Last year, the Bolts managed to retain both of their high-profile pass rushers, with both Bosa and Khalil Mack agreeing to salary reductions to stay put. However, the outlook for Jim Harbaugh in Year 2 appears murky, as Mack is poised to explore free agency and Bosa carries a hefty $36.47 million salary cap hit, making him the highest-paid defender in the league. This hefty sum may be hard to justify for a player who, despite stepping up as a Pro Bowl selection in place of the injured Mack this year, has only started 18 games in the past three seasons due to injuries. While the Los Angeles team has a significant $63 million in available cap space, the potential savings of $25.36 million could be too enticing to ignore, especially if the team decides to retain Mack.
Von Miller, the outside linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, experienced a resurgence in 2024, registering six sacks after a sackless season in 2023. However, as a situational pass rusher who has not played more than one-third of the defensive snaps since his arrival in 2022, Miller may not be delivering the expected impact for the Bills who inked him to a six-year, $120 million deal. Renegotiating his contract could be the best solution for both parties, especially as the team grapples with another tight cap situation this offseason.
In Green Bay, tensions seem to be rising with cornerback Jaire Alexander, who became the highest-paid cornerback in 2021 but has only managed to play seven games in each of the last two seasons. General manager Brian Gutekunst expressed frustration at Alexander’s lack of availability, hinting at a potential parting of ways after the Packers’ early playoff exit. With Keisean Nixon pushing for the top cornerback position and relinquishing return duties, signs point to the organization moving on from the two-time Pro Bowler.
Meanwhile, in Tampa Bay, Zyon McCollum’s standout season could lead to a lucrative contract extension. However, with less than $1 million in cap space, the Buccaneers must tread carefully. This predicament might prompt a closer evaluation of Jamel Dean, whose $15.1 million cap hit may be steep for a player who has yet to establish himself as a standout performer. As the defending NFC South champions, the Buccaneers may opt to maintain their secondary strength, despite their pass defense ranking 29th overall.
The Philadelphia Eagles have signaled a changing of the guard on defense, evident from last year’s draft where they selected cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean as their top picks. Both rookies emerged as finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year, sparking speculation about the future of veteran cornerback Darius Slay. The 34-year-old has hinted at retirement after the upcoming season and acknowledged the possibility of parting
Please complete all sentences and do not leave them unfinished.
