Several high-profile NFLers likely to become salary cap casualties

NFL teams have begun releasing veteran players with contracts that would be cumbersome on next season’s salary cap.

The New York Giants saved about $10 million by releasing wide receiver Victor Cruz and running back Rashad Jennings. The Cleveland Browns said farewell to quarterback Josh McCown. The New York Jets declined to exercise an option on left tackle Ryan Clady, making him a free agent.

There will be many more such moves to come before teams must be in compliance with the salary cap next month.

Here are some of the higher-profile players who could be released:

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys: Dak Prescott is entrenched as the starter in Dallas after a spectacular rookie season. The Cowboys are unlikely to keep Romo as a backup with a contract that counts $24.7 million against the salary cap. Romo wants to move on and be a starter elsewhere and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones probably will accommodate him. The question is whether Jones will attempt to orchestrate a trade and get something in return, or merely release Romo.

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: It’s probably time for both sides to move on, and the guaranteed portion of Cutler’s seven-year, $126.7-million contract is done. The Bears would have to carry only $2 million in dead money by releasing Cutler and would save $14 million in cap space.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: Peterson is set to make $18 million in salary and bonuses next season. He turns 32 in March and is coming off an injury-shortened season. It’s possible he and the Vikings will work out a revised deal for him to remain in Minnesota. It’s also possible the Vikings opt to part ways with Peterson. He has already talked about his next possible NFL destination publicly.

Tyrod Taylor, QB, Bills: The Bills have a $15.5-million option in Taylor’s contract and must decide if they think he is their long-term answer at quarterback. He has thrown for more than 6,000 yards and 37 touchdowns the past two seasons, with only 12 interceptions. He also has run for more than 1,100 yards over that two-year span. Perhaps he has not established himself as a franchise quarterback. But he has established himself as a reasonably productive player at the sport’s most important position.

Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers: Kaepernick can void his contract and become a free agent. If he doesn’t do that, the 49ers could release him. Either way, it seems likely the new regime of general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan will seek a new beginning at quarterback. The Niners have the second overall selection in the NFL draft and could use it to get their QB of the future.

Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets: The Jets are in need of an overhaul and Revis could be next. It will be interesting to see if the Jets also release centre Nick Mangold and wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: The Chiefs would save nearly $6.2 million by releasing him. He’s a dynamic player when healthy but has played in only eight games in two seasons.