12 biggest ‘dead money’ salary cap hits in NFL history
The Denver Broncos’ upcoming release of quarterback Russell Wilson will represent the biggest “dead money” salary cap hit in NFL history.
If the Broncos designate the release as expected, Wilson’s 2024 cap hit will be $35.4 million, and his 2025 cap hit will be a whopping $49.6 million.
Just the 2025 cap hit alone would mark the largest dead money hit in NFL history; the $85 million total spread over two years more than doubles the next two largest dead money cap hits in NFL history combined.
The list of top dead money hits, unsurprisingly, is filled with star quarterbacks and big-name receivers, whose deals command some of the highest cap hits around the NFL.
Dead money could come to a team because of releasing a player, trading a player, or because of retirement. It’s considered “dead money” because it counts against a team’s salary cap even though the player is no longer on the team. Here’s a quick list of the 12 biggest “dead money” cap hits ever.
Russell Wilson: $85 million
Matt Ryan: $40.53 million
Aaron Rodgers: $40.31 million
Tom Brady: $35.1 million
Carson Wentz: $33.8 million
Leonard Williams: $26.9 million
Russell Wilson: $26 million
Julio Jones: $23.25 million
DeAndre Hopkins: $22.6 million
Jared Goff: $22.2 million
Brandin Cooks: $21.8 million
Antonio Brown: $21.1 million
