While working to build a championship-worthy roster, NFL teams commit huge resources to key players. That might be a first-round draft selection or millions of dollars in a later contract.

Sometimes, though, it simply doesn't work out as hoped, and franchises need to release big-name talents.

In several cases, such as that of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr or New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, a player could be traded instead of being cut. However, the possibility or expectation of a trade is merely that—and not a guarantee.

The following players are among the dozens of potential cut candidates around the NFL this offseason.

All contract data is from Over the Cap.

Carson Wentz, QB, Washington Commanders

Let's start with the obvious one: Carson Wentz.

To a fault, the Washington Commanders gave their 2022 offseason addition a chance to prove his worth. However, the now-journeyman QB struggled in seven starts and tossed three interceptions in a playoff-dream-crushing loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.

The reality of this situation is straightforward because Wentz has a non-guaranteed $26.2 million cap number for 2023. He won't return to the Commanders next season.

Instead, he'll be looking for a fourth team in four years and is unlikely to start for an expected playoff contender.

Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

One way or another, Derek Carr won't be leading the Las Vegas offense during the 2023 season.

Naturally, the best-case scenario for interested teams is the Raiders release him. That option would create $29.3 million of savings for Vegas if he's released before June 1 (and even more if he's released after).

On the opposite side, the Raiders are hoping to land at least something in return for Carr. It's fair to expect them to explore trade scenarios until his 2023 contract guarantees on Feb. 15.

If no desirable offer is extended by then, Vegas will release Carr.

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans

Get ready for an offseason full of change for the Tennessee Titans.

Most notably, the Titans will seriously consider moving on from Ryan Tannehill. The veteran QB is currently set to count $36.6 million against the cap in 2023, but the Titans can release him, save $27 million if designated as a post-June 1 cut and start a new era at the position.

He's not the only player to know, either. Tennessee has two more well-known cut candidates on offense.

Longtime left tackle Taylor Lewan is guaranteed none of his $14.8 million salary, and parting with wideout Robert Woods would save no less than $12 million if released at any point.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys

This possibility hinges on Tony Pollard healing as expected from his fractured fibula. If he does, though, the Dallas Cowboys have reason to re-sign him and shift Pollard into the featured spot over Ezekiel Elliott.

And save a whole lot of money.

If designated as a post-June 1 cut, Elliott would only count $5.8 million against the cap instead of $16.7 million. Dallas could use $10.9 million of savings to start addressing other needs, which include wide receiver, the offensive line, defensive tackle and cornerback.

Jerry Jones doesn't shy from paying running backs, so it's plausible both Elliott and Pollard are back in 2023.

After the Cowboys failed to reach even the NFC Championship Game for the 27th straight season, though, it's not a terrible thing to suggest Jones may want to alter that philosophy a bit.

Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints

Earlier in January, the New Orleans Saints agreed to a restructured contract with Michael Thomas.

The agreement likely isn't meant to keep him around, though.

Instead, the Saints dropped his salary from $15.5 million to $1.2 million and added a $31.8 million roster bonus for 2024, which becomes guaranteed on March 17, 2023.

But there is realistically little chance New Orleans is actually going to keep Thomas—who's totaled just 10 appearances over the last three seasons—for that price. Besides, the receiving corps can move forward with a focus on Chris Olave and late-year breakout Rashid Shaheed.

The timing of the restructure also allows the Saints to designate Thomas as a post-June 1 cut. As a result, the expected outcome is he'll count less than $15 million against the cap in each of the next two seasons.

Corey Davis, WR, New York Jets

During the 2021 offseason, the New York Jets landed wide receiver Corey Davis with a three-year, $37.5 million deal.

Since then, however, Davis has fought a few injuries and been a replacement-level player. He's totaled only 66 catches for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns in his limited span, putting his New York future in doubt.

Garrett Wilson, a first-round selection in 2022, became the team's top wideout as a rookie. New York also refused to trade a disgruntled Elijah Moore, a 2021 second-rounder. Although his 2023 outlook is unclear, Moore is a cost-controlled player on his rookie deal.

Meanwhile, the Jets can save $10.5 million if Davis is released. They could try to restructure his contract, but Davis may prefer a fresh start anyway.

Frank Clark, Edge, Kansas City Chiefs

Hello again, Frank Clark.

The veteran pass-rusher held a notable spot in this exact same discussion last year. Clark and the Kansas City Chiefs ultimately agreed to a reworked deal, which may be the flavor of the offseason once more.

Clark's current $28.7 million cap number is untenable, considering he's managed just 23.5 sacks over the last four seasons.

Because his production has generally jumped in the postseason, Clark nonetheless has some value for the Chiefs. The challenge is deciding how much exactly a playoff burst is worth when Clark's regular-season contributions really aren't anywhere close to his price.

Kansas City can release him and save $21 million.