The NFL puzzle looks a lot different now than it did last week. Now that 256 drafted players have been added to the league’s 32 rosters, a lot of established players could be in jeopardy of losing their jobs.
Here are eight of ’em…
Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill: This would’ve been the case regardless of what the Chiefs did in the draft, because Hill’s career is in jeopardy as he faces major off-field issues. But when Kansas City traded up to draft the similarly skilled Mecole Hardman in Round 2, the writing was on the wall.
Buffalo Bills RB LeSean McCoy: The Bills used a third-round pick on former Florida Atlantic superstar Devin Singletary, and they also signed Frank Gore. The 30-year-old McCoy is due to make more than $9 million in a walk year, but the Bills can save almost $7 million by cutting him.
San Francisco 49ers DE Solomon Thomas: There was chatter on a potential Thomas trade even before San Francisco used the No. 2 overall pick on Nick Bosa. Now, with Bosa and Dee Ford on board, it’d be surprising if the 49ers weren’t looking for a trade partner.
Philadelphia Eagles WR Nelson Agholor: Is Philly sure about that expensive, non-guaranteed fifth-year option for Agholor? He hasn’t lived up to expectations and the Eagles drafted JJ Arcega-Whiteside in Round 2. With the pro-ready Stanford product teaming up with DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery, there might not be much room for Agholor.
Jacksonville Jaguars DE Calais Campbell: The four-time Pro Bowler won’t likely be moved or released this offseason, but the 32-year-old’s days might still be numbered in Jacksonville. They’ll need money for the younger Yannick Ngakoue, and in the last two years they’ve used first-round picks on edge guys Taven Bryan and Josh Allen. The Jags can save $9.5 million by parting ways.
Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph: Minnesota used a second-round pick on tight end Irv Smith Jr., who scored seven touchdowns in the SEC as a breakout star with Alabama in 2018. Rudolph hasn’t delivered consistently, and now he’s entered a contract year. He can be cut free of charge, saving the Vikes $7.6 million.
New York Giants S Janoris Jenkins: The Giants are rebuilding, Jenkins is expensive and on the wrong side of 30, and Big Blue traded up into the back end of Round 1 for Georgia product Deandre Baker. Why keep Jenkins around? It’s not as though he’s lived up to his big salary, and the Giants can save nearly $8 million by parting ways.
Oakland Raiders S Raiders S Karl Joseph: The 2016 first-round pick actually had his best season yet in 2018, but he’s still been a disappointment and this regime has no allegiance to him. The reality is Oakland first-round pick Johnathan Abram is a very similar player.