The Washington Redskins can clear up cap space with a few cuts this offseason (they can make them starting Monday). Not everyone on this list is a legitimate candidate to be released for money purposes, but all represent substantial savings if something did happen. The numbers are according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Receiver Pierre Garcon
What he will count against the cap: $9.7 million
Years left on his contract: Two.
Potential savings: $7.5 million (if classified as post-June 1; it’s $5.3 million otherwise).
Why they might: Because that’s a lot of money for someone whose production went from 113 receptions to 68. Only 11 receivers will count more than Garcon against the cap next season; again, it’s expensive (could lead to a restructure though). And they are more invested in DeSean Jackson next season ($9.25 million). That is a lot of cash at receiver. But Garcon can still play, and remains a physical all-around receiver. Perhaps extending his contract, while lowering his hit, is another option.
Guard Chris Chester
What he will count against the cap: $4.8 million.
Years left on his contract: One.
Potential savings: $4 million, regardless if it’s designated post-June 1 or not.
Why they might: The Redskins have a cheaper, younger alternative in Spencer Long behind him. Long should be the future at guard -- that is why they drafted him after all. And, as a third-round pick, in theory they should be able to develop him. But they did seem pleased by Chester's performance this season, and if Long had been ready, they likely would have given him more time at the end of the season. If they think Long needs another year, then Chester remains an alternative.
Defensive lineman Barry Cofield
What he will count against the cap: $7.68 million
Number of years left on contract: Two.
Potential savings: $5 million if designed post-June 1, or $4.123 million otherwise.
Why they might: He was not the same player this season, even before his high ankle sprain. He’ll also turn 31 in March. The Redskins need to more youth up front. But you also can’t get rid of everyone, and Cofield could still help at either end or nose tackle. However, this is a high figure.
Cornerback DeAngelo Hall
What he will count against the cap: $4.813 million
Number of years left on contract: Three
Potential savings: $4 million if designated post-June 1, or $2.375 million otherwise.
Why they might: A lot could depend on his health with Hall coming off an Achilles tear. The Redskins need more help at cornerback, and before he was hurt Hall showed that he was still a capable cornerback. Plus he was a solid leader. But he’ll turn 32 during the season and, coming off an injury, that is a tough combination. But it's hard to imagine them parting with Hall if he's healthy.
Cornerback Tracy Porter
What he will count against the cap: $3.28 million.
Number of years left on contract: One.
Potential savings: $2,328,175 regardless of how it’s designated.
Why they might: He’s coming off multiple injuries and has a history of durability issues. That is not a good combination. Who knows if he can still play or not; we barely saw him this season.
Linebacker Perry Riley
What he will count against the cap: $4,050 million
Number of years left on contract: Two.
Potential savings: $3 million if designated post-June 1, otherwise it’s $1.950 million.
Why they might: They weren’t unanimous on re-signing him last season, and a lot will depend on what new coordinator Joe Barry thinks of Riley. The only position coach who returns on defense is Kirk Olivadotti, who worked with Riley last season. Riley does have strengths, but he doesn’t make enough plays to offset some of the miscues. Whenever there is a new coordinator, there are changes. I’d be a little surprised, but there is a savings.
Offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao
What he will count against the cap: $4 million.
Number of years left on contract: Three.
Potential savings: $3 million if designated post-June 1, otherwise it’s $1 million.
Why they might: I’d be surprised if this happened, because they just signed him last offseason. But I included him because there is a savings should they want to do so -- for the other big free agents signed last offseason there would be no savings. Lauvao needs to improve in run blocking, but he has the size they want inside.
Center Kory Lichtensteiger
What he will count against the cap: $4.3 million
Years left on contract: Three.
Potential savings: $3.75 million if designated post-June 1; $2.65 million otherwise.
Why they might: Another one I wouldn’t expect; he’s coming off a solid season. But I included him because it does represent a savings. Still, they don’t have a young in-house replacement to plug in.
Defensive end Stephen Bowen
What he will count against the cap: $8.02 million
Number of years left on contract: One.
Potential savings: $5.5 million, regardless of whether it’s before or after June 1.
Why they might: That’s a big number for a guy coming off a season in which he missed most of it because of micro-fracture knee surgery. He also turns 31 in March, so the age/durability issue becomes bigger. Bowen said after the season that he was told he remained in the teams plans, but they have since changed coordinators and will have a new line coach.
Defensive end Jason Hatcher
What he will count against the cap: $5.25 million.
Years left on contract: Three.
Potential savings: $3 million if designated post-June 1; otherwise they would add $1.5 million to his cap hit.
Why they might: Another one I don’t foresee, but he is another recent big free agent signee with potential savings. His cap hit is $8.75 million in 2016, so this likely would be his last season here anyway. When healthy earlier this season, Hatcher was a solid player and is worth bringing back just to see how he fares.