BYU

Clear Starters (3)

• Fred Warner (LB, San Francisco): among the top LB in the NFL - quite likely THE top LB
• Puka Nacua (WR, LA Rams): After a record-setting rookie sensation of a season, I think it's safe to say he's in this group
• Kingsley Suamataia (OT, Kansas City):  The plan was for Suamataia and Wanya Morris to compete for the LT job with Jawaan Taylor is the big-money RT signing. Between a solid preseason for Suamataia and a lingering knee injury for Morris, this competition is effectively over

Potential starters or regular contributors (7)
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already

• Kyle Van Noy (OLB, Baltimore): Kyle Van Noy continues to be ageless, coming back to Baltimore after one of his best seasons.  Long term, the Ravens are absolutely planning for a future after him. Ojabo is the highly drafted backup that has struggled with injuries and they drafted Adisa Isaac as well.  When the end inevitably comes for Van Noy, they've prepared to replace him... but he just keeps playing at a high level so there's no reason to replace him at this point. That said, his snap count has dropped precipitously and he's more of a rotational player at this point, more than a clear starter
• Michael Davis (CB, Washington): After years of inconsistency with the Chargers (sometimes a top CB in the league, sometimes being benched), Davis had to sign a 1 year, $3.2M deal with Washington.  That contract doesn't call him a clear starter...but the state of Washington's depth chart makes it hard to see who will challenge him.  St Juste is starting on one side, Sainristil is the nickel back.... and the last outside corner spot is open. The team wants highly-drafted disappointment Emmanuel Forbes to take the job, but Davis is the option of Forbes continues to be terrible. UPDATE: Forbes has, unsurprisingly, continued to be terrible. Between Forbes’ poor performance and Dan Quinn’s preference for larger corners, Davis is on the verge of moving up a tier here, but for now Forbes is still listed ahead
• Tyler Allgeier (RB, Atlanta): After a great rookie year (1000+ yard at 4.9 yards per carry) he regressed badly as a sophomore (680 yards at 3.7 yards per carry).  He'll need a bounceback year to stay in the long-term plans, but should get the opportunity.  Bijan Robinson is obviously still the starter, but there's limited competition for the RB2 role - the Falcons drafted Jase McClellan out of Alabama in the 6th, and he's probably the biggest threat
• Sione Takitaki (LB, New England): Takitaki has spent the last few years opening as a backup for the Browns, coming into the starting lineup when someone ahead of him gets hurt, and then playing very well.  And then getting hurt himself.  Now he's with the Patriots...and most projections have him listed in a similar spot - either the top backup or (more likely) rotating in on passing downs.  UPDATE: Takitaki didn't make the initial 53, but is on the injured list and eligible to return
• Taysom Hill (TE/QB/?, New Orleans): The Saints are in no position financially to cut him and he's proved his worth in a Swiss Army Knife role. It'll be interesting to see where he plays as he's almost guaranteed to be a cap casualty next season. UPDATE: Lots of noise coming out of Saints camp about how he's going to be used more, particularly as a ball-carrier
• Jamaal Williams (RB, New Orleans): After being one of the worst RB in the NFL last season, he is likely behind Kamara and possibly Kendre Miller or Taysom Hill, and his contract is high for a third-string RB, but so is the dead cap.  He'll survive one more year, but he really needs to show more this next season or next year will be an easy cut. 
• Ryan Rehkow (P, Cincinnati Kansas City): Rehkow is a really tough case to accurately place.  He made it as the only punter on the 53 man roster for the Bengals, which seems to argue he's the clear starter.  But reports in the preseason weren't great (concerns about consistency) and the Bengals used one of their 'to return' IR spots on Brad Robbins, which seems like a bad long-term sign for him.  That said, he has the job for now and if he can be consistent with it, he'll have the chance to keep it and move up a tier.

Primarily depth/ST (6)
these guys won't be playing barring injuries ahead of them... but for one reason or another, their roster spot is fairly secure

• Brady Christensen (OG, Carolina): In three years he's gone from LT to LG to backup LG to now the backup C.  And the team has recently signed free agents for both guard spots and the starting center.  It's not been a good trajectory and his contract expires after this next season...but for now, a cheap guy on a rookie contract with experience at OT, OG, and now C? That's a useful depth piece to keep around
• Blake Freeland (OT, Indianapolis): Had a real chance last year to emerge as a starter, but couldn't pass the two quality tackles (Raimann and Smith) ahead of him.  The Colts drafted a new OT in the 3rd this season (Matt Goncalves), but he's likely to kick inside to OG and be the emergency 4th OT with Freeland holding the swing tackle spot.
• Zach Wilson (QB, Denver): After living on the bubble, Zach Wilson looked good enough to lock down the QB3 spot and a roster spot
• Jaren Hall (QB, Minnesota): JJ McCarthy (starter of the future) and Sam Darnold (bridge QB) take up two spots. Then it's between Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens for the QB3 spot. New rules also allow teams to gameday elevate QB3 from the practice squad infinitely often. UPDATE: Hall hasn’t played well and seemed to be behind Mullens, but McCarthy’s injury bumps him up to QB3. Jaren Hall trended up at the end, enough to make the 53 man roster as QB3.  The late NFL rule change may have helped here
• Khyiris Tonga (DT, Arizona): Drafted by the Bears in 2021, released after his rookie season.  Then picked up for the Falcons practice squad in 2022, where the Vikings saw him and signed him a month later.  He played fairly regular snaps in 2022 (36%) before dropping to 20% in 2023 and not being resigned.  Now he's with Arizona for the near-minimum and a backup behind Bilal Nichols.  As a NT he's never going to play a major role, but he's also unique enough to likely stay on the roster for the times he is needed.  UPDATE: Seems like he did better than expected.  General consensus was he would only be kept if the Cardinals kept 7 DL, but he was kept as one of 6.
• Zayne Anderson (S, Green Bay): He hasn't played a defensive snap in his career, but has been a useful ST player.  Unfortunately, Green Bay went heavy on improving the S position this offseason, which makes it really hard to see him sticking here.  It's a near-given he'll be cut, but his ST experience gives him a shot to catch on elsewhere.  UPDATE: I'm seeing a few places mention Anderson as a tough cut, and ESPN even suggested he might make the cut "largely a special-teamer but had a strong offseason on defense".  Probably the biggest surprise of the day among BYU players.  He's likely to mostly be ST, but still a huge win

Practice Squad (0)

Practice Squads will begin being filled tomorrow

Cut, currently unrostered (16):

• Chris Brooks (RB, Miami): Chris Brooks was probably the biggest BYU surprise of 2023 cut-downs, making the Dolphins active roster as a UDFA despite a fairly deep RB room.  But competition in the NFL means you have to prove yourself again and again.  Mostert, Achane, and Wright (2024 4th rounder) take up 3 spots.  Most teams only carry 4 RB (although the Dolphins carried a bunch last season) and Brooks, Jeff Wilson, Salvon Ahmed are in competition for that spot (or hoping Miami keeps two of them).  Brooks is probably the favorite of those 3... but there's enough competition that he's in danger. UPDATE: He’s looked good in preseason…but the number crunch is the same regardless of how good he looks. Still he might have moved up, except for his injury in the last preseason game – if you’re a bubble guy, then an injury can really be a major detriment.  .....and that's exactly what happened.  Waived with an injury settlment
• Max Tooley (LB, Houston): The Texans have solid starting LB but most linebackers on NFL rosters are there as special teams contributors (a case which may be even more true with the new kickoff rules). Still, as an UDFA, Tooley has an uphill battle. There's room for him to move up these tiers, but he's going to start out here until I hear positives about him.  UPDATE: I've heard some positive things about him, and he acquitted himself well in the preseason.  I'd be shocked if he doesn't end up on the practice squad
• Dax Milne (WR, Las Vegas Washington): Dax has spent every pre-season on the bubble and has made it onto the roster every year.  But his snap counts have also been decreasing, he missed all of last season and was an early cut by the Commanders before catching on with the Raiders.  UPDATE: This has been a tough go for Dax. I tend to think he'll end up on a practice squad, but he now counts against the limited number of veteran spots
• Samson Nacua (WR, New Orleans): Nacua was rather unsurprisingly cut.  I wouldn't say he has great odds at getting a practice squad spot, but having even the short-term NFL deal is a pretty big deal for him
• Kedon Slovis (QB, Indianapolis): Slovis fell pretty clearly to the Colts' QB5 spot, behind both Ehlinger and Bean, which means that him being cut wasn't a surprise.  I also imagine they won't carry two QBs on the practice squad, but he may get picked up by another practice squad.
• Aidan Robbins (RB, Cleveland): Robbins is a UDFA coming into a tough situation.  Chubb (when healthy) has been one of the best backs in the NFL and Jerome Ford has shown himself capable of taking a lead role. Nyheim Hines is one of the best pass-catching RBs and excellent on special teams and as a returner (which takes on more importance this year).  D'Onta Foreman has been a lead back and has a similar skill set as Robbins, being a big power back. And the Browns ALSO traded for Pierre Strong, who also has a similar style as Robbins (and played well in limited snaps each of his first two seasons). There's some serious injury concerns (Chubb is coming off a torn ACL, Hines missed last season after a JetSki accident) and so I see why the Browns wanted to take a flier on someone...but if everyone is recovered, it'll be hard to be in the top 4 here.  UPDATE: Robbins has looked decent enough to likely land a practice squad spot. Which is a win for a UDFA.  Especially likely to get some opportunities as the Browns only have two RB on the 53 with Chubb and Hines both injured.
• Chris Wilcox (CB, LA Chargers): Drafted by the Bucs in 2021, cut in preseason, signed by the Colts who put him on their practice squad for the year.  Then cut in 2022 preseason by the Colts who again put him on the pratice squad...until they released him off that.  Then on the Cardinals practice squad last year.  Then the Steelers cut him in 2023 and he spent the season on the Chargers practice squad.  Three years without being on a regular-season roster is a pretty good indicator that he's Practice Squad quality and I'm guessing he'll end up there again.  Chargers have invested in CBs though so it may not be there, plus he now counts against a veteran practice squad spot
• D'Angelo Mandell (CB, Washington): UDFA, basically brought in as a warm body by the Cowboys and then spent last year on the Commander's practice squad. As mentioned in the Michael Davis write-up, the Commanders have some of the worst CB depth in the NFL... but Mandell still isn't being listed anywhere as a possible roster fit. He's a relative long shot for a practice squad spot, but not an impossibility
• Kaleb Hayes (CB, NY Giants): Currently on the roster as a reserve contract...but the sources I've found list him as the #10 CB on the roster... out of 10.  He could surprise and work his way up to a practice squad spot, but active roster is going to be tough (despite the Giants' uncertainty at the position
• Isaac Rex (TE, Detroit): Signed by the Lions as a UDFA at the start of May, but cut within a few weeks. TBD if he'll get another opportunity elsewhere. His early cut and lack of interest elsewhere doesn't bode well for a practice squad spot
• Matt Bushman (TE, Kansas City): After years on the KC practice squad, Matt Bushman has ended his career
• Ty'Son Williams (RB, Arizona): At this point Ty'Son is only listed here because otherwise people will ask about him.  He played a fair amount for the Ravens in 2021.  In 2022 he was cut, signed to the Colts practice squad, cut, signed midseason to the Cardinals practice squad, activated for one game, and then cut. He wasn't on any roster or practice squad in 2023, so it would be shocking at this point if he was in the NFL in 2024.
• James Empey (C/OG, Tennessee): Empey has bounced around practice squads for a few years (though he was activated for a few games by the Dolphins in 2022).  The Titans declined to even sign him to a reserve contract after his latest stint, so it's looking like a real long-shot.  He'll likely be picked up as a camp body at some point, but even practice squad will be tough
• Daniel Sorenson (SS, New Orleans): played surprisingly well in 2022 for the Saints when he got a chance, but as a 34 year old safety with mediocre speed to begin with, he's nearing the end of his opportunities.  2023 saw him make the Saints' practice squad for a few months before being released (apparently at his request?.... Either way, not a good indication he'll be back)
• Eddie Heckard (CB, Denver): Heckard technically can't be cut... because he hasn't even gotten any sort of contract yet.  He has a mini-camp invite, basically just to swing by and see if he can impress.  That's a REALLY tough route to get on a roster.  UPDATE: Didn't get on a roster
• AJ Vongphachanh (LB, NY Jets): Another mini-camp invite...feel free to copy and paste that above blurb on Heckard. UPDATE: Also didn't get on a roster

Utah

Clear Starters (10):

• Marcus Williams (FS, Baltimore): One of the better safeties in the NFL, in the 3rd year of a 5 year/$70M deal.  Has missed a few games each of the last two seasons and the cap hits are going up, so safe for this year, but a possible cap hit after next season
• Jaylon Johnson (CB, Chicago): Had a breakout season and is now considered one of the top CBs in the NFL, including just signing a 4 yr/$76M deal
• Garrett Bolles (OT, Denver): After a rough start to his career, Bolles has turned into a solid blind-side protector and the clear starter there for the Broncos
• Julian Blackmon (S, Indianapolis): The clear starter for the Colts, they thought highly enough of him to bring him back on a $3.7M deal... but not highly enough to give him a multi-year deal.  He's the clear starter...but needs to show well to keep that role in future seasons
• Matt Gay (K, Indianapolis): Considered one of the better kickers in the league at this point
• Mitch Wishnowsky (P, San Francisco): He's a punter.  Pretty good at what he does
• Devin Lloyd (LB, Jacksonville): After disappointing at the end of his rookie year, he established himself as an every-down LB in his sophomore year, playing 97% of the snaps
• Clark Phillips III (CB, Atlanta): Phillips was initially seen as a nickel corner due to his size, but took over the starting boundary corner job as a rookie.  There's not been a lot added there, so he's still the starter
• Dalton Kincaid (TE, Buffalo): Lots of hype about him as a pass-catching threat for Josh Allen, but for now he's sharing the role with (or even behind) Dawson Knox. Looked good as a rookie, but still sharing snaps. It's a near inevitability he moves up a tier, but might not be this season. UPDATE: Moving Kincaid up a tier. His snap counts last year had him down, but there’s no question he’s the Bills TE1 this season, and it was just becoming ludicrous to keep him down a tier.
• Cody Barton (LB, Denver): After many good years in Seattle, he was just OK last year in Washington DC.  But he found a spot with the Broncos as the 2nd ILB in a 3-4 base defense so should get plenty of opportunity UPDATE: Barton was challenged for the starting job by Jonas Griffith, but with Griffith being cut after a mediocre preseason, Barton has the clear-cut job again.

Potential starters or regular contributors (4):

most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already

• Cole Bishop (S, Buffalo): The Bills recently moved on from both their starting safeties in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.  Projections generally have Taylor Rapp starting at one spot and then either Bishop or Mario Edwards at the other.  It's likely Bishop eventually takes the starting role, but it may not be by the start of the season.  UPDATE: He's out with a shoulder injury, doesn't change long-term status, but obviously makes it less likely he unseats a starter early
• Zack Moss (RB, Cincinnati): After a disappointing start in Buffalo, Moss found success replacing an injured Jonathon Taylor in Indy last year.  That was enough to get him a new contract with the Broncos as the presumed lead back UPDATE: Chase Brown is getting a surprising number of snaps as the RB1.  Moss will definitely still be heavily involved, but this may be more a committee
• Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Denver): There's a lot of edge rushers (OLB in the Broncos defense) and Elliss doesn't necessarily stand out from the pack, so likely won't open the season as the starter.  But the team just invested a 3rd round pick in him, so it's a good bet that he'll be largely involved in the rotation.  UPDATE: Has looked very good in preseason. Still a crowded room ahead of him, so snaps won’t make him a starter, but good signs for the long-term
• Britain Covey (WR/RS, Philadelphia): Covey opened up each of the past two seasons on the practice squad before eventually joining the active roster.  And in 2023 he showed himself as one of the best punt returners in the league, which should help him.  In preseason Covey often ran as the WR3 (though the recent trade for Dotson pushed him out of that role.  But he plays a specific enough role as a returner that he falls here. 

Primarily depth/ST (7):
these guys won't be playing barring injuries ahead of them... but for one reason or another, their roster spot is fairly secure

• Sione Vaki (RB/S, Detroit): If he's an RB, he's the RB3 at best.  There's more opportunity at safety, but that doesn't seem to be where they drafted him.  Bottom line, he's probably not playing unless there's some injuries...but as a 4th rounder, he's also basically a roster lock as a rookie. UPDATE: He is also developing a reputation as a special teams ace, which is a great way to have a long career. His preseason play has also been notably good...but there's still the logjam in front of him
• Nephi Sewell (LB, New Orleans - IR/PUP): He's made the roster and contributed each of the past few seasons, but would still be on the 'likely to survive' tier....except that he's hurt.  That means it's much more likely he makes the initial 53 so they can place him on IR or PUP and then use that spot for someone else.  Once he comes back, he's probably going to have a depth/ST role, but it's no guarantee.  UPDATE: Exactly what happened
• Devaughn Vele (WR, Denver): Expectations in preseason began with Vele as a likley practice squad candidate...and then he kept turning heads with his play as one of Denver's best preseason performers. Denver only kept 5 WR and Troy Franklin was terrible in preseason and may be a game-day inactive, so there's a possibility Vele could actually be a solid contributor this season... but for now he's a ST guy
• Leki Fotu (DT, NY Jets): See the BYU writeup on Khyiris Tonga.  Fotu has more experience and has been cut fewer times, but the bottom line is still basically the same or maybe a bit more favorable for Fotu.  As a NT he's never going to play a major role, but he's also unique enough to likely stay on the roster for the times he is needed. Big difference is he doesn't have a Bilal Nichols ahead of him.  UPDATE: Fotu was placed on IR and designated to return
• Sataoa Laumea (OG, Seattle): It's a bit shocking to have a drafted player here...but Seattle drafted an OG in the 3rd, two more (Laumea included) in the 6th, signed another as a UDFA and added a few in free agency. That shows how much work they felt they needed there... but also the level of competition. Laumea was a true bubble case and if I'd had to pedict, I may have had him not making it.  The Seahawks are carrying 11 OL, so that helps
• Mohamoud Diabate (LB, Cleveland): Diabate was a UDFA last season and one of the biggest surprises to make a roster, but played very well in preseason. He's probably more likely than not to make it again this year, but the new coach may not roster as many LBers, so he has to prove himself again. UPDATE: At this point, it's pretty clear that Diabate is an NFL player, and is particularly valuable on ST
• Tyler Huntley (QB, Cleveland): Huntley is probably the most surprising Utah player to make the roster.  He played great in his last game, but was seen as the QB4 in Cleveland, so there's no way he could make the roster....unless the Browns did the near-unprecedented and carried 4 QBs!?!?  That situation can't/won't last so somebody is going to be traded or cut from that QB room.  They're looking to trade either Huntley or Jameis, maybe both?

Practice Squad (0)

Practice Squads will begin being filled tomorrow

Cut, currently unrostered (14):

• Tim Patrick (WR, Denver): The Broncos liked him a lot a few years back... but he then missed two consecutive seasons due to injury and I assumed he was done. But Patrick looked really good in camp and had been running with the starters, which made his cut one of the more surprising of the day (yesterday, when the Broncos announced they'd cut or trade him.  It would be shocking at this point if he isn't claimed by someone and likley plays a decent role wherever he lands
• Braeden Daniels (OG/OT, Washington): A 4th rounder in 2023, Daniels missed his rookie season with a torn pec. Some early projections I saw had him making it, but most also pointed out that he's a bit of an unknown after not playing.  Given his relative youth, I think he likely ends up on a practice squad somewhere, but no guarantees
• Cole Fotheringham (TE, Las Vegas): Spent 2022 and most of 2023 on Raiders' practice squad, but was active for a few weeks. Obviously Bowers and Michael Mayer are locks, so there's not a lot of opportunity for him, especially with Harrison Bryant also coming in as a free agent.  He's a good enough blocker that he could land on a practice squad somewhere, but he now will take up one of the veteran spots, which makes it harder
• Keaton Bills (OG, Buffalo): Brought in as a UDFA, the Bills already have two solid starting guards and a guy who likely brings OG/C flexibility as a backup.  Given that they'll want two backup OTs, that leaves one spot for Keaton Bills, Alec Anderson (2022 UDFA) and Travis Clayton (2024 7th round pick).  Unsurprisingly he was cut.  He'll compete for a practice squad spot, but it's nowhere near guaranteed
• Miles Battle (CB, Kansas City): Signed after the first wave of UDFA and competing with 2 other UDFA cornerbacks, so it was a longshot.  He'll hope to get a practice squad spot, but may well be left on the outside looking in
• Jackson Barton (OT, Arizona): Spent 2022 bouncing between the Raiders' active roster and practice squad, then 2023 on the Cardinals practice squad.  His best hope is to make another practice squad
• Bradlee Anae (EDGE, Atlanta): Anae played out his initial contract with the Jets...but mostly because he was injured in 2023 and didn't count as taking a roster spot. He wasn't on a roster at the time of the draft, but since was signed by the Falcons.  And then cut by the Falcons.  Being cut a few days before cutdown day is a bad sign regarding practice squad potential
• John Penisini (DT, New Orleans): Penisini medically retired after 2022, then tried to come back in 2023 only to be waived due to a failed physical. There's enough talent/physicality there that he was signed by the Saints to their practice squad and an off-season reserve contract...but he might be the guy I'd be more shocked to see on an active roster than any player on these lists.
• Thomas Yassmin (TE, Denver): Undrafted and signed as a UDFA. He also has the benefit of not taking up a normal preseason roster spot (NFL allows an extra spot for International Pathways Players).  He was already drafted by a CFL team and may end up there, but is also a near-lock for the practice squad (since teams get an international exemption there as well)
• Marquise Blair (S, Seattle Philadelphia): Was a starter in 2020 before tearing his ACL that year.  Had another knee injury in 2021, then spent 2022 bouncing between practice squads.  Was signed by Eagles spring 2023 before being released due to injury. They then resigned him in Spring 2024...and then re-released him due to non-football injury in April 2024.  Too many injuries have taken their toll and it seems he's done. UPDATE: A bit surprised, but he's getting another chance in Seattle, which is where he was at his best. Hard to see him making the cut, but at least getting a shot to show he's the athlete he was - or close enough
• Terrell Burgess (S, Buffalo Washington): Burgess was cut by the Commanders in 2023, signed to the practice squad...but then later activated and spent most of the season on the active roster.  He has potential to be picked up by someone but will be competing for a roster spot at best.  UPDATE: And he was picked up by the Bills as they've been hit by injury (see the blurb on Cole Bishop above). Hoping he did enough in preseason to get one the coveted veteran's practice squad spots.
• Eric Rowe (S/CB, Pittsburgh): Rowe has had a long career, but it's clearly coming to an end.  He's been on practice squads each of the last few seasons...and in each season he's been activated and played fairly well.  As a vet, I wouldn't be shocked to see him repeat the same process again, but it's an inevitability that at some point he'll stop getting those chances.
• Javelin Guidry (CB, NY Jets): Guidry has bounced around from team to team, mostly on practice squads.  He's incredibly fast (an official 4.29 40), and teams keep bringing him in for a look. Had a very strong 2023 preseason and was making a case...but then got hurt and waived with an injury settlment.  For a guy who relies on athleticism, he may be out of chances.
• Chase Hansen (LB, New Orleans): Was on the Saints active roster for 4 seasons before suffering a season-long injury for 2023 and not playing.  Nobody has picked him up for 2024 and it's not very likely he will, but worth keeping an eye on, as hecould be a veteran option for some team 

Utah State

Clear Starters (2):

• Bobby Wagner (LB, Washington): Bobby Wagner may not be what he once was, but continues to be a quality starter
• Jordan Love (QB, Green Bay): Has turned into one of the more exciting young QBs in the NFL and just signed a record QB deal

Potential starters or regular contributors (0):
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already

Primarily depth/ST (1):
these guys won't be playing barring injuries ahead of them... but for one reason or another, their roster spot is fairly secure

• Patrick Scales (LS, Chicago): Long-snapper means he's safe, but without a huge role.  He's also hurt, which is a huge issue and may result in him eventually being replaced

Practice Squad (0)

Practice Squads will begin being filled tomorrow

Cut, currently unrostered (5):

• Jalen Davis (CB, Cincinnati): The Benglas opted to keep 5 safeties and focused on versatility, meaning Davis lost a spot. It's a bit of a surprise and I would guess he'll find a new home soon or be a lock for practice squad
• Deven Thompkins (WR/RS, Carolina): He was the #4 WR, and played about a quarter of the offensive snaps for the Bucs each of the past two years.  He also served as the primary KR. Was waived by the Bucs after 2024 after negative statements from his wife; he then caught on with the Panthers before being waived/injured in August
• Derek Wright (WR, Carolina): Spent 2022 and 2023 on the Panthers' practice squad, has a shot to make a practice squad again, but not currently under contract
• Dallin Leavitt (S, Denver): Had a large ST role for a few years in Green Bay before being cut.  Spent last year on the Broncos practice squad
• Tyler Larsen (C/OG, Washington): A long-time Ron Rivera favorite, he's been cut and resigned by the Commanders repeatedly and even started games at center last year...before going on IR for a third consecutive season due to knee injuries. Not impossible someone takes a shot on him later when they need depth, but not someone a team can rely on

Weber St + ^Southern Utah + #Utah Tech

Clear Starters (3):

• Braxton Jones^ (OT, Chicago): starting LT for the Bears
• Taron Johnson (CB, Buffalo): one of the top 3 CBs on the roster, so I'm considering that a starter. Probably the nickleback role
• Rashid Shaheed (WR/RS, New Orleans): Huge success story.  2022 he was listed as certain to be cut...and was.  But then he played on the practice squad, then on the active roster and did well. 2023 he came in as a probable starter...and left as a pro bowl returned and with 700+ receiving yards.  He's now one of the better receiving threats for the Saints

Potential starters or regular contributors (0):
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already

Primarily depth/ST (2):
these guys won't be playing barring injuries ahead of them... but for one reason or another, their roster spot is fairly secure

• Miles Killebrew^ (S, Pittsburgh): He's safety #5 for the Steelers, but a bit of a special teams ace (including making the Pro Bowl for it last season)
• Sua Opeta (OG, Tampa Bay): after years as a depth option in Philadeplphia, Opeta stays on the Bucs, but is on IR for the year

Practice Squad (0)

Practice Squads will begin being filled tomorrow

Already cut/unrostered (2):

• Jonah Williams (DE, Minnesota): Was a surprise a few years back, making the Rams active roster and then actually ended up playing a fair amount.  Now with the Vikings, they've signed players to start over him.  Given his age, not a surprise he was cut but may have a chance to catch on elsewhere or to go to the practice squad.
• Isaiah Wooden^ (WR, LA Chargers Atlanta): Undersized and a UDFA, he was cut early by the Falcons, before signing with (and being cut by) the Chargers.  Practice squad seems the hope, but may be a long shot