Four high-profile NFL quarterbacks—Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, and Kirk Cousins—are set to be released by their respective franchises, according to @AdamSchefter. Despite the roster moves, the group will still be guaranteed a combined total of $119.3 million from their previous contracts.
The financial breakdown of the guarantees includes Tua Tagovailoa receiving $54 million and Kyler Murray receiving $36.8 million. Additionally, Geno Smith is guaranteed $18.5 million, while Kirk Cousins will receive $10 million following their departures. These massive sums represent significant dead cap hits for the organizations involved as they move on from their veteran signal-callers.
The release of these four starters immediately alters the landscape of the NFL quarterback market. Each player will now be eligible to sign with new teams while still collecting the substantial guaranteed money owed from their prior deals. No immediate word has been given regarding the specific timing of the filings or the subsequent plans for the teams involved.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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