The NFL waiver wire period following the league’s final cuts deadline is always a whirlwind for players, agents, and teams. Wednesday’s mad dash was no different, as several teams turned other squads’ disregarded talent into their own role players.
NFL waiver wire roundup: Here’s who got claimed
There were 33 total waiver claims immediately following final cuts. 16 teams added new pieces to their depth chart ahead of Week 1. The Jets, a team in the middle of a rebuild, had seven players claimed off waivers from their cutdown list.
Eagles claim Ian Book from Saints
The Eagles decided to take a shot on Ian Book as a developmental QB behind Jalen Hurts and Gardner Minshew, effectively turning the page on Reid Sinnett and Carson Strong. Book bombed as a Day 2 pick for the Saints, but he could rebound in Philadelphia under the tutelage of head coach Nick Sirianni, OC Shane Steichen, and QB coach Brian Johnson.
Browns claim Kellen Mond from Vikings
Kellen Mond has some loose connections with the Browns, plus he’s a fun dual-threat project for Kevin Stefanski as the Browns await Deshaun Watson’s return from an 11-game suspension. Mond has a similar skill set to Jacoby Brissett and Josh Dobbs in the current QB room. This is a smart second chance for a young QB who has three years left on his rookie contract.
Cardinals claim Javelin Guidry from Jets
The Cardinals have a weakness in their secondary. Following a trade for Trayvon Mullen, Arizona doubled down on a claim for Javelin Guidry. The nickel cornerback spent two years in the Meadowlands, producing 70 tackles and four forced fumbles. He is quality depth on defense and special teams.
Lions claim Benito Jones from Dolphins
The Lions dropped former first-round pick Jarrad Davis during final cuts and had limited linebacker depth to begin with. Benito Jones will come in and play on special teams while providing support on the defensive line depth chart.
Saints claim Tanner Owen from Bills
The Saints are short on offensive line depth due to some injuries in the trenches. Tanner Owen, an undrafted rookie, will provide support in New Orleans after being lost in the shuffle in Buffalo. He might actually get a chance to suit up this year.
Texans claim Tyler Johnson from Buccaneers
The Texans cut Chris Conley and were looking for a speedster to complement their current depth chart, headlined by Brandin Cooks. Tyler Johnson is an ideal backup for Cooks, as he can play in the slot and at the Z position. Johnson was considered one of the top names on the waiver wire.
49ers claim Blake Hance from the Browns
The 49ers found a backup offensive lineman with experience on the wire. Blake Hance has played in 17 games (eight starts) during his career. He also has experience with a Kyle Shanahan-like offense due to his time in Cleveland. His move should be seamless.
Ravens claim Del’Shawn Phillips from Jets
The Ravens are big fans of playmaking linebackers, and Del’Shawn Phillips truly fits that mold. After a strong summer in the Meadowlands, Phillips will join a talented linebacker corps in Baltimore. The Joe Douglas connection didn’t hurt here.
Colts claim Luke Tenuta from Bills
The Colts’ offensive line depth chart is a massive question mark heading into Week 1. That said, Luke Tenuta, a sixth-round pick of the Bills this year, could bring some upside to the group as a player who can handle multiple positions. The Virginia Tech alum can play tackle and guard.
Bears claim Alex Leatherwood from Raiders
With a ton of cap space at their disposal, the Bears took a giant swing for a giant guaranteed contract. The Bears claimed former first-round pick Alex Leatherwood off waivers after the new regime in Las Vegas quickly rid themselves of him.
Leatherwood was a Day 1 pick just a year ago, and he could be a major long-term asset for a rebuilding Bears squad at guard or tackle. This move bails the Raiders out of additional guaranteed money in Leatherwood’s contract. He has three years and a guaranteed $5.9 million remaining on his deal.
Bears claim Josh Blackwell from Eagles
This is an interesting claim because Josh Blackwell was waived by the Eagles a week ago and brought back for the preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins. So, Blackwell cleared waivers and then was claimed a week later by a Bears squad with a lot of holes. Why didn’t Chicago simply claim him last week? The undrafted rookie should have a role on special teams. That said, Blackwell’s background with Jonathan Gannon should help him fit in with the coordinator’s mentor, Matt Eberflus, in Chicago.
Bears claim Kingsley Jonathan from Bills
The rookie from Syracuse will get to learn from Robert Quinn this season. A perfect fit for a 4-3 defensive, Kingsley Jonathan should be able to fit in the rotation in Chicago. He’s a long-term project for the Bears.
Bears claim Armon Watts from Vikings
The Bears were able to add experience to their defensive line and take away a player from their rival by claiming Armon Watts. In three seasons, Watts produced 87 tackles, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles. This is a very good pickup for a rebuilding squad.
Bears claim Sterling Weatherford from Colts
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound defensive back has high upside because of his combination of size and speed. The Bears are taking a flier here in order to build for the future. Sterling Weatherford should receive a shot at playing time.
Bears claim Trevon Wesco from Jets
The Bears are big fans of fullbacks, keeping two at the final cuts deadline. They also had a need for a blocking tight end. Trevon Wesco has the ability to play both spots and contribute on special teams.
Bengals claim Devin Asiasi from Patriots
The Bengals had very little tight end depth behind starting tight end Hayden Hurst. While Drew Sample has upside, Cincinnati hedged their bets by bringing another potential playmaker into the fold. Claiming Devin Asiasi is a worthwhile decision on paper.
Bengals claim Max Sharping from Texans
The Bengals have had offensive line woes for years. Adding another guard to the mix is a no-brainer. Max Sharping can serve as quality depth behind the first-team unit this season in Cincinnati.
Bengals claim Jay Tufele from Jaguars
The Bengals are big fans of USC defenders. Jay Tufele will come in and look to make an impact in the trenches. He’s been a bit of an NFL nomad, but this landing spot couldn’t be a better fit for him.
Falcons claim Chuma Edoga from Jets
The Jets tried to trade Chuma Edoga but ultimately were forced to waive him. Now, he ends up in an interesting spot in Atlanta, where he should be the reigning swing tackle. Edoga has the upside to push himself into the starting lineup eventually.
Falcons claim Matt Dickerson from Chiefs
Looking for some experience on defense, the Falcons added an edge rusher with upside in Matt Dickerson. The 6-foot-5, 292-pound pass rusher has bounced around the league but still has some tangible experience as a rotational player.
Jaguars claim JaMycal Hasty from 49ers
A tale as old as time and a song as old as rhyme: the Jaguars and the final cuts waiver wire. The Jaguars needed to infuse some outside talent into their running back room. JaMycal Hasty has the versatility and experience to appeal as a rotational back.
Jaguars claim Tyree Gillespie from Titans
A former fourth-round pick, Tyree Gillespie likely appealed to the Jaguars as a special-teams ace. The Jaguars have a bunch of young players in their secondary, and Gillespie can earn playing time by sticking out on special teams.
Jaguars claim Riley Patterson from Lions
The Jaguars need to find a kicker. They picked up two last week and kept them through final cuts, but it doesn’t seem like either is long for the roster with the claim of Riley Patterson. Patterson made 13 of 14 field goals last season for the Lions.
Jaguars claim Kendric Pryor from Bengals
Looking to beef up their wideout depth chart, the Jaguars added Kendric Pryor, who stood out as a playmaker in the preseason. He caught 13 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown during the three-game preseason slate in Cincinnati. It’ll be interesting to see who Pryor bounces off the roster.
Jaguars claim Ty Summers from Packers
While the Jaguars invested heavily in the linebacker position this offseason, the team needed better depth. Ty Summers is the latest to be added to the mix, and he will support the starting unit as a backup. Summers also needs to make waves on special teams to earn playing time.
Giants claim Justin Layne from Steelers
Justin Layne was a surprise cut by the Steelers, but he could greatly improve the Giants’ much-maligned secondary. With not much talent to speak of at cornerback, the Giants could feature Layne early and often on defense this season.
Giants claim Jack Anderson from Eagles
Jack Anderson was surprisingly bumped from the Eagles’ roster on Tuesday in favor of undrafted rookie Josh Sills. Anderson can play both guard spots and center and has shown impressive ability in space. With the Giants lacking center depth, Anderson is likely to be the backup man in the middle.
Giants claim Nick McCloud from Bills
Like Layne, Nick McCloud serves as a reinforcement of the Giants’ awful secondary. The Giants claimed three defensive backs off waivers on Wednesday, and McCloud is the least proven. He might take a while to see the field.
Giants claim Jason Pinnock from Jets
Jason Pinnock was a fourth-round pick of the Jets last year and had a solid enough camp. After getting caught in a numbers game, Pinnock is headed across the street, likely for an even bigger role. Luckily for Pinnock, he’s a short drive away from the Giants’ facility.
Seahawks claim Isaiah Dunn from Jets
Another Jets castaway gets a boost via the waiver wire. Isaiah Dunn will fill out the Seahawks’ makeshift cornerback depth chart and play on special teams. Dunn had a solid summer and preseason and could get a nice raise in play in Seattle.
Seahawks claim Darryl Johnson from Panthers
Like their secondary, the Seahawks’ defensive line needed some help. Darryl Johnson will be able to fill out the rotation as a backup defensive end. At 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, he’s an excellent option for the Seahawks’ hybrid front.
Commanders claim Tariq Castro-Fields from 49ers
The Commanders are rebuilding their secondary in Landover. Tariq Castro-Fields, a Penn State alum, will join his college teammate Jahan Dotson in Washington. He should see time on defense and special teams.
Commanders claim Rachad Wildgoose from Jets
Like Castro-Fields, Rachad Wildgoose is a deep depth add for the secondary. He can play both safety spots and earn playing time on special teams. Plus, he has the greatest name in the league.