When you look at the difference between dead money and cap savings, here are the guys who the Saints would gain more than $1 million by cutting:
1) Janoris Jenkins- about $11.2 million gained by cutting
Is Janoris Jenkins a $10+ million CB? That's the first contract you have to address, because that a substantial savings if you don't think he's that guy.
2) Sheldon Rankins- about $7.6 million gained by cutting
Rankins is another big one. My gut is that the Saints will keep his 5th year option, but I honestly don't think that he has been worth $7.6 million up until this point. I'm doubtful if he ever will be...not a game changer and always hurt. But for the hope and prayer that he gets it put together, the Saints probably keep him.
3) Kiko Alonso- about $7 million gained by cutting
This is the easiest one on the list. There no chance the Saints keep Alonso at his current price, especially as he comes off of an ACL tear. It wouldn't be surprising if he gets restructured at a much lower price though, because he seemed to be a pretty good fit and the Saints need help at LB.
4) Larry Warford- about $4.1 million gained by cutting
I think that Warford stays. He's a good player when healthy.
5) Terron Armstead- about $3.6 million gained by cutting
Likewise, I think that Armstead is probably worth $3.6 million for the hope and prayer that he stays healthy. He's a game changer when he's in there. No chance the Saints cut him, but I suppose that they could trade him if they get a nice return.
6) Mario Edwards- about $2.3 million gained by cutting
Edwards played well this last year and provides nice depth at many DL positions. I think he stays, but if the Saints DL depth continues to progress (Granderson and Tuttle take steps forward), I suppose the Edwards can be a late cut.
7) Alvin Kamara- about $1.7 million gained by cutting
We give Kamara a hard time here, and much of it is deserved. The expectations are high, as they should be...he's one of the great players in the NFL...and his play was probably the most disappointing individual performance of the Saints 2019 season. There's no chance the Saints cut him, but I do think that a trade is very possible.
8) Patrick Robinson- about $1.2 million gained by cutting
Robinson played pretty well late in the season last year. If the Saints lose Bell and Apple, which is very possible, I'd be surprised if Robinson isn't retained at his current price. With Bell and Apple gone, CJGJ plays more safety and that would create a larger need at nickel, which is where Patrick Robinson fits well.
9) Craig Robinson- about $1.1 million gained by cutting
Robinson is as steady as they come. He is a special teams ace and his knowledge of the defense really helps. His skills are declining, but the Saints don't have much at LB, so I think there's a good chance he's back.