:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56483439/839939560.1504299059.jpg)
The 32 teams have until 4 p.m. ET Saturday to trim their rosters from 90 players down to 53-man rosters. Around the league 1,184 players will find themselves without jobs in what is probably the worst day of the NFL calendar.
Along the way there have been several note-worthy trades and there will be some surprising cuts. Earlier in the offseason we noted that nearly every former New York Giant from the 2016 squad had landed in training camps. Starting Friday that number has already been reduced significantly.
Friday Roster Moves
Josina Anderson is reporting that the Chicago Bears have released former Giants’ fan favorite Victor Cruz.
I'm told the #Bears have released WR Victor Cruz.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 1, 2017
Cruz wasn’t a lock to make the Bears’ final roster, and his chances only got worse when he left the final preseason game with a knee injury.
The Bears have also waived starting middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (it should be noted that while Sheppard was the nominal starter, Keenan Robinson played the majority of snaps).
The Baltimore Ravens have released a trio of former Giants, headlined by tight end Larry Donnell. They also released running back Bobby Rainey and cornerback Trevin Wade.
While not a member of the 2016 Giants, of note is the Washington Redskins waiving former Giant Will Blackmon, who has worked at safety, cornerback, and returner. The Giants have concerns at each of those positions and Blackmon might be a consideration.
On the note-worthy trades front, Adam Schefter is reporting that the New York Jets are trading defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and a conditional pick.
Jets trading DL Sheldon Richardson to Seattle for WR Jermaine Kearse and draft considerations, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2017
This likely ensures that the Giants (and Brandon Marshall in particular) will see Richardson again this year. Only this time he will be surrounded by talented linebackers and defensive backs as well as a deep and talented defensive line.
A few other ex-Giants are also now out of work.
Wide receiver Anthony Dable has been cut by the Atlanta Falcons. Wide receiver Corey Washington was waived/injured by the Dallas Cowboys.
Stay tuned for updates on notable cuts from outside Giants Land.
Saturday Roster Moves
The #Bengals have released veteran OL and NFLPA president Eric Winston, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 2, 2017
Panthers Cut P Andy Lee https://t.co/STBBPguzwj pic.twitter.com/qzt7HkLBUW
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) September 2, 2017
Buccaneers To Release WR Josh Huff https://t.co/xs8SWi1wUF pic.twitter.com/94fIEg1o5i
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) September 2, 2017
Bears released kicker Roberto Aguayo, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2017
The #Broncos have informed three-time Pro Bowler and all-pro safety TJ Ward that he's been released, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2017
The #Redskins are waiving RB Matt Jones, source said. Should be one of the more interesting names tomorrow at noon.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2017
The #Cowboys are releasing G Emmett Cleary, source said. They had received a few trade calls about him earlier in camp.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2017
Cleary is a former Giant who can play both guard and tackle. Might be a guy the Giants consider bringing back.
Saints released QB Ryan Nassib, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2017