Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. credits: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports Week 1 of the preseason ends Sunday, and teams will have more intel regarding players on the bubble when making roster decisions.
Every year, there are players expected to make a team that instead become training camp casualties. We already saw two veterans get released in recent days: receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster of the New England Patriots and tight end Logan Thomas of the San Francisco 49ers.
More surprise cuts are on the way, particularly when under-the-radar players emerge who also happen to be more cost-friendly than a veteran in the same position.
Here is a list of eight players that could be sweating cut days leading into the season:
QB Taylor Heinicke, Falcons
It seemed like a good idea for him to re-sign with Atlanta, but that was before the team signed Kirk Cousins as a free agent and drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick. If Penix shows he’s capable of being QB2 in the preseason, then Heinicke could be asked to turn in his playbook.
RB Jeff Wilson Jr., Dolphins
Looked like a good insurance policy behind solid runners Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane in case of injury. But now it looks like fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright (55 yards, 10 carries in the preseason opener) is going to knock Wilson off the roster.
WR Allen Lazard, Jets
Oct 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) makes a catch as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. credits: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Oh yeah, can’t make Aaron Rodgers mad, or he’ll sulk for a week. But there’s no way to justify Lazard receiving $10 million in base salary this season after having 23 receptions for 311 yards and one score in 2023. Rodgers loves Lazard from their Green Bay tenures, but the latter’s play has dropped off significantly.
WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs
Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The play would be called back due to an offensive penalty. credits: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports How much rope does that fabulous 65-yard punt return in the Super Bowl win over the Eagles 18 months ago give Toney? He averaged just 6.3 yards per reception last season and has been banged up with ankle and back injuries this preseason. The Giants gave up on him in 2022, and the Chiefs will someday. The question is if it will be now.
S Damar Hamlin, Bills
Damar Hamlin in pregame warmups on Monday Night Football. Photo source: Getty Images His career path was forever altered when he nearly died on the field in Cincinnati late in the 2022 season. It was amazing that he was even playing last season, but he received just 17 defensive snaps in his five appearances. Releasing him would be emotionally tough for the Bills and the Buffalo area, but production matters most in the NFL.
CB James Bradberry, Eagles
Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) catches a touchdown pass against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Philadelphia picked Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo (22nd overall) and Cooper DeJean (40th) of Iowa early in the NFL draft. When you pick two cornerbacks that high, typically a holdover is on the way out. It could be the 31-year-old Bradberry, who dropped off last season and is entering the second year of a three-year, $38 million contract.
DE Payton Turner, Saints
The No. 28 overall pick of the 2021 draft has played in just 15 games in three seasons and has three career sacks. Not exactly what New Orleans had in mind. Injuries have been a problem, as he played in just two games last season due to a toe injury, and he recently had a setback with the same toe.
G Royce Newman, Packers
He looked like a solid fourth-round pick when he started 16 games in 2021, but his production slipped, and he has started just eight of 34 contests over the past two seasons. Green Bay picked three offensive linemen in the 2024 draft, so a numbers game will ensue, and someone off last year’s team is going packing.
