The NFL season is always filled with excitement and expectation as players and teams gear up to compete in America’s favorite pastime. However, before the first kickoff of the regular season, teams must make tough decisions on which players to keep and which ones to let go. Some players who were once stars may find themselves on the chopping block due to various reasons such as performance, injuries, or salary cap constraints.
One notable player who could be a surprise cut is Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers. Adams has been a reliable receiver for the Packers for several seasons, but with the team in a transition phase following Aaron Rodgers’ departure, and Adams’ high salary demands, the Packers may choose to part ways with him to free up cap space and start fresh with younger talent.
Another player facing a potential cut is Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills. Diggs has been a standout wide receiver for the Bills since his arrival in 2020, but with the team looking to extend quarterback Josh Allen’s contract, they may need to make sacrifices in other areas to stay under the salary cap. Diggs could be a casualty of these financial considerations, despite his significant contributions to the team.
On the defensive side of the ball, one player who could be on the chopping block is J.J. Watt of the Arizona Cardinals. Watt has had a storied career in the NFL, but his recent injury history and age may make him a luxury the Cardinals cannot afford. Cutting Watt would free up cap space for the team to address other needs and potentially add younger, more cost-effective talent to the roster.
Joining Watt on the list of potential cut candidates is linebacker Von Miller of the Denver Broncos. Miller has been one of the premier pass rushers in the league for many years, but injuries and declining production have raised questions about his future with the team. The Broncos may opt to part ways with Miller to create room for younger players to step up and make an impact on the defense.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. of the Cleveland Browns is another player who could find himself on the chopping block this offseason. Beckham has struggled with injuries and consistency since joining the Browns, and his high salary makes him a prime candidate for release. The Browns may choose to move on from Beckham to free up cap space and allocate resources to other positions of need.
Defensive end Everson Griffen of the Minnesota Vikings is also a player to watch as teams trim their rosters before the season begins. Griffen has been a disruptive force on the defensive line for the Vikings, but his age and declining performance could lead the team to part ways with him. The Vikings may decide to go with younger, cheaper options on the defensive line, making Griffen expendable.
One surprising name on the list of potential cut candidates is tight end Zach Ertz of the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz has been a reliable target for the Eagles since entering the league, but with the emergence of Dallas Goedert as a playmaker at the tight end position, Ertz’s role in the offense has diminished. The Eagles may choose to cut ties with Ertz to give Goedert the opportunity to become the focal point of the passing game.
Running back Todd Gurley of the Atlanta Falcons is another player who could be facing a release as teams finalize their rosters. Gurley was once one of the premier running backs in the league during his time with the Los Angeles Rams but has seen a decline in production and effectiveness in recent years. The Falcons may decide to go with younger, more explosive options at the running back position, making Gurley a potential cap casualty.
Lastly, cornerback Richard Sherman of the San Francisco 49ers could be a surprise cut candidate as the team looks to make roster adjustments before the season kicks off. Sherman has been a leader in the secondary for the 49ers, but injuries and age have caught up with him, limiting his impact on the field. The 49ers may choose to move on from Sherman to create opportunities for younger defensive backs to step up and contribute.
In conclusion, as NFL teams prepare for the upcoming season, tough decisions must be made regarding which players to keep and which ones to cut. The players mentioned in this article have all had impressive careers in the league, but various factors such as performance, injuries, and salary cap considerations may lead their teams to part ways with them. It will be interesting to see how these situations unfold as teams finalize their rosters and set their sights on the ultimate goal of competing for a championship.