Surprise Cutdown Day Victims: 13 Well-Known NFL Players Who Could Be on the Chopping Block

NFL Teams Prepare for Cutdown Day: Notable Players Who Could Be Cut

As the NFL preseason comes to a close, teams are gearing up for the annual cutdown day, where they must trim their 90-man offseason rosters to 53 players. This year, all 32 clubs are required to make their cuts by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 29. With this deadline looming, there are sure to be some surprise victims who find themselves swapping teams.

While trades are always a possibility, oftentimes teams will wait for veterans to be released before signing them as free agents. This means that some well-known players could be on the chopping block. Here are 13 players who could be surprise victims of cutdown day:

1. Marcus Mariota (Philadelphia Eagles): The Eagles signed Mariota to be Jalen Hurts’ backup, but his erratic summer performance and the emergence of rookie Tanner McKee could lead to his release.

2. Colt McCoy (Arizona Cardinals): McCoy was expected to start in Week 1 with Kyler Murray rehabbing, but injuries and the acquisition of Joshua Dobbs have put his role in question.

3. Matt Barkley (Buffalo Bills): Barkley and newcomer Kyle Allen have been battling for the backup quarterback position, but Barkley’s recent elbow injury and poor preseason performance could lead to his release.

4. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Kansas City Chiefs): The 2020 first-rounder has fallen to third on the running back depth chart, and the Chiefs could save money by parting ways with him.

5. Alexander Mattison (Minnesota Vikings): With Dalvin Cook as the starter and other running backs in the mix, Mattison’s role is uncertain, making him a potential cut.

6. Tyler Ervin (New England Patriots): Ervin has struggled with injuries and faces competition from younger options, making his spot on the roster uncertain.

7. D’haquille Williams (Cleveland Browns): Despite his speed, Williams has struggled to make an impact and is buried on the wide receiver depth chart.

8. Trey Green (Pittsburgh Steelers): The offensive line has been improved, and Green, a 2021 third-rounder, may find himself on the bench.

9. Javon Kinlaw (San Francisco 49ers): Kinlaw has struggled with injuries and has not lived up to his draft-day reputation, making his future with the team uncertain.

10. Shaquill Griffin (Houston Texans): Griffin is behind other cornerbacks on the depth chart, and the Texans may prefer to develop younger options.

11. Terrell Edmunds (Philadelphia Eagles): Edmunds may start the season as a first-teamer, but the crowded safety competition could lead to his release.

12. Wil Lutz (New Orleans Saints): Lutz, a Pro Bowler, faces competition from an undrafted rookie and could be cut to save money.

13. Brett Maher (Denver Broncos): Maher was signed as a kicker, but the team has not been afraid to make changes in the past, making his spot uncertain.

As cutdown day approaches, these players will be anxiously waiting to see if they make the final roster. For some, it could mean finding a new team, while others may have to consider their future in the NFL. Regardless, the NFL offseason is always full of surprises, and this year’s cutdown day is sure to be no different.

How has the emergence of rookies impacted the chances of veterans like De Walford and Adrian Peterson to make their respective teams?

De Walford (Cleveland Browns): Walford was brought in as a camp body to add depth to the tight end position, but with the emergence of rookie Harrison Bryant and the return of David Njoku, Walford’s chances of making the team are dwindling.

5. Adrian Peterson (Detroit Lions): Peterson, a future Hall of Famer, was brought in to provide a veteran presence in the Lions’ backfield. However, the emergence of rookie D’Andre Swift and the solid play of Kerryon Johnson could make Peterson expendable.

6. John Ross (New York Giants): Ross was signed by the Giants in the hopes that he could finally live up to his potential as a deep threat. However, with the emergence of rookie Kadarius Toney and the solid play of Darius Slayton, Ross could be the odd man out.

7. Greg Little (Carolina Panthers): Little was a former 2nd round pick who has struggled to live up to expectations. The signing of veteran tackle Cameron Erving and the emergence of rookie Brady Christensen could lead to Little’s release.

8. Jalen Hurd (San Francisco 49ers): Hurd has battled injuries throughout his NFL career and has yet to play a regular season game. With a crowded wide receiver room and the emergence of rookie Trey Sermon, Hurd’s roster spot is in jeopardy.

9. Malik McDowell (Cleveland Browns): McDowell was a former 2nd round pick who had off-field issues and never played a snap in the NFL. With a crowded defensive line room and the additions of Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley, McDowell could be on the outside looking in.

10. Kevin White (Kansas City Chiefs): White was a former 1st round pick who has struggled with injuries throughout his career. The emergence of rookie Cornell Powell and the solid play of Byron Pringle could lead to White’s release.

11. Obi Melifonwu (Las Vegas Raiders): Melifonwu has bounced around the league since being a 2nd round pick in 2017. With a crowded secondary and the emergence of rookie Trevon Moehrig, Melifonwu’s chances of making the team are slim.

12. Breshad Perriman (Detroit Lions): Perriman was signed by the Lions to be a deep threat, but the emergence of rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown and the solid play of Tyrell Williams could make Perriman expendable.

13. Dwayne Haskins (Pittsburgh Steelers): Haskins was signed by the Steelers after being released by the Washington Football Team. However, with the emergence of Mason Rudolph and the solid play of Josh Dobbs, Haskins’ chances of making the team are uncertain.

Cutdown day is always a difficult and stressful time for players, as their dreams of making an NFL roster are on the line. While some of these players may find new homes or opportunities elsewhere, there will undoubtedly be some surprise cuts that leave fans and analysts scratching their heads.