Notable NFL Cuts

Added on Aug 31, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

The dreaded “Turk” made the rounds today as NFL rosters were trimmed to 53 in wake of the impending regular season. Most of the names who no longer occupy lockers at stadiums across the land aren’t familiar ones. However, there were several notable players handed their walking papers, including a former Super Bowl MVP, an ageless kicker and a first-round bust. Here’s the rundown.

Deion Branch (Patriots) – The addition of free agent Brandon Lloyd put Branch on notice. Despite his penchant for posting big games with Pats, the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP is now looking for a job. He might be 33, but he still has a little left in the tank, so catching on with another team won’t be a surprise.

Tim Hightower (Redskins) – He was supposed to spearhead the Redskins rushing attack, but a torn ACL six games into the 2011 season put an end to that plan. Roy Helu, Evan Royster and Alfred Williams all outperformed him in training camp.

Mike Kafka (Eagles) – A broken left hand and the emergence of rookie Nick Foles and veteran Trent Edwards took Kafka from the consensus number two behind Michael Vick to the unemployment line. He’s a smart signal-caller, but lacks pro arm strength to be anything more than a reserve.

Vernon Gholston (Rams) – The ex-Jets bust proved once and for all he’s not pro material. If you can’t make the Rams roster, it’s time to call it a career.

D.J. Ware (Giants) – Ware has managed to stick around in the Big Blue backfield for five years, but the drafting a potential stud David Wilson made the former Georgia Bulldog expendable. At 27, he still has enough tread to earn a roster spot elsewhere.

John Kasay (Saints) – The 42-year-old footie was beat out by 26-year-old Garrett Hartley. He’s coming off a solid 2011 season, so expect him to land elsewhere at some point during the season.

Seneca Wallace (Browns) – Rookie Brandon Weeden and third-year Colt McCoy impressed enough in the preseason to push Wallace out of of the picture completely. He has starting experience which could draw interest from teams looking for a proven backup.

Source: NFL.com