Welcome to the second installment of the cap casualty series. This series will review each division’s most likely cap casualties. We will review the AFC North division.
How did I acquire all the information for the AFC North cap casualty series?
I obtained the contract information from Spotrac and the cap information from Over The Cap.
Baltimore Ravens cap casualty: LB Tyus Bowser
- Contract: 4-$22,000,000 (2025 Free Agent)
- Cap Number: $7,500,000
- Cap Savings: $5,500,000
- Why?:
First, he has battled injuries in their last three seasons. He tore his Achilles in their last regular season game of the 2021 season and missed the first eight games of the 2022 season to recover from the injury. He missed the entire 2023 season because of a knee injury he suffered over the summer.
Second, they need to clear cap space to sign (defensive) free agents. Notable free agents from the defensive side of the ball include Justin Madubuike, Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy, Ronald Darby, and Geno Stone.
Cincinnati Bengals cap casualty: S Nick Scott
- Contract: 3-$12,000,000 (2026 Free Agent)
- Cap Number: $4,300,000
- Cap Savings (Pre June 1st): $2,300,000
- Cap Savings (Post June 1st): $3,300,000
- Why?:
First, Scott struggled in his first season with Cincinnati. He started the first ten games, recording 57 tackles, and allowed 22 receptions on 33 targets for 332 yards, a 99.6 passer rating, and a 41.6 PFF Grade. Jordan Battle started the rest of the season in his position.
Second, it seems like the starting safety position has been determined for the 2024 season. Daxton Hill and Jordan Battle are expected to be the starting safeties.
Cleveland Browns cap casualty: TE Jordan Akins
- Contract: 2-$3,900,000 (2025 Free Agent)
- Cap Number: $2,315,000
- Cap Savings: $2,000,000
- Why?:
First, Akins was not productive in his first season with Cleveland, recording 15 receptions for 132 yards.
Second, he didn’t receive much playing time. When you’re a third-string tight end, you aren’t going to get enough playing time. He only represented 19% of offensive snaps when he averaged 46.4% of offensive snaps in his five seasons with Houston.
Third, $2 million is a lot of money for a third-string tight end.
Pittsburgh Steelers cap casualty: WR Allen Robinson II
- Contract: 3-$46,500,000 (2025 Free Agent)
- Cap Number: $11,917,500
- Cap Savings: $10,000,000
- Why?:
First, Robinson didn’t pan out with Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. Robinson recorded 33 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns with the Rams in 2022 and recorded 34 receptions for 280 yards with the Steelers in 2023.
Second, they have a replacement. If they move on from Robinson, his replacement will be Calvin Austin III, a free-agent acquisition, or a draft pick.
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