Some NFL veterans will be looking for new homes in 2016
The National Football League can be very cruel at times and some veterans are experiencing that now. There were six, big-name veterans released over the past week-plus, that will be searching for new homes in 2016. This isn’t uncommon for veterans to be released as it is often times due to salary, age, injuries or whatever else. The free agent market was already big and now some familiar names will be on said market.
The Atlanta Falcons released veteran wide receiver Roddy White
Roddy White is 34-years old and is one of the all-time great Atlanta Falcons. He is the franchise leader in receptions (808), receiving yards (10,863) and touchdowns (63). He was beloved by the fans and the organization as well as his teammates after being drafted 27th overall in the 2005 draft. White can still be a help to some teams in need of a veteran wide receiver. The move saves Atlanta $6 million. New Team Projection: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Houston Texans released running back Arian Foster
For and undrafted free agent, Arian Foster has had himself quite a career. The Houston Texans gave Foster a chance and he repaid them by becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards (6,472) and touchdowns (54). The biggest concern about Foster is his health. The past few seasons he hasn’t been able to stay healthy and missed 24 of his last 49 games. On top of that, he is approaching 30-years old and that’s typically when running backs hit their threshold. If he can remain healthy, he will be a quality sign for a season or two. This move saves Houston $6.5 million New Team Projection: Dallas Cowboys
The New Orleans Saints released wide receiver Marques Colston
For the past 10 years, New Orleans Saints fans have been spoiled with the tandem of Marques Colston and quarterback Drew Brees. The duo was one of the best ne-two punches in the game and Colston set the Saints’ franchise record in receptions (711), receiving yards (9,759) and touchdowns (72). He also helped the Saints win the Super Bowl in 2009. The Saints decided to move on from Colston, who like White, can still provide a little something if he desires. The move saves New Orleans $3.2 million New Team Projection: Tennessee Titans
The Carolina Panthers released defensive end Charles Johnson
Charles Johnson has been one of the Carolina Panther’s best pass rushers since entering the league in 2007. He ranks second in franchise history in sacks with 63.5, only behind Julius Peppers, who had 81. Johnson helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl this past season. The move was a salary move for Carolina, but it’s not entirely out of the question Johnson doesn’t return. They offered him a discount before releasing him and if he can’t get a better deal, he would return in all likelihood. New Team Projection: Detroit Lions
The Buffalo Bills released defensive end Mario Williams
The former No. 1 overall pick of the 2006 draft is now looking for a new home. His stint with the Bills wasn’t what anyone expected it to be, especially with Bills head coach Rex Ryan running the defense. Williams and Ryan didn’t mesh well. Williams looked disinterested last season, often times giving little to no effort on the field. That could be troublesome for the 31-year old as he looks to continue his playing career. New Team Projection: Oakland Raiders
The New York Jets released cornerback Antonio Cromartie
Over the past couple of seasons, Antonio Cromartie’s numbers have dropped and he’s lost a step. This doesn’t mean he won’t find a new home in 2016. In fact, numerous teams will be interested in his services. This move saves New York $8 million. New Team Projection: Buffalo Bills
This is all pRt of the business and most of the time not only personal. It would be nice if the Bears could sign 2-3 of these guys…