Welcome to the fourth installment of the cap casualty series. This series reviews each division’s most likely cap casualties. We will review the AFC West.
Note: All the information has been derived from Spotrac and Over The Cap.
Denver Broncos cap casualty: WR Tim Patrick
- Contract: 3-$34,000,000 (2025 Free Agent)
- Cap Number: $15,571,668
- Cap Savings: $9,500,000
- Why?
First, Patrick hasn’t played a game since 2021. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear during training camp in 2022 and a season-ending Achilles tear during training camp in 2023.
Second, Denver needs to clear up cap space. They have around -$24 million in cap space and have a long way to go.
Kansas City Chiefs cap casualty: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- Contract: 3-$30,000,000 (2025 Free Agent)
- Cap Number: $14,000,000
- Cap Savings: $12,000,000
- Why?
First, MVS has been inconsistent throughout his tenure with Kansas City. He had 42 receptions for 687 yards and two touchdowns during the 2022 regular season. He also had seven receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns in the postseason.
He had 21 receptions for 315 yards and one touchdown during the 2023 regular season. He also had eight receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown in the postseason.
Second, Kansas City has around $15 million in cap space and needs to clear up space to sign free agents. Notable free agents include Chris Jones, Mike Edwards, Drue Tranquill, Willie Gay Jr., Derrick Nnadi, L’Jarius Sneed, and Mike Danna.
Third, $14 million is a ton of money for a receiver who isn’t overly productive.
Las Vegas Raiders cap casualty: WR Hunter Renfrow
- Contract: 2-$32,329,000 (2025 Free Agent)
- Cap Number: $13,718,000
- Cap Savings (Pre June 1st): $8,210,000
- Cap Savings (Post June 1st): $11,882,000
- Why?
First, Renfrow hasn’t been the same receiver since the 2021 season. He had 36 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. He missed seven games because of an oblique injury.
Renfrow had his worst statistical season as a pro in 2023. He recorded 25 receptions for 255 yards. He was almost traded to New Orleans but they turned down the offer because of his contract.
Second, Jakobi Meyers is their WR2. Las Vegas signed Meyers last offseason and recorded 71 receptions for 807 yards and eight touchdowns.
Third, they have a young slot receiver who deserves more playing time. Las Vegas drafted Tre Tucker in the 3rd round, and Tucker played well in his rookie season, recording 19 receptions for 331 yards and two touchdowns. Tucker was more productive than Renfrow in fewer snaps.
Los Angeles Chargers cap casualty: C Corey Linsley
- Contract: 5-$62,500,000 (2026 Free Agent)
- Cap Number: $14,100,000
- Cap Savings (Pre June 1st): $8,900,000
- Cap Savings (Post June 1st): $11,500,000
- Why?
Linsley was diagnosed with a non-emergent heart issue in September and said that he is “99 percent” sure he will retire.
For More Content:
Follow me on Twitter/X @JacksonLoschko. If you have any questions, you can message me on Linkedin. To read more of our articles and be updated on the latest in CFB/NFL, click here.
