Interesting name. Probably played like crap.

Interesting name. Probably played like crap.

Early Predictions for Most Surprising NFL Veteran Cuts of 2022 Offseason
MAURICE MOTON
MAY 25, 2022



As roster battles heat up with organized team activities underway across the NFL, veterans will start to sweat as they face in-house competition for starting jobs and roster spots.

A majority of teams have close to 90 players on the roster, but as we know, clubs must narrow it down to 53 before the regular season. Among the cuts, we'll probably see some surprises that put quality veterans on the open market.

Front offices make shocking cuts for a variety of reasons, though there are often financial implications involved. If a cheaper backup can provide 75 percent of what a starter produces on a bloated salary, teams will release the latter and take the cap savings on a costly contract, especially if those savings are substantial.

In some situations, clubs may shop a player and strike out on finding a trade partner or a reasonable offer. In others, a coaching staff may believe it's time to move on from an underperforming veteran who's taking snaps from a younger player with upside.

With those scenarios in mind, we'll predict this offseason's most surprising cuts. We didn't include foreseeable moves such as the San Francisco 49ers releasing Dee Ford after general manager John Lynch voiced his doubts about the edge-rusher's future with the team.

Let's take a look at eight cuts that seem less predictable but still realistic.





Nelson Agholor, WR, New England Patriots
1 OF 8


After a career-turning 2020 season with the Las Vegas Raiders in which he hauled in 48 passes for 896 yards and eight touchdowns, Nelson Agholor signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the New England Patriots. He didn't make a strong impact in his first term with the AFC East club, registering 37 receptions for 473 yards and three scores.

With the addition of wideout DeVante Parker, whom New England acquired from the Miami Dolphins, and rookie seconder Tyquan Thornton, the Patriots may have written enough on the wall to signal Agholor's departure in the coming weeks.

However, some people may see this move as a surprise because the Patriots will hold $10 million in dead money if they release Agholor, per Over the Cap. He's more likely to restructure his deal or become the subject of a trade.

Nevertheless, New England may opt to cut Agholor and save approximately $4.9 million if team brass cannot find a trade partner for him. He may also push back against a pay cut.

If Agholor hits the open market, he could resurface with the receiver-needy Chicago Bears, who need a No. 2 option to complement Darnell Mooney.


Michael Brockers, DT, Detroit Lions
2 OF 8


As a team in the second year of a rebuild, the Detroit Lions may want to hold on to Michael Brockers because of his leadership qualities. Though he didn't serve as a team captain in his first year with the club, the veteran defensive lineman held that honor during his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams.

With that said, Brockers will head into his age-32 term. Additionally, he didn't make a big splash in Detroit after the Lions acquired him from the Rams last offseason. As a starter in 16 contests, Brockers recorded 52 tackles, four for loss, a sack and five pressures. The Lions have younger, versatile defensive linemen who can fill Brockers' role and potentially replicate or exceed those stats in their new even-man front.

In the second round of the 2022 draft, the Lions selected Josh Paschal, who, at 6'3", 268 pounds, can line up on the inside or rush from the edge. He'll likely have a chance to play a decent number of snaps in the upcoming season. After two injury-plagued campaigns, Austin Bryant made notable contributions in 2021, recording 31 tackles, five for loss, 4.5 sacks and 10 pressures.

The Lions can cut Brockers and allow their young defensive linemen to soak up meaningful snaps. If Brockers hits the market, he would make a good fit with the Los Angeles Chargers, who have made an attempt to patch up their porous, 30th-ranked run defense from the 2021 campaign by signing Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson.

As Brockers has done with the Rams and Lions, he would play in an odd-man front in a rotational role.



Anthony Brown, CB, Dallas Cowboys
3 OF 8


The Dallas Cowboys may have to make a tough cut within their cornerback unit if they allow 2021 second-rounder Kelvin Joseph a shot at a starting role.

As a passenger in a vehicle connected to a homicide, Joseph has to go through a legal process, and the league could suspend him based on what it finds in an investigation. Head coach Mike McCarthy didn't have an update on the matter.

In the meantime, Joseph will likely have a chance to carve out a starting role because of his draft pedigree. If he impresses the coaching staff, the Cowboys could move on from Anthony Brown, who played a majority of the snaps out wide in 2021.

Last season, Brown had his most productive pro campaign, logging career highs in pass breakups (17) and interceptions (three) while allowing a 53.3 percent completion rate in coverage. With that said, the Cowboys can release him, save $5 million in cap space and go with a younger defender who has more upside.

The Cowboys signed primary slot cornerback Jourdan Lewis to an extension (2021) more recently than Brown (2020), so the latter could be the odd man out if they make a cut at the position.

Coming off a strong 2021 season, Brown should have multiple suitors. He could start Week 1 for the Seattle Seahawks over unproven cornerback Tre Brown or become an insurance policy for Sidney Jones IV, who has missed 34 games through five seasons.


Denzelle Good, OG, Las Vegas Raiders
4 OF 8


Denzelle Good opened the 2021 season as the starting right guard, but he tore his ACL in the first game. Even though the veteran lineman is coming off a serious knee injury at 31 years old, The Athletic's Las Vegas Raiders beat reporters, Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed, penciled him into a starting spot at guard in their early depth chart projections.

While that's possible with the uncertainty along Vegas' offensive line, the Raiders may also release him, save about $3.7 million in cap space (post-June 1) and add that on to the $19.8 million they'll receive from designating Cory Littleton and Carl Nassib as post-June 1 cuts.

The front office can use those financial resources to make a couple of notable free-agent signings late in the spring or during the summer to shore up an unsettled offensive line.

Good can hold onto his starting spot or serve in a backup role at three positions (left guard, right guard or right tackle) behind John Simpson, rookie third-rounder Dylan Parham or Alex Leatherwood, but he's not a roster lock at this stage in his career.

If the Raiders cut Good, he can sign with the Indianapolis Colts for a second stint and start at right guard. The AFC South club needs an immediate plug-and-play replacement for Mark Glowinski, who signed with the New York Giants.


Robert Quinn, Edge, Chicago Bears
5 OF 8


Robert Quinn might be unhappy with the direction of the Chicago Bears as the team goes into a rebuild period under a new regime.

According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, Quinn "wants out" of the Windy City.

"I continue to hear that Quinn wants out of Chicago—and who could blame him?—and there are a host of interested teams," La Canfora wrote. "Bears brass has told everyone he ain't going anywhere, but they will keep asking and that's not lost on the veteran defensive end."

Coming off a Pro Bowl campaign with 18.5 sacks, 34 pressures and 17 tackles for loss, Quinn would hit the free-agent market as arguably the biggest prize among the unexpected cuts. As La Canfora noted, the 32-year-old pass-rusher has garnered interest from multiple suitors, so Bears should be able to deal him in exchange for at least a middle-round pick.

Nevertheless, if Chicago doesn't entertain offers and plays hardball with teams in trade talks, Quinn may try to force his way out for a chance to pick his next destination. If he goes public about his reported desire to suit up elsewhere, the veteran pass-rusher could hurt his trade value as teams may wait to see if the Bears release him to avoid a messy situation.

If available on the open market, Quinn should consider a second stint with the Miami Dolphins, who could use a high-end veteran edge-rusher opposite second-year pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips.


Sheldon Rankins, DT, New York Jets
6 OF 8


Sheldon Rankins had a decent 2021 season with the New York Jets, recording 32 tackles, five for loss, three sacks and 11 pressures while on the field for 57 percent of the defensive snaps.

However, Rankins may become a cap casualty because of the influx of talent along the Jets' defensive line. Between free agency and the 2022 draft, Gang Green added Jermaine Johnson II (rookie first-rounder), Micheal Clemons (rookie fourth-rounder), Jacob Martin and Vinny Curry. Don't forget that Carl Lawson will return to action after he missed the 2021 season with a ruptured Achilles.

The Jets can employ John Franklin-Myers and Curry as interior pass-rushers in sub-packages to create opportunities for a deep group of edge-rushers, which would put a squeeze on Rankins' snaps at defensive tackle.

The Jets can cut Rankins, save $5.4 million in cap space and still field a strong pass rush, which makes his release a plausible move.

At 28 years old, Rankins can play more than half of the defensive snaps in a starting role and could fill a void in the Cleveland Browns' front line. They haven't re-signed defensive tackles Malik Jackson and Malik McDowell, who faces charges of aggravated battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and exposing sex organs in public, per TMZ Sports.

With Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney on the edge, Rankins can see some open pass-rushing lanes on the interior.


Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
7 OF 8


The New York Giants should try to keep all their pass-catchers as Daniel Jones tries to show he's a starting-caliber quarterback.

Even though the Giants selected wideout Wan'Dale Robinson in the second round of the 2022 draft, they'll need depth at the position because of the recent injury history within the group. Kenny Golladay and Sterling Shepard have both missed 14 games since 2020. Last season, Kadarius Toney missed seven outings, and he recently underwent a "minor arthroscopic knee procedure", per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.

Darius Slayton sat out four games last season, though he's played in 43 of 49 games in his three-year career. Initially, the 2019 fifth-rounder looked like a draft-day steal, racking up 98 receptions for 1,491 yards and 11 touchdowns between 2019 and 2020.

In 2021, Slayton hauled in just 26 passes for 339 yards and two touchdowns. According to The Athletic's Dan Duggan, the Giants shopped him on the trade block.

With a good start to his career, Slayton will likely remain with the Giants or draw enough interest for a transaction. However, clubs may take a conservative approach in trade discussions because he's in the final year of his contract and they might be willing to wait for him to hit free agency next offseason.

If New York lets Slayton go, the Baltimore Ravens should make an aggressive offer for him.

Averaging 15.2 yards per catch through his first two seasons, Slayton can make big plays for the Ravens as a field-stretching replacement for Marquise Brown, whom Baltimore traded to the Arizona Cardinals.


Logan Thomas, TE, Washington Commanders
8 OF 8


Though Logan Thomas turns 31 years old in July, he could be a reliable pass-catcher for incoming quarterback Carson Wentz. In 2020, the veteran tight end hauled 72 passes for 670 yards and six touchdowns.

Last season, Thomas missed 11 contests but still caught three touchdown passes—all within 11 yards of the goal line.

Even though John Bates caught 20 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown through his 2021 rookie term, he's still unproven in a full-time starting position. The Washington Commanders should wait to see a little more from the second-year tight end before they feature him in a bigger role.

If the Commanders release Thomas, they would hold about $4 million in dead money and save approximately $2.2 million (post-June 1), which isn't much of a financial gain. Also, keep in mind that the club just signed him to a three-year, $24.1 million extension last offseason.

However, Bates and rookie fifth-rounder Cole Turner may show enough through the preseason to make Thomas expendable at his age.

If that scenario plays out, the Minnesota Vikings can take a look at Thomas as a No. 2 tight end after they lost Tyler Conklin in free agency. He could serve as an insurance policy for Irv Smith Jr., who missed the entire 2021 campaign after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus.

Player contract details courtesy of Over the Cap.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.


https://bleacherreport.com/articles...ising-nfl-veteran-cuts-of-2022-offseason

Garoppolo would "disappear" in most offseason's and not return until the offseason programs.

Garoppolo would "disappear" in most offseason's and not return until the offseason programs.

One may argue that if you have a 100M+ QB, coaches and FO may expect him to at least return a text or call -- offseason or not.

One may argue that if you have a 100M+ QB, coaches and FO may expect him to at least return a text or call -- offseason or not.

Baker is the starter in Carolina

that didn't take long

This seems like more of an indictment of Sam Darnold than anything else.

Translation: If Brissett starts out losing the first two, Dobbs will start game 3. I sense a QB carrousel coming for 11 games unless we come out firing on all cylinders. This will be fun to watch.

Back to our wheelhouse! That’s Browns football from 99-17 haha. In reality I think we’ll roll with Brissett unless we trade for Jimmy G

Without question ... Living in the CLT market, I do hear some of the local sprt radio. Everyone is high on Baker at the moment - it's beyond just competing with Darnold ... but it's also pre-season and a honeymoon period. How he plays will be interesting. The Panthers are universally ranked as a bottom 5 roster in the NFL but they are in a weak division. It'll be quite the comparison for a while I would guess.

Translation: If Brissett starts out losing the first two, Dobbs will start game 3. I sense a QB carrousel coming for 11 games unless we come out firing on all cylinders. This will be fun to watch.

Translation: If Brissett starts out losing the first two, Dobbs will start game 3. I sense a QB carrousel coming for 11 games unless we come out firing on all cylinders. This will be fun to watch.

That may not be the translation, but I could see something like that happening. I think there is some pressure on the team to come out of the first 11 games a game up on the record. At least I would guess that behind closed doors that is the minimum goal.

Even when Watson returns I find it hard to think he will be firing on all cylinders. I can already see the vultures circling, waiting for that day. Unless Watson comes out and throws 3TDs and 350 yards they will be picking flesh. Heck, that might not be enough.

I am not saying this in a hostile way, but I will bet a good amount of money that Brissett will not be benched after game 2 if the current qb room remains the same. No way in the world do I see that happening.

wait a minute, already we are making excuses for Watson,

If you were talking directly to me, I don't ever take your comments in a hostile way.

My comments may have been overtated. I could see it, but I don't really expect to see that, nor hope for that. That would create a whole new bag of snakes. It would have to be more than just a loss. It would have to be pretty ugly as well.

KS will be tested in that he will need to actually adapt to the strengths of his O (getting the ball into the hands of his RBs and TEs and creative plays for the speedsters vs chucking the ball around).

I don't know what the CLT market is.

I just wanted to make sure because I responded to D4 about OCD's claim earlier on. I wasn't saying that I thought "Brissett was good." I was saying that it would be absolutely asinine to bench Brissett for Dobbs or Rosen after just two games. No freaking way!!! Despite what some posters are trying to sell us, you and I both know that our FO and coaching staff are not imbeciles.

Can Brissett find open receivers? If he can we should be fine.

Does Wills have a fan club?

I think Stefanski already proved that in his first year here. He saw what Baker's issues were and developed a scheme that played to his strengths and limited the number of times where his weaknesses would be exposed. Baker did pretty good w/the most time to throw in the league, a dynamic run game, box stacked to stop the run, play action passing, and boots. However, teams adjust over time and the big thing Ds did last year was take away the boots and make Baker beat them from the pocket.

I think Stefanski's scheme for Brissett will be fine. Of course, it will be limited because JB has his issues and limitations, too. Next year will be fun when we have a top-tier qb operating in a very good Stefanski schemed offense.

And that statement I made was less prediction and more expecting things to go horribly wrong for the Browns AS USUAL. After all, the Browns are the Browns.

I haven't watched enough of JB to speak w/any authority. It appears that he is good in short stretches, for example 2-4 games. However, problems occur over the long term. I think we could have been okay w/a 4 game suspension. Had a chance if Judge Robinson's decision honored. But, I don't feel real good about 11 games. Again, not speaking w/authority. I haven't watched enough of him to be certain.

So if we suck ass this year, everybody gets a pass, right? That's kind of what I take from your post. So far I've seen in various posts that KS, JB, DW, and basically the offense as a unit seem to be getting a year to figure it all out since DW is suspended. Yet when I said I thought this would be a wasted year, I got criticized.

It does seem like you are already making excuses for the guy you said was better (between brisset and baker) - brisset, the career backup.

But yet you've watched enough to tell us all he won't turn the ball over, and won't take sacks?

Here's a little insight: If you can be good in 1 or 2 games, you can be good in all of them.

It does seem like you are already making excuses for the guy you said was better (between brisset and baker) - brisset, the career backup.

So if we suck ass this year, everybody gets a pass, right? That's kind of what I take from your post. So far I've seen in various posts that KS, JB, DW, and basically the offense as a unit seem to be getting a year to figure it all out since DW is suspended. Yet when I said I thought this would be a wasted year, I got criticized.

Throw, when the idea of bringing NFL football to the Carolinas was first introduced, the team was supposed to be shared by Charlotte and Columbia, SC. They are about 1 hr. 15 min to 1 hr 30 min. apart.

The people of Columbia were miffed when the stadium was built in Charlotte. Also, Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina and the folks down here love their Gamecocks. There are plenty of Panther fans here, but the city as a whole are much more interested in collegiate sports than pro sports.

No doubt college football is deep rooted in the south. No doubt the idea with Carolina was to be a somewhat shared experience, but once everything settledeverything was on the north side of the state line.

Carolina is probably due a new stadium, and to beat the heat it will probably be a dome. When that day comes it would be smart to locate it in Rock Hill. S.C. I think they tried to do something similar with the training facility and team Hdqtrs...whatever happened to that? Is that still happening?

It's not everyone. It's the BM Club. Hijacking thread after thread w/their BS!

I think Stefanski already proved that in his first year here. He saw what Baker's issues were and developed a scheme that played to his strengths and limited the number of times where his weaknesses would be exposed. Baker did pretty good w/the most time to throw in the league, a dynamic run game, box stacked to stop the run, play action passing, and boots. However, teams adjust over time and the big thing Ds did last year was take away the boots and make Baker beat them from the pocket.

Rock Hill SC is 24 miles by car from Charlotte CLT airport, ( see, that's where the CLT abbrev. comes from).
They will not build a stadium 24 miles by car from the major airport it has to use, not in a market no bigger than Carolinas' market. ( Maybe in Chicagos')
Rock Hill will not be the site of a new stadium.

[quote=Versatile Dog]Everyone knows Baker was injured in 2021 and that's the reason things went awry.

I remember hearing Rock Hill mentioned. It's in SC, but is closer to to Charlotte than Columbia. I haven't heard any news about it quite awhile, but I haven't been looking for that news. I have a feeling people have just accepted the locale or moved on.

Man, you are right about the dome thing. Columbia is one of the hottest places you will find. It's in a little bowl and the dew point is often upwards of 70. It can be oppressive. Charlotte is probably not as bad, but it's still has to be awfully hot in August and September for Panther home games.

j/c...

Talk about being handed a job. What's the over under
On how many INTs Baker throws week 1?

All aboard the hyperbole train! Seriously, he'll probably have a decent game. I just hope he's in there needing a score to beat us with a minute left.

There are several posters that have have basically said these things. And Browns do have a top level NFL roster that is loaded, and we have a QB who is supposed to be no worse than BM last year, with less turnovers. Panthers have a bottom 1/3 roster ... bottom 5 according to several leading sport media. This shouldn't be close. No excuses, right?

WE always lose the first game of the season except for one year. This would be a nice year to finally break that streak!

Great to start the year with an easy win on the road. Because of the off season I've not re-upped my subscription for Sunday Ticket but being in CLT I'll get to watch this game at least.

j/c:

Sounds like excuses are already being made.

j/c:

Sounds like excuses are already being made.

To be fair, what was said is that Brissett isn't worse than Baker and will turn the ball over less .. To many that would mean "better" but I wanted to be accurate.

j/c...

They have a brutal series of games right before DW returns but if we start 4-0 we might be able to squeak the playoffs assuming DW hits the ground at full speed.

You guys are weird.

NFL Week 2 preseason winners and losers: Running backs, rookie QBs among top performers
Assessing the biggest standouts, for better or worse, from this week
Cody Benjamin


Week 2 of the NFL preseason is just about wrapped up, with only Monday night's Falcons-Jets contest still on the docket. That means we're well over halfway through the entire exhibition slate, and roughly a week away from final roster cut-downs. The real games are just around the corner. But which players and teams took clear steps in the right (or wrong) direction this week?

Here are our biggest winners and losers from the second week of 2022 preseason action:

Winner: KaVontae Turpin

The Cowboys already had premium offensive weaponry in CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz and Tony Pollard. But they might have to find a way to include Turpin as well, after the minor-league veteran and recent USFL star logged not one but two return touchdowns in Dallas' win over the Chargers. Even if just as a kick or punt returner, he probably locked up a roster spot.

Loser: Antonio Gibson
Speaking of offensive weapons in the NFC East, Gibson genuinely appears to be losing his grasp on the Commanders' top running back job. The former rookie standout, now entering Year 3, rotated with the second- and third-team units at practice recently. Against the Chiefs, he stood on the sidelines while rookie Brian Robinson Jr. started in the backfield, then totaled just two carries while being relegated to kick-return duties.


Winner: Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh product was always gonna be the fan favorite in the Steelers' QB competition, but he was decisive and unfazed in limited action against the Jaguars, making the case with a seamless up-tempo scoring drive that he deserves genuine consideration as the Week 1 starter over Mitchell Trubisky, who's more experienced but maybe no more talented.

Loser: Josh Rosen
Not all young AFC North QBs had a good weekend, and Rosen will be the first to admit it after completing just seven of 20 throws against the Eagles' third-stringers. Flopping in each of his career stops, his shot at claiming No. 3 QB duties for the Browns behind Deshaun Watson and Jacoby Brissett is pretty much shot after Joshua Dobbs showcased both an efficient arm and play-extending mobility to keep Cleveland competitive.

Winner: The run game
I
If you played preseason fantasy football with second- and third-string running backs this week, congratulations. The Bills rolled all over the Broncos by deploying every member of their deep backfield: Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, James Cook and Duke Johnson. The Eagles got steady burst from Boston Scott and Kenny Gainwell with Miles Sanders absent. The Lions' trio of Justin Jackson, Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike combined for over 100 yards against the Colts. Who says the ground game is dead?


Loser: Michael Thomas
Getting hurt isn't necessarily his fault, but the star Saints receiver is trying to return to the field for the first time since 2020, and two days after sitting out his second straight preseason game, he missed practice with a hamstring issue. All while first-round rookie Chris Olave continues to rise up the ranks and approach 2022 as New Orleans' most likely No. 1 target.

Winner: Malik Willis

No one expects the third-round rookie to be a polished passer at this point in his career, so just witnessing his electricity as a scrambler and occasional side-armed thrower should be enough to entice Titans fans growing impatient with Ryan Tannehill under center. No, Willis isn't about to take over at QB, but you can see, after his mobility and arm angles against the Buccaneers, why Tennessee stopped his draft-day fall.



Loser: Kliff Kingsbury
Just kidding. Or are we? The Cardinals coach has jokingly allowed his QB, Kyler Murray, to experiment with play-calling this summer ever since Murray gave him a hard time about running the offense. But once Murray took over the headset late in Arizona's preseason loss to the Ravens, the Cards' offense was decidedly more effective, even threatening a comeback after an option touchdown run by backup Trace McSorley. Now let's see if Kliff surrenders responsibility when it matters.


Winner: Isaiah Likely

Looking for a sleeper who's Likely to have a bigger impact on the Ravens' offense this year than expected? A guy who's Likely to warrant some red-zone targets from Lamar Jackson? And maybe even Likely to share snaps with Mark Andrews? We can't get enough Likely after the rookie fourth-rounder went off with eight catches for 100 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals, consistently finding or creating space against Arizona's defense.


https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...r-headline-top-five-week-2-performances/

All that aside, I never once said JB was a better qb than Baker. arch has resorted to telling lies, just like Pit and 888.

I have said that JB will probably throw fewer interceptions and take fewer needless sacks. I have also said that Baker has a superior arm and can make more dynamic plays. Personally, I think the deliberate spreading of lies should resort in a suspension, although I realize it would be hard for the refs to monitor. If those guys make the claim enough times, it becomes a "reality" on the board. And again, instead of talking about football, we have to talk about crap like this because of a few posters who constantly make things personal and don't even talk about football. Scroll through a list of arch's posts on this forum and see how many times he is talking about another poster and how many times he talks about football. The disparity is alarming.

(PFF grades every player on every play and uses a scale of 0-100, with higher grades indicating better play. PFF has explained its grades this way: 100-90 elite; 89-85 Pro Bowler; 84-70 starter; 69-60 backup; 59-0 replaceable. In other words, it’s similar to how we would match up percentages with traditional letter grades in school.)

Panthers are favored by 1.5 points. I’ll be paying attention to that line.

How? Even if you give them the edge at QB, we have clear advantage at just about every other position. Right?

How? Even if you give them the edge at QB, we have clear advantage at just about every other position. Right?

Automatic 3 pts for it being in their house, right?

All that aside, I never once said JB was a better qb than Baker. arch has resorted to telling lies, just like Pit and 888.

How? Even if you give them the edge at QB, we have clear advantage at just about every other position. Right?

You forgot to add Vers to your list. I can't imagine how you overlooked that one.

Myles and Clowney. They’re not nervous.

NFL's top nine defenses in 2022: 49ers, Bills stand tall; Chargers loom after loading up
Published: Aug 22, 2022 at 10:48 AM
Headshot_Author_Adam Schein_2019_png
Adam Schein
NFL.com Contributing Columnist



TOP NINE DEFENSES



Defense wins championships.

It's a familiar refrain. But does it still hold true in this era of high-flying offense?

OK, so the 1985 Chicago Bears are not walking through that door. Neither are the Purple People Eaters, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens or the Legion of Boom. But there are defenses poised to make a real difference this year.

Here are my top defenses heading into the 2022 NFL season, Schein Nine-style:


Rank
1
San Francisco 49ers

Nick Bosa, who received my vote for first-team All-Pro last season, is a beast. In 35 career games, he's compiled 24.5 sacks, including 15.5 in 2021, good for fourth in the NFL. He anchors a superb front seven, which welcomes Arik Armstead back into the fold after he missed time with a knee injury in camp. (And watch out for Javon Kinlaw, whom head coach Kyle Shanahan says "seems more like himself" after having ACL surgery last fall.) Fred Warner is a special player, earning the fourth-best defensive grade from Pro Football Focus among linebackers last season. He's led the team in tackles in each of his four pro seasons thus far, surpassed in that category by only three players (Bobby Wagner, Shaquille Leonard and Roquan Smith) since he joined the NFL in 2018. And Charvarius Ward joins a defensive backfield that helped San Francisco rank sixth in passing yards allowed last season. In short, the core is legit.



DeMeco Ryans picked up the defensive coordinator torch last season when Robert Saleh left to coach the Jets, and the brilliant Ryans didn't miss a beat, pushing the defense to its third consecutive top-five finish in yards allowed. When you combine the talent on the field with Ryans' smarts, you have a potent combo worthy of the No. 1 position here.




Rank
2
Buffalo Bills

The addition of Von Miller to the No. 1 defense (in terms of yards allowed) in 2021 was perfect. Miller might be 33, but he still has a ton of gas left in the tank as a pass rusher, judging by his otherworldly playoff performance with the Rams last season (four sacks in four games). I remain enamored with the talent up front; former first-rounder Gregory Rousseau is coming of a four-sack debut season, while Ed Oliver put up a career-best 10 tackles for loss and 14 QB hits in '21. Miller brings it all together -- the two-time Super Bowl champ will show the Bills the way.



I love coordinator Leslie Frazier's ability to coach up this unit. First-round pick Kaiir Elam was a great addition to a secondary that also features veteran stalwarts Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde at safety. Whenever two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Tre'Davious White, who went down with a torn ACL in November, makes his way back onto the field, it will be, well, everything for this defense.

Rank
3
Green Bay Packers

The Packers traded away Davante Adams, one of the best receivers in the game today, this offseason. But they still have a great opportunity to make a legitimate Super Bowl run this season. And it's not just because they have a legendary quarterback in Aaron Rodgers -- it's also because they have a lockdown defense.



That's right; these aren't your older brother's Green Bay Packers, asking a top-10 offense to carry a bottom-ranked defense. The front seven is strong, with first-round pick Quay Walker joining tackling machine De'Vondre Campbell and veteran pass rushers Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. The defensive backfield is special. Corner Jaire Alexander, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, is a rock star -- and he's paid like it. Alexander will be returning alongside 2021 first-round pick Eric Stokes, who tied for most passes defensed (14) by a rookie last season. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry surely earned the trust of both his players and head coach Matt LaFleur after piloting Green Bay to a ninth-place finish in yards allowed in his first year on the job.



Rank
4
Los Angeles Chargers

Teaming up four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Joey Bosa with three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Khalil Mack? Yes, please.



Adding J.C. Jackson to a secondary that also features newly extended safety Derwin James and promising youngster Asante Samuel Jr.? Yes, please -- and thank you!



Bosa and Mack, who have both averaged over nine sacks per season in their NFL careers, are one of the most formidable pass-rushing tandems in the league, while Jackson (22 picks over the past three seasons) is the play-making corner this team has craved. Locking up James, who will hope to build on his 2021 season after missing all of 2020 and much of 2019 with injury, was monumentally important for head coach Brandon Staley's Super Bowl-caliber roster. And don't sleep on the defensive tackle help general manager Tom Telesco brought in to shore up the run defense, which last season pulled a defense that ranked 12th against the pass into the bottom half of the league (23rd) in yards allowed. Free-agent tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day earned the best defensive grade from PFF of his career in 2020, when Staley was his coordinator with the Rams.


Rank
5
Los Angeles Rams

Aaron Donald is the best defensive player who has ever walked the face of the Earth.



OK, now that we have that basic fact of life out of the way, we can delve into the rest of this starry unit. Jalen Ramsey -- who, along with Donald, made the list of players I think should be in the "Madden 99 Club" -- is the best corner in the game. Scooping up linebacker Bobby Wagner after his release by the Seahawks was a stupendous move. The likely first-ballot Hall of Famer will be hungry to win another title -- and show Seattle what it will be missing. I can't wait to see what Raheem Morris, who is a great defensive coordinator, does in Year 2 with the team. L.A.'s regular-season defensive rankings -- 17th in yards allowed and 15th in scoring -- might not be much to look at, but Morris and Co. really turned it on during the championship run: The Rams ranked second among playoff teams in yards allowed per game (282.3) and third in points allowed per game (18.8).

Rank
6
New Orleans Saints

Dennis Allen was promoted to replace Sean Payton as head coach after coaxing the defense to four consecutive top-15 finishes as coordinator, including two straight in the top seven. He's great at what he does. Cam Jordan, who has recorded double-digit sacks in four of the past five seasons, is a stud. The front seven is reliably difficult to run against, helping New Orleans rank fourth or better in run defense in each of the past four seasons. Linebacker Demario Davis is a great leader and tackler. Marshon Lattimore is a play-making corner -- he leads the NFL in passes defensed (74) since the Saints made him a first-round pick in 2017.

Signing veteran safety Tyrann Matthieu was the icing on the cake. The ex-LSU star will bring the kind of sizzle, swagger and experience that can help this defense win big.



Rank
7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Like Allen in New Orleans, Todd Bowles was elevated to head coach this offseason after a strong run as the team's defensive coordinator (three straight top-15 finishes). His fingerprints will no doubt remain visible on this defense. He has a sharp mind and a loaded team at his disposal.



Only Bobby Wagner has more tackles than Lavonte David (1,220) since David entered the league in 2012. The veteran David and rising youngster Devin White (fourth in tackles over the past two seasons) form a dynamic linebacking duo. Shaq Barrett has been one of the league's more effective pass rushers, ranking fourth in sacks (37.5) over the past three seasons. Jason Pierre-Paul is gone, but 2021 first-rounder Joe Tryon-Shoyinka can pick up the pass-rushing slack. Vita Vea matched a career high with 12 QB hits last season and set a personal best in sacks (four) en route to his first Pro Bowl nod. Vea is joined on the Bucs' mammoth line by veteran Akiem Hicks, whose signing in free agency was a top-notch move. And corner Carlton Davis, who has more passes defensed than anyone in the NFL in the past three seasons despite missing seven games in 2021, will be back, healthy and newly enriched.



Rank
8
Denver Broncos

Denver is on this list even after saying goodbye to Von Miller via midseason trade last year, and that's in large part because of the clutch addition of pass-rushing ace Randy Gregory as a free agent this offseason. The ex-Cowboy should help provide room for Bradley Chubb, who was held to zero sacks and limited to seven games last season, to reestablish himself as a top-end pass-rushing threat.



Safety Justin Simmons has been a prolifically productive defensive back, piling up 331 tackles over the past four seasons, behind only Cincinnati's Jessie Bates in that span. First-round pick Patrick Surtain II, meanwhile, had more interceptions (four) than any Broncos rookie since Steve Foley also recorded four in 1976. I love Surtain's upside and talent. And the tough D-line was boosted by the addition of D.J. Jones.




Rank
9
Cleveland Browns

Jadeveon Clowney, who put up one of the better seasons of his career last year playing alongside Myles Garrett, was smart to come back for more in 2022. Garrett is a star, one of just three players (along with Aaron Donald and T.J. Watt) to post double-digit sacks in each of the past four seasons. At 26 years old, Garrett is still squarely in his prime. Denzel Ward got paid this offseason, and he'll anchor a truly talented defensive backfield filled with playmakers like Greg Newsome II, Greedy Williams and Grant Delpit. And don't forget about linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, one of three rookies last season (with the Cowboys' Micah Parsons and the Raiders' Nate Hobbs) to notch 70-plus tackles and four-plus QB hits.



The Browns are going to need their defense to take over and win games during Deshaun Watson's 11-game suspension, and this unit is capable of doing exactly that.

https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-s-top-...lls-stand-tall-chargers-loom-after-loadi

2022 NFL roster cuts and trades: Dolphins receivers, Browns running backs among deepest units
NFL teams will be keeping a close eye on these roster decisions
Josh Edwards

By Josh Edwards


NFL teams must get down to the 53-player active-roster limit by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30. The final week of preseason games is important for fringe roster players to audition for not only their current team, but also the other 31 franchises. Players who do not make the 53-man roster will be susceptible to the waiver system, which means they can be claimed by any other team in order of worst to best record last season. If the player goes through waivers unclaimed, then the initial team has the right to add that player to the practice squad.

If a team has a need to fill and is not willing to wait and see if a player of interest reaches them in the waiver order, then they could be inclined to execute a trade. A total of 23 trades occurred in August 2021, including defensive tackle B.J. Hill and running back Sony Michel, who played meaningful snaps last postseason for the Super Bowl representative Bengals and Rams, respectively. There has only been two trades this year. It is uncommon to find starters through the waiver system but it is more common to identify depth or role players.

Below are some of the units across the league that could be under the watchful eyes of personnel evaluators:

Dolphins wide receivers
Wide receivers Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill and Ced Wilson Jr. would seem to be entrenched in their respective roles. Most teams keep five or six at the position, which leaves Mohamed Sanu, Preston Williams, Lynn Bowden Jr. and fourth-round selection Erik Ezukanma vulnerable. In fact, there has already been a report that Williams and Bowden have been the subject of trade discussions. Bowden has a history returning punts and kicks in college so teams may be more comfortable taking a chance on the former third-round pick knowing that he could fulfill a secondary role.


Cleveland makes sense as a possible destination for the Youngstown native following an injury to wide receiver and kick returner Jakeem Grant.

Patriots defensive backs
Every head coach in the NFL covets depth and talent in the secondary but few are capable of cultivating it the way Bill Belichick has over the years. Malcolm Butler, Myles Bryant, Jonathan Jones and J.C. Jackson, to name a few, were originally added as undrafted free agents. Jackson signed a lucrative contract with the Chargers this off-season whereas Butler had returned to play a key role for the Patriots this season prior to sustaining an injury. New England may not have a star in the secondary but they have numbers.

At cornerback, the team has Terrance Mitchell, Jalen Mills, Justin Bethel, Shaun Wade, draft picks Jack Jones and Marcus Jones, and the aforementioned Bryant and Jones. At safety, the team has Adrian Phillips, Devin McCourty, Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger and some younger additions.


Scouring rosters in preparation for this article, it became evident that there is a shortage of quality cornerbacks in the NFL. The Falcons, Cardinals, Lions, Giants, Commanders, Texans, Colts and Steelers were among the teams with a potential need at the position.

Browns running backs
Cleveland's dynamic one-two punch of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt could be in danger for the upcoming season. Hunt requested a trade under the assumption that the Browns were not going to give him a new contract. To this point, the northeast Ohio franchise has been unwilling to meet his demands. Third-string running back D'Ernest Johnson played an integral role in the team's victory over Denver last season when Hunt and Chubb were sidelined with injuries. In fact, he had three games in which he rushed for 99-plus yards. Rookie Jerome Ford has been fantastic in training camp thus far. Last year's sixth-round pick, Demetric Felton Jr., is of a smaller build but has been a contributor in both the run and pass games. Considering most teams do not retain more than four running backs, it is hard to fathom Cleveland finding room for all five unless Felton is moved to wide receiver.





Jets offensive and defensive lines
Personnel executives who have spent time in Philadelphia with executive vice president and general manager Howie Roseman often have a strategy to build depth in the trenches. Andrew Berry in Cleveland and Joe Douglas in New York have followed a similar model. The Jets' starting offensive line, from left to right, is Duane Brown, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker and George Fant. Beyond the first wave, reserves Caleb Benenoch, Conor McDermott, Nate Herbig, Chuma Edoga, Ross Pierschbacher and Dan Feeney all have meaningful playing experience. Fourth-round selection Max Mitchell should add functional depth on the corner. There is simply not enough room on the roster to keep them all.


On the other side of the ball, New York drafted edge rushers Jermaine Johnson II and Michael Clemons to compete with Carl Lawson, Jacob Martin and Vinny Curry. Sliding inside, the team has Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, Sheldon Rankins and Solomon Thomas; three of which were first-round draft choices. Tanzel Smart and Nathan Shepherd have also logged professional snaps.

Buccaneers wide receivers
Not only did Tampa Bay retain Chris Godwin, they signed Russell Gage and Julio Jones this off-season to go along with four-time Pro Bowl selection Mike Evans. Scotty Miller, Jaelon Darden, Breshad Perriman and Tyler Johnson are also rostered. Those are the names of eight wide receivers before factoring in whether or not undrafted free agents Deven Thompkins, Jerreth Sterns or Kaylon Geiger could develop into a product worth continued investment.

Chiefs defensive line
Kansas City has had an interior defensive line rotation featuring Chris Jones, Tershawn Wharton, Derrick Nnadi and Khalen Saunders the past two years. The Chiefs experimented with Jones on the edge last season before ultimately moving him back to his most proficient position; the presence of first-round edge rusher George Karlaftis should ensure he remains there. Veteran additions Danny Shelton and Taylor Stallworth mean that the franchise is three-deep along the interior defensive line and a potential match for an opposition looking for help.


49ers edge rushers
Nick Bosa is the crown jewel of San Francisco's defense but the team has become known for taking on athletically gifted players yet to reach their potential in the NFL. Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and the team's usage of a wide-9 alignment are appealing to young players looking for a fresh start. Some of this year's projects include Charles Omenihu, Kemoko Turay, Jordan Willis and a second stint with Kerry Hyder Jr.

A second-round pick was used on Drake Jackson, whose talent could allow him to be special in time. There is little professional production behind Bosa but teams like Pittsburgh and Miami are in need of depth on the edge.

Patriots running backs
The revolving door has been turning a bit in New England but there remains one constant among the franchise's running backs: depth. Despite James White announcing his retirement during training camp and Michel being traded this time a year ago, the Patriots return Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and J.J. Taylor. They signed veteran Ty Montgomery and drafted Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris. A year ago, five running backs and a fullback made the initial active roster.


Eagles defensive line
One would assume that Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Milton Williams and first-round selection Jordan Davis have secured their respective positions on the opening day roster. Philadelphia has some intriguing young players beyond that standout interior core, including Marlon Tuipulotu, Renell Wren and Marvin Wilson. With the branches of Roseman's executive tree stretching across the league, there are reasons to believe another franchise may be willing to dip its toes in the talent pool.

Raiders defensive line
Last week's release of veteran defensive tackle Vernon Butler certainly impacted the depth of that front assembly, but there are additional options that could help fill out another team's roster. Rookies Neil Farrell Jr. and Matthew Butler are going to be given every chance to make the roster. Johnathan Hankins and Bilal Nichols probably have the upper hand to start if healthy. They also have veterans Andrew Billings, Kyle Peko, Kendal Vickers and Tyler Lancaster; each having varying levels of success at this level.


https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...ch-team-cowboys-find-special-teams-star/

Did Vers just say that JB is better than Mayfield?

I have found it helpful to keep reading the thread before commenting on the 1st comment that catches your eye.

Eagles defensive line
One would assume that Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Milton Williams and first-round selection Jordan Davis have secured their respective positions on the opening day roster. Philadelphia has some intriguing young players beyond that standout interior core, including Marlon Tuipulotu, Renell Wren and Marvin Wilson. With the branches of Roseman's executive tree stretching across the league, there are reasons to believe another franchise may be willing to dip its toes in the talent pool.

Dolphins wide receivers
Wide receivers Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill and Ced Wilson Jr. would seem to be entrenched in their respective roles. Most teams keep five or six at the position, which leaves Mohamed Sanu, Preston Williams, Lynn Bowden Jr. and fourth-round selection Erik Ezukanma vulnerable. In fact, there has already been a report that Williams and Bowden have been the subject of trade discussions. Bowden has a history returning punts and kicks in college so teams may be more comfortable taking a chance on the former third-round pick knowing that he could fulfill a secondary role.

Well Myles’ suspension set a precedence. I expect the NFL to… not go by that because… well, it’s the NFL, but by precedence Aaron should expect to be suspended indefinitely.

LOL no way Goodell does it. No way.

Baker fans say:

#notegregious

#notapredator

#billsdidhomework

#boysbeingboys

Not a violation of the PCP. Pfffttttt

Baker fans say:

#notegregious

#notapredator

#billsdidhomework

#boysbeingboys

Damn, that's disturbing.

Of course.

This proves it's all about image. One happened on national TV, the other away from the spotlight.

I believe Steven A said Myles should have been charged with assault. Wonder if this new incident even gets any airtime.

Dumb comments like that and Booger's hypocrisy are also further proof that talking heads will say things they hope keeps them employed. While the mob is a very real thing, I'd say a good number of the mob only feign outrage so they don't lose their jobs.

So, player safety is not a concern if it's not on national TV?

If there's no stage for public outrage, a player can rip off a helmet and swing at multiple people without punishment?

Seems about right.

it's all about image.

Baker fans say:

#notegregious

#notapredator

#billsdidhomework

#boysbeingboys

Booger is a hypocrite.

Behind Collinsworth he is the talking head I find most annoying.

I am not a fan of modern day ESPN whatsoever.

Baker with 2 TD passes against the Bills. He looks pretty good. The announcers were saying that he has the uncanny ability to read Defenses and go through progressions. Granted he did hit his 3rd read on the 2nd TD pass but that comment had me laughing out loud.

Anyways, we really need to apply constant pressure on Baker when we play him since we know how bad he plays under pressure. If he consistently has time in the pocket, it will be a long day for the Browns. The Panthers D is pretty good as well.

“The NFL may be a ‘forward-facing’ organization, but it is not necessarily a forward-looking one,” Judge Robinson wrote. “Just as the NFL responded to violent conduct [committed by former Ravens running back Ray Rice] after a public outcry, so it seems the NFL is responding to yet another public outcry about Mr. Watson’s conduct. At least in the former situation, the Policy was changed and applied proactively. Here, the NFL is attempting to impose a more dramatic shift in its culture without the benefit of fair notice to — and consistency of consequence for — those in the NFL subject to the Policy.”

The first TD he threw was not a good throw -

Boogar " Myles broke the code, he should be charged with assault"

I fully understand that NFL rules say that teams will handle punishment for issues that occur during practice

You just don't like the rule. Once again, the CBA is agreed to by both the union and the owners. It's a contractual agreement.

Does that make it great? No, it doesn't.

I remember Browns fans on this very board who thought the exact things you mentioned being said about Myles were ridiculous too. Here's a hint. It's all about what uniform a player wears and that's all it's ever about. And there's a long standing precedence of the NFL not being involved in these incidents during preseason too. I'm not saying whether it's right or it's wrong. What I'm saying is that Browns fans upheld Myles for this exact same thing. Now that's it's a player for a different team they're singing a different song. If they thought Myles was treated unfairly, why are they now expecting unfair treatment be handed out to a player of another team? Revenge of what they consider to unfair treatment? Because of the uniform he wears. That explains a lot of things around here.

Wow that is a crazy move. I mean he only (allegedly) assaulted one person, have they not been watching the browns? You can allegedly assault dozens of women and actually get a big contract. Bills are a backwards franchise. They really should follow the Browns lead.

Wow that is a crazy move. I mean he only (allegedly) assaulted one person, have they not been watching the browns? You can allegedly assault dozens of women and actually get a big contract. Bills are a backwards franchise. They really should follow the Browns lead.

At this point, to my knowledge (admittedly not having read too much about this):

They are only allegations.
The allegations came via civil court not a court of law.
The allegations came 12+ months after the events.

It would seem those criteria are the basis for much of the support for Watson - despite the difference in the number of allegations - and maybe that would be enough for many on this board to find a way to root for this kid.

What people felt at the time Myles committed his act is irrelevant.

Unless I'm mistaken, I thought Donald was swinging the helmet at other helmeted players in a big scrum. A suspend-able offense, IMO, but not the same as conking the bare dome you ripped it off, as Garrett did. That said, Donald should still get 3-4 weeks of unpaid vacay.

They said he had won the starting job

I don't know how much he would help. He ran either a 4.51 or 4.61 40 in college. IMO we need a speedy guy who can catch to keep the defenses honest.

2022 NFL roster bubble: Notable players who could be traded or cut
Published: Aug 25, 2022 at 02:17 PM
Edholm_Eric_1400x1000
Eric Edholm
Lead Draft Writer



Best throws from Mason Rudolph | Preseason Week 2
00:01
02:45
We've now had two straight weeks with roster cutdowns, and yet, there are many more to come. NFL teams must reduce rosters to 53 players by the Aug. 30 deadline.

That means more cuts.

And perhaps more trades, too.

We've already had a few deals happen this preseason, including a trade involving a quarterback. We expect more activity to come at that position, as well.

So here are some better-known veterans who could be on the move prior to the deadline -- either by getting released or via trade.



Mason Rudolph
Mason Rudolph
Pittsburgh Steelers · QB
If Nick Mullens can be traded, then Rudolph certainly can. I'm not at all certain that a deal will come together, and he’s played well this August. Yet, Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett represent the present and future, respectively, at QB in Pittsburgh.



Pickett’s strong play of late could compel the Steelers to go with two QBs on the 53-man roster to start the season, with seventh-round pick Chris Oladokun a candidate to join the practice squad after being released this week. Trading Rudolph would free up a roster spot and allow Pittsburgh to potentially recoup something of value in return for him now as opposed to hoping he’ll factor into the compensatory-pick formula for 2024.



The biggest question: Do the Steelers want to trade him?

Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
WR
One of the following:

Lynn Bowden Jr.
Preston Williams


Either Bowden or Williams could be on the move, as Miami has more WR depth than it has in years. The strong summer showing of fourth-rounder Erik Ezukanma, who had 114 yards receiving in Saturday’s game versus the Raiders, could help convince the Dolphins to move a receiver or two.



Bowden, who also can play running back, has made a little noise this summer, but it’s been inconsistent. Williams remains listed with the second-team offense after expressing some disappointment over his usage. The Dolphins also have Trent Sherfield and River Cracraft battling hard for roster spots, and neither would be a terrible WR5 option to open the season.



The Dolphins already have shown they’ve been working the phones with the recent trade of Adam Shaheen, even if the deal was later voided. I think they’ll make a noteworthy move or two at cutdowns.

Andre Dillard
Andre Dillard
Philadelphia Eagles · OT
Jalen Reagor
Jalen Reagor
Philadelphia Eagles · WR
Two of the team's recent first-round picks have uncertain futures in Philadelphia and figure to open this season as backups if they stick around. Could one or both be moved? It’ll be fascinating to see how general manager Howie Roseman handles the final touches on the initial 53. Dillard and Reagor both reportedly have done good things in camp. But Dillard is something of a one-position backup to standout LT Jordan Mailata, and Reagor might not be a top-three receiver on the roster.



The Eagles believe they can contend in 2022. Thus sparks a great debate: Better to have insurance at a few key positions? Or would they rather have future trade assets for a team that might not have Super Bowl potential this season?



It’ll also depend on what a team might offer the Eagles in any hypothetical trades and whether they’re comfortable with the other reserve WR and OT options. But I’d venture to guess both players can be had at the right price.

Isaiah Wynn
Isaiah Wynn
New England Patriots · OT
Wynn’s status in New England has been murky since almost the start of the offseason. He’s been shuttled between left and right tackle, was a no-show at some offseason workouts and hasn’t received an extension, due to play on his fifth-year option salary this season. So it’s no shock his name has reportedly been floated in trade talks.



Yodny Cajuste and Mike Onwenu, who also can play guard, both have looked better than Wynn at right tackle this summer, per reports. Trading Wynn also could help get the cap-tight Patriots in better shape financially.



The Cowboys, who just lost Tyron Smith for an extended period, might have to make a call to the Patriots about Wynn if they don't promote someone internally at left tackle. Could Josh McDaniels and the Raiders be interested? With Alex Leatherwood’s continued struggles, the right tackle job in Las Vegas remains undecided.

Terrace Marshall Jr.
Terrace Marshall Jr.
Carolina Panthers · WR
This is pure conjecture here; we’ve heard no credible reports the Panthers are shopping Marshall. But it’s hard not to see Matt Rhule’s frustration mounting with the 2021 second-rounder, who has battled a hamstring injury.



Marshall was back in action last week during the Patriots’ joint practices, but he tweaked the hamstring and did not play in the game. “We need Terrace to start practicing,” Rhule said. “We need him to step up.”



A trade might be a bit of a dramatic step to take at this stage, unless the Panthers truly don’t believe Marshall can overcome the health issues that apparently have followed him from LSU to Charlotte. Other Panthers receivers, including Shi Smith and Rashard Higgins, have stepped up in Marshall’s absence. But is it enough to convince GM Scott Fitterer to trade away one of his first Carolina draft picks?

Darius Slayton
Darius Slayton
New York Giants · WR
Slayton turned in very respectable first and second seasons in 2019 and 2020, but that feels like ages ago -- and they didn't happen with the coaching staff that’s in power now. The Giants suddenly have a glut of wide receivers and are tight against the salary cap, so moving Slayton -- if they’re able -- feels like a no-brainer.



The return wouldn’t be all that exciting for the former fifth-rounder. But the Giants are building for the future, and they very much plan to do it through the draft. That’s the method new GM Joe Schoen helped oversee in Buffalo the past several years, with the Bills emerging as Super Bowl contenders.



They’ll likely take what they can get for Slayton or cut him.

Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
DL
One of the following:

Khalen Saunders
Taylor Stallworth


The Chiefs are always a team to watch this time of year, given GM Brett Veach's track record of making trades around cutdown time.



This year, Kansas City has a bit more D-line depth than it might have anticipated at one point, especially after the arrivals of Carlos Dunlap and Danny Shelton. Inside, there’s a glut, and it might be tough for both former third-rounder Saunders and summer standout Stallworth to make the initial roster.



Neither would net a ton in return, one might safely assume, although the athletically gifted Saunders could offer a bit more value.

Ross Blacklock
Ross Blacklock
Houston Texans · DT
Colleague Gregg Rosenthal had a line in his NFL Preseason Week 2 recap that caught my eye: “Blacklock, the No. 40 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, appears to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot.” It’s always notable when a former top-40 overall pick is on the bubble two years after a team selected him.



After watching him versus the Rams, we can see why -- getting flagged three times in a two-play span late in the fourth quarter of a preseason game is quite the accomplishment for a bubble player.



Complicating matters: Head coach Lovie Smith said Blacklock, who is nursing a leg injury, won't play against the 49ers in the preseason finale, eliminating the possibility of a Thursday night showcase.



Texans OL Max Scharping, a 2019 second-round pick, might also be in trouble for a roster spot.


CUT CANDIDATES
Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo
San Francisco 49ers · QB
Garoppolo is a candidate to be cut or traded, but it's pretty obvious which is more likely. Of course, if something dramatic happens to a team's QB depth chart over the next week or so, we can't rule out a desperation deal. But right now, it's hard to imagine a team giving up much of anything for Garoppolo, who is coming off shoulder surgery and carries a quite prohibitive $24.2 million salary. Yes, he's still in his prime years at age 30 and he plays the most important position in sports, but we need to be realistic here.



It also hurts the possibility of a trade that the most likely future destination for Garoppolo might be a division rival in the Seahawks. The Browns also could consider him a bridge option if they're worried about Jacoby Brissett taking over for 11 games while Deshaun Watson serves his suspension.


Where would you most like to see Jimmy Garoppolo play this season? | 'GMFB'
Ian Book
Ian Book
New Orleans Saints · QB
The 2021 fourth-rounder started a game for the Saints as a rookie but might have a hard time finding a roster spot in 2022. The health of Jameis Winston is one factor in the situation, but New Orleans might be comfy with Winston and Andy Dalton as the only two true QBs, along with break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option Taysom Hill, now nominally a tight end.



Book can scramble. But he hasn't been overly impressive in two preseason games, taking seven sacks, throwing two picks and averaging less than 5 yards per pass attempt. Still, if cut, Book certainly would be a candidate for the Saints' practice squad. They appear to value him a bit more than other clubs might.

Ronald Jones
Ronald Jones
Kansas City Chiefs · RB
The handwriting appears to be on the wall for Jones. He entered camp with a shot to unseat Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the starter, but the fifth-year veteran might end it on the cutdown list. Jones clearly has fallen behind CEH, Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco on the depth chart and appears to be too much of a luxury to guarantee a roster spot.

Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
RB
One of the following:

Salvon Ahmed
Myles Gaskin
Sony Michel


Reading tea leaves with preseason usage is a notoriously unreliable exercise. Was it notable that Gaskin, a 10-game starter last year, was fourth in line at running back behind Chase Edmonds, Ahmed and Michel in the most recent preseason game? Perhaps that was less about Gaskin and more about getting Michel opportunities -- and it's not as if Michel has thrived, getting stopped for no gain on consecutive plays last week and posting a sub-zero preseason rushing average on four carries. The Dolphins will most likely end up having to cut at least one of Gaskin, Michel or Ahmed and could add some RB depth to the practice squad thereafter.

Miles Boykin
Miles Boykin
Pittsburgh Steelers · WR
Pittsburgh’s top three receivers are pretty much locked in: Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and rookie George Pickens. It’s a bit unclear how the Steelers will stack the WR depth chart after that, but a spot figures to go to fourth-round rookie Calvin Austin III, who impressed prior to a foot injury (unless he’s placed on IR). There’s also Gunner Olszewski, who has been great this summer (despite a fumble last preseason game) and whose special teams ability will be difficult to replace.



That leaves Boykin in a tricky spot. He’s due to make more than $2.5 million this season, which is a bit rich for a player whose most projectable role might be as a gunner on special teams coverage. It’s a tough call for sure.

Josh Gordon
Josh Gordon
Kansas City Chiefs · WR
It’s quite clear Gordon is battling for a roster spot right now. The Chiefs might love to see him make it; after all, Gordon led all Kansas City wideouts in snaps against the Commanders with 27, including four with the first-team offense.



But the bad news is that Gordon has had a quiet camp, and he didn’t make much noise against Washington (one 10-yard catch on two targets). Could this be his final NFL shot after years of turmoil?


Quintez Cephus
Quintez Cephus
Detroit Lions · WR
Cephus has started games for the Lions the past two seasons and has had some moments; he seems to do his best work versus NFC North opponents. But what is his future with the team? Durability has been an issue, and with August folk hero Tom Kennedy once again destroying the preseason, the Lions might want to keep a more reliable (the word Dan Campbell most often uses when describing Kennedy) option until Jameson Williams is healthy enough to play.

L.J. Collier
L.J. Collier
Seattle Seahawks · DE
The Seahawks seemingly don't know what to do with Collier, the team’s much-maligned first-round pick in 2019. He’s been kicked to multiple spots along the line, asked to gain or lose weight accordingly and hasn’t stayed healthy. That continued this summer with a nagging elbow injury. He has missed both preseason games. Is he a roster lock? I can’t say so for sure.



Perhaps there’s trade value here, or maybe the light comes on in Seattle. But we’re entering Year 4 here, and Collier hasn’t yet built on his semi-promising 2020 season.

Montravius Adams
Montravius Adams
Pittsburgh Steelers · DT
The Steelers snagged Adams after the Saints cut him midseason, and he ended up starting four of his five games in Pittsburgh, earning regular snaps in the rotation and notching a sack of Patrick Mahomes in the playoff loss. But suddenly, Adams appears to be caught up in a numbers game on a fairly deep D-line. Pittsburgh has Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and Tyson Alualu as roster locks, plus Chris Wormley, DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk as younger players with more perceived upside. Adams might be on the outside looking in, though he likely can find work elsewhere.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
Edge
One of the following:

Kerry Hyder
Kemoko Turay
Jordan Willis


San Francisco has a clear-cut top three on the edges: Nick Bosa, Samson Ebukam and impressive rookie Drake Jackson. After that, there are some really appealing options, including Charles Omenihu, Hyder, Turay and Willis. Alex Barrett, who has put his best foot forward, also can’t be counted out.



That’s eight edge rushers; they’re not keeping all of them. After the three locks, it’s hard to say which two or three (or four?!) they’ll keep. If the 49ers can’t trade one of, say, Hyder, Turay or Willis -- just a guess here -- they almost certainly will be forced to make a tough cut of a player who has a high likelihood of being claimed.

Jaquiski Tartt
Jaquiski Tartt
Philadelphia Eagles · S
Although Tartt signed a modest, one-year deal in June, it looked like there was an open freeway to a role on defense, considering safety was one of the Eagles' few positions of need this offseason that had not been fully addressed. But best-laid plans and all, Tartt has struggled to consistently make his impact felt this summer. The good news, if you care to look at it that way, is that other than Marcus Epps, few other Eagles safeties have done much notable, either. Still, Philly could opt to go younger here or scour the wire for help.

Follow Eric Edholm on Twitter.

https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-nfl-roster-bubble-notable-players-who-could-be-traded-or-cut

Browns claim WR Easop Winston from New Orleans - He played in 3 games as a punt returner for the Saints last year - didn't see any field time as a WR.

I was thinking about him, but Preston Williams might be more desirable.

Thoughts?

I don't know if he is innocent or guilty, but this is why I rail against the virtue signaling mob so much. It's scary. Then you add an organization like the NFL that amplifies the virtue signaling mob and gives them a platform because all they care about is perception and money, and you better hope you are never accused of anything.

It won't be long, if it hasn't happened already, where there will be carefully orchestrated conspiracies to get rid of certain players. Accusations are fact and it if you want to get rid of someone that's all you'll need.

I agree, this information should not be public, unless they are convicted, or at least until they have their day in court.

Even if he turns out to be innocent, the damage is done. He will probably have missed his NFL opportunity.

If he is guilty, let the justice system handle it.

It's funny that the Raiders (and fans) thought Mike Mayock would be good at his job because he was once a draft analyst on the NFL network and Gruden wouldn't be a boomer coach rivaling Jeff Fisher and catch-up to the current NFL. It's why Louis Riddick gets GM interviews because he was an analyst on drafts and does game announcing, or kinda like Bernie Kosar Syndrome for some Browns' fans. Just because he played QB back in the 80s, he should interview for the OC job! (admittedly, I have seen this in a couple of years)

Side note, the Browns interviewing Mike Singletary for the GM position to knock out the Rooney Rule was a wild one.

I liked that he showed up with a bunch of binders under his arm like a door-to-door insurance salesman from the '70s.

I'm going to be pushing hard for Jim Tressel if/when Stefanski is ever let go!

Side note, the Browns interviewing Mike Singletary for the GM position to knock out the Rooney Rule was a wild one.

I always got the sense that Mayock wanted to be the smartest GM in the room.

Then he needs to be the first one in the room and then immediately lock the door.

"It was just a practice. It was football," Donald said in a Wednesday interview with the AP Pro Football Podcast, via the Associated Press. "I don't really wanna go back to nothing negative that happened and talk about something that happened in a practice. My main focus is Buffalo."

https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-dl-aa...ing-it-was-just-a-practice-it-was-footba

and, chances are, we'll have to throw that sort of contract at him again to keep him from leaving as soon as this deal is up. He never wanted to be here. Period. He's only "excited" about being here because we gave him the most insane contract, ever. So, to think he won't bolt as a free agent is just wishful thinking.

...I could definitely see a segment of this fanbase trying to run him off.

Why would this time be any different than every other time?

we could win 4 SBs in a row and I still wouldn't cry if he leaves. Just how I feel.

I think you speak for many posters and fans. And I am in the exact same situation with Sunday Ticket (I've not been a direct Tv customer for maybe 3 years, and paid for it separately).

That's cool, bro. It's just that JB is a backup. You can't win big w/an inferior qb. That's why we got rid of Baker. LOL......

And you can't get Baker out of your mouth. Sad. Hey, if the 'better than baker' qb can't beat the panthers, you gonna go hide?