2015 Roster Cutdown Blog

Ken Kelly Posted On September 5, 2015

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We’ll be updating this blog throughout the weekend with all the important cuts, trades, roster moves and other important information as teams cut down to the required roster limitations. This is always one of the most exciting weekends as we finally found out what the coaches are truly thinking about some young players. If you’re new to the blog, read from the bottom up, as the latest information will be at the top.

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NEW ENGLAND RELEASES REGGIE WAYNE

I’d love to get a $450,000 signing bonus for two weeks of work – that’s exactly what Reggie Wayne got from the Patriots as they’re reportedly moving on from Wayne. Nothing is official yet, but all signs point to this being the end of the road for one of the best receivers of the past decade. The Pats never cease to surprise us on cut day and today was no different with Wayne and Jonas Gray.

TENNESSEE CUTS TRE MCBRIDE

In a more surprising move, the Titans also cut Tre McBride, who they’ll surely attempt to get signed to their practice squad. McBride has some talent, but he needs a lot of seasoning before being a contributor to an NFL team.

TITANS NIX NICKS

Hakeem Nicks is looking for a team yet again after flaming out with the Tennessee Titans. After some unimpressive years with the Giants and a lost season with the Colts last year, this might be it for Nicks, who has seen his athletic ability destroyed by injuries.

BILLS CUT MATT CASSEL

In a move surprising nobody but Matt Cassel himself, the Bills cut the veteran quarterback and are prepared to roll this season with Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel at the helm. Cassel will probably latch on as a backup somewhere, but that great stretch he once had in New England (and one good year in Kansas City) seem like distant memories.

PATRIOTS WAIVE JONAS GRAY

Yeah, there’s really not much to say here. If you’re relying on New England running backs to win your fantasy season, you’re probably going to cry some tears in your beer. It looks like Brandon Bolden and James White will carry the mail until LeGarrette Blount comes back, but don’t forget about Dion Lewis. In the end, this is one mess of a committee.

EAGLES CUT TIM TEBOW

Chip Kelly apparently couldn’t turn Tebow into an NFL quarterback, either. You’ll probably see Tebow calling games on the SEC Network next week. Like him or not, you have to respect his determination.

RAIDERS CUT MICHAEL DYER

In a move that likely only interested hard-core fantasy football players like us, Michael Dyer has been cut by the Raiders. Many had him rostered, hoping he could back up Latavius Murray and even get some meaningful time this year, but it looks like he’s headed to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

LIONS CUT GEORGE WINN

Winn was the victim of circumstance here as Ameer Abdullah and Zach Zenner both showed up and dominated the preseason as rookies. There just wasn’t enough room to keep him – this also makes it look like Zenner really did make the team. Stay tuned.

LIONS RELEASE JOSEPH FAURIA

Some dynasty owners overrated when the Lions acquired Tim Wright, but this makes it apparent Wright was brought in to backup Eric Ebron, not compete with him.

GIANTS WAIVED/INJURED COREY WASHINGTON

Washington couldn’t replicate his monster preseason from last year where it looked like he could be the next Victor Cruz for the G-men. Unfortunately, he just didn’t look the same this season and even incurred a shoulder injury. Washington can be released in dynasty leagues.

JAMES JONES CUT BY GIANTS

Jones had played well enough to make the New York roster, but they just ran out of spots. The Packers will likely be interested in bringing Jones back, but this is not the same Jones who had a career season with them, nor is it the same receiving corps. Jones would provide veteran depth and help mentor players like Davante Adams, Jeff Janis and Ty Montgomery. Unless there are a whole host of injuries, don’t expect a career renaissance.

PONDER KEPT OFF RAIDERS ROSTER

The former first round pick looks to go down as a complete “bust” as he was beaten out by an average (at best) Matt McGloin to back up Derek Carr. It sounds like the Eagles may actually be interested in Ponder, so stay tuned.

SIO MOORE TRADED TO THE COLTS

Moore had worn out his welcome in Oakland. For more on this trade, click here.

BEARS RELEASE MASON FOSTER

Yikes. Foster couldn’t make it in Tampa and now failed in Chicago. He could be claimed by someone looking for linebacker depth, but he has had one mighty fall from grace. Of course, this shouldn’t surprise you because of how much we’ve focused on players like Christian Jones.

SEAHAWKS SIGN FRED JACKSON AND WAIVE/INJURED ROBERT TURBIN

The Hawks made some very serious moves to bolster their backfield. For more on this situation, click here.

STORM BLOWS OVER IN JACKSONVILLE

When the Jaguars drafted TJ Yeldon, the writing was on the wall for Storm Johnson. Once viewed as a potential lead runner by some (maybe wishful thinking since he played with Blake Bortles in college), Johnson simply wasn’t impressive enough to merit a roster spot any longer. This is yet another example of just how much of a crapshoot those later rookie picks can be.

JOSH FREEMAN CUT BY MIAMI

Freeman’s complete and total fall from grace has now finally reached a conclusion as he was released (again) from the Miami Dolphins. It’s hard to see the one promising quarterback prospect having a future in the league.

MATT BARKLEY TRADED TO ARIZONA

When this happened, many Tim Tebow fans rejoiced, thinking this would guarantee Tebow a roster spot for the Eagles this season. In the end, the Eagles were sending a clear message they didn’t feel Barkley had a future with the team. Barkley seems to lack NFL skills and will simply be a backup behind Drew Stanton and Carson Palmer. Now that he’s out of the Philadelphia video game offense, there’s really no reason I see to have him rostered.

GUS JOHNSON WAIVED BY DALLAS

Johnson made some waves early this preseason as he looked like a productive back in an offense where, well, everyone is salivating for anyone competent to run behind that mammoth offensive line. The Cowboys are likely going to try to sneak him on to the practice squad.

KENNY BELL PLACED ON IR

This news is some of the most disappointing of the weekend. The workout warrior was expected to compete for the slot job in the Tampa offense and was squarely on the dynasty watch list. Unfortunately, he’ll now have to wait until next year (with even more competition brought in) to try to earn that role. Bell can be dropped in leagues failing to have IR designations.

TEXANS CUT KENNY HILLIARD

Hilliard was another super sleeper this year after Arian Foster went down with a groin injury. Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk were all able to outplay him, but Hilliard could end up on the Houston practice squad. He’s an easy cut now, but a player to keep your eye on depending on what the Texans do with the other backs on the roster.

CARDINALS WAIVE ROBERT HUGHES

Hughes was thought to be a dark horse candidate for goal line work for Arizona and really, any Arizona back was worth monitoring. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be for Hughes this year.

BUCS RELEASE DA’QUAN BOWERS

This could be a sad end to a once promising career. Injuries have depleted Bowers of his trademark explosiveness, leaving him a shell of the player he once was. He should get a shot elsewhere, but it’s doubtful he’ll ever be the dominant force we once saw in college.

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK