15 players who absolutely did not deserve to get waived on NFL cut day

NFL teams had to take a hard look at their rosters ahead of the mandatory cut down day in order to get the number down to 53. It’s a difficult and tricky exercise, which forces front offices to make difficult choices. With that said, we’ve identified 17 players who should have remained on their teams heading into the NFL season. All statistics are sourced from Football Reference.

The Cowboys have chosen to largely ignore the running back position this offseason, save for their recent addition of veteran Dalvin Cook. It doesn’t seem like Cook has much left in the tank at this point, having played for two teams in the 2023 season. Davis was at least a young, spry back, who averaged over four yards a carry in 12 games in 2022.

Pro Football Focus believes that the Giants wide receiving corps is the worst in the NFL, which makes it hard to understand why Robinson was cut. Sure, he might not have much left in the tank. However, keeping him around as a veteran mentor to younger players like Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson might have been a worthwhile gamble.

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Gaskin might not have even had the chance to have a cup of coffee with Minnesota. He was let go by the Miami Dolphins earlier in the preseason, and the Vikings made the snap of judgment to let him walk on cut day. Gaskin was a casualty of a numbers game in Miami, but could have provided the Vikings with reliable depth to begin the season.

It’s understood that the Cardinals are high on rookie running back Tre Benson, but keeping the running back room full of talent should have been more of a priority. Starter James Conner has missed four games in each of the last two seasons, which could have spelled a greater need for Carter to remain on the team heading into the season.

6 touchdowns and 16 interceptions don’t look good for Walker’s career NFL statistics on paper, but he’s had some eye-opening moments. Sports Illustrated believes he was snubbed for the NFL’s Moment of the Year in 2022 after uncorking a gorgeous Hail Mary throw with the Carolina Panthers. Seattle’s QB room isn’t the most impressive, and Walker could have certainly hung around.

The Bills’ secondary went through massive upheaval this offseason, losing stalwarts like Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde and Tredavious White. Buffalo is rolling with younger players this season, but as a 15-year NFL veteran, Jackson’s savvy could have been an asset. The Bills might not have wanted to risk a suspension, however, as Jackson has been disciplined for illegal hits multiple times in the past.

Outside of Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins cornerback depth looks pedestrian. Kendall Fuller appears to have locked down a starting job, but he was memorably burned by Miami in a late season game against his former team, the Washington Commanders. Needham provides solid NFL depth at a position where Miami could use some reliable bodies.

Carman is viewed as a bust in Bengals circles, but other NFL teams appear to have interest. NESN wonders whether Carman would be a good fit with the New England Patriots, and FanSided is thinking about Carman as an option for the division rival Cleveland Browns. It’s an interesting move for a team that has searched for answers to protect quarterback Joe Burrow.

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It might have been the most unforeseen move of NFL cut day. Sports Illustrated captured the mood by writing about Foreman’s shocking release. It was thought that he would have a real role in the early part of the season, as Jerome Ford and him would piece together a backfield while Nick Chubb recovered. Foreman has been an effective contributor in every NFL stop, so this decision was very surprising.

This always seemed like a possibility after Houston traded for Stefon Diggs during the offseason, but it’s still shocking to see Brown officially waived. SportsMap Houston pegged Brown as a surprising release. Given their depth at wide receiver, and Brown’s challenges staying healthy, it seems like the Texans decided his spot was better utilized elsewhere.

It’s been a few years since King was an All-Pro player for the Los Angeles Chargers, but he’s been a serviceable corner for several years in the NFL. That includes with Houston for parts of the last three seasons. King was bullish on Houston’s potential, telling the NFL’s website in July that they were “an up and coming team.” It seems like they’ll be looking to ascend without him.

The Jaguars hoped Amos would be a boon to their secondary, having signed him in early August. However, the team decided to cut bait with him at the end of the month. It seemed like perhaps too short of a leash, considering FanSided’s concern about Andrew Wingard’s injury heading into the NFL season.

As recently as July, Athlon Sports tabbed Parham as a sleeper fantasy pick with the Chargers, given his propensity to get looks at the goal line from Justin Herbert. However, that is no longer a reality. He should resurface pretty quickly as a big-bodied red zone threat, but it’s surprising Los Angeles parted ways considering their uncertain pass-catching corps.

The tea leaves didn’t look particularly encouraging for Perine, who was competing with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime in camp. The Kansas City Chiefs spent no time scooping Perine up after he was waived, and the veteran back now has a legitimate chance to win a Super Bowl in 2024.

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Pro Football Network and others have written about Smith Jr.’s NFL potential, but it doesn’t seem to be unfolding in a positive direction. With that said, Kansas City seemed like a great fit for him, as Travis Kelce isn’t getting any younger. It probably would’ve behooved the Chiefs to see if they could bring him along as Kelce’s career enters its twilight years.