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By Matt Barrows Aug 28, 2019
If you’re a fan fretting about your team’s depth along the offensive line, don’t worry: You’re not alone.
Fourteen of The Athletic’s 32 beat writers listed tackle or guard — or both — as their team’s biggest shortcoming as cut-down day approaches. The only teams with an abundance of blockers were the Eagles and Cowboys.
The following list shows where teams are heavy and where they’re light heading into Saturday when rosters must be trimmed from 90 to 53 players. Most of the surplus will hit the waiver wire where the Cardinals, 49ers and Jets, who picked 1-3 in the draft, will have top priority. Some teams will try to address their weakness with a trade.
Arizona Cardinals
Need: Offensive tackle
Conceptually, the Cardinals have a strong bookend in left tackle D.J. Humphries and right tackle Marcus Gilbert. But Humphries has never played more than 13 games in his three-year career and Gilbert hasn’t played a full season since 2015. Even more troubling: The top backups are two seventh-round picks, rookie Joshua Miles and 2018 seventh-rounder Korey Cunningham. That’s not an ideal situation for a team that’s going to throw the ball as much as Arizona.
Surplus: Wide receiver
The Cardinals don’t have a lot of depth at any position but the signing of Michael Crabtree does give them eight wide receivers who could make the roster, and coach Kliff Kingsbury won’t keep more than seven. The odd man out likely will be Pharoh Cooper or Damiere Byrd, both of whom also can return kicks.
—Scott Bordow
Atlanta Falcons
Need: Return specialist
The Falcons were hopeful they got the return specialist they needed when they took Marcus Green in the sixth round of the 2019 draft. Unfortunately, he hasn’t produced the way the team would have liked this preseason, and Atlanta is now leaning on Kenjon Barner for the spot to open the year. The Falcons would love to see more explosive plays in the return game considering the lack of them in 2018.
Surplus: Running back
Barner is considered a running back, and with his inclusion, the Falcons could wind up with as many as five on the initial 53-man roster. Behind Devonta Freeman, backups Ito Smith, Brian Hill and Qadree Ollison have all proven they can carve out roles in relief. Smith has been the best of the three, with Hill and Ollison possessing power-back builds. While Hill and Ollison are talented enough to be on any team’s 53-man roster, would the Falcons want to use that many roster spots at running back? And if not, could one of those players move to the trading block? Special teams — return, coverage and protection — will be a deciding factor in whether the team keeps five running backs.
—Jason Butt
Baltimore Ravens
Need: Interior offensive line
A good case could be made that edge rusher is actually the Ravens’ biggest need, but it’s hard to imagine them finding and acquiring a significant outside upgrade in that area. They have a much better chance of bringing in a starting-caliber interior offensive lineman. Matt Skura is serviceable at center, but right now, Jermaine Eluemunor is in line to start at left guard, almost by default. Head coach John Harbaugh doesn’t seem enamored with that arrangement, so the expectation is that the Ravens will try to upgrade, if not with a Week 1 starter, at least with a solid reserve.
Surplus: Defensive back
The likely season-ending neck injury to Tavon Young and a multi-week injury to rookie fourth-round pick Iman Marshall has lessened the Ravens’ logjam at cornerback. It now would be a bit tougher to pry a veteran cornerback such as Jimmy Smith or Brandon Carr from the Ravens. However, a corner such as Maurice Canady has been solid when healthy over the past three years. Anthony Averett, a fourth-round pick in 2018, also has clear upside. If a team is looking for safety help, DeShon Elliott and Chuck Clark could be starting options elsewhere, but they’re buried behind Earl Thomas and Tony Jefferson in Baltimore.
—Jeff Zrebiec
Buffalo Bills
Need: Offensive tackle
The Bills have moved rookie Cody Ford back and forth between guard and tackle. If they keep him at guard, that leaves their third offensive tackle spot as a big question mark. LaAdrian Waddle tore his quad and is out for the season, and the Bills have struggled to find a competent replacement since he went down.
Surplus: Running back
Buffalo does have plenty of running backs on its roster, though. LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore provide the veteran stability, but rookie Devin Singletary has been a needed boost to the backfield. T.J. Yeldon, Senorise Perry and Marcus Murphy are all battling for the No. 4 running back spot, while former rugby star Christian Wade has been one of the most exciting preseason players for the Bills. One of those backs could end up on another roster.
—Matt Fairburn
LeSean McCoy provides a veteran presence to the Bills’ backfield. (Tim Fuller / USA Today)
Carolina Panthers
Need: Backup quarterback
Surplus: Backup quarterback, running back
It might seem strange to list “backup quarterback” as both a surplus and a need for the Panthers ahead of cutdown day, but neither of the two young arms competing for the job behind Cam Newton has asserted himself as a shoo-in for the role. That means that former undrafted free agent Kyle Allen and third-round draft pick Will Grier could continue their competition into the season — or one could be used in a trade. It’s unlikely either is flat-out cut, which would make a third backup, Taylor Heinicke, the odd man out on dreaded cut day. At running back, the Panthers have three promising young backs vying for the No. 2 role as a complement to Christian McCaffrey: Fifth-round pick Jordan Scarlett, undrafted free agent Elijah Holyfield and second-year undrafted free agent Reggie Bonnafon. Each of these three running backs has improved to the point where any one of them would be a welcome addition to any backfield around the league, and perhaps even the veteran in the room, Cameron Artis-Payne, would as well.
—Jourdan Rodrigue
Chicago Bears
Need: Outside linebacker
The Bears are set at their top three at outside ‘backer, but no one has given them much to be excited about after that. Isaiah Irving, Kylie Fitts and former CFL player James Vaughters, plus a pair of undrafted rookies, are the options at a position with two starters who have had durability issues in the past (Leonard Floyd and Aaron Lynch). That might be an easier position to fill via waivers than the other big need, backup tackle.
Surplus: Wide receiver
The best player the Bears will probably waive this weekend is speedy wide receiver Marvin Hall, the No. 7 for a group that’s as deep as the Bears have had in years. Another wideout, Tanner Gentry, has a ton of preseason tape over the past three seasons and is a reliable target. Other positions to monitor for the Bears would be inside linebacker, running back and defensive line. At ILB, either veteran Kevin Pierre-Louis or intriguing and fast first-year player Josh Woods won’t make the 53. Ryan Nall and 2019 seventh-round pick Kerrith Whyte Jr. are competing to be the No. 4 running back. Nall might be on the outside looking in and he’s been quite productive in his two preseasons. If the Bears decide they want to keep only five D-linemen, either Jonathan Bullard (2016 third-round pick) or veteran Nick Williams will be waived.
— Kevin Fishbain
Cincinnati Bengals
Need: Offensive tackle, linebacker
With first-round pick Jonah Williams expected to miss the season with a shoulder injury, the Bengals are dangerously thin at tackle. If anything happens to Cordy Glenn (the currently concussed left tackle) or Bobby Hart (right tackle), the team would have to rely on Andre Smith, whom they signed as a free agent in late July. The only options beyond that are two undrafted rookies or converting guard John Jerry, who was out of the league in 2018. As close as they are to panic mode on the O-line, linebacker remains the weakest position group on the team.
Surplus: Defensive line, tight end, running back
Meanwhile, some tough decisions loom on the defensive line. The Bengals have kept eight from that group each of the past three years, but they could keep nine this year and still have talent to deal. Jordan Willis, a 2017 third-round pick, would draw plenty of interest. Meanwhile, Tyler Eifert, C.J. Uzomah and rookie second-round pick Drew Sample are locks at tight end, and Cethan Carter is one of the team’s top two special teamers. That leaves Mason Schreck, whom teams already have been calling about, available for trade — or a waiver claim if the Bengals try to get him through to the practice squad. And rookie running backs Trayveon Williams and Rodney Anderson have been impressive enough to at least tempt the front office to ride with them as backups to Joe Mixon and listen to offers for Giovani Bernard.
—Jay Morrison
Cleveland Browns
Need: Tight end
Demetrius Harris will be the primary blocking tight end, and his preseason performance indicates he won’t be much more than that. David Njoku is a talented but still developing pass-catcher who’s spent much of the preseason dealing with minor injury issues. Njoku can be a red-zone matchup nightmare but hasn’t been consistent, and the Browns lack a real option as a third tight end who can block and occasionally pitch in otherwise.
Surplus: Defensive back
If the Browns end up trading from a position of strength this weekend it will be in the secondary, where they have some experienced and versatile players (Eric Murray, Phillip Gaines, Juston Burris) who might not crack the 53-man roster. The Browns figure to keep 11 defensive backs but have as many as 14-15 good enough to be on someone’s opening day roster.
—Zac Jackson
Dallas Cowboys
Need: Tight end
The feeling throughout camp is that they could go with only three tight ends this year: Jason Witten, Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz. But because Jarwin and Schultz have been dealing with injuries, they could be in the market for another player at the position. “The challenging part about that position is there are not that many tight ends in the world,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “We find that out every year in the draft. There just aren’t that many guys. So much of that position has become a big slot. Very few guys put their hands on the ground any more in high school and college, so there aren’t that many guys out there.”
Surplus: Defensive line, offensive line
This is the deepest the Cowboys’ defensive line has been since defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli joined the staff in 2013. They have at least 13 players worthy of a final roster spot. They’ll likely keep only 10. That means guys they really like could end up on other teams rather than back on Dallas’ practice squad. Offensive line is another potential surplus. Jerry Jones said Saturday that he feels they have the best depth in that area since he purchased the franchise in 1989. But I feel the nine players who stand out most will all be on the final 53. Defensive linemen such as Daniel Wise, Jalen Jelks and Daniel Ross seem more appealing than reserve offensive linemen such as Brandon Knight, Adam Redmond, Cody Wichmann, Jake Campos and Mitch Hyatt.
—Jon Machota
Denver Broncos
Need: Inside linebacker, returner, quarterback
They didn’t add a true inside linebacker in the draft, in part because they play the majority of their snaps in nickel and are using fifth-round rookie Justin Hollins at outside (base) and inside (nickel). But starter Todd Davis has yet to return to practice after suffering a calf strain on Day 1 of camp (his status for the season opener is unknown), and Joe Jones is expected to miss part of the regular season with a triceps injury. That leaves Alexander Johnson, Josh Watson and Keishawn Bierria among the healthy reserves battling to make the roster. There hasn’t been much separation yet. It would make sense for the Broncos to add an ILB, as well as a receiver who can double as a returner. They might also consider a veteran quarterback (if one is even available) depending on their confidence in Kevin Hogan or Brett Rypien to serve as the backup.
Surplus: Running back
The Broncos’ young rushing corps from 2018 can have at least another year together if Devontae Booker makes the roster. Among the likely cuts are Devontae Jackson and Khalfani Muhammad, two small but speedy college free agents, plus former seventh-round pick David Williams.
—Nicki Jhabvala
Detroit Lions
Need: Guard
The Lions already had a potential trouble spot at guard before Frank Ragnow suffered an injury last week. Now, if Ragnow misses extended time, they’re staring at the possibility of a Joe Dahl-Kenny Wiggins starting guard combo — both of those guys were on the bubble back at the start of camp. At the very least, general manager Bob Quinn will be on the lookout for depth up front because there isn’t much behind the top group.
Surplus: Safety
Quinn is in much better shape at safety, where the Lions stand to lose at least one of veteran Tavon Wilson, rising UDFA C.J. Moore and special-teams ace Charles Washington. Wilson’s experience, in the league overall and as a former Patriot, could make him an interesting trade candidate. He’s on a cheap deal with just one year left, so the risk in acquiring him would be minimal.
—Chris Burke
Green Bay Packers
Need: Inside linebacker
Oren Burks, one of the Packers’ starting inside linebackers, injured his left pectoral muscle in the first preseason game and is likely headed to IR once he makes the initial 53-man roster. Curtis Bolton, his replacement, injured his knee in the third preseason game and the severity of his injury is still to be determined. Right now, the Packers have only one healthy inside linebacker with starting experience in Blake Martinez.
Surplus: Wide receiver
At wide receiver, however, there are eight players worthy of roster inclusion but possibly only six spots available. Second-year wideout Allen Lazard, at 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, is an intriguing waiver-wire option if he doesn’t make the cut because of his jump-ball ability and run-blocking prowess. So too is Darrius Shepherd, a preseason standout as a shifty undrafted rookie from North Dakota State who doubles as a return specialist. Trevor Davis, 26, offers more experience than Lazard and Shepherd, and the Packers’ primary return man isn’t yet a lock to make the team.
—Matt Schneidman
Houston Texans
Need: Cornerback, running back
With Lamar Miller now out for the season, Duke Johnson, who recently came to the team via trade, accounts for 299 of the Houston running backs’ 359 combined career rushes. And on defense, the Texans are looking to add a taller corner to their new-look secondary.
Surplus: Tight end
Rookie tight end Kahale Warring’s early injury issues have made Bill O’Brien’s roster trimming decisions a little easier, as the Texans will likely need to keep veteran Darren Fells. But because Houston also has two second-year tight ends, there’s another man at the position who the Texans will likely cut despite a strong preseason: 26-year-old Jerell Adams, a 2016 sixth-round pick of the Giants. Despite lacking speed, Adams has made impressive plays as a receiver in practices and games, including this stiff arm against the Lions.
—Aaron Reiss
Indianapolis Colts
Need: Quarterback, offensive tackle
Suddenly, improbably, the Colts are in the market for a backup quarterback — at least for the first two weeks of the season. The shocking retirement of Andrew Luck over the weekend places the Colts in a dicey spot heading into Week 1. Jacoby Brissett is the unquestioned starter. Chad Kelly has outplayed Phillip Walker in the preseason, but because Kelly is suspended the first two games of the season, he won’t be available until Week 3. That means the Colts likely will keep Walker on the 53-man roster just to be safe, but expect the team to add a veteran QB over the weekend as well. They don’t have a choice.
Surplus: Wide receiver
The most competitive position on this roster will be at wide receiver, where the Colts figure to keep as many as six. The battle for the final two spots will come down to the likes of Zac Pascal, Chester Rogers, Marcus Johnson and Krishawn Hogan. Look for Pascal and Rogers to get the nod due to their role on special teams, but Hogan, the big-bodied, sure-handed target from small-school Marian, proved in training camp this year that he’s an NFL receiver. Look for him to land somewhere else if the Colts don’t keep him around.
—Zak Keefer
The Colts could use some depth behind Jacoby Brissett. (Rich Barnes / USA Today)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Need: Running back
Despite Jaguars coach Doug Marrone and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo publicly insisting they are satisfied with their running backs room, the lack of a pass-catching option stands out. Yes, that’s a part of Leonard Fournette’s skill set that figures to evolve under DeFilippo. But the Jaguars should be careful to avoid overusing Fournette, who has missed 11 games through two NFL seasons. A more traditional third-down tailback would be useful on a roster that is slated to include rookie Ryquell Armstead and veterans Alfred Blue and Thomas Rawls. Of course, the Jaguars could also use depth at offensive tackle, but that’s true for most teams.
Surplus: Defensive line
Where they are particularly loaded is the defensive line. They have top-level talent and depth overall with at least 11 quality players for what is likely to be 10 spots on the 53-man roster. That could result in defensive tackle Eli Ankou or possibly defensive end Dawuane Smoot or Datone Jones being left off the team. Smoot, a 2017 third-round pick, struggled to produce in his first two seasons (no sacks) before making strides this August. Jones, a 2013 first-round pick by Green Bay, was signed as a reclamation project in June but has pleasantly surprised with a good motor and the capacity to play multiple positions. Ankou is stout against the run. All three should be on an NFL roster, but that might not be in Jacksonville.
—Phillip Heilman
Kansas City Chiefs
Need: Cornerback
The Chiefs have a few veterans at the cornerback position in Kendall Fuller and Bashaud Breeland, but the team needs an elite shutdown man in the secondary to play alongside strong safety Tyrann Mathieu. The Chiefs are hopeful that second-year player Charvarius Ward can continue to develop as a potential starter, but he appeared in just four games at the end of last season. The Chiefs did sign Morris Claiborne, but he will be suspended the first four games of the season. Perhaps general manager Brett Veach will find a way to get another young cornerback with potential — which is how the Chiefs acquired Ward at the end last year’s preseason via a trade with the Dallas Cowboys — before opening day to give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as many options as possible.
Surplus: Receiver
As for the Chiefs’ receivers, coach Andy Reid might feel he must keep seven players at the position on his 53-man — Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, rookie Mecole Hardman, De’Anthony Thomas, Byron Pringle and undrafted rookie Cody Thompson — to prevent another team from signing that player away from their practice squad. All seven receivers are gifted in terms of speed, route running and reliable hands when given opportunities. No matter which receivers are on the field, quarterback Patrick Mahomes should always have a quality passing option.
—Nate Taylor
Los Angeles Chargers
Need: Offensive tackle
Russell Okung, the Chargers’ starting left tackle, is out indefinitely after enduring a blood clot-related medical scare in June, and that’s left the roster thin at the position. Trent Scott, a second-year former undrafted free agent, has taken over for Okung on the left side, while Sam Tevi will remain the starter on the right edge. But right now, the Chargers don’t have a reliable option at swing tackle in case one of those two guys goes down. Third-round pick Trey Pipkins, who played at Division II Sioux Falls, still needs to develop considerably before he’s ready to start games. And the other option behind Pipkins is Spencer Drango, who does have 19 NFL starts but failed to make the Browns roster out of training camp last year. The Chargers will be looking to add a tackle on cutdown day.
Surplus: Linebacker, defensive end
The Chargers will end up cutting either Anthony Lanier or Chris Peace. Both are pass-rushing defensive ends who have flashed in preseason games. They also have a very deep group of linebackers. The name to keep an eye on is Nick Dzubnar. He led the league in special teams tackles in 2017 and can play all three linebacker positions in a 4-3 scheme.
—Daniel Popper
Los Angeles Rams
Need: Offensive line
The Rams are set across the board at their starting positions, but they will go into 2019 walking a bit of a tight rope relative to their offensive line backups as all three projected reserves are either rookies or second-year players. And while there is confidence among Rams coaches and decision-makers that they are sufficiently covered in case of injury, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to add an experienced and proven veteran to their backup group.
Surplus: Wide receiver
With Cooper Kupp back and healthy and Josh Reynolds re-assuming his position as the Rams’ fourth receiver, it creates an enviable position of too many good wide receivers and too few spots available on the roster. The Rams, then, could look to trade someone such as Michael Thomas in order to import a more experienced offensive lineman.
—Vincent Bonsignore
Miami Dolphins
Need: Offensive line
Miami’s starting offensive line is suspect at three spots — right tackle Jesse Davis, right guard Shaq Calhoun and left guard Michael Deiter. The backups also are suspect, all but center, where Chris Reed, a largely unproven player, is the only stable one. But remember, any player whom Miami signs will likely be young as opposed to a six- or seven-year veteran. The Dolphins are on a youth movement.
Surplus: Safety
Miami’s depth at safety was trimmed significantly with the release of T.J. McDonald on Sunday, but they still have Reshad Jones, a two-time Pro Bowl selection with a tough-to-move contract, as a reserve.
—Chris Perkins
Minnesota Vikings
Need: Wide receiver
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer apparently has been reading our 53-man projections because each week he has noted the possibility that the team picks up a wide receiver or two after cutdown day, thus making our 53-man projections obsolete. Chad Beebe has been a pleasant surprise as the team’s third wide receiver, but no player has cemented a spot behind him, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. The Vikings could also look to add a cornerback with Holton Hill suspended the first eight games and Mike Hughes unlikely to be ready for Week 1.
Surplus: Tight end
Zimmer has admitted that he and general manager Rick Spielman have had discussions over whether it’s conceivable to keep five tight ends because they’ve been so pleased with the depth there between Tyler Conklin, Cole Hikutini, and Brandon Dillon. Still, the Vikings will likely keep only four tight ends, meaning they’ll have to part ways with one of those three pleasant surprises.
—Chad Graff
New England Patriots
Need: Tight end
New England’s top tight end, Ben Watson, retired this offseason, came back and will be suspended for the first four games of the season. That means that Matt LaCosse, who described himself as a “utility player” this offseason, will be replacing Rob Gronkowski for the first four weeks of the season. Replacing the former tight end isn’t an actual option with the talent available.
Surplus: Linebacker, cornerback, quarterback
New England has a surplus at linebacker and someone such as Elandon Roberts, who was a solid player last year, could be made available in the right trade. Calvin Munson, who could be a solid player somewhere, especially on special teams, could end up on the chopping block. At cornerback, the Patriots are going to either cut 2018 second-round pick Duke Dawson or someone such as Keion Crossen. The numbers are too deep there for everyone to make the team. Quarterback is a wild card. New England would love to be able to get by with just Jarrett Stidham, but Brian Hoyer has been a steady presence.
—Nick Underhill
New Orleans Saints
Need: Offensive tackle
If the Saints’ starting five stay healthy, their offensive line isn’t going to have a problem. It’s the immediate backups who are concerning. Patrick Onameh lined up at right tackle against the Jets and accidentally ran into teammate A.J. Derby, breaking up their own screen pass. Michael Ola is not the answer. Chris Clark went on IR. The Saints have only three listed tackles on their roster if one isn’t counting guard Andrus Peat, who can be moved around. If something were to happen to Ryan Ramczyk or Terron Armstead, then Peat would likely be moved outside, considering the Saints have a bit more guard depth. But for now, they’re going to be looking hard at the waiver wire.
Surplus: Wide receiver
While the Saints don’t have any superstars after Michael Thomas, they have enough young talent behind him and Ted Ginn that they won’t all make the team. Simmie Cobbs Jr., Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, Cyril Grayson Jr., Austin Carr and Emmanuel Butler have all had nice moments in camp. Keith Kirkwood still has practice squad eligibility. They’ll likely hang on to six wideouts since Deonte Harris will primarily be a kick returner if he makes the team (and it would be a shocker if he didn’t), but they’re going to have to let go of a few guys who have shown potential.
—Katherine Terrell
The Saints have depth beyond just Michael Thomas at wideout. (Derick E. Hingle / USA Today)
New York Giants
Need: Offensive line
The Giants need to continue to echo the poem on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free (and if they’re 300-plus pounds with a pulse, we’ll take them).” The Giants are always on the lookout for offensive line upgrades and that should continue after cut day, especially tackle depth.
Surplus: Wide receiver
Teams coming off a two-year stretch with a combined eight wins aren’t exactly overflowing with top-line talent. But the Giants should have serviceable NFL players hit the market at running back, tight end and wide receiver. Wide receiver stands out because the Giants will need to thin their herd of solid veterans. While the names won’t send fans into a frenzy, a Bennie Fowler or T.J. Jones could shake free to provide depth for another team.
—Dan Duggan
New York Jets
Need: Cornerback
General manager Joe Douglas met the media before the Jets’ third preseason game against the Saints. Much like the first-year GM’s introductory news conference, he stressed the importance of his team’s third waiver priority. Essentially, the cornerback-needy Jets plan to be awfully active on cutdown day. “We’re fired up,” were Douglas’ exact words. While it seems unlikely the Jets find a legitimate starter (no team is cutting a starting cornerback), they can certainly improve what they have. Tevaughn Campbell is the guy opposite Darryl Roberts right now. He’s there because Trumaine Johnson and Kyron Brown each suffered hamstring injuries, and it’s unclear when either will return. One other position of need: edge rusher. The Jets are still looking for their next John Abraham, who last played for the team in … 2005. “That’s a priority for us,” Douglas said.
Surplus: Punter
The Jets don’t have great depth anywhere, although they do have two punters, Matt Darr and Lachlan Edwards.
—Connor Hughes
Oakland Raiders
Need: Guard
Right guard Gabe Jackson will miss the first five weeks with a knee injury, while left guard Richie Incognito will be suspended the first two games of the season. That leaves veterans Jordan Devey, Denzelle Good and Jonathan Cooper vying for two starting spots, with undrafted rookie Lester Cotton also in the mix. (The Raiders actually have a bigger need still at edge rusher, but who are we kidding? Guys who sack the quarterback don’t hit waivers.)
Surplus: Tight end
The Raiders are likely keeping only three tight ends (Darren Waller, Derek Carrier and rookie Foster Moreau) so Luke Willson and Paul Butler will be available. Willson, the former Lion, is a reliable veteran who can block. while Butler is a former Spring League star who can catch over the middle and looks like a bodybuilder. He has some real upside.
—Vic Tafur
Philadelphia Eagles
Need: Edge rusher, linebacker, safety, tight end
Top to bottom, this is probably the Eagles’ deepest roster of the Doug Pederson era. The one place they could try to make a significant upgrade is at defensive end, where Derek Barnett and Brandon Graham are not backed up with the kind of high-upside rotation Jim Schwartz would like to employ.
Surplus: Running back, offensive line, defensive tackle
On the export side, one or both of Wendell Smallwood and/or Josh Adams will end up on another roster. Smallwood is a capable backup running back in that he can do everything well enough, but nothing very well. Adams was the Eagles’ leading rusher last season but is a one-trick running back who adds nothing in the passing game. On the offensive line, Stefen Wisniewski is a professional backup interior offensive lineman and is unlikely to make the team. Halapoulivaati Vaitai might be the team’s best trade bait as a second-division starting tackle. The Eagles are deep enough at defensive tackle that Anthony Rush, the player whom they released on the second day of camp, is now likely to make the Raiders’ Week 1 roster. Hassan Ridgeway or Treyvon Hester could help a team with a need there. Finally, wide receivers Marken Michel and Greg Ward have proven they belong in the league, even if there’s no room for them on the roster. Michel offers more explosiveness, while Ward is a playable slot receiver.
—Bo Wulf
Pittsburgh Steelers
Need: Tight end
When you think of the Steelers, you think of a conservative organization that builds through the draft, signs its own players and uses free agency only to supplement the roster. While that has remained a constant for decades, they have quietly used cutdown week to fill holes, whether it is via trades or scouring the waiver wire. The prior two years, they traded for Ryan Switzer, Vance McDonald and J.J. Wilcox (and traded away Sammie Coates and Ross Cockrell) and signed Joe Haden. This year could also see movement from the Steelers prior or just after cuts are announced. They are in great need of depth at tight end behind McDonald, and will definitely be looking for an end-of-line veteran to fill that role. Xavier Grimble hasn’t taken that step forward yet even though they tendered the RFA back in March at just $2 million, but more than that, rookie Zach Gentry isn’t nearly ready to fill the role they look for with their third tight end.
Surplus: Quarterback
Pittsburgh has a pair of backup quarterbacks (Josh Dobbs and Mason Rudolph) who put together an impressive preseason and could provide stability in that role for a team in need, though it’s unlikely that they will move either one of them (especially Rudolph) unless they are blown away with an offer.
—Mark Kaboly
San Francisco 49ers
Need: Offensive tackle
The 49ers’ No. 3 tackle, Sam Young, was available as a free agent in the middle of August, which tells you all you need to know about the depth at that spot. The team has traded for an offensive lineman around cut-down day in each of the past two years.
Surplus: Inside linebacker, quarterback
Meanwhile, the 49ers have a glut of linebackers. Some of the players who could be available after final cuts are veterans Malcolm Smith and/or David Mayo, and undrafted rookie Azeez Al-Shaair. Teams passed on Al-Shaair, a tackle machine in college, in the draft because of an October ACL injury, but he appears to have bounced back remarkably well. Kyle Shanahan says he’s happy the 49ers have three quarterbacks capable of starting in the NFL. We suspect he’d trade one of them — Nick Mullens or C.J. Beathard — for the right price.
Seattle Seahawks
Need: Defensive end
Very few people outside of Seattle can name Seattle’s starting defensive ends. That might change when Ezekiel Ansah returns from his groin injury, but for now, the Seahawks have a group of average and unproven pass-rushers and will be looking for help at that position.
Surplus: Running back, safety
Teams in need of running backs might be interested in J.D. McKissic, rookie Travis Homer or C.J. Prosise. One if not two of them will be on the waiver wire after the preseason. They all have game-breaking speed. They all can catch passes. McKissic and Prosise have the potential to be receivers in a pinch. At safety, two of the following three players will be available soon: Lano Hill, DeShawn Shead, Shalom Luani. Hill is the frontrunner to make Seattle’s roster but a team in need of a veteran defensive back who has played every position in the secondary and has both a pick-six and a safety in this preseason should take a look at Shead. In search of a young player who can play both safety spots? Take a chance at Luani. None of these players are bad, they’re just behind more talented players on the depth chart, and two rookies Seattle won’t part with only months after drafting them.
—Michael Shawn-Dugar
A healthy C.J. Prosise would bolster the Seahawks’ ground game. (Jake Roth / USA Today)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: Offensive line, outside linebacker, running back
The entire league is searching for offensive line depth, but the Bucs could add a tackle and an interior lineman, this after not drafting an offensive lineman this year. Jason Pierre-Paul’s injury left them thin at pass-rusher, and they didn’t do much to address one of the league’s worst run games from last year.
Surplus: Wide receiver, inside linebacker, safety, kicker
Could the Bucs have a kicker to spare? Rookie Matt Gay looks to have the job, so veteran Cairo Santos is available. They might cut veteran Darian Stewart if they’re fully healthy at safety, as well as Isaiah Johnson, who played 400-plus snaps last year. There’s promising young depth at receiver, where sixth-round pick Scotty Miller isn’t a lock to make the cut.
—Greg Auman
Tennessee Titans
Need: Outside linebacker
The Titans lost edge rushers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan to retirement but filled one of those holes with the addition of veteran Cameron Wake. Still, questions remain on the outside because of the continued absence of second-year linebacker Harold Landry. The talented young rusher has yet to play in a preseason game, and he missed four straight practices last week leading up to the Pittsburgh preseason contest. The loss of rookie D’Andre Walker for the season hurt depth at this position as well. Offensively, the Titans need better depth at tackle, especially for the first month of the season when Taylor Lewan will be suspended. Dennis Kelly and Jack Conklin are the projected starters, but the team’s third-best tackle is starting guard Kevin Pamphile.
Surplus: Cornerback
The Titans have a pretty deep group of cornerbacks, with LeShaun Sims as a solid fourth on the depth chart behind Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler and Adoree Jackson. It’s possible the team could keep as many as six corners, as Tye Smith and Kenneth Durden have looked good overall throughout camp and the preseason. But there’s also a chance either Smith or Durden — probably Durden — gets released. The Titans will also likely cut an experienced tight end. Ryan Hewitt, who has five years and 39 career starts of NFL experience, is the most likely candidate at this point.
—John Glennon
Washington Redskins
Need: Tight end, defensive line
The need is tricky because of uncertainty with the severity of some injuries. Tight end Jordan Reed, who looked sharp all summer, entered concussion protocol after taking a wicked and penalized hit to the helmet Thursday against Atlanta. Washington was going to keep only three tight ends, and there’s no obvious answer for a fourth on the current roster. Considering Reed’s history — six concussions reported entering this preseason — Washington might need another. As for the defensive line, this unit is the team’s strength, but backups Tim Settle (knee) and Caleb Brantley (foot) sat out Thursday’s game. The Redskins could also address depth at offensive line and inside linebacker.
Surplus: Wide receiver
Meanwhile, the roster is deep with interesting talent at wide receiver. It’s why 2016 first-round pick Josh Doctson isn’t a lock — or he could start. Some team might take a flyer on Darvin Kidsy and Steven Sims, or veteran Brian Quick if available. Running back Byron Marshall played six games last season but appears to be behind Samaje Perine on the depth chart for the fourth spot.
