NFL Free Agency: New Landing Spots For Notable Cuts

Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of notable names are hitting NFL free agency ahead of the deadline for teams to cut down their rosters to 75 players. Among the biggest surprises, where could they end up landing within the next couple days?

Fred Jackson: Dallas Cowboys

After 10 terrific years with the Buffalo Bills, Fred Jackson is a free agent for the first time. The 34-year old brought too much of a salary cap hit for the team to justify keep him around, and with younger backs performing well in preseason it seemed like this was inevitable. Now it’s a matter of what he has planned next.

The almost certain likelihood is Jackson will seek out a contender since he’s never been in the playoffs since entering the NFL in 2006. That makes the Dallas Cowboys a prime destination. They won the NFC East last year and have need of running back depth with uncertainty surrounding Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle.

Add in the fact Jackson was born in Fort Worth and it’s a natural connection.

Tim Jennings: St. Louis Rams

The loss of cornerback E.J. Gaines was a real tough one to swallow for the St. Louis Rams given how inconsistent their pass defense has been since last season. Preseason play continues to show that same problem (235 yards allowed per game). They really could use another reliable body on the back end and Tim Jennings could fit that bill.

He’s only 31-years old, a two-time Pro Bowler and has proven a great fit in a 4-3 defense, which the Rams run. He also brings experience as both an outside and nickel corner, so that adds versatility. It’s a low risk, high reward proposition.

Denarius Moore: Chicago Bears

No fewer than the top four wide receivers on the Chicago Bears roster are out with injuries. Kevin White is done for at least the next three months. Alshon Jeffery hasn’t played in a single preseason game due to a calf problem and Marquess Wilson (hamstring) and Eddie Royal (hip) are down as well. This team is scraping the bottom of the barrell for help.

Denarius Moore fell out of favor in Oakland and couldn’t find a spot on a crowded Bengals depth chart, but he’s still just 26-years old and should have something to offer provided injuries haven’t completely sapped his trademark speed.

Donald Thomas: New York Giants

Performance up front has been less than encouraging of late for the New York Giants. All of their guards have come away with a negative rating from Pro Football Focus for this preseason, which may help explain why the team has looked so stagnant at times offensively.

When he was healthy three seasons ago, Donald Thomas was one of the better guards in the league, proving himself as an effective run blocker. Finally taken off the PUP list and ready for his first action since early 2013, the Indianapolis Colts decided to cut him instead. He doesn’t have to start right away, but should at least provide valuable veteran depth with some upside if he regains his old form.

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