The NFL offseason is heating up a week before the league year officially begins, as teams clear salary cap space ahead of free agency. Several notable players, including All-Pros and MVPs, have been released, creating buzz around possible signings.

Christian Kirk of the Jaguars, due to a hefty contract without guarantees and missed games due to injury, has been cut. Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, seeks a new home after his release from the Eagles post-Super Bowl. Other prominent names include Gardner Minshew and Tyler Lockett, both poised to enter free agency following recent roster changes. Most notably, Aaron Rodgers and his top target Davante Adams were also released by the Jets, opening avenues for new contracts as teams seek to bolster their rosters.

The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to release guard Alex Cappa, a move that will yield an $8 million savings on their salary cap. Cappa, who had a four-year contract worth $35 million signed in 2022, faced challenges during his tenure with Cincinnati, especially missing the entire postseason in 2022 due to an ankle injury. Despite being a key player in the regular season, starting in all 50 regular season games from 2022 to 2024, Cappa's lack of postseason experience is notable, ranking fifth among offensive linemen with no playoff appearances.

This decision appears to be part of a broader effort to reshape the Bengals' offensive line after a disappointing performance leading to their Super Bowl 56 run. The Bengals have not shied away from making significant changes to bolster their efforts to reclaim a leading spot in the league. Cappa's exit might signal an impending shift in strategy to improve their playoff prospects going forward.

Alex Cappa's departure from the Cincinnati Bengals signals a pivotal moment for the team's offensive line. After three seasons as a starter, Cappa found himself released due to declining performance, evidenced by his Pro Football Focus grade of 50.5, ranking him among the lowest guards in the league. This decision, announced just before the franchise tag deadline, also aims to free up $8 million in salary cap space, bringing the Bengals' total to approximately $68.7 million. This financial maneuvering is crucial as the Bengals brace for potential extensions for stars like Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson.

As the Bengals look ahead, Cappa's release is part of a larger strategy to optimize their roster for the upcoming season, especially with the looming franchise tag which could cost them $26.1 million. The team has already made moves to bolster cap space, having released Sheldon Rankins earlier in the month. Cappa, despite his struggles, is expected to find a new opportunity in free agency, having established himself as a reliable starter during his tenure in Tampa Bay and Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move by releasing offensive guard Alex Cappa, freeing up $17.6 million in salary cap space. Cappa, who was entering the final year of his contract, struggled with injuries and ranked near the bottom in pass block win rate last season.

This decision comes as the Bengals look to secure new contracts for key players like wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, along with defensive end Trey Hendrickson. With an additional $17.6 million available, the team now has $5.9 million left in leftover cap space heading into the new league year.