NFL Cutdown Day Breaking Down the Biggest Surprise Cuts
Written By Emmanuel Abayev
On Saturday, September 5th, NFL teams were given until 4:00pm EST to trim their roster to 53 players. Every year, over a thousand players would end up jobless on a day like this, dubbing it as the infamous “Cutdown Day.” Most cuts would be pretty cut and dry, with the majority being “practice squad bodies” or UDFAs (undrafted free agents) who were seen as long shots to make the roster. Every year, however, some teams go with the surprise decision, either due to chemistry issues, salary cap situations, or too much talent at one position, to shock the Football world and cut players with verified NFL talent. Here, we take a look at some of 2020’s biggest surprise decisions, and why they took place.
Miami Dolphins cut former 10th overall pick Josh Rosen
In a surprise decision, it seems the Dolphins have fully given up on Josh Rosen, only a year after trading for him with a 2nd round pick. Rosen went winless in his three starts for the Dolphins last season with a 52 passer rating, putting him among the league’s worst. The Dolphins seem ready to go with this year’s fifth overall pick in Tua Tagovailoa as the long-term starter with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick serving as the bridge/backup quarterback. It seems that even with Tagovailoa’s questionable durability and Fitzpatrick’s shaky play, head coach Brian Flores felt it best to use a roster spot elsewhere.
Patriots release Mohamed Sanu Sr.
After spending a second round pick to receive half a season of Mohamed Sanu, head coach Bill Belichick has said no more and cut the veteran receiver. After bringing him in to boost a heavily injured wideout group, Belichick decided to pull the plug on his second season after claiming the pairing “just didn’t work out.” Following the departure of longtime quarterback Tom Brady, Belichick apparently feels content with a receiving group headlined by Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry, but with only the so-far questionable Gunner Olszewski, Jakobi Meyers, and Damiere Byrd there to back up.
Side Note: The Patriots release both kickers in the veteran Nick Folk and rookie Justin Rohrwasser. Belichick could want to start over at the position, or he could be waiting for a roster spot to open up for Nick Folk, who does not need to clear waivers.
Steelers release Ryan Switzer
After being openly praised by franchise quarterback Ben Rothlingsberger, fan-favorite Ryan Switzer has been released. The receiver/returner Switzer spent time with Rothlingsberger on the injured list last season, allowing Dionte Johnson to assume return duties, while recently signed receiver Ray Ray McCloud seems to have taken Switzer’s spot on the depth chart.
Cowboys release veteran safety HaHa Clinton-Dix
After signing the veteran cornerback Daryl Worley, the Cowboys apparently decided that he would provide enough secondary depth that Clinton-Dix would not be necessary. Clinton-Dix has shown he can be serviceable in the NFL and should have no trouble finding another team, but the Cowboys decided that the 1.5 million dollars of cap space his release frees up would be of better use, especially in a financially difficult COVID-19 season.
Packers cut fan favorite wideout Jake Kumerow
Just days after Aaron Rodgers included Kumerow’s name in a wide receiving group he was excited to play with, Kumerow found himself jobless by the Packers. The Packers, with what was looking like a logjam at the receiver position, had one too many, and might have risked upsetting franchise QB Rodgers to have more depth elsewhere.
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