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NFL NationESPN
Each player knows that their time in the NFL is short.
There are many reasons veterans may be on the roster bubble when they enter training camp. They might be in a position that is suddenly crowded with talent. Perhaps they haven’t performed to their expectations in the past seasons or during recent OTAs. Perhaps their contracts are just too expensive for what it is they bring to a table.
We asked 32 NFL Nation reporters to select a veteran player who might not make it onto the regular-season roster. Each reporter was asked to explain why they felt the player was at risk of being cut. There will be running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers and linemen. There will be players between 25- and 30-years old. There will be former first-rounders and recently signed free-agent players. It doesn’t matter who you are, any player can be cut. These 32 players may need your attention.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Although there aren’t many roster battles for the Bills, there will be a race for the last offensive line spot. Van Roten, 32-year-old, has spent the past two seasons with the Jets and was signed during the offseason. He brings valuable experience to the interior line of the Bills. However, that doesn’t guarantee he’ll make the final 53 man roster. He will still be fighting for a spot alongside veteran interior lineman. Greg ManczWho has more experience playing centre, and who can tackle? Luke Tenuta, a sixth-round selection. — Alaina Getzenberg
Miami’s running backs are a crowded place, especially after the addition of Raheem Mostert, Chase Edmonds And Sony MichelAhmed and the leading rusher last year may not have enough room. Myles Gaskin. Ahmed showed glimpses of potential as a starter in 2020 by running for 250 yards and two scores over a three-game stretch. But that was two years back and Gaskin’s pass-catching abilities in 2022 make Ahmed the odd man out. — Marcel Louis Jacques
Ty Montgomery, RB/WR
He was signed this offseason as a free agency after two seasons with Saints. Montgomery is now part of a deep wide receiver corp. His best chance for sticking is to be a returner or a part of the runningback group in a role similar to a third-down. Montgomery’s longevity seems to be tied to this. James WhiteProgress of the right hip injury recovery Rhamondre Stevenson can achieve his goal of becoming a more significant factor in third down and the growth 2022 draft selections Pierre Strong Jr. (fourth round). Kevin Harris (sixth round). — Mike Reiss
He is fourth among outside wide receivers, with 31 catches and no TDs over two seasons. He is in the back Corey Davis, Elijah Moore The rookie Garrett Wilson. Mims was drafted by the former coaching staff and has had difficulty gaining footing with the current staff. However, he showed promise in the offseason. This could indicate that he’s now buying into this program. — Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
He is a respected leader of the defense, who has overcame a severe injury to his knee and has played well in this offseason, taking on numerous responsibilities. Lamar Jackson In minicamp, he was twice. Jefferson is now faced with the challenge of playing in the Ravens’ most loaded position group. Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton And Chuck Clark. Jefferson is fighting for the No. 4 safety spot Geno StoneSeven years younger than him. — Jamison Hensley
It might not be the first time in years that a veteran candidate isn’t immediately able to jump out. Huber, a 14 year veteran, arrives at the training camp with a little competition. Drue Chrisman2021 Ohio State University graduate, who bounced around on and off Cincinnati’s practice squad as an undrafted free agent. Huber will need to make one more appearance in order to break the franchise record for most games. He has participated in 207 games. This is the same amount as Ken Riley (1969-1983). — Ben Baby
Johnson signed a one year extension after being tendered this offseason. Johnson’s guaranteed salary of $900,000 means that the Browns can easily trade for him. Johnson has proven to be a solid backup. Johnson has also been a quality backup running back. Nick Chubb And Kareem Hunt To be in line to receive the bulk of the carries, to follow along Jerome Ford And Demetric FeltonJohnson, who the Browns have drafted for the past two years — Johnson might be the odd man. Jake Trotter
Layne was selected in the third round, 2019 draft. He has been primarily a special-teamer since that time. Layne played 28 defensive plays last season, despite being injured at cornerback. James Pierre He was beaten on the depth chart. Layne was able to surpass him on the depth chart, even though the Steelers didn’t take a corner in the draft. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Scharping is entering his final season as a rookie. He was drafted in the second round of the draft in 2019. In 2021, he played right guard for 11 games but was not able to perform well enough to be a regular on the Texans’ final roster. Scharping and the first-round draft pick Tytus Howard The Texans have two remaining draft picks in the 2019 draft. — Sarah Barshop
Ben Banogu, DE
Chris Ballard, Colts general manger, has enjoyed a lot of success picking in round 2. Darius Leonard. Jonathan Taylor. Michael Pittman Jr. These are just a handful of recent additions. Banogu is not a similar player. The 2019 second round pick had 19 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and spent most of the 2021 season on inactive. Mike Wells
K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB
In 31 games, the 20th overall draft pick has two sacks. The Jaguars also drafted him as the 20th overall pick. Travon Walker To be first overall in this year’s competition for his spot Devin LloydThe Jags took 27th overall in the draft. However, he can play on third downs. It may seem unusual for a first round pick to be given up after just two years. However, this regime has already demonstrated that it does not hesitate to move on from unproductive draftees. CB was dealt by GM Trent Baalke last year CJ HendersonCarolina, ninth overall pick in 2020. Chaisson still has plenty of time to prove himself but his spot could be at risk if he has an inept camp. — Michael DiRocco
Wilkins signed for the Titans with hopes of securing the backup role. Derrick Henry after D’Onta Foreman Inked with Panthers However, Tennessee is stuck in a rut when it comes to running back. Dontrell Hilliard, Hassan Haskins And Trenton Cannon They are the favourites to be selected for roster spots. Wilkins isn’t as skilled in special teams as Cannon and doesn’t pose the same threat from the backfield like Hilliard. Haskins is a strong back who can bring the physicality of Henry to the field, and is a natural pass catcher. To win a spot on the roster, Wilkins must have a great training camp. Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Malik Reed, OLB
Reed is a favorite of the Broncos — everyone likes Reed — and he has certainly saved them in three consecutive seasons. Von Miller The 2020 campaign was missed and when Bradley Chubb More than half of the 2021 and 2019 seasons were missed. However, there is a new coaching team and the Broncos have not signed Randy Gregory They didn’t draft despite a $70million deal not to be a starter Nik Bonitto In the second round to not hold him and they didn’t move Baron Browning Reed, who was an inside linebacker starter last season, was moved to outside linebacker after they realized he couldn’t make an impact as pass-rusher. Reed, who is the fifth player at outside tackler, could be in a heated debate with Jonathon Cooper For one spot on the roster, — Jeff Legwold
After the Chiefs signed Gordon, it will be hard for Gordon to crack the top four wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster And Marquez Valdes-Scantling And drafted Skyy Moore And with Mecole Hardman returning. It is unlikely that Gordon will be retained by the Chiefs as a fifth or sixth wide receiver if he does not help on special teams. — Adam Teicher
Clelin Ferrell, DE
The No. The No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft hasn’t lived up his lofty draft standings. He had 4.5 sacks as an rookie, but 3.5 since then and six quarterback hits last year. With the Raiders signing vets Chandler Jones (One year after they brought it in). Yannick NgakoueTo pair with Maxx CrosbyFerrell didn’t have his fifth year option and may be on alert. Unless, obviously, Ferrell is a better fit in the new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme. — Paul Gutierrez
Austin Ekeler The Chargers’ leading running back is Kelley, but the depth charts are a little murky. Kelley was drafted by the Bolts as their fourth-round selection in 2020. But, the third-year professional has not yet established himself as a viable option. Last season, Kelley ran for only 102 yards and 33 carries. Kelley will soon be competing in a training camps competition that also includes a second-year player. Larry Rountree IIIRookie, who ran for 87 yard and a touchdown on 36 runs last season. Isaiah Spiller, a fourth-round pick from Texas A&M. — Lindsey Thiry
NFC EAST
Hill, a former second round draft pick, is in the last year of his rookie contract and has not made much impact. Injury is a factor. A knee injury in 2020 caused Hill to miss 22 games during the last two seasons. Hill will battle it out with the Cowboys, who prefer to have a rotation of their defensive line. Neville Gallimore And Osa Odighizuwa For playing time at the 3-technique coordinator Dan Quinn doesn’t mind using interior defensive ends. Hill may be traded depending on his performance in the preseason. However, there isn’t any role for him beyond 2022. — Todd Archer
Slayton enters the final season in his rookie contract. There were some talks about him being moved last year and this offseason. His spot in the team is uncertain with a new regime. This is especially true after he spent the spring working with the second team and even with three of the best wide receivers out with injuries. Slayton also dropped wide-open passes deep downfield in OTAs and minicamp. They do have numbers, if the Giants’ wide receiving corp is healthy. — Jordan Raanan
Arcega Whiteside, the team’s second-round draft selection in 2019, switched from wide receiver and tight end in this offseason to try to prolong his stay in Philly. He was mostly a blocking receiver/special-teams contributor in 2021 and received praise from his coaches for his efforts. He’ll be competing alongside Jack StollYou are a rookie Grant Calcaterra, Noah Togiai And Tyree Jackson If you are healthy, you can apply for a spot on our roster behind Dallas Goedert. Tim McManus
Gandy Golden moved from wide receiver into tight end in this offseason. This was likely an effort to secure a spot at the NFL. Gandy Golden, who stands 6’4″ and is 230 lbs, has the size to transition well. While Gandy-Golden has made good progress so far, the 2020 fourth round draft pick must show improvement to keep his spot. He’d be able to make it if the Commanders kept four tight ends (assuming). Logan Thomas He has fully recovered from the injury to his right ACL/MCL and is ready to start the season. Gandy-Golden played some good plays in spring, but will need to prove that he is capable of handling the physical demands of the position when Commanders take off the pads. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
Chicago has a few players who can fit in this category, but not many. Cruikshank, an addition to the second wave free agency, was expected to be a good fit. Eddie Jackson The depth chart. With the addition rookie Jaquan BriskerCruikshank, who impressed the coaching team with his versatility this Spring, could be the odd guy out if Chicago keeps four safeties. DeAndre Houston-Carson The seventh-rounder Elijah Hicks. Courtney Cronin
Tim Boyle, QB
Boyle is basically on a Detroit one-year deal to prove it and is up against tough competition David Blough. Quarterback Jared Goff Boyle is the clear-cut starting quarterback, but he must have a strong training camp to be considered for Blough’s backup spot. Coach Dan Campbell said that the backup Lions’ quarterback competition was something he respected during minicamp. “Competition, it’s a wonderful thing. Campbell stated, “I respect what they did this spring.” “That’s what I love most about them both.” Eric Woodyard
The Packers did not invest in Watkins, but they gave Watkins a $350,000 signing bonus as part a one-year contract. They’ve given larger bonuses to signees of free agents (see Devin Funchess). They did draft a lot of receivers, even though they haven’t had much experience at the position. If all three draft selections (Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs And Samori ToureIf Watkins doesn’t agree, he may not be able to make a contribution by Week 1. Rob Demovsky
Udoh began 16 games in 2021. He tied for the NFL lead on penalties. It appears that the Vikings’ new coach is seeking to replace him. Newcomer Jesse Davis Minicamp was a success. The team used the second-round pick for guard and got the majority of the reps at rightguard. Ed Ingram. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Deion Jones, LB
This is a complicated question because Jones would likely be removed from the roster more through a trade than a free agent — but, at this point anything is possible with the 2017 Pro Bowler. Atlanta might have to deal with his dead money of almost $19million, but Atlanta has more than $63 million in deadcap space for 2022 so it might not really matter. This doesn’t necessarily mean Jones will not be playing this fall — he might — but it does indicate that Jones’ overall situation with the Falcons may be in flux. — Michael Rothstein
P.J. Walker, QB
The question is: Will the Panthers bring someone else to compete with them? Sam Darnold Do you want to be the team’s starter? The team will not cut rookies Matt Corral. Walker may be considered an ineligible veteran if Corral proves he is capable of being the backup. Walker seems to have exceeded his limit in terms of what he can do within the NFL. — David Newton
Zack Baun, LB
Baun was traded by the Saints to be drafted in the third round of the 2020 draft. This is in anticipation of turning the college edge rusher from a defensive linebacker into an off-ball one. Despite being in good health for 17 of his last 17 games, he hasn’t played much defense. The Saints have also drafted linebackers Pete Werner And D’Marco Jackson Rounds 2 & 5, respectively, will be based on the results of rounds 1 and 5. Baun will need to show that he’s capable of playing a greater role in defense and special teams roles to be guaranteed his spot. Mike Triplett
With Leonard Fournette To become a three down back Ke’Shawn Vaughn‘s Improvement and the Bucs Selecting Rachaad White Bernard will be the third round pick in the NFL draft. He will turn 31 next November. White caught 23 passes to 123 yards last year and had 58 rush yards on eight runs. Bernard may be overlooked if White can quickly integrate into the Bucs’ systems and is able to consistently pick up a speedy blitz. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Isabella was limited to 52 snaps in eight games last year, which has meant that his impact on the offense is minimal. Kliff Kingsbury is fondly impressed by his speed, but he doesn’t deserve a spot on the roster due to the Cardinals’ ongoing rebuilding of their receiving corps. The Cardinals have also added Marquise Brown And with Rondale MooreArizona has the speed it requires — and that speed will take them to the field. It may not matter how Isabella performs at camp. — Josh Weinfuss
Evans may not be able to make Los Angeles’ 53-man roster due to the Rams’ offensive line depth and young talent. Evans played in 23 games over the last three seasons for the Rams, but ultimately lost the right guard job. Austin Corbett Last season. Evans will most likely compete with the 2022 third round pick Logan Bruss, Coleman Shelton And Tremayne Anchrum Jr. For right guard reps and a roster spot — Sarah Barshop
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB
Garoppolo is not being released by the 49ers, as they have repeatedly stated. But, Garoppolo will be added to the Niners’ cap at $26.95 million if he isn’t on the roster. That’s an outrageous price for insurance even at the highest position in the game. The Niners will attempt to trade Garoppolo once his right shoulder is fully healed. If they cannot, they will at least try to get him back at a substantially reduced price or release him. — Nick Wagoner
Goodwin was signed by the Seahawks to a minimum-salary agreement that included only $152,500 guarantee. This is a small commitment that suggests he is fighting for one spot behind the four presumed top players. DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Freddie Swain And Dee Eskridge. Goodwin, 31 years old, will be competing against younger players such as Penny Hart Including rookie seventh-rounders Bo Melton And Dareke Young. — Brady Henderson