The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to release veteran defensive tackle helps clear up nearly $10 million in cap space for the team. The 30-year-old had a somewhat limited impact last season, starting in seven games and contributing 18 tackles and a sack. However, he missed nine games due to injuries and illness, which likely played a part in the team’s decision. Despite his talent, the Bengals may be looking to reallocate the cap space for other roster improvements.
The Bengals’ decision to part ways with the veteran after signing him to a two-year, $24.5 million contract last offseason clears about $9.6 million in salary cap space but also comes with a $2 million dead money hit. This brings their total cap space to around $61.9 million, the eighth-most in the NFL, based on an estimated 2025 league salary cap of $279.5 million.
As the team looks to navigate free agency, several players are set to become unrestricted free agents, including defensive tackle B.J. Hill, cornerback Mike Hilton, offensive tackle Trent Brown, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. The Bengals will have to weigh how to use their available cap space while managing these impending decisions.
The Bengals are expected to use a non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, who also was to hit free agency.
Leave a Reply