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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Granit Xhaka of Sunderland arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Fulham at Stadium of Light on February 22, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s set to be a busy week for Sunderland AFC, so we have compiled the major points of interest in the Black Cats’ calendar to make sure you keep on track.

Even though the Lasses are currently on an international break and don’t get back into action until mid-March, it’s all going on elsewhere for Sunderland.

Monday 23rd February

2026/27 season tickets go on sale Monday 23rd February at 5pm; current season ticket holders have until 5pm on 11th April to secure their seat. As the club completes its move over to SeatGeek ticketing, there is no option for automatic renewal of tickets via Direct Debit this year, so it is crucial that season ticket holders renew their tickets manually to ensure that they can back the Lads for another incredible season at the Stadium of Light.

Tuesday 24th February

On Tuesday, the Sunderland Under 18s will head to Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground in Hetton-le-Hole to take on Brighton and Hove Albion’s Under 18s in the FA Youth Cup. Kick off is at 7pm, with tickets available to purchase on the day. The winners of the tie will face Manchester United’s Under 18s at Old Trafford in the competition’s quarter-final.

Thursday 26th February

Régis Le Bris’ press conference ahead of this weekend’s fixtures will be held at 1:30pm on Thursday afternoon. After Mukiele’s worrying injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Fulham, we imagine that Sunderland fans will be nervously waiting on tenterhooks to see how the defender is holding up.

Saturday 28th February

This weekend, the Black Cats face AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The sold-out fixture is set to be broadcast on TNT Sports at 12:30pm. Bournemouth currently sit at 8th in the Premier League table, four places above Sunderland AFC, and it’s set to be an intense game.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/keeping-lads-week-wearside-153455410.html 

Oilers linked to $5.1 million trade target from Flyers originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Edmonton Oilers will likely be active ahead of the NHL’s March 6 trade deadline. They’ve got a lot of talent but also some definite holes to fill.

One spot they could use an addition is a right-shot defenseman. Rasmus Ristolainen fits the bill.

Ristolainen is with the Philadelphia Flyers, but he’s expected to be a trade target for a number of teams.

“Sources tell Daily Faceoff the Flyers got significant traction over the Olympic break on Ristolainen – and the interest increased as the tournament went on and his play with Finland continued to impress,” writes NHL insider Anthony Di Marco on Monday. “Though the team has done its best to keep things tight to the vest on trade chatter surrounding the Olympian – reading the the tea leaves, it seems Ristolainen doesn’t seem particularly fond of the idea of being traded – I’ve heard five or six teams have checked in on Ristolainen over the last 14 days or so, and word is starting to circulate that interest is on the upswing.”

MORE: Jack Hughes, not a miracle, just magic

The two teams Di Marco reports with certainty that have “checked in” on Ristolainen are the Oilers and the Bruins.

He goes on to write that the Bruins may have been doing more of a cursory look and not a real pursuit, but the Oilers’ need seems real.

“They have been on the lookout for a top-four, right-shot rearguard to play with Darnell Nurse since what feels like the beginning of time,” Di Marco writes. “According to PuckPedia, they have a little more than $1 million projected in deadline cap space, so it would take some financial gymnastics to absorb Ristolainen’s $5.1 million AAV – both this year and next. Forward Andrew Mangiapane’s name has been out there all season long – his season has been an unmitigated disaster in Edmonton – so he could theoretically go back the other way to make the dollars work.”

MORE: Team USA honors Johnny Gaudreau in special way after gold medal

This time of year, the money is often the trickiest part for contending teams, who have frequently pushed their dollars right up to the limit to get to the point of contention already.

If the Oilers can swing things the right way, though, getting Ristolainen would be a big addition in Edmonton.

More NHL news:

Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs now forced to face tough realityJack Hughes has forever changed his valueZach Werenski made ‘the play before The Play’Connor Hellebuyck has changed his story foreverAlex Ovechkin has shared an update on his retirement plansEvgeni Malkin gets big news on a possible future

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/oilers-linked-5-1-million-153442410.html 

Leeds’ players looked dejected after conceding a late equaliser at Aston Villa on Saturday [Getty Images]

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke described the 1-1 Premier League draw with third-placed Aston Villa as “a valuable point” for his “warriors” – but the German must have been secretly seething at the concession of yet another costly late goal.

Tammy Abraham’s leveller with two minutes of normal time to play at Villa Park on Saturday was the 12th league goal Leeds have let in from the 86th minute onwards this season.

That is the most goals shipped in that period of the game by any club in the top flight.

While half of those last-gasp strikes have not affected Leeds’ results, the other half have – meaning the Whites have dropped a league-high nine points at the death.

Startlingly, if every Premier League game had ended after 85 minutes this season, Leeds would be seventh in the table and challenging for Europe.

Instead, they are actually 15th – just six points above the relegation zone.

The most notable turnaround came last month when Farke’s side snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a seven-goal thriller at St James’ Park.

Leeds were 3-2 up when the clock struck 90 minutes before Newcastle scored twice in added time to win 4-3.

The first of those two goals was a 91st-minute Bruno Guimaraes penalty – the fourth spot-kick Leeds have given away in added time this term. Harvey Barnes then clinched it for Newcastle in the 102nd minute, the latest match-winning Premier League goal on record.

Throw in a 94th-minute own goal from Gabriel Gudmundsson during September’s visit to Fulham that gifted the Cottagers all three points, and the pattern does raise questions about Leeds’ fitness and concentration in the latter stages.

“For me it can only be a concentration issue,” says former Leeds and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson. “I don’t think it’s down to fitness – two or three minutes at the end of the game is neither here nor there for these players.

“There are various types of goals in there – penalties, an own goal, others that are harder to legislate for. Any goal, if you break it down, you can pick out an error or a lapse of concentration somewhere along the chain. Maybe sometimes there’s a lack of leadership in the dying minutes.

“The Leeds fans won’t care as long as they stay up but, at the minute, they’re drawing too many games and they’re right in the mix.”

Of course, Leeds have also benefited from late goals this season too.

Ao Tanaka smashed home a 96th-minute equaliser against Liverpool at Elland Road in December, while Lukas Nmecha’s fine volley in the 91st minute sealed all three points against Fulham last month.

Ultimately, Farke deserves credit for Leeds’ turnaround in fortunes since switching to a 3-5-2 formation at half-time against Manchester City in late November – a game City won in the 91st minute through Phil Foden.

A run of just two defeats in the subsequent 14 league games has moved Leeds out of the relegation zone.

But when Farke reflects on his side’s late-goal problem, he might be left wondering: “What if?”

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-leeds-flying-high-without-153247545.html 

Motorsport photo

Ford Racing jumped to the challenge of supporting Red Bull and its powertrain during testing in Bahrain over the last couple of weeks. But then, towards the end of last week, it quite literally leapt into its partnership as the brand’s Dakar-spec Raptor T1+ was launched over Red Bull’s RB7 on the streets of San Francisco ahead of the city’s first Red Bull Showrun. 

The rally-raid prototype, built for the substantial punishment of its series, was used as a teaser for the event on Marina Boulevard as former Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda headlined the line-up. 

On Broadway’s 11-degree hill, the off-road racer Mitch Guthrie Jr. sent the machine up the incline, aiming for a speed of approximately 45mph before hitting a five-degree ramp. The truck became airborne as Scott Speed, a former F1 racer, rotated the RB7 under the arc of the T1+. 

“From zero to airborne in San Francisco,” the caption read alongside a video of the stunt.

“And this is how it’s done,” one commenter posted in response. “Awesome work team!”

“Next time we jump the Golden Gate??” another joked. 

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The Showrun was watched by tens of thousands of fans as the free event drew massive crowds and streets between Baker and Buchanan were shut down for the event on the Saturday. 

While it was yet another successful weekend for Red Bull and Ford Racing, Tsunoda was involved in a car fire after the test and reserve driver’s car burst into flames during his demonstration in front of the crowds. 

Fortunately, the former racing driver pulled himself from the burning 2011 chassis and was unharmed, but videos of the moment quickly spread across social media.

Mitch Guthrie Jr. and Scott Speed perform in the streets of San Francisco, California, USA on February 18, 2026.

Mitch Guthrie Jr. and Scott Speed perform in the streets of San Francisco, California, USA on February 18, 2026.

“Red Bull Showrun presented by Ford Racing is a series of spectacular Formula 1 demonstrations across cities in the USA, where Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 cars take to the streets alongside exciting vehicles from the world of motorsport,” Red Bull promised as it confirmed the dates of the event earlier this year. 

It added that the experience will make “spectators’ hearts race” as they watch the action. I’m sure Tsunoda’s heart was beating just as fast as the crowds alerted him to the flames that licked up the side of the engine cover. 

With that event ticked off, Red Bull and Ford turn their attention to the season start in Melbourne as the Australian Grand Prix takes place on 8 March. 

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/watch-ford-dakar-truck-leaps-153143495.html 

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 21: Boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya speaks during a press conference ahead of the fight between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and David Benavidez at Park MGM on February 21, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya spent some time talking with reporters about Ryan Garcia’s win over Mario Barrios to claim the WBC welterweight title and what that means for his future. Here’s some excerpts of what De La Hoya had to say down below.

De La Hoya on Garcia’s performance against Barrios

“I saw a composed Ryan. I saw a focused Ryan. I saw a Ryan that knew he had to win, so therefore we saw a complete Ryan. We say a Ryan that was well trained, that was determined to win that world title, and at times when he throws those combinations and he lands, he gets a little reckless so it’s like ‘hey, get your composure, got back to your jab, have fun.’ That’s exactly what he was doing. The speed was too much for (Barrios).”

On Garcia dropping Barrios early in the fight

“I was not surprised that he got up. Barrios is a tough son of a gun. I knew if he went down…this is going to be a long fight. Once you get hit — when you’re a fighter, you get hit and go down — you warm up. Your body warms up, your chin becomes granite and that’s exactly what happened to Barrios, that’s why the fight lasted 12 rounds. He’s a tough guy.”

On Garcia matching up with Stevenson

“I love the fight. I mean, look, there’s so many options that are for Ryan now. Everybody wants to fight him, everybody wants to dethrone the pretty boy. And now that he has a world title everybody is after him, so I think it’s just a matter of regrouping, letting Ryan rest, and he’ll make his decision once he’s ready.”

On his current contractual situation with Garcia and if he’s worried Zuffa or someone else might make a run at him

“Well, we do have him for a few more fights. So, still promoting him. And whatever he decides after our contract is over, then that’s his decision. I can get him to the world title, I can help him and guide him in his career and get him the right opponents and then whatever happens after that, it’s up to the fighter. I have no say whatsoever.”

On whether a Haney rematch is next

“I would like to see that fight, actually, with Devin Haney…It’ll be a big matchup. Bigger than the first time around. It’ll be huge here in Las Vegas so I would love to see that…A rematch would be pretty exciting.”

On whether they want to pursue a Rolly Romero rematch

“It’s a possibility. I mean, anything’s a possibility. I think boxing is funny, you’re as good as your last fight. That’s what boxing is. Ryan looked great, he’s on top of the world with a world title, he’s got a target on his back, everybody wants to fight him. So he’s got fighters to choose from now. So, whatever he decides.”

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/everybody-wants-fight-him-oscar-153126881.html 

The 2026 NFL league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 11. That’s just over two weeks away! First thing’s first is free agency. Teams are going to start spending and, to do so, may need to make decisions with their current rosters in order to make room or gain cap space. Generally, this can be done by signing players to extensions, restructuring contracts already in place, making trades, or releasing players.

The players below are not currently set to be free agents; that’s an entirely separate group. However, these players could join them shortly. Tyreek Hill is the most recent example as he was released by the Dolphins just last week. Hill’s departure generated $28.2 million in dead money for 2026 while saving Miami $22.9 million in 2026 cap space.

Some players in this piece may be referenced as a “post-June 1 release,” of which NFL teams can designate a maximum of two players to spread dead cap charges across the current and following season. Example: The Broncos designated Russell Wilson as a Post-June 1 release in 2024, spreading his (NFL record) $85M dead cap charge across 2024 ($53M) and 2025 ($32M). It’s important to note that when a player is designated as a post-June 1 release, the financial impact of their departure isn’t felt until then, though they become available immediately to sign elsewhere.

Note: The information regarding financial details is drawn from Spotrac — some figures may vary elsewhere.

Cap Cut Candidates at Fantasy Football Relevant Positions

Running Back

Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

2026 Dead Cap: $2,562,000
2026 Savings: $13,000,000

No, I don’t believe the Colts are going to release Jonathan Taylor. If anything, he’s likelier to receive another extension at 27 years old with just one year left on his current contract. Taylor finished first in rush attempts (323) and third in total rush yards (1,585) last season. He’s only included here to set the scene for the rest of the article in regard to teams weighing whether to extend, trade or release big-name players.

Joe Mixon, Houston Texans

2026 Dead Cap: $2,000,000
2026 Savings: $8,000,000

Despite not playing an NFL snap since Jan. 18, 2025 (last year’s playoffs), Joe Mixon still ranks fifth among active players in total career touches (including playoffs) with 2,313 behind only Saquon Barkley (2,343), Alvin Kamara (2,406), Christian McCaffrey (2,463) and Derrick Henry (3,062). Mixon turns 30 in late July, and the Texans will surely look to add to their backfield in the coming months.

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

Designated as a post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $10,133,471
2027 Dead Cap: $8,140,471
2026 Savings: $8,500,000

The Saints are currently $41.7M over the projected 2026 cap, ranking dead last in cap space. Kamara’s $18 million cap hit in 2026 isn’t astronomical, but it does rank third on the team. He also turns 31 in July. Kamara voiced opposition to playing anywhere other than New Orleans ahead of last season’s trade deadline, but maybe releasing him with the freedom to choose where he will end his career has some appeal.

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

2026 Dead Cap: $2,250,000
2026 Cap Savings: $7,580,000

The Cardinals have a new coaching staff, and releasing 31-year-old James Conner makes too much sense, especially when considering the financial benefit. Though he missed 14 games last season, Conner did average 4.6 yards per carry and posted a 47/414/1 receiving line during the 2024 season in Arizona. Drew Petzing was the offensive coordinator in Arizona 2023-2025 and is now the offensive coordinator in Detroit. Conner could end up signing on with the Lions as a veteran change-of-pace back behind Jahmyr Gibbs, which is about what to expect from the veteran at this point in his career. He has just 1,703 total career touches but won’t be leading a backfield in 2026 unless absolutely necessary.

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

2026 Dead Cap: $4,862,499
2026 Cap Savings: $3,508,334

So, if James Conner (above) does sign with Detroit, that probably means David Montgomery is gone. Obviously, Montgomery leaving via release or trade would take place before any additions by the Lions. They’ve suggested Montgomery deserves to play elsewhere with a larger role. They’re also expected to sign Jahmyr Gibbs to a large extension this off-season as well. Montgomery has handled 220 or more touches in six straight seasons up until last year with the Lions. He could very much lead a backfield in 2026 if traded or he signs a one-year deal somewhere.

D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears

2026 Dead Cap: $1,333,334
2026 Cap Savings: $7,470,000

Among running backs in 2025, Swift was 22nd in touches per game (16.1), tied for ninth in yards per carry (4.9!), sixth in explosive run rate (13.5%) and second in DVOA (22.9%). Swift is only 27 years old, though it feels like he’s been around for far longer. The Bears could extend him, but they’re currently 26th in projected cap space, at nearly $11 million over the limit. Swift isn’t a huge reason why, but if the Bears look to get younger and cheaper at the position or see a benefit to signing another feature back to a long-term extension, Swift could be playing elsewhere in 2026.

Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans

2026 Dead Cap: $2,000,000
2026 Savings: $7,250,000

The Titans were bad in 2025, but Tony Pollard was surprisingly good. His is one of 12 running backs to have rushed 220 or more times with an average of 4.5 yards per carry or greater. Unfortunately, Pollard handled just 19 red zone carries, as the Titans simply didn’t spend much time in scoring position. That ranks 43rd among 49 qualified running backs. Pollard is another cap cut candidate running back that has an entirely new coaching staff in 2026. They also currently have the most cap space heading into free agency. They’re going to spend, and spend big, at a variety of positions to right the ship. Pollard will be 29 years old at the end of April and the savings that go along with releasing him makes this feel like a no-brainer.

Aaron Jones Sr., Minnesota Vikinga

2026 Dead Cap: $6,800,000
2026 Cap Savings: $8,000,000

The Vikings signed Jones to an extension last March. It included $11.5 million in full guarantees with up to $13 million in guarantees. Minnesota just recently fired their general manager. If the Vikings don’t release Jones before March 13 but do so after, they’ll save just $6 million and eat $8 million in dead money. They currently sit a projected $40 million over the cap, Jones is 32 years old, and the Vikings have a projected 11 picks in April, compared to just five last year. Jordan Mason is more likely to stay as it only saves less than $1 million to release him and they only traded a fifth and sixth to acquire him last season.

Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $3,125,000
2027 Dead Cap: $3,125,000
2026 Savings: $11,417,647

When the Packers signed Jacobs in 2024, it was a four-year, $48 million deal though with just $12.5 million guaranteed. In other words, it was a one-year deal with three different team options to keep him. He did earn a $5.9 million bonus last off-season. Moving forward, any additional money is via per game active bonuses. The Packers are just slightly over the cap as it stands and Jacobs’ $14.5 million cap hit ranks seventh on the team. However, that’s ever so slightly more than the one-year guaranteed value of the 2026 running back franchise tag number. Jacobs just turned 28 and is a valuable asset to their offense, so there’s no expectation he gets released with two seasons left on his deal, I’m but throwing it in here at the end, because crazier things have happened!

Wide Receiver

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

2026 Dead Cap: $5,000,000
2026 Cap Savings: $24,000,000

It’s not that Pittman isn’t a good player, but looking at the future for this franchise, it’s do-or-don’t time to extend him again or benefit from a release. Indianapolis is without their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, so exceling in free agency is crucial. They have to decide whether to extend Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce and consider doing so for Jonathan Taylor, as well. The numbers here reflect a pre-March 15 release, which would create an additional $24 million to help with these decisions. Pittman could be a valuable asset to a young team starving for a wide receiver like, say, the Patriots, who may not cost as much as others. He’s only 28 and probably signs at least one more sizable multi-year extension.

Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots

Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $5,700,000
2027 Dead Cap: $4,000,000
2026 Savings: $20,800,000

New England ranked 21st in total targets to wide receivers during the regular season. Diggs led the way with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards. No other Patriots wide receiver had 50 receptions or 600 yards. Drake Maye desperately needs a WR1, and 32-year-old Stefon Diggs isn’t it. Releasing him before March 13 saves $18.5 million with just an $8 million dead cap hit, which could happen sooner than later.

Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans

2026 Dead Cap: $8,020,000
2027 Dead Cap: $5,000,000
2026 Savings: $18,730,000

As mentioned earlier with Tony Pollard, the Titans currently have the most projected cap space. Calvin Ridley hardly played last season due to injury, he’s 31, and with a new coaching staff, considering the financial benefit to moving on from him, this release is bound to happen. The Titans can save roughly $25 million while eating just $10 million in 2026 by releasing Pollard and Ridley. Tennessee is going to put significant pieces in place on offense around second year quarterback, Cam Ward. That, plus Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator, makes Ward a buy in dynasty leagues right now if possible.

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers

Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $5,700,000
2027 Dead Cap: $4,000,000
2026 Savings: $20,800,000

Aiyuk signed his four-year, $120 million extension in August of 2024. He tore his ACL Oct. 20, 2024, and hasn’t played since. What an absolute disaster for the 49ers who somehow have made do offensively without him on the field last season especially. Given the public disdain both player and organization seem to have for one another, Aiyuk will likely become a free agent. San Francisco needs to revamp their wide receiver room as Christian McCaffrey led the team with 102 receptions last year followed by George Kittle (57), who played in just 11 games.

DJ Moore, Chicago Bears

If traded before June 1
2026 Dead Cap: $12,000,000
2026 Savings: $16,500,000

Nope, this isn’t a cap cut situation, but DJ Moore is a possible trade candidate from the Bears, who have Rome Odunze (Year 3) and Luther Burden III (Year 2) and could probably get a decent return for Moore, who has had his ups and downs during a short stint in Chicago. His $28.5 million cap hit in 2026 is the largest on the Bears so that, if nothing else, provides some incentive to move him. Moore ran the 15th-most routes among all players last season, but his 50 receptions rank just 64th league-wide. His 1.3 yards per route run were lower than both Burden (2.9) and Odunze (1.8), as well.

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

If traded before June 1
2026 Dead Cap: $11,250,000
2026 Savings: $15,264,706

This is cheating a bit, but it’s the offseason and we have nothing else to do but talk football, so let’s discuss the impact of a Tee Higgins trade. Yes, he just signed an extension last offseason with the Bengals. It was a four-year, $115M deal, but really a two-year deal based on structure and guarantees. The Bengals have always needed more than just Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins to be successful. While both WR1 caliber players, their defense is atrocious. Cincinnati could probably get a 2026 first for Higgins while saving a significant amount of money in doing so. It would be hard to hang up the phone if a team desperate for a wide receiver upgrade, and the money to support Higgins, calls and offers significant draft capital for him.

Quarterback

Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders

2026 Dead Cap: $18,500,000
2026 Cap Savings: $8,000,000

This is a no-brainer for the Raiders. They currently have the second-most cap space and, more importantly, the first overall pick. They’ll select Fernando Mendoza in April, and he will be the Week 1 starter for Las Vegas. Smith may be one of the first quarterbacks available to needy teams. If the Raiders wait until March 13 to release him, the dead cap hit jumps to $26.5M with nothing in savings. This is only a matter of time.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

Designated as a Post-June 1 Release
2026 Dead Cap: $22,500,000
2027 Dead Cap: $12,500,000
2026 Savings: $2,100,000

The Falcons currently rank 13th in projected 2026 cap space. A new coaching staff of Kevin Stefanki (HC) and Tommy Rees (OC) will look to move forward with Michael Penix Jr., albeit recovering from a season-ending ACL injury. It’s extremely possible Atlanta brings in another option to be the Week 1 starter. It could be as simple as signing the aforementioned Geno Smith to a low-cost, two-year deal (that’s really a one-year deal based on guarantees.) Either way, the Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta is likely over as the Falcons move forward with a new regime.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Designated as a Post-June 1 Release
2026 Dead Cap: $70,053,177
2027 Dead Cap: $7,200,000
2026 Cap Savings: $-17,392,500

Considering the lackluster rookie quarterback class and veterans who may become available over the next few weeks, Kyler Murray is probably “best player available” to teams desperate to find a franchise player. That said, he will probably get traded at some point over the next month. That will save the Cardinals $34.7M while eating just $17.9M in dead money for 2026. Though he played in just five games last season, in a full 17-game season in 2024, Murray ranked ninth in pass attempts (541) and seventh in completion rate (68.8%) with 3,851 yards passing and an additional 78/572/5 rushing line. His career average of 6.11 rush attempts per game paces him for 104 attempts per season. He did have 29 attempts in five games last season, pacing for just shy of 100 attempts in 17 games. There’s still fantasy value to be had from Murray in 2026.

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Designated as a Post-June 1 Release
2026 Dead Cap: $67,400,000
2027 Dead Cap: $31,800,000
2026 Savings: -$11,132,353

It’s much more beneficial for the Dolphins to find a trade partner to acquire Tagovailoa. If so, the dead cap hit drops dramatically to $45.2 million, while saving $11 million toward the 2026 cap. Assuming the Dolphins are successful in doing so, don’t be surprised if the return is a Day 3 pick (Rounds 4-7) solely to lessen the financial burden on their end. Considering it’s a new coaching staff, and new GM, in Miami, this is only a matter of time.

Justin Fields, New York Jets

Designated as a Post-June 1 Release
2026 Dead Cap: $13,000,000
2027 Dead Cap: $9,000,000
2026 Savings: $10,000,000

The Justin Fields experiment in New York failed, though won’t cost the franchise much in the grand scheme of things. Unfortunately, the Jets locked in the second overall pick which, in this upcoming draft, will not be a quarterback. They could still draft a rookie on Day 2 or 3, but it’s likely they sign one of the available veterans looking to start right away. Beggars can’t be choosers and that will apply to both team and player when they do find their eventual starter. Whoever it is will be the ninth different starting quarterback that Garrett Wilson will have caught a pass from in five seasons. Woof.

Tight End

Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills

Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $5,068,000
2027 Dead Cap: $2,336,000
2026 Savings: $12,800,000

The Bills are projected to be $10.6 million over the 2026 cap with the 25th-most cap space Dawson Knox’s $17.8 million cap hit ranks fifth on their current cap table. His release would be big news for Dalton Kincaid (2.9), who trailed only Jaxon Smith-Njigba (3.8) and Puka Nacua (3.7) yards per route run this season.

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears

2026 Dead Cap: $3,200,000
2026 Cap Savings: $8,400,000

If designated as a post-June 1 release, the Bears eat just $1.6 million in both 2026 and 2027 while saving $10 million in 2026. Releasing Kmet before March 15 is probably the way to go as it generates just $3.2 million in dead money with $8.4 million in savings. Kmet could sign an extension to lessen his cap hit this upcoming season, but after drafting Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick last season, Kmet’s time in Chicago may be up.

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

Designated as a Post-June 1 release
2026 Dead Cap: $5,355,000
2027 Dead Cap: $7,110,000
2026 Savings: $16,000,000

Hockenson logged just a 51/438/3 receiving line in 15 games last season. His 6.6 yards per target ranked 42nd among 55 qualified tight ends. His $21.35 million cap hit in 2026 is seventh on the team. The Vikings have a new general manager, and Hockenson has played two seasons of his four-year extension already. It’s hard to fathom removing weapons of J.J. McCarthy (or his competition’s) arsenal, but trading Hockenson could be an option, as well. That would save the Vikings roughly $9 million with a $12.46 million hit. Hockenson turns 29 in July so plenty of good ball left to play.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-cap-cut-candidates-matter-153117844.html