NFL

NFL free agency: Who are the best recently cut players available?

The end of the NFL season often means slash and burn as teams create cap space. But this creates some deals to be had for the savvy shopper.

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As the new NFL league year approaches, everyone is studying the pool of free agents, looking for that one hidden gem, while simultaneously creating cap space by letting players go. But you know what they say, one man’s trash is often another man’s treasure.

While the free agency market is full of players who have gone looking for a new deal of their own volition, or big names otherwise out for hire, here are a few of the best recently released players from around the league.

Randy Bullock (K)

  • Released by: Tennessee Titans
  • Cap money: $2,130,000

Randy Bullock was with the Titans for two seasons and connected with 84.3% of his field goal attempts and 95.9% of his extra points. Hitting seven of his ten plus-40-yard field goal attempts, he could be an economic deal for teams who have struggled with kicking, particularly in the playoffs. Maybe those wearing boots and Stetsons?

Taylor Lewan (OT)

  • Released by: Tennessee Titans
  • Cap money: $14,841,000

Taylor Lewan should at least prick the interest of teams around the league who are always on the hunt for a solid offensive line. The Bengals have invested heavily in this area to give protection to their main asset, Joe Burrow, and even so were injury depleted by the time the AFC Championship game rolled around. Coming off a knee injury, Lewan is a risk, but his nine years of experience could see a Pro-Bowl level blind side tackle beef up the depth of any line in the NFL.

Robert Woods (WR)

  • Released by: Tennessee Titans
  • Cap money: $12,016,666

While Robert Woods’ tenure in Tennessee may have been pedestrian, the veteran receiver has a solid resumé and several 1000-yard seasons under his belt. Last season, he was perhaps easing his way back after an ACL tear, but if he lands on an offense who is looking for a handy number two or three target, he could prove to be a valuable asset.

Zach Cunningham (LB)

  • Released by: Tennessee Titans
  • Cap money: $8,926,466

Missing most of last season due to injury, Zach Cunningham still managed 24 tackles and one pass breakup over six games. At 28 years old, he can provide depth to specialty defensive packages especially pushing deep into the season.

Bobby Wagner (LB)

  • Released by: Los Angeles Rams
  • Cap money: $5,000,000

After only one season, the Rams have let Bobby Wagner go despite his second-team All-Pro selection last season. Foreshortened through injury, Wagner still managed to get 140 tackles and two interceptions out west, so could bring his veteran talents to depleted second level defenses.

Michael Brockers (DT)

  • Released by: Detroit Lions
  • Cap money: $10,000,000

While Michael Brockers had a 2022 season that was underwhelming, he has time in the position and was a former first round pick. He managed only four tackles and one pass breakup on one of the weakest defensive lines in the league. On the right defense, running the right plan, he could be a key element to a strong pass rush.

Al-Quadin Muhammad (DE)

  • Released by: Chicago Bears
  • Cap money: $4,000,000

The Bears have let Al-Quadin Muhammad go principally as an economic move, rather than anything to do with his play. Appearing in nearly every game last season, he finished with 29 tackles, on sack, and one forced fumble. He could be an astute addition to a team like the Broncos who will be looking to stiffen their pass rush under new coach Sean Payton. If not in Denver, then another team that could use his ability would be Miami, who need to add depth to their impressive D line.

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