20 Surprising Roster Cuts Shake Up the NFL: Bears and Patriots Taking Risks

Analysis of 2023 NFL Roster Cuts

The Jonathan Taylor Saga Continues

One of the biggest storylines from the recent NFL roster cuts is the ongoing feud between star running back Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts. After allowing Taylor to seek a trade during the offseason, the Colts have decided to keep him on the sidelines. Taylor is yet to practice as he recovers from ankle surgery and has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means he will be absent for a minimum of four games. This situation has paved the way for a committee of running backs in Indianapolis and raises the possibility of Taylor pushing for a trade before the in-season deadline.

The Questionable Approach of the Arizona Cardinals

Another noteworthy development is the perplexing quarterback situation in Arizona. The Cardinals have cut veteran backup Colt McCoy and will start the season with Kyler Murray on the PUP list for at least four games. This leaves the team relying on either rookie Clayton Tune or recently acquired reserve Joshua Dobbs at the quarterback position. Some experts, such as Bill Cowher and Phil Simms, have expressed doubts about the team’s intentions, suggesting that the Cardinals may not be fully committed to winning in the 2023 season and are already looking towards the 2024 draft.

Eagles’ GM Howie Roseman’s Strategic Trades

Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman, known for his shrewd moves in the past, continued to make calculated decisions during the roster cuts. Roseman added cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam, both of whom bring potential and versatility to the team. While Rodgers is suspended for the 2023 season due to gambling, he is an impressive return man with the potential to make an impact in the future. Okwuegbunam, a former Broncos pass catcher, offers the Eagles a big-bodied tight end option. These moves demonstrate Roseman’s forward-thinking and his ability to find low-risk, high-upside players to strengthen the team’s depth.

Risky Quarterback Decisions by the Bears and Bills

The Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills have both taken significant risks at the backup quarterback position. The Bears, after cutting Nathan Peterman and P.J. Walker, are left with Tyson Bagent, an undrafted rookie from Division II Shepherd, as the insurance for their young starter, Justin Fields. Meanwhile, the Bills have placed veteran backup Matt Barkley on injured reserve, leaving Kyle Allen as the sole backup behind Josh Allen. These decisions highlight the potential vulnerability of both teams if their starting quarterbacks were to suffer an injury.

Pressure on Tua Tagovailoa and Dolphins’ Lack of Depth

The Miami Dolphins, a team with deep-playoff aspirations, have raised concerns about their lack of depth at the quarterback position. Tua Tagovailoa’s new backup, Mike White, is recovering from a concussion and had an inconsistent preseason. The only other quarterback on the Dolphins’ roster is 2022 seventh-rounder Skylar Thompson. With little experienced support, there is immense pressure on Tagovailoa to stay healthy and perform at a high level. The Dolphins’ decision to not address this issue earlier in the offseason raises questions about their preparations for the upcoming season.

New England Patriots‘ Bold Move at Quarterback

In a surprising move, the New England Patriots have decided to carry zero backup quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. This decision sees both spicy undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham and 2022 fill-in Bailey Zappe being cut. While this puts the pressure on starting quarterback Mac Jones, it also hints at the possibility of the Patriots signing a veteran backup in the near future. The available options include Colt McCoy, Carson Wentz, and recently retired quarterback turned CBS analyst Matt Ryan. This bold move by the Patriots adds an intriguing twist to their quarterback situation.

Panthers’ Efforts to Bolster Wide Receiver Depth

The Carolina Panthers made an effort to upgrade their wide receiving corps during the roster cuts. They acquired Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for late-round picks. Smith-Marsette, known for his speed and deep-threat abilities, offers a solid low-risk addition to the Panthers’ roster. While he may be considered a project, the Panthers’ move demonstrates their commitment to improving their wide receiver depth and providing their quarterbacks with more options.

Other Noteworthy Takeaways

Other notable takeaways from the roster cuts include Jalen Reagor sticking with the Minnesota Vikings despite trade interest, Chris Jones’ holdout for a pay raise with the Kansas City Chiefs, the comeback of veteran tight end Jimmy Graham with the New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns’ decision to rely on rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the backup quarterback behind Deshaun Watson. Additionally, the Detroit Lions have received a boost to their secondary with the activation of Emmanuel Moseley, who recently returned from ACL rehab.

Editorial: The Risks and Rewards of Roster Cuts

The recent roster cuts in the NFL have highlighted both the risks and rewards associated with making crucial decisions about team composition. This process is indicative of the delicate balance that teams must strike between building depth, managing injuries, and adhering to salary cap constraints. As teams trim down their rosters and work toward finalizing their lineups, they must navigate the complexities of the NFL landscape and make strategic roster moves.

On one hand, teams must be cautious not to rely too heavily on one player or neglect addressing critical positions. The situations involving Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts, as well as the Arizona Cardinals’ uncertain quarterback situation, exemplify the risks associated with being overly dependent on a single player or lacking depth. A team’s success can be significantly impacted by injuries, contract disputes, or unexpected developments. It is crucial for teams to have contingency plans and a depth chart that can withstand the uncertainties of an NFL season.

On the other hand, roster cuts also present opportunities for teams to identify and acquire undervalued assets. The moves made by the Philadelphia Eagles, such as securing suspended cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and adding tight end Albert Okwuegbunam, exemplify the potential rewards of taking calculated risks. These low-risk, high-upside acquisitions can prove instrumental in bolstering a team’s depth and providing viable alternatives in case of injuries or underperformance.

However, teams must also be mindful of the long-term implications of their roster decisions. While some teams may be focused on immediate success, others may be prioritizing the future. The risk-reward balance can tip depending on a team’s aspirations for the current season and beyond. It is essential for teams to strike a balance between short-term goals and long-term planning to ensure sustained success.

Advice: Striking a Balance for Sustainable Success

The roster cuts serve as a reminder that building a successful NFL team requires a delicate balance. Teams must carefully manage their rosters, paying attention to depth, addressing crucial positions, and maintaining cap flexibility. Here are some key pieces of advice for teams as they navigate the challenges of roster construction:

1. Prioritize Depth

Teams should avoid overreliance on a single player and focus on building depth across all positions. Injuries and unexpected developments are inevitable in the NFL, and having quality depth can be the difference between success and failure.

2. Plan for Contingencies

Teams should have contingency plans for key positions, considering potential injuries or underperformance. Having a well-thought-out depth chart and alternatives in place can mitigate risks and provide a sense of security.

3. Take Calculated Risks

Identify undervalued assets and take calculated risks on players who offer high-upside potential. These low-risk, high-reward acquisitions can provide the depth and alternative options necessary in a long NFL season.

4. Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Consider both short-term success and long-term planning in roster decisions. While immediate success may be desirable, it is crucial to also build for the future and ensure sustained success over multiple seasons.

5. Learn from Past Mistakes

Reflect on past roster decisions and learn from previous mistakes. Constantly evaluate and refine the roster construction process to improve decision-making and avoid recurring pitfalls.

By following these guidelines, teams can improve their chances of building a sustainable, competitive roster capable of weathering the challenges of an NFL season and achieving long-term success.