Roster limits force NFL teams to make some tough cuts every season in order to comply with the NFL’s 53-man roster limit for the regular season. As a result, every year experienced veterans are let go, leaving them in a scramble to find a new home before the NFL season begins.
The AFC East is full of talented rosters, and as a result, some veterans might get lost in the shuffle on cutdown day, as evidenced by our top cut candidates within the division ahead of 2024 training camps.
Potential Training Camp Cut Candidates for All AFC East Teams
Buffalo Bills | WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The Bills hope Marquez Valdes-Scantling can establish himself as a downfield weapon for Josh Allen. But his issues with drops are well-documented, and if the Bills want to cut bait, they will incur just a $1.35 million dead cap hit.
Miami Dolphins | RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
With Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane atop Miami’s depth chart, Jeff Wilson Jr. has no clear path toward significant playing time. The Dolphins also drafted Jaylen Wright, putting Wilson’s Miami future in doubt.
New England Patriots | WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
Knee issues and general on-field struggles limited Smith-Schuster to just 29 catches in 2023. He now is fighting for the final spot on New England’s receiver depth chart, and the Patriots might prefer to enter a youth movement. Cutting Smith-Schuster would result in a $9.6 million dead cap hit and $647,000 in cap savings.
KEEP READING: NFL Cut Candidates — 1 Player From Each Team Who Could Be Released Before Season
New York Jets | WR Allen Lazard
Aaron Rodgers wouldn’t like it, but the Jets might have no choice but to cut Allen Lazard. He’s a decent player, but his production doesn’t match his scheduled salary cap hit of $12.1 million. New York would incur the same number as a dead cap charge, making a Lazard release far from certain.