NFL roster cuts 2018: Tracking notable player cuts, trades, rumors around the league

The day after the fourth preseason game marks one of the busiest periods on the NFL calendar. Between the end of the final preseason game and 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, NFL teams will cut more than 1,000 players as the 32 teams trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players.

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has already confirmed that the team will be keeping a close eye on the waiver wire and could well make use of their high priority. Likewise, they will be watching to see which veteran players are cut as well, as they look to make low-cost signings which could upgrade perceived weaknesses on their roster.

We will be keeping an eye on cuts as they are announced around the league, and keep you updated as players who could catch the Giants’ eye are released. A few teams began making cuts Friday. The vast majority will come Saturday.

Saturday roster moves

Jonathan Cooper was drafted in the first round of the 2013 draft (7th overall) by the Arizona Cardinals. He never lived up to the hype generated by his athleticism, and has played for the Cardinals (2013-2015), Cleveland Browns (2016), New England Patriots (2016), Dallas Cowboys (2016-2017) and now the San Francisco 49ers. The question for the Giants would be whether he is better than the depth they have.

De’Vante Bausby had been on the Philadelphia Eagles roster for three years and seemed to finally break out this year. He had received praise from Jim Schwartz throughout the spring.

Tony Lippett is a 6’3” former wide receiver turned cornerback who started 13 games for the Dolphins before tearing his Achilles tendon in their 2017 training camp. He is familiar to Giants’ DB coach Lou Anarumo, who coached him in Miami.

The Bears have released cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc. LeBlanc is an undersized slot corner at 5’9” 194 pounds, who makes up for a lack of speed with quick feet and an aggressive play style. He has 61 tackles, a sack, 2 interceptions and a touchdown in his career.

Dave Gettleman drafted Daeshon Hall in the third round of the 2017 draft as the GM of the Carolina Panthers. Hall has the archetypal frame and build of a defensive lineman with long (35”) arms and impressive lower-body power (36” vertical leap). He has experience as both an outside linebacker and defensive lineman.

Nico Siragusa is being released by the Baltimore Ravens. Siragusa is a powerful and surprisingly mobile guard prospect in the 2017 draft, but suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL in camp last year. He looked like a starting OL coming out of college, but his health is a major question mark.

The Chicago Bears have released cornerback Doran Grant. Grant was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2015 draft out of Ohio State. He is a solid athlete and with experience in press coverage, at 5’10”, 200 pounds he is probably suited for covering the slot.

The Buffalo Bills he released WR Corey Coleman after acquiring him from the Cleveland Browns. Coleman has considerable athleticism and big-play ability, but hasn’t translated to performance on the field.

Well, the day starts with a bang as the Oakland Raiders will reportedly part with Khalil Mack. Sorry, Giants fans. Mack to the Giants was never realistic. The Giants just don’t have the draft capital. For what it’s worth, here is at least part of what the Chicago Bears are giving up.

Notable Friday cuts

Just in case the Giants might think Riley Dixon isn’t their answer at punter, Shane Lechler is now available.

Braxton Miller transitioned to wide receiver after a shoulder injury cut his quarterback career short at Ohio State. He is an exceptional athlete who is dangerous with the ball in his hands, but still learning the receiver position.

Kevin Minter was drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft by the Arizona, and played linebacker for two years for James Bettcher.

Antonio Garcia was a third-round pick by the New England Patriots a couple of years ago. Dimitri Flowers is a rookie H-Back who showed intriguing skills last season at Oklahoma.