As the NFL gears up for another unpredictable offseason, teams are eyeing potential roster changes in preparation for the 2025 season. It's a common sight in the league, where long-term contracts often don't guarantee players' futures. With performance vs. salary becoming a central theme, many could either be traded or cut loose.

Trading players can stem from many factors, including a desire for a fresh beginning or a new management team seeking to restructure their roster by moving overpaid veterans. However, such transactions usually come with a hefty price tag due to resulting salary cap implications known as "dead money." This term refers to the cap impact from the accelerated proration of bonuses upon a player's departure from the team.

One notable player at the center of offseason speculation is Aaron Rodgers. The veteran quarterback, traded to the New York Jets from the Green Bay Packers ahead of the 2023 Draft, has struggled to live up to expectations. After a disappointing 5-12 season where injuries plagued his performance, the Jets' management, newly installed, might consider a shift at the quarterback position. If they opt to release Rodgers after June 1, they could face a staggering $63 million in dead money as they seek to rebuild while making a new quarterback acquisition.

On the Atlanta Falcons’ front, Kirk Cousins has also found himself in a precarious position. After a promising start to the season fizzled amid poor performance, the addition of rookie Michael Penix Jr. has led to rumors of Cousins' departure. Releasing him before a crucial $10 million roster bonus becomes guaranteed could save the Falcons financially but could also yield a massive $65 million in dead money—a steep cost for a player who was expected to rejuvenate the team's playoff aspirations.

Then there’s the New Orleans Saints’ Derek Carr, who may face a restructuring of his hefty contract or even find himself cut if a new head coach expresses doubts about his abilities as a starting quarterback. With a base salary guaranteed at $30 million, the team might prefer a post-June 1 designation to mitigate the financial implications of his release, splitting the dead money hit over two seasons.

The list continues with Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, who hasn't been shy about his dissatisfaction with the team's direction. His existing deal might make him susceptible to trade talks if a new regime decides to shake up their roster. Despite good production, a change in coaching might leave him reconsidering his future, especially if he feels underappreciated.

Other players of interest in the upcoming offseason include Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams, whose role seems diminished. With the rapid emergence of new talent, Kupp's future appears uncertain, and while he has declared intentions to continue playing, he may not suit up in a Rams jersey next season.

As teams tighten their financial belts, many familiar faces may find themselves in different uniforms come fall. It's a wait-and-see game this offseason, with big-name veterans potentially parting ways as franchises recalibrate for their next campaigns. Keep an eye out—your favorite stars might not be in place for long!