AFC Free Agency Feature: 12 Veterans Facing Cap Decisions

Miami’s situation around Tua Tagovailoa is the biggest headline. The Dolphins already cleared more than $56 million by releasing Tyreek Hill, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Bradley Chubb, and James Daniels, but Tagovailoa’s contract still creates a major dilemma. A pre-June 1 release would leave $99.2 million in dead money, while a post-June 1 split softens the immediate hit. A trade before June 1 looks cleaner on paper, with $45.2 million dead and about $11 million in savings, though Miami may need to absorb part of his fully guaranteed 2026 salary.

Las Vegas is also staring at a quarterback pivot. With the No. 1 pick and a new coaching staff led by Klint Kubiak, Geno Smith looks vulnerable after a 2025 line that included 19 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 55 sacks, and an 84.7 passer rating. Cutting him saves only $8 million and leaves $18.5 million dead, but the Raiders may accept that cost if they move directly to rookie Fernando Mendoza.

Tennessee has two notable names in play. Tony Pollard has remained productive, posting between 1,288 and 1,378 scrimmage yards in each of the past four seasons, but the Titans have gone 3-14 in back-to-back years and may prioritize younger, cheaper pieces. Moving on from Pollard would free $7.25 million from a $9.25 million cap hit. Calvin Ridley also appears likely to be moved after a seven-game season that ended with a broken leg. At age 31 with a $26.5 million cap number, he offers major flexibility: $13.4 million saved with a pre-June 1 cut, or up to $16.4 million via trade.

Houston has a similar question with Joe Mixon. After missing the entire 2025 season with a non-football foot injury, Mixon enters a decision window as he approaches age 30. Cutting or trading him would create $8 million in relief for a Texans team that may need to redirect money to the offensive line.

Buffalo’s retool under new head coach Joe Brady could include Curtis Samuel, Dawson Knox, or both. Samuel has produced 38 catches for 334 yards and two scores across two seasons in Buffalo and would return $6.1 million if released. Knox would free $9.7 million before June 1, or $12 million with a post-June 1 designation.

Baltimore’s biggest call may involve Marlon Humphrey. He allowed 831 receiving yards in coverage, and the Ravens finished near the bottom of the league in pass defense efficiency. With a $26.3 million cap hit, Humphrey could return $7.3 million in a standard release or $19.3 million post-June 1, though his long track record in Baltimore complicates the decision.

Pittsburgh has a different type of debate with Patrick Queen. He still produced 120 tackles and impact plays, but his grading and coverage results dropped sharply. A pre-June 1 release would save $13.3 million, giving Mike McCarthy more room to shape the offense in his first year.

Jacksonville may need a post-June 1 move on Arik Armstead if it wants meaningful relief. His pre-June 1 savings is just $2.3 million, but a delayed cut would open $14.5 million, a major number for a team currently over the cap despite its 2025 jump in the standings.

Indianapolis has two defensive veterans to evaluate. Kenny Moore remains strong against the run but posted average coverage numbers while playing fewer snaps than usual, and his release would free $7.1 million. Zaire Franklin, meanwhile, remains a high-volume tackler but saw a steep drop in performance metrics and would return $5.8 million if cut.

Taken together, these are not fringe roster calls. They are core decisions that could reset depth charts, accelerate rebuilds, and shape how aggressive AFC teams can be once free agency opens.