The NFL's new league year kicks off with the deadline for compliance with the salary cap, with several teams already shedding players with bloated contracts to clear up salary cap space. Players such as Tua Tagovailoa, Stefon Diggs, Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave, Jawaan Taylor, and Kirk Cousins are among the potential cut candidates. The Raiders' Geno Smith, who was traded to Las Vegas for $75 million, could be traded to a team willing to cut him, but the Raiders' 3-14 record has positioned them with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots may also consider restructuring Diggs' three-year, $65 million deal with the Patriots to reduce his cap number to $16.8 million if they cut him. The Miami Dolphins have also shed key players in their rebuild process, including Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb.