This is what we now know about NFL Guardian Caps
Guardian caps provide additional protection over players’ helmets in an inherently violent sport. Will they change the game? We now know.
The deadline has come and gone in the NFL. All 32 teams have reduced their rosters to 53 players in the last major step before the start of the 2024-25 NFL season.
Each franchise made dozens of decisions at key positions to trim the roster down to 53 players. While some cuts were expected, some were surprising when they came Tuesday afternoon, sending talented players to the open market. Here are five of the best players released at the deadline — and where they could fit in 2024:
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Cut by: Arizona Cardinals
Ridder went 6-7 as a starter for the Falcons last season, completing 249 of 388 passes for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He ran for 193 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. He signed with the Cardinals in the offseason but was released in favor of Clayton Tune to replace Kyler Murray.
Ridder doesn’t have an impressive arm, but he’s mobile enough to create when the play breaks down. He’s solid on short and intermediate throws, making him ideal for an offense that doesn’t rely on the long ball, and he has the talent to create after the catch.
Possible addition: Green Bay Packers. The only two quarterbacks the Packers have on the active roster are starter Jordan Love and new backup Malik Willis. Ridder would be a backup to Willis at this point. Head coach Matt LaFleur’s play-action, efficient system wouldn’t be a huge departure from the run-heavy system Ridder experienced in Atlanta.
Cut by: Denver Broncos
Perine turns 29 this season and had 693 yards from the line of scrimmage (238 rushing, 455 receiving) and a touchdown with the Broncos last season. He won’t be a feature back, but excels as a receiving back and blocker. Denver’s firing likely has more to do with the coaching staff favoring running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who played well in his second year as a rookie, and rookie Audric Estime.
Possible addition: Dallas Cowboys. Dallas brought Ezekiel Elliott back to the team after losing Tony Pollard in free agency. Elliott and Rico Dowdle are expected to be the top runners in 2024, leaving Dallas behind its NFC rivals at the position. Perine wouldn’t necessarily be the starter, but his skills as a receiver could complement both and provide a more varied rotation at the position.
Cut by: Houston Texans
The Stefon Diggs trade this offseason and emerging talents Nico Collins and Tank Dell made it difficult for Brown to make the roster in Houston this season. However, he has played well when given the opportunity. He started a total of 20 games for Dallas and Houston over the past two seasons, totaling 76 catches for 1,122 yards and five touchdowns. He recorded just eight drops during that span while playing both outside and out of the slot.
Possible fit: The New York Giants. New York spent a top draft pick on Malik Nabers, who should get a bulk of the Giants’ targets this fall. Head coach Brian Daboll could be on the hot seat in his third year and could use a veteran receiver. Besides Nabers, Brown could provide some speed and productivity to boost the offense in a big year for the franchise.
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Cut by: Carolina Panthers
Marshall Jr. was released by Carolina after the Panthers acquired Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette via trade and the 2024 NFL Draft, respectively, this offseason. Marshall Jr. turned 24 this offseason, although he is entering his fourth year in the NFL. He was never a full-time starter, but played well in 2022, finishing second to Jaylen Waddle among receivers with at least 25 catches in yards per reception (17.5). He has flashed plenty of talent at times, but hasn’t put it together.
Possible addition: New England Patriots. The Patriots could use reinforcements at wide receiver, and no one is stopping Marshall Jr. from getting plenty of playing time. They could use a big, upright receiver with better power than 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton. And if he develops well, he’s still young enough to be a key player for potential franchise quarterback Drake Maye in the future.
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Cut by: Dallas Cowboys
The 29-year-old edge rusher was surprisingly released by the Cowboys today, leaving Dallas thin at the edge rusher position opposite Micah Parsons. Lawson didn’t play well in a limited role with the Jets last season, but recorded seven sacks for the team in 2022 after recovering from an Achilles injury. At 6’2″ and 260 pounds, he’s big enough to have an upper hand in the running game in addition to his pass rushing skills.
Possible addition: Baltimore Ravens. This feels like the Ravens are waiting until late August to find a key player at the outside position. With Jadeveon Clowney in Carolina for the 2024 season, Baltimore doesn’t have a standout pass rusher at the outside position on the roster. Lawson’s injury history shouldn’t stop her from adding a lot of value to a defense that needs help at the position.
