The Final Cut: Down To 53

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http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/07/nfl_calendar_key_dates_for_201.html

Sept. 5: Clubs must reduce their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. Eastern Time.

By the same deadline, teams who have players listed as "Physically Unable to Perform" or "Non-Football Injury or Illness" must either place the player on a reserve list, waive the player, terminate the contract or count the player as one the 53 on the active roster.

Sept. 6: Players waived during the final cut-down can be claimed until noon Eastern Time.

After that waiver period expires, teams may build a 10-man practice squad.

After 4 p.m. Eastern Time, a team may place a player on the injured reserve with a designation to return.

Sept. 10: At 12:00 a.m., New York time, the Top 51 Rule expires for all NFL clubs. After this point, the salary cap will now include all players on the active roster, rather than the "top 51."
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http://www.cheatsheet.com/sports/nfl-5-big-name-players-who-could-be-cut-this-week.html/?a=viewall

NFL: 5 Big Name Players Who Could Be Cut This Week
By Jimmie Kaylor

Final cutdown day in the NFL is extremely difficult for everyone who is involved. For some players, their dreams of playing in the NFL end that day; for coaches and front office executives, having to make tough decisions that have a direct effect on a man’s livelihood or ability to provide for his family can be emotionally exhausting; for fans, accepting the fact that some of their favorite veteran players will no longer be wearing the uniform of their favorite team can be just as challenging.

Every year, we see several high profile veteran players among the casualties on final cutdown day. This year, we have already seen notable veterans such as running backs Fred Jackson(pictured above) and Trent Richardson, as well as punter Brandon Fields face the chopping block, and there will surely be several more big-name players who suffer a similar fate by the end of the week.

In this article, we are going to look at five recognizable players who we believe could be released by the end of the week. The inclusion of one or more of them may be surprising to you, but at the same time, we could very well end up being wrong about all five. Without further delay, here is a look at five big-name players who could fall victim to final cut day at the end of the week.

1. Vernon Davis, tight end, San Francisco 49ers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images


The 49ers will have a drastically different look offensively in 2015, and releasing Davis would do nothing but add to their uncertainties heading into the 2015 regular season. With that being said, releasing the longest tenured player on their roster would fall right in line with their ongoing rebuilding project and would open the door for younger tight ends such as Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, and Blake Bell to get more playing time. On top of that, Davis is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent following the season, and our guess is that he will likely be looking to move on to a contender.

2. Leon Hall, cornerback, Cincinnati Bengals
Leon-Hall_Jamie-Squire_Getty-Images.jpg

Jamie Squire/Getty Images


Hall was listed as a 2nd-team cornerback behind Adam Jones and Dre Kirkpatrick, when the Bengals released their initial depth chart for the 2015 season. Long story short, there tends to not be much room on NFL rosters for backups who carry a cap hit of $9.6 million while also being in the final year of their contract. Let’s also not forget that Hall is coming off of the second major Achilles injury of his career, which likely means the 30-year-old cornerback has lost at least a step or two.

3. Andy Levitre, offensive guard, Tennessee Titans
Andy-Levitre_Justin-Edmonds_Getty-Images.jpg

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images


We would be flat-out shocked if the Titans do not release Levitre before the start of the regular season. The 29-year-old offensive guard signed a six-year, $46.8 million contract back in 2013, but has since lost his starting spot to Byron Bell. With a schedule cap hit of $8.6 million in 2015, there is little to no chance that the Titans will keep Levitre if he is going to be a backup.

4. Toby Gerhart, running back, Jacksonville Jaguars
Toby-Gerhart_Sam-Greenwood_Getty-Images.jpg

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images


The Jaguars signed Gerhart in 2014 hoping that the former Stanford Cardinal could be a workhorse back for them. Instead, his first season in Jacksonville was marred by injuries, and yielded only 326 yards and two touchdowns. The team invested an early second round draft pick in T.J. Yeldon this offseason and also returns Denard Robinson, their leading rusher from 2014. To make matters worse for Gerhart, it would only cost the Jaguars $500,000 in dead money if they chose to release him.

5. Terrelle Pryor, wide receiver, Cleveland Browns
Terrelle-Pryor_Jared-Wickerham_Getty-Images.jpg

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images


Pryor is attempting to convert to wide receiver with the Browns, and while he may be talented enough to do so, he has yet to play a snap at the position during the team’s first three preseason games. For that reason, we would be surprised if he wasn’t included in the Browns final cuts at the end of the week.

All statistics courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference, all contract data courtesy of Spotrac.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/04/bucs-moving-on-from-daquan-bowers/

Bucs moving on from Da’Quan Bowers
Posted by Zac Jackson on September 4, 2015

cd0ymzcznguwzdbhnduynddiytjhm2yyzthlmtjjotqwyyznptixmzq3ztdmodkwotm2yjg0mdgxn2q2mze1yjrkzmrl-e1441377559125.jpeg
AP

Da’Quan Bowers signed a one-year deal with the Bucs just before training camp in hopes of rejuvenating his career and moving past his disappointing first four seasons.

Instead, it’s the team that’s moving on. Per Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, the Bucs plan to waive Bowers as part of their roster cuts that will be made Friday and Saturday.

Bowers tweeted a thank you to the Bucs on Friday morning.

A second-round pick in 2011, Bowers had seven sacks in four years for the Bucs. He’s played both defensive end and defensive tackle.

“Da’Quan did some good things for us last year,” Bucs coach Love Smith said early in camp. “And I know right now, he came in, in-shape and ready to go.

“He can be a good football player.”

He just wasn’t good enough for the Bucs this summer.
 

DaveFan'51

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I just hope that, after our Cuts, the 10 players we sign to our PS are all from the best half of the ones we Cut!
 

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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/04/49ers-release-darnell-dockett/

49ers release Darnell Dockett
Posted by Mike Florio on September 4, 2015

cd0ymzcznguwzdbhnduynddiytjhm2yyzthlmtjjotqwyyznpwyxotflmzg3nzq1n2zlzgiwmjewogqxn2jingzkzwm2-e1441378921419.jpeg
AP

In the offseason, defensive tackle Darnell Dockett chose the 49ers over the Cardinals. Now, the 49ers have chosen someone else over Dockett.

Per a league source, the 49ers have released Dockett, one day ahead of the mandatory trimming of rosters from 75 to 53.

Dockett signed a two-year, $7.25 million deal with the 49ers. He earned a $500,000 workout bonus, and he has $2 million in guaranteed base salary, with offset language.

The move makes Dockett a free agent. He can now sign with any other team. And the 49ers will get a dollar-for-dollar credit, up to $2 million, on whatever he earns elsewhere.

Dockett had been dealing with a rib issue; he called it a cracked rib, and the team called it a cartilage issue. If he doesn’t quickly land with a new team, an injury grievance is possible, since players can’t be cut when they are hurt.

Either way, there’s a chance team will wait until after Week One to sign Dockett. As a vested veteran, his full base salary becomes guaranteed if he’s on the roster for the opening weekend.
 

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...rnell-dockett-released-by-san-francisco-49ers

Well, that union sure didn't turn out like they planned, now did it? Didn't he say something about "leading them to the playoffs"?

Just loving the Whiner off season...

The San Francisco 49ers have thought twice about their union with Darnell Dockett.

Watch out-of-market games

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Dockett has been released, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The move comes six months after Dockett left theCardinals to sign a two-year, $7.5 million contract that included $2 million guaranteed.

ProFootballTalk, which had the first news of Dockett's release, reports that the move saves San Francisco $3.25 million in cash and cap space. Dockett is a 10-year veteran with 40.5 career sacks. He was expected to serve as a situational pass rusher in Eric Mangini's defense.

The reasons behind Dockett's surprise exit are unclear, though the veteran linebacker had been slowed by a rib injury. Dockett might have rubbed some in the organization the wrong way when he tweeted that his rib was broken, a diagnosis that Tomsula refuted.

"Yeah, it's cartilage," Tomsula said Wednesday, via ESPN.com. "The crack is in the cartilage, which is treated like a contusion. It's not the bone. If it was the bone, we would be talking about something different (and more serious)."

Dockett immediately becomes a free agent, so let the speculation begin about a possible return to theCardinals. Arizona -- or another team -- might choose to wait until after Week 1 to sign him. Dockett's vested veteran status means he would get his base salary fully guaranteed if he's signed before the start of the season.
 

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Their team is going to be hot shit and I'm going to love every minute of it. I get trying to go young, but when your team is already in disarray do you think you have the luxury of cutting anybody with any tread on them regardless of their talent?
 

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The Rams need to find a way to sign this guy. Personally I would cut Fairely and go young to get the cap space.
 

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Tough decisions all around the league for teams. At least now, the Rams are one that are cutting good football players.
 

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The overthecap.com summary: "Darnell Dockett, DT, 49ers– The 49ers signed Dockett this offseason after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals. Dockett had a $2 million salary guarantee but no signing bonus. I would think San Francisco assumes he will sign somewhere for the veterans minimum so they will only eat $1 million in salary. Dockett had a $250,000 week 1 roster bonus and another $1.25 million in salary would have become guaranteed if he was active in week 1. If he does not sign back with the 49ers they will potentially carry $2.5 million for a player who never played a down with the team. San Francisco saves $1.25 million in cap room this year."

It could be a win-win if the Rams were the team that stepped in to make the Whiners eat the salary. I don't agree with the Fairley negativity going around -- he is the undisputed #3 DT in the rotation. Dockett would rotate in as the "big body" 4th DT role, especially in those crucial spots when the D-line needs to push the interior of the offense backwards.

Only problem is taking a roster spot away from a young guy like LTP. An option would be releasing Hayes or Sims because their contracts are up, the Rams would actually end up saving cap space. With Sims it could serve as a statement on reducing penalties. It would free up Westbrooks for more playing time, who is more suited to DE role instead of trying to convert him inside.

That being said, there's likely an "if it ain't broke..." mentality here from the Rams with the DL, there's really no reason to mess with it now.
 

HometownBoy

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Levitre just got traded to the Falcons.
Good move, better to get something than just release them and get nothing. Especially the first 3 of that list, any people stupid enough to just let those 3 walk away rather than try to spin something positive out of it aren't people you want running your team.
 

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Good move, better to get something than just release them and get nothing. Especially the first 3 of that list, any people stupid enough to just let those 3 walk away rather than try to spin something positive out of it aren't people you want running your team.

Man though, if Leon Hall did get cut?

That's someone who might be kinda nice in light of Gaines's injury.
 

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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/04/texans-waive-louis-nix-kenny-hilliard/

Texans waive Louis Nix, Kenny Hilliard
Posted by Josh Alper on September 4, 2015

The Texans drafted defensive tackle Louis Nix in the third round of the 2014 draft, but their opinion of him has apparently soured over the year-plus he’s spent with the team.

According to multiple reports, the team has waived Nix as they make the necessary alterations to their roster to reach the 53-man limit by Saturday afternoon. Those reports also have the team waiving 2015 seventh-round running backKenny Hilliard.

Nix could return to the practice squad if he isn’t claimed off waivers, but his time with the Texans will come to an end without ever appearing in a regular season game if this is indeed the end of his run in Houston. Nix was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury last September, although he returned to start every preseason game this summer while Vince Wilfork got some veteran rest on game days. The Texans drafted Christian Covington this year and he appears set to back up Wilfork.

Hilliard was behind Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk in the competition to replace Arian Foster while Foster recovers from groin surgery. The LSU product would likely be a practice squad candidate if he doesn’t land elsewhere.

There are also multiple reports that the Texans have cut defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick and wide receiver Damaris Johnson.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/04/ravens-announce-five-cuts/

Ravens announce five cuts
Posted by Josh Alper on September 4, 2015

The Ravens have announced the first of the moves they’ll have to make over the next two days in order to reach the 53-man limit.

Among the players dropped from the roster was wide receiver Tom Nelson, who was known as safety Tom Nelson during the early days of his NFL career. Nelson played for the Bengals in 2009 and 2010 after making the team as an undrafted free agent and saw action in four games for the Eagles in 2011. That was the last time Nelson played in the league, so making the move to receiver was a big leap to take in order to continue his professional career.

Nelson caught five passes for 57 yards in the preseason. The Ravens also waived wide receiver Daniel Brown, leaving them with seven wideouts on the roster at the moment.

Linebacker Andrew Bose, tackle Blaine Clausell and cornerback Quinton Pointer were also waived as the Ravens dropped to 70 players.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...ase-linebackerpuncher-of-people-ik-enemkpali/

Bills to release linebacker/puncher of people IK Enemkpali
Posted by Darin Gantt on September 4, 2015

Tyrod Taylor doesn’t have to worry about getting punched in the face, or at least as much as he did previously.

According to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, the Bills have released linebacker IK Enemkpali, who they had in for a few weeks after he broke former Jets teammate Geno Smith’s jaw.

The Bills had some interest since coach Rex Ryan drafted him during his last year with the Bills, but they apparently decided he wasn’t worth keeping around.

While Enemkpali has some pass-rush potential, he also has problems keeping his hands to himself off the field.

In addition to his former teammate who owed him $600, Enemkpali has also punched an off-duty cop and a man who was posing as a woman named “Missy Lee” whom he met on the internet and arranged to have sex with.

And now, he has punched his ticket out of Buffalo.
 

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John Conner - RB - Free Agent
Bills waived FB John Conner.

Conner needed to show extremely well on special teams to make the Bills' 53 behind Jerome Felton. Felton will serve as Shady McCoy's 2015 lead blocker.
Related: Bills

Sep 4 - 1:55 PM
 

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Ravens announce five cuts
Linebacker Andrew Bose, tackle Blaine Clausell and cornerback Quinton Pointer were also waived as the Ravens dropped to 70 players.
There's a familiar face, I'd give Pointer another look with Gaines out. The guy wasn't half bad, just never really in the position to succeed with a team in complete re haul and he wasn't going to really offer much to it.
 

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Cyril Richardson - G - Free Agent
Bills waived OG Cyril Richardson, RB Bronson Hill, RB Cierre Wood, OL William Campbell, DT Andre Fluellen, OL Alex Kupper, DE B.J. Larsen, CB Merrill Noel and WR Tobais Palmer.

The No. 153 overall pick of last year's draft, Richardson struggled when pressed into duty as a rookie, and didn't take a step forward this summer. His draft pedigree will likely land him on the practice squad, but his NFL career is trending in the wrong direction.
Related: Bills

Sep 4 - 2:01 PM
 

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Youth and uncertainty force Rams to go heavy on offensive linemen
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...-forces-rams-to-go-heavy-on-offensive-linemen

Here is a final projection of a position-by-position look at who stays and who goes when the St. Louis Rams makes their final cuts.

QUARTERBACK (3): Nick Foles, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion

What once appeared to be a real competition between Keenum and Austin Davis never really materialized as Davis simply didn't get much of an opportunity in the preseason. Granted, the Rams know what they have in Davis and wanted to get an extended look at Keenum but this one seemed pretty well set from the moment training camp started. Foles is the starter and Mannion will get time to develop.

RUNNING BACK (5): Todd Gurley, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead, Chase Reynolds

It should be noted that Trey Watts is suspended the first four games of the season, otherwise he'd be here instead of Pead. But for now, Pead gets a stay until Watts comes back. Considering the injury situations with Gurley and Mason, I considered keeping a sixth back. Malcolm Brown is difficult to let go after an impressive preseason but he doesn't bring the special-teams value the Rams need from an additional back.

WIDE RECEIVER (5): Kenny Britt, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens

Entering camp, it appeared Givens might get a run for his money but he was actually the best wideout on the team in the preseason games. He should be safe. Nobody else really stood out to make a run for a potential sixth spot.

TIGHT END (3): Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Cory Harkey

The Rams traditionally keep at least one more here and they could keep Justice Cunningham or Alex Bayer for special-teams purposes. Neither did much in the preseason, though, and since the Rams have to keep an extra quarterback this year, this seems like a logical place to keep one less body.

OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Jamon Brown, Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones, Rob Havenstein, Demetrius Rhaney, Garrett Reynolds, Andrew Donnal, Isaiah Battle

The Rams spent five picks on the offensive line in the offseason, which means they have a lot of young players they want to develop. Unless they're willing to cut some of them already, that means they're going to need to go heavy on the offensive line. This projection actually does remove sixth-round guard Cody Wichmann but a leg injury suffered in the spring prevented him from making much of an impression and he doesn't offer positional versatility. They should be able to get him through to the practice squad. Battle is a different proposition. He didn't play well enough to make the roster and another team might not scoop him if he's available but the Rams surrendered a fifth-round pick next year for him and knew he would take some time to get up to speed. It's a risk they probably aren't willing to take. The competition at center is too close to call, though there seems to be some momentum for Barnes as the starter. Instead of making the decision, the team opts to keep all three contenders. Ten is a lot of linemen but the Rams have too much invested from the draft to cut bait on these guys already.

DEFENSIVE LINE (9): Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Nick Fairley, William Hayes, Eugene Sims, Ethan Westbrooks, Louis Trinca-Pasat

It seemed like this would be the year that the Rams actually keep only eight defensive linemen because of needs at other positions. Then Trinca-Pasat happened. In fact, defensive tackle Trinca-Pasat and end Matt Longacre both happened. Both players earned positive reviews for their work in the preseason and made a case to make the roster. But Trinca-Pasat ultimately wins out because of his ability to push the pocket and be disruptive on the interior. Theoretically, someone could push Westbrooks for a spot as well but the feeling is that with Hayes and Sims set for free agency after the year, the Rams give him another year to develop and potentially step into an expanded role next year.

LINEBACKER (6): James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Akeem Ayers, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Bryce Hager, Daren Bates

Bates' knee injury might force the Rams to keep an extra player here right away for special teams but otherwise, nobody has really stood out enough to land a job. Korey Toomer would've been in the mix if not for a foot injury but otherwise, this one will only change based on how the team feels about Bates' health.

CORNERBACK (4): Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner, Marcus Roberson

Imoan Claiborne's release in the initial roster cuts this week was a bit of a surprise, leaving the door open for someone else to claim the spot. But there really isn't any obvious choice unless the team wants to roll the dice on perpetually injured Brandon McGee. Because they went so heavy on offensive linemen, they will try to get by with four corners for now. In the meantime, they'll keep their eyes open for veteran options and keep a couple of extra corners on the practice squad.

SAFETY (5): T.J. McDonald, Rodney McLeod, Mark Barron, Maurice Alexander, Cody Davis

Christian Bryant and Jacob Hagen both flashed at times in the exhibition games but there simply doesn't appear to be enough room for either of them to land a spot on the roster.

SPECIALISTS (3): Johnny Hekker, Greg Zuerlein, Jake McQuaide

No drama here.