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The 2024 NFL season has been full of surprises and disappointments. While a handful of teams look poised for deep playoff runs, others are looking toward the offseason to rebuild their rosters. For franchises that aimed high but fell short, hard decisions will need to be made, including cutting underperforming or overpriced players.
As teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and New York Jets struggle to meet expectations, here’s a breakdown of key players they may release to free up cap space or improve their rosters. These decisions also align with insights into the best NFL prop bets and how changes in player dynamics affect player prop bets markets moving forward.
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1. Terence Steele (OT)
The Cowboys offensive line has been the cornerstone of the franchise for years, but Terence Steele’s performance has been a glaring weakness in 2024. He’s allowed nine sacks this season, and his penalties have added insult to injury. With Dallas likely heading toward a top-10 draft pick, releasing Steele would free up around $14 million in cap space post-June 1. That savings could be reinvested in younger, more consistent linemen.
2. Donovan Wilson (S)
Dallas’ pass defense has crumbled without Dan Quinn, ranking 26th in EPA allowed per pass. Wilson, once a reliable safety, has struggled to maintain his previous form. Cutting him would clear $5.4 million in cap space and open the door for a youth movement in the secondary.
3. Malik Hooker (S)
Hooker, like Wilson, has failed to provide the stability needed at safety. While his individual stats aren’t as dire, his $3.8 million cap hit makes him expendable. A revamp of the Cowboys’ defense is overdue, and releasing Hooker could help initiate that process.
Impact on Player Props: Dallas’ underperforming secondary has made them an ideal target for player prop bets against their defense. Cutting veterans like Hooker and Wilson could affect how prop bettors approach Cowboys matchups next year.
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1. Sheldon Rankins (DT)
After letting D.J. Reader walk, the Bengals hoped Sheldon Rankins would fill the void on their defensive line. Unfortunately, he has failed to live up to his two-year, $24.5 million contract. Cutting the 30-year-old would save $9.5 million and give Cincinnati an opportunity to retool its front seven.
2. Sam Hubbard (Edge)
Hubbard’s strength has always been setting the edge against the run, but his impact as a pass-rusher has waned significantly. With just two sacks this season and an underwhelming PFF grade, releasing him would save $9.6 million and allow the Bengals to explore younger options.
3. Geno Stone (S)
Stone was a breakout star in Baltimore last season but has been a shadow of his former self in Cincinnati. Opposing quarterbacks have posted a 116.3 passer rating when targeting him, and his PFF grade ranks him near the bottom among safeties. Cutting him would save $1.5 million.
Impact on Player Props: Hubbard’s declining performance has made the Bengals defense a favorable matchup for best player props today on opposing running backs and quarterbacks. Offseason changes could shift these trends.
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1. Christian Kirk (WR)
Kirk’s time in Jacksonville has been plagued by injuries. The talented receiver has missed significant time in back-to-back seasons and is set to cost $24.4 million next year. Releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would save $13.7 million, a necessary move for a rebuilding Jaguars team.
2. DaVon Hamilton (DT)
The Jaguars’ defensive front has been one of the season’s biggest disappointments. Hamilton, once seen as a key piece of the line, has regressed significantly. His $7.3 million savings as a post-June 1 cut make him an obvious candidate for release.
3. Ronald Darby (CB)
Darby’s struggles in Jacksonville’s porous secondary have been well-documented. Cutting the 31-year-old cornerback would save $2.3 million, giving the Jaguars flexibility to invest in younger defensive backs.
Impact on Player Props: Jacksonville’s defensive woes have provided consistent opportunities for player prop bets on opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers. A revamped defense could shift betting markets next season.
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1. Allen Lazard (WR)
The Jets’ offense has been a mess, and Lazard’s lack of production has only added to the frustration. With Davante Adams on board and Lazard turning 30, the Jets can save $5.8 million by parting ways.
2. Davante Adams (WR)
Adams is still an elite receiver, but his $30 million cap hit in 2025 looms large. With Aaron Rodgers’ future uncertain, the Jets may need to cut ties with Adams and begin a full-scale rebuild.
3. Greg Zuerlein (K)
The veteran kicker has had one of the worst seasons of his career, connecting on just 60% of his field goals. Releasing Zuerlein would save $2.5 million, giving the Jets a chance to find a younger, more reliable option.
Impact on Player Props: The Jets’ offensive struggles have made them unpredictable in best NFL prop bets markets. Releasing key veterans could signal a reset for bettors.
The NFL offseason is a time for reflection and rebuilding, especially for underperforming teams. Cutting these players not only creates financial flexibility but also allows franchises to realign their rosters with their long-term goals.
For fans of player prop bets, these moves could significantly alter betting markets. Keep an eye on how these teams reshape their rosters and adjust your best player props today strategies accordingly.
Follow Player Props for more insights into roster changes and their impact on betting markets!