I think we all focus on cap figures because we care about team composition, but a lot of that money is already paid out up front to these players.
The players are interested in receiving as much cash earnings going forward as possible, whether by a new increase in bonus/upfront cash to be amortized down the road, or just remaining on the team to collect base salary amounts. Their ability to receive new guaranteed money from other teams influences their leverage. When play has declined, they become more amicable to altering the terms
Their dead cap number doesn't mean all that much to them is my understanding. That's all old news (old money) to them