, cap savings
After helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX, Darius Slay finds himself on the open market. While not quite the shutdown cornerback he once was, Slay remains a solid veteran presence in the secondary, with strong coverage numbers in 2024 (81.9 passer rating allowed).
🔹 Best Fit: A contending team looking for experienced CB depth.
3. Gardner Minshew, QB – Las Vegas Raiders
📌 Reason for Release: Team looking for a long-term franchise QB
The Raiders’ search for a franchise quarterback has led them to cut ties with Gardner Minshew, who proved to be a capable backup but struggled when given extended starting duties.
🔹 Best Fit: A team drafting a rookie QB that needs a reliable stopgap starter.
4. Tyler Lockett, WR – Seattle Seahawks
📌 Accolades: Four-time 1,000-yard receiver
📌 Reason for Release: Age, declining production
A Seahawks legend, Tyler Lockett is hitting free agency for the first time in his career. Though he posted just 600 yards in 2024, he remains one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL with elite route-running skills.
🔹 Best Fit: A contender needing a veteran WR3 with big-game experience.
5. Aaron Rodgers, QB – New York Jets
📌 Accolades: Four-time MVP, Super Bowl Champion
📌 Reason for Release: Failed tenure with Jets
In case you missed it—yes, Aaron Rodgers is a free agent. After a disastrous two-year stint with the Jets, Rodgers is expected to have multiple suitors, including the New York Giants (allowing him to stay in New Jersey).
🔹 Best Fit: A QB-needy contender looking for one last Super Bowl push.
6. Davante Adams, WR – New York Jets
📌 Accolades: Six-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro
📌 Reason for Release: Cost-cutting move alongside Rodgers
Adams was productive for the Jets, recording 67 receptions for 854 yards and 7 TDs in 11 games, but his age (32) and contract situation made him expendable. He’ll now look to land with a contender.
🔹 Best Fit: A playoff-caliber team needing a WR1/WR2 for a final championship push.
7. James Bradberry, CB – Philadelphia Eagles
📌 Accolades: One-time All-Pro (2023)
📌 Reason for Release: Declining coverage numbers
After earning his first All-Pro nod in 2023, James Bradberry regressed significantly in 2024, allowing a 114.3 passer rating in coverage. Still, cornerback depth is always valuable in today’s pass-heavy league.
🔹 Best Fit: A team needing an experienced CB2/CB3.
8. Jamaal Williams, RB – New Orleans Saints
📌 Accolades: 2022 NFL rushing TD leader (17 TDs)
📌 Reason for Release: Declining production
Once the league leader in rushing touchdowns, Jamaal Williams saw his role diminish behind Alvin Kamara, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry over the last two seasons.
🔹 Best Fit: A power back depth option for a run-heavy team.
9. Raheem Mostert, RB – Miami Dolphins
📌 Accolades: NFL-leading 21 total TDs (2023)
📌 Reason for Release: Injuries, younger RBs emerging
Mostert had an MVP-caliber season in 2023, but injuries limited him in 2024, allowing De’Von Achane to take over Miami’s backfield.
🔹 Best Fit: A contender needing a veteran change-of-pace back.
10. Alex Cappa, OL – Cincinnati Bengals
📌 Status: Already signed with the Las Vegas Raiders
📌 Reason for Release: Bengals clearing cap space
Cappa, a dependable offensive lineman, didn’t remain a free agent for long, immediately signing a two-year deal with the Raiders.
🔹 Best Fit: Already locked in as a starter in Las Vegas.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
