The deadline to shorten each team’s roster to 53 players has come and gone. As is the case every year, plenty of veterans were victims of this deadline; some more surprising than others.
One of the biggest cuts was quarterback Mark Sanchez. He lost out the starting position in Denver to Trevor Siemian in the preseason, and was believed to be a casualty. Almost immediately after the announcement, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He will presumably be the backup to rookie Dak Prescott until Tony Romo returns from injury.
Running back Justin Forsett was also cut. The Baltimore Ravens releasing Forsett was a surprise, despite the team being deep at running back. Forrest totaled 1,907 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Ravens. Other notable running backs to be cut were Andre Williams, Ronnie Hillman and Jacquizz Rodgers.
Former first-round pick Dee Milliner was one of the cuts made by the New York Jets. The Alabama alum was the ninth pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, but he didn’t quite pan out. A different team is very likely to pick him up due to his young age.
The Minnesota Vikings, fresh off of a trade for Sam Bradford, made two big cuts as well. 2016 sixth-round German receiver Moritz Boehringer was let go, as was 2016 fourth-rounder offensive tackle Willie Beavers. Boehringer was a feel-good story leading up to the draft. He will likely be kept on as a practice squad member, though. Beavers, while not a big name, was a very surprising cut. He was the team’s fourth-round selection this year, so for him to be let go so quickly is a huge shock. Another team will definitely claim him on waivers, though.
Arguably best player to be let go, though, was guard Josh Sitton. The three-time Pro Bowler was cut by the Green Bay Packers. Considering the fact that he is still 30 and playing at a high level, he will definitely be signed quickly.
