As NFL free agency looms, the current names on the market aren’t the only ones would could be looking for new homes in 2025.
With an unexpected $7 million in cap space available for each team, several roster potential cuts could be made to free up more space to target higher-priced players ahead of the 2025 season. While some players could avoid the dreaded pink slip, others could have their agents reach out to teams with a chance to facilitate a trade, thus letting them keep their salaries.
If that fails, they’ll be on the open market, looking to prove they are still worth the value of a lucrative contract.
ESPN recently dove into each team’s biggest question mark when it comes to the salary cap. Several names who could be cut loose might be in play for the Houston Texans, who are expected to free up at least another $20 million in cap space before the NFL draft rolls around.
Here’s six players the AF South champions should target if they’re released ahead of next month’s free agency period.
Jaguars WR Christian Kirk
Kirk should be a reasonably priced option coming off a season-ending injury and would be a plug-and-play option in the slot for the departed Stefon Diggs. With a new Jacksonville regime and Brian Thomas taking the reigns as WR1, his time in Duval County seems about up.
49ers WR Deebo Samuel
Samuel will be on a new team next season, but the question is will it happen via a trade or signing? Houston shouldn’t give up any draft capital for the former All-Pro, but if he hits free agency, a one-year rental as Tank Dell’s replacement seems like a win-win for both sides.
Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett
Lockett has been demoted to WR3 in Seattle, but he’d be WR2 for Houston if the AFC South franchise brought him in. He’d thrive in the slot for C.J. Stroud after averaging 84 catches over his first nine years with the Seahawks.
Rams WR Cooper Kupp
Kupp has been a 1,000-yard playmaker nearly every season in both the slot and on the outside. He already has mastered the Sean McVay offense, so why not join forces with new Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley?
Seahawks Edge Dre’Mont Jones
Jones hasn’t been worth the top-tier money Seattle’s planning on paying him, but he could be a nice replacement for Derek Barnett should the No. 3 defensive end cash during free agency.