2022 NFL roster cuts and trades: Dolphins receivers, Browns running backs among deepest units

NFL teams must reach the 53 active player limit by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30. The final week of preseason games is important for fringe players to not only audition for their current team, but for the other 31 franchises as well. . Players not on the 53-man roster will be susceptible to the waiver system, meaning they can be claimed by any other team in order of worst to best record last season. If the player goes through unclaimed waivers, the original team has the right to add that player to the practice squad.

If a team has a need to fill and is not willing to wait and see if a player of interest reaches it in the waiver order, then they might be inclined to execute a trade. A total of 23 trades took place in August 2021, including defensive tackle BJ Hill and running back Sony Michel, who played significant snaps last postseason for Super Bowl reps Bengals and Rams , respectively. There have only been two exchanges this year. It’s rare to find starters through the waiver system, but it’s more common to identify deep or role players.

Here are some of the league units that might be under the watchful eye of personnel evaluators:

Wide receivers Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill and Ced Wilson Jr. seem well-grounded in their respective roles. Most teams keep five or six in the position, which leaves Mohamed Sanu, Preston Williams, Lynn Bowden Jr. and fourth-round pick Erik Ezukanma vulnerable. In fact, there was already a report that Williams and Bowden have been the subject of trade talks. Bowden is used to returning punts and kicks in college, so teams can be more comfortable taking a chance on the former third-round pick knowing he could play a secondary role.

Cleveland makes sense as a possible destination for the Youngstown native following an injury to wide receiver and kick returner Jakeem Grant.

Every NFL head coach covets depth and talent in the secondary, but few are able to cultivate it like Bill Belichick has over the years. Malcolm Butler, Myles Bryant, Jonathan Jones and JC Jackson, to name a few, were originally added as undrafted free agents. Jackson signed a lucrative contract with the Chargers this offseason as Butler returned to play a key role for the Patriots this season before being injured. New England may not have a high school star, but it has numbers.

At cornerback, the team has Terrance Mitchell, Jalen Mills, Justin Bethel, Shaun Wade, draft picks Jack Jones and Marcus Jones, and the aforementioned Bryant and Jones. Safety-wise, the team has Adrian Phillips, Devin McCourty, Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger and a few younger additions.

Going through the rosters in preparation for this article, it became apparent that there is a shortage of quality cornerbacks in the NFL. The Falcons, Cardinals, Lions, Giants, Commanders, Texans, Colts and Steelers were among the teams with a potential need for this position.

Browns running backs

Cleveland’s dynamic punch of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt could be in jeopardy for the coming season. Hunt asked for a trade assuming the Browns weren’t going to give him a new contract. At this point, the Northeast Ohio franchise did not want to respond to his requests. Third-string running back D’Ernest Johnson was instrumental in the team’s win over Denver last season when Hunt and Chubb were injured. In fact, he had three games in which he rushed for 99+ yards. Rookie Jerome Ford has been fantastic in training camp so far. Last year’s sixth-round pick, Demetric Felton Jr., is a smaller size but contributed to both the running and passing games. Given that most teams don’t keep more than four running backs, it’s hard to imagine Cleveland finding room for all five unless Felton is traded to wide receiver.

Jets offensive and defensive lines

Staff executives who have spent time in Philadelphia with Executive Vice President and General Manager Howie Roseman often have a strategy for building depth in the trenches. Andrew Berry in Cleveland and Joe Douglas in New York followed a similar pattern. The Jets starting offensive line, left to right, is Duane Brown, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker and George Fant. Beyond the first wave, reserves Caleb Benenoch, Conor McDermott, Nate Herbig, Chuma Edoga, Ross Pierschbacher and Dan Feeney all have significant playing experience. Fourth-round pick Max Mitchell should add functional depth on the corner. There just isn’t enough room on the list to keep them all.

On the other side of the ball, New York drafted rushers Jermaine Johnson II and Michael Clemons to compete with Carl Lawson, Jacob Martin and Vinny Curry. Sliding inside, the team has Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, Sheldon Rankins and Solomon Thomas; three of which were first-round picks. Tanzel Smart and Nathan Shepherd also recorded professional shots.

Not only did Tampa Bay keep Chris Godwin, they signed Russell Gage and Julio Jones this offseason to go along with four-time Pro Bowl draft pick Mike Evans. Scotty Miller, Jaelon Darden, Breshad Perriman and Tyler Johnson are also listed. Those are the names of eight wide receivers ahead of whether or not undrafted free agents Deven Thompkins, Jerreth Sterns or Kaylon Geiger might become a commodity worth continued investment.

Chiefs defensive line

Kansas City has had an inside defensive line rotation with Chris Jones, Tershawn Wharton, Derrick Nnadi and Khalen Saunders over the past two years. The Chiefs experimented with Jones on the edge last season before eventually returning him to his most capable position; the presence of first-round rusher George Karlaftis should ensure he stays there. The additions of veterans Danny Shelton and Taylor Stallworth mean the franchise is three deep along the inside defensive line and a potential game for a help-seeking opposition.

49ers peak rushers

Nick Bosa is the crown jewel of San Francisco’s defense, but the team has become known for playing athletically gifted players who have yet to reach their NFL potential. Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and the team’s use of a wide 9 roster appeal to young players looking for a fresh start. Some of this year’s projects include Charles Omenihu, Kemoko Turay, Jordan Willis and a second stint with Kerry Hyder Jr.

A second-round pick was used on Drake Jackson, whose talent could allow him to be special in time. There’s little pro production behind Bosa but teams like Pittsburgh and Miami need depth on the edge.

Patriots running backs

Revolving doors a bit in New England, but there is one constant among franchise running backs: depth. Although James White announced his retirement during training camp and Michel was traded this time a year ago, the Patriots are bringing back Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and JJ Taylor. They signed veteran Ty Montgomery and drafted Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris. A year ago, five running backs and a fullback were on the initial active roster.

Eagles defensive line

One would assume that Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Milton Williams and first-round selection Jordan Davis secured their respective positions on the opening day roster. Philadelphia has some intriguing young players beyond that outstanding inner core, including Marlon Tuipulotu, Renell Wren and Marvin Wilson. With the branches of Roseman’s executive tree stretching across the league, there’s reason to believe another franchise might be willing to dip its toes into the talent pool.

Raiders defensive line

Last week’s exit of veteran defensive tackle Vernon Butler certainly impacted the depth of this forward assembly, but there are additional options that could help round out another team’s roster. Rookies Neil Farrell Jr. and Matthew Butler will have every chance of making the roster. Johnathan Hankins and Bilal Nichols probably have the upper hand to start with if they are healthy. They also have veterans Andrew Billings, Kyle Peko, Kendal Vickers and Tyler Lancaster; each having different levels of success at this level.