Best NFL Landing Spots for Top Roster Cuts
By Erik Lambert
Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Champ Bailey (27) before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Several notable names were cut from NFL rosters on August 30th. What are some possible destinations for them?
Champ Bailey – CB – New home: New York Jets
At age 36 it looks like the 12-time Pro Bowl corner Champ Bailey has played his last down of football after getting cut from the New Orleans Saints. However, he may be in luck. The New York Jets are a mess at the corner position. Dimitri Patterson is gone and now Dee Milliner may not be available for the opener due to another injury. This is a prime opportunity for a veteran like Bailey as he plays a style of coverage that Rex Ryan likes in his corners. It could be a good fit.
Michael Sam – DE – New home: Dallas Cowboys
A stacked depth chart was too much for Michael Sam to overcome in St. Louis, but he more than deserves a chance to play for somebody else. No defensive line is in more dire straits than the Dallas Cowboys. Free agency and injuries have decimated what was once a formidable group, leaving coordinator Rod Marinelli grasping at straws. Sam is an ideal fit for their 4-3 scheme and showed in the preseason he has enough capability to become an able reserve pass rusher.
Stephen Hill – WR – New home: Kansas City Chiefs
The agent says the New York Jets never gave Stephen Hill a chance. The Jets say Hill never pounced on the many chances they gave him. In truth his inexperience and unreliable hands probably wore out the patience of Jets coaches. That being said, Hill is still young and very talented from a physical standpoint. His best hope to turn his career around is find a team with a good offensive coaching staff who can help him better develop his game. There are few better than Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. Their top guy Dwayne Bowe is facing a suspension and the team could use the depth anyway.
Mikel Leshoure – RB – New home: Chicago Bears
Once considered a future franchise back in the NFL, Mikel Leshoure became the victim of offensive scheme shifts and rather selfish roster management. Thought the Detroit Lions refused to use him last season, they also didn’t consider trading or cutting him either, intending to keep him around as insurance. Only after the coaching staff changed was Leshoure given his freedom. Now the 24-year old has a chance to find a new home, and the Chicago Bears make a lot of sense. Though they have Matt Forte, the team is still trying to figure out their depth. At present they still need a back who is good in short yardage situations. Leshoure, a product out of Illinois, has had success in that area in the past. He scored nine touchdowns in 2012. Playing for his hometown team, and having a chance to get some revenge on Detroit makes this an obvious union.