Tough Days Ahead for NFL Teams
Some of the hardest days are approaching in the NFL world.
The 32 teams had the tough task of trimming their rosters down to 53 by 4 PM on Tuesday. This means nearly 1,000 players faced tough news in just a matter of hours.
Among these decisions, several surprised many. Here are nine standout surprises from a hectic day in the NFL:
A Pair of Surprises from Foxborough
The New England Patriots made some unexpected roster decisions on Tuesday. Notably, Kyle Duggar, after weeks of speculation, has secured a spot—at least for now. The former second-round pick, who signed a significant contract extension in April 2024, mostly played in backup roles during preseason. There are even reports hinting at the possibility of a trade.
As of now, though, he remains on the roster.
Another unexpected choice was giving a spot to undrafted rookie Efton Chism III. The Eastern Washington wide receiver made a case for himself during the preseason, shining particularly in his debut against Washington, where he caught six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Overall, he ended the preseason with 12 receptions and 121 yards, which is impressive. However, considering the Patriots’ crowded wide receiver lineup, his position wasn’t guaranteed, but he earned his spot on the initial roster.
Lastly, it’s curious to see that former first-round pick Cole Strange was let go. It seems a fresh start is needed, especially given ongoing concerns about the offensive line.
Beau Melton Joins the Packers
Beau Melton, drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft as a wide receiver from Rutgers by the Seattle Seahawks, has found a spot on the Packers’ roster.
What stands out, though, is the position he’s listed under now.
Melton has transitioned to cornerback earlier this season and has impressed coaches with his rapid adaptation during training camp. Coach Matt Lafleur praised him, noting his performance in drills and how comfortable he seemed in challenging positions.
This appears to mark a new chapter in Melton’s NFL career as he takes on a role as a defensive back.
Seahawks Keeping Two Fullbacks
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, my friend JP Acosta and I discussed the return of the “big” player trend. After years of smaller, more agile rosters, it seems things are shifting.
The Seattle Seahawks are exemplifying this shift by keeping not just one, but two fullbacks on the roster. The roster includes Robbie Outz and Brady Russell, both significant additions.
Giants Part Ways with Greg Dalcich
Greg Dalcich, selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, saw his time in Denver plagued by persistent hamstring issues. After being cut by the Broncos last November, he was picked up by the New York Giants.
He had a strong showing in training camp this year, leading all players in touchdowns during preseason. Still, with a crowded tight end group, his release came as a bit of a surprise. It’s likely he’ll find a new home, possibly returning to where his NFL career began.
Hunter Renfrow’s Attempt at a Comeback
Hunter Renfrow sat out the entire 2024 season after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders, largely due to his battle with ulcerative colitis. This condition caused significant weight loss, nearly pushing him to retire before being talked into trying again by college coach Dabo Swinney.
After signing with the Panthers, he seemed to be on track for a roster spot. However, in the end, he was one of the cuts on Tuesday. It’s not the end, though; he could either land a spot on the practice squad or be claimed by another team.
Colts Release Juju Brents
Juju Brents, a second-round draft pick from 2023 who started eight games as a rookie, was surprisingly released by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, leaving behind over $2.6 million in dead cap.
Injuries have played a role in his limited appearances, and the arrival of Lou Analmo may have complicated his situation with the team.
Ravens Release Jalyn Armour-Davis
It seems many in the Baltimore writing community were caught off guard by the Ravens’ decision to release Jalyn Armour-Davis.
This fourth-round pick from the 2021 draft faced injuries during his tenure but showed potential during training camp and preseason games, performing notably in the final preseason matchup.
Yet, despite his flexibility playing both cornerback and safety, the Ravens let him go. He’s already being considered for other teams.
Pittsburgh Cuts Beanie Bishop Jr.
Beanie Bishop Jr. made a name for himself last year as an undrafted rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting six games and recording four interceptions, including two against the new starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
However, he was released on Tuesday, likely due to the depth in the team’s cornerback room. With recent trades and additions, the competition became fierce.
