Potential cuts AFC

[THE SIX KINGS]

Scouts Inc.

 

The following is a list of players who might be cut this offseason, with a sentence or two explaining why.

 

 

Baltimore Ravens

OLB Peter Boulware -- He is only 30, but his body is starting to show some wear and tear. The Ravens can carry his 2006 salary ($2.1 million), but there have to be concerns about how productive he can still be at this point in his career.

 

OT Orlando Brown -- At 34, it is time for the Ravens to replace him with someone much younger and more athletic. With a base salary of $2.75 million, there is very little chance Brown will return. He could retire.

 

DC Chris McAlister -- He is due a base salary of $5.5 million. He did not play very well in 2005 and has a chronically bad shoulder, but the team has too much invested in him to turn him loose right now. He could be potential trade bait at some point.

 

OG Keydrick Vincent -- He was signed as a free agent in 2005 and was pretty much a bust. His base salary is only $1.25 million, and there is a shortage of guards in free agency. He should return, but will need to play much better.

 

 

 

Buffalo Bills

NT Sam Adams -- He is still effective as a run stuffer, but at 32, is slowing down. His weight and conditioning are also always a concern. His base salary is $2 million, but he is owed a $1.5 million bonus in early March. The Bills must make a decision quickly.

 

OG Bennie Anderson -- He is a veteran who the Bills are looking to replace. With little depth at the position, the Bills should keep him and his $1,400,000 2006 salary.

 

DS Lawyer Milloy -- At 31, he is still a capable starter. He has a base salary of $1 million and an early March roster bonus of $1.5 million. Based on playing ability and leadership, this is a good number for the Bills.

 

WR Eric Moulds -- His 2006 cap number is close to $11 million. The team has already talked about wanting him back if he is willing to restructure. If he does not alter his contract, his days with the Bills are over.

 

DC/DS Troy Vincent -- He has excellent intangibles but has started to hit the wall, especially in coverage. He has a small bonus due of $25,000 but a good-sized 2006 base salary of $2.6 million. The Bills are in a tough spot because his leadership would be hard to replace.

 

 

 

Cincinnati Bengals

DE Duane Clemons -- The veteran is on the downside of his career. He missed four games last season with a substance abuse suspension. He is 31, has a base salary of $1.35 million and the team must get better up front if it wants to take the next step.

 

DS Kim Herring -- The veteran has never been able to stay healthy. He is a smart player, but his physical skills have really diminished. The Bengals should cut him loose and get younger at the position.

 

TE Reggie Kelly -- He is one of the better blocking tight ends in the NFL, but gives the Bengals very little in terms of playmaking ability as a receiver. With a base salary of $1.25 million and a roster bonus of $250,000, his number would be a little steep as a backup.

 

DT John Thornton -- He is a serviceable starter, but the team needs to get much better inside if it is going to take the next step. His base salary is $2.75 million and he has a roster bonus of $500,000. The Bengals struggle to stop the run and Thornton has played a role in that, so they need to be willing to go in another direction.

 

 

 

Cleveland Browns

RB William Green -- Although his base salary is only $545,000, he has not been productive. He has very little value as a backup because he does not catch the ball well out of the backfield, block or contribute on special teams.

 

OT Ryan Tucker -- He is one of the few true leaders this team has on its roster. He is tough, physical and is its best run blocker. He has a base salary of $1 million but a roster bonus of $2.2 million. Even at 30, Tucker is the best lineman on the Browns' roster, and they can't afford to cut him loose.

 

 

 

Denver Broncos

DE Courtney Brown -- Finally stayed healthy last season and produced well in Denver. The Broncos would like to keep him, but he has a $2 million option bonus due and a $1.4 million base salary. He would need to restructure to stay.

 

OT Matt Lepsis -- He's solid, but not a premier player at his position. He has a $3.2 million roster bonus due in March, and the team is currently in contract negotiations to get the deal restructured.

 

DE Trevor Pryce -- He is still a solid player when healthy, but is no longer dominant and there are concerns about how well his back will hold up. He is only 30, but his body has more wear and tear than most for his age. His cap number is over $10.2 million, so if he plans on retiring as a Bronco, a restructuring will need to take place.

 

DT Gerard Warren -- Another ex-Brown who found life in Denver. Though his numbers did not always show it, he played harder and was much more effective than when he was in Cleveland. More important, he seems to be showing some maturity. The team will work to restructure his base salary of $6.6 million. The Broncos would like him back, but it has to be at their number.

 

 

 

Houston Texans

TE Mark Bruener -- He is a 32-year-old veteran who is clearly on the downside of his career. With a base salary of only $875,000, he may stick. He is really best suited as a No. 2 blocking-type tight end and his salary matches that.

 

DS/DS Marcus Coleman -- He's on the downside of his career and has had a few off-the-field issues. Coleman has never been known as a leader. The Texans had a coaching change and are in a rebuilding mode, so the best bet would be to get rid of his $3.8 million cap number.

 

RB Domanick Davis -- He is a young player with a ton of talent. However, the team could draft USC RB Reggie Bush and drafted a young player with upside in Vernand Morency last season. Davis has a 2006 cap number of $3.8 million. Although the team likely won't let him go, it is worth noting.

 

NT Seth Payne -- He is a much better fit in the 3-4 scheme the Texans used under former head coach Dom Capers. With Gary Kubiak taking over, the team will move to a 4-3 defense, where Payne is not as good of a fit. Payne is 30, injury prone and has a cap number more than $4 million. Even if he were to restructure, he is not a great fit.

 

OT Todd Wade -- He has been a huge disappointment after the free-agent deal he signed when he left Miami. He is a big tackle who is not light on his feet, which does not fit with the offensive line scheme employed by Kubiak. He is due a $3.5 million salary and has not played up to that level.

 

DE Gary Walker -- He is another Houston defensive lineman who is a better fit in the 3-4 scheme. He is an aging veteran player who has a long injury history as well. With a base salary of $4 million, he will likely be released.

 

 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

TE Kyle Brady -- He is due $2.5 million in base salary and bonuses, which is too much for a 33-year-old blocking tight end. Brady is a great team player, but he will need to restructure if he is going to return to the Jaguars.

 

OLB Greg Favors -- He is a veteran, 30-year-old backup. His base salary is only $670,000, but the Jaguars would like to start developing some young depth. Keeping Favors would hinder that process.

 

WR Jimmy Smith -- Still the best wide receiver option on the Jags' roster, Smith is 36 and is due more than $5 million in base salary and roster bonuses. Though he would be missed, this team cannot afford to keep him at those numbers. He needs to restructure to stay.

 

 

 

Kansas City Chiefs

OLB Shawn Barber -- He is 30 and due $3 million-plus this year. With a coaching change, it will be very interesting to see whether he fits in the Chiefs' plans. He does not cover as well as he used to, something that is a must in the new scheme employed by Herman Edwards.

 

OT Chris Bober -- The Chiefs love his versatility, but his cap number of $2,175,000 might be a little too high. They would like to have him back at the right number, because he can fill in at all five offensive line spots in a pinch.

 

RB Priest Holmes -- First and foremost, the team must determine the status of his health. RB Larry Johnson has established himself as the guy, so Holmes will not be the starter. The Chiefs can't keep him with a $5.3 million-plus cap number as a backup. If Holmes can pass a physical, the team will look to move him via trade.

 

DC Dexter McCleon -- It will be intriguing to see what the Chiefs do with McCleon. He is not a shut-down corner, but is a good fit in the Cover 2. At 31, there are questions as to whether McCleon can still play at a solid level.

 

DC Eric Warfield -- He has pretty much been a disaster since the Chiefs gave him a long-term contract extension. He has been plagued by off-the-field problems and marginal play. With a cap number in excess of $4.2 million, the team should consider moving in another direction.

 

OT John Welbourn -- The veteran missed four games last season after a substance abuse suspension. He has been injury prone and has not lived up to expectations after being acquired in a trade with Philadelphia. He has a $1.4 million base salary, so look for the Chiefs to bring him to camp to feel out whether he can be a starter.

 

DS Greg Wesley -- He has been too up and down. The problem is, the Chiefs don't have anyone to really replace him. His cap number is in excess of $3.7 million, so the Chiefs have a tough decision to make here.

 

DS Jerome Woods -- Woods is much more likely to be released than Wesley. Even though Woods' cap number is less at a little over $2.9 million, he is 32 and clearly on the downside of this career.

 

 

 

Miami Dolphins

QB Gus Frerotte -- Even at 34, he is still a serviceable veteran QB. He is due a 2006 salary of only $1.1 million, so even as the backup, he fits well in Miami's cap structure. He will at least go to camp as the team tries to sort out its QB situation.

 

DC Reggie Howard -- After a solid start to his career in Carolina, he really struggled with the Dolphins. He began last season as the starter, only to barely hang on as the nickel corner. With a cap number of $4 million, the team may opt to go in another direction.

 

OG Jeno James -- He has been just average since coming over from Carolina and is due $2.5 million this year. The team needs to upgrade the position, which will be difficult given the group of available free agents. Because of this, the team might have to stick with James for one more season.

 

DS Tebucky Jones -- He is a career underachiever who has never been able to play up to his potential or athletic ability. He is due $6.5 million in 2006 in bonuses and salary, which is way too much for the production he brings to the table. He needs to be restructured or let go.

 

DC Sam Madison -- Once a dominating shut-down corner, age is starting to take its toll. He is also a player who is nicked a lot and really needs to be close to 100 percent to be effective. Has a base salary due in excess of $3.4 million, but the team might be wiling to ride him one more season as it tries to become a playoff team.

 

OT Damion McIntosh -- He's owed a $3,300,000 salary and has an early March roster bonus of $1,125,000. This is way to much for an average starting lineman.

 

OLB Junior Seau -- Seau is starting to break down physically. He is due close to $2.1 million in roster and bonuses, which would be a bargain if he were healthy.

 

DT Jeff Zgonina -- Career overachiever who is due a $770,000 salary this season. The Dolphins might stick with the 35-year-old because he is a leader and great in the locker room.

 

 

New England Patriots

ILB Chad Brown -- At 35, his best years are behind him, and he never really jelled in the Patriots' system. Head coach Bill Belichick loves veteran backups, though, and Brown is due a base salary of only $800,000 and another $200,000 in the form of a roster bonus. The Pats can squeeze another year out of him if they choose to.

 

SS Rodney Harrison -- He is the heart and soul of the Pats' defense. He is also coming off a season-ending injury and will turn 33 this season. His base salary is a little over $2 million, so if the Patriots feel his rehab is going well, he would be a bargain for them. He was playing at a very solid level prior to the injury.

 

DC Tyrone Poole -- At 33, his career is winding down. He is aging, injury prone and no longer has premier cover skills. He is due $2 million in salary and roster bonuses, which is too much for a player who likely won't be able to play in 16 games next season.

 

 

 

New York Jets

OLB Eric Barton -- He can be productive when healthy, but is coming off a season that saw him on IR with a torn biceps muscle. He is a guy who is always going to have health issues and is due $3 million in salary and roster bonuses. If he does not restructure, he will be shown the door.

 

WR Wayne Chrebet -- The veteran has said he will retire. The Jets will save a little more than $600,000 with his retirement that they can use this offseason to help build the franchise back to respectability.

 

WR Laveranues Coles -- It's very unlikely he is going anywhere, but here is a guy who is due $9 million in salaries and bonuses, and they don't have a QB on the roster right now who can definitively get him the football.

 

OG Pete Kendall -- He was not released in the Jets' first wave of cuts, but with a base salary of over $4 million, he will need to restructure if he is going to stick around. At this point in his career, Kendall is an average starter at best.

 

OC Kevin Mawae -- He can still play at a solid level, but age and injuries are starting to take their toll. He is due $2.8 million this season, which is not too much if he is healthy. The Jets will monitor his health this offseason.

 

QB Chad Pennington -- He is coming off another major shoulder surgery, and he has balked at restructuring his contract. He is due $12 million in salary and a roster bonus. The team hasn't made up its mind yet, but how can you give that money to a guy who has serious shoulder concerns? If he does not restructure, the Jets would be crazy to bring him back.

 

 

 

Oakland Raiders

ILB Danny Clark -- He is the starting middle linebacker and has piled up some pretty good tackle numbers over the past two seasons. He lacks, however, that big playmaking-type of ability the Raiders would like to see from the position. He is only 28, and is due close to $2.3 million in salary and bonuses, so they might need to stick with him for another season.

 

QB Kerry Collins -- He is an up-and-down veteran who has a cap number around $13 million. Although it would be easy to say he should be gone, the Raiders don't really have a better option right now on their roster. The Raiders will think long hard about whether they should restructure and keep Collins for the 2006 season.

 

FB Zack Crockett -- He is still an effective lead blocker and short-yardage or goal-line runner. However, $2 million is a lot to play a one-dimensonal fullback who will turn 33 next season.

 

DS Derrick Gibson -- He has underachieved his entire career. Gibson is due a whopping $10 million this season, so something needs to be done. Even with a restructured contract, he just isn't good enough. The Raiders need to move on and find a better player.

 

DE Bobby Hamilton -- The veteran continues to amaze and play at a solid level, despite his age (34). He has never been dominating in any one area, but he plays hard and makes plays. However, his cap number is over $5.3 million, which is way too high for his current production. If he restructures, the Raiders would like him back.

 

DT Warren Sapp -- He improved with the switch back to the 4-3 defense, but he is no longer a dominating player. He is 32 and due $4.5 million this season. He just flat out does not produce to those figures at this point in his career.

 

OG Ron Stone -- At 34, he is a descending player who is prone to injuries. Although the Raiders love his toughness when healthy, he is due close to $3 million this season. That is a high number for a player who will not be on the field for 16 games.

 

DC Denard Walker -- He has a $3.3 million roster bonus due that will get him shown the door. He is an aging veteran and the Raiders have drafted numerous players at the position in recent years.

 

DT Ted Washington -- He is no longer the dominating interior run stopper he once was. With his age and weight concerns, it would be hard to justify his nearly $4.75 million cap number.

 

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

OC Jeff Hartings -- There was a definite drop-off in his play last season. Age (33) and durability might be taking their toll. The team had hoped Chukky Okobi could be the future, but his future with Pittsburgh is up in the air too. Hartings is due nearly $4.1 million this season, which is high, but the team has no answer right now, should he be released.

 

DS Mike Logan -- He has value as a backup and special teams player if he can stay healthy, something he has not been able to do of late. He is due $1,475,000, should the Steelers keep him. Durability concerns have his status up in the air.

 

QB Tommy Maddox -- At 34, his career is winding down. Although $1.1 million for 2006 is not a big number, there is a feeling he can't play any longer at any number. For that reason, the Steelers need to find a better backup solution.

 

OC Chukky Okobi -- Career backup who has never developed into the player they had hoped for. He is due $2 million in 2006, which is a little steep, but backups who can play multiple positions are not easy to find.

 

RB Duce Staley -- He was a forgotten man by the end of the season and was a regular game-day inactive. He is expendable right now with the emergence of Willie Parker as the starter. He is due $3.2 million in salary and a roster bonus, so he will be shown the door if he is not willing to restructure.

 

DC Willie Williams -- The 34-year-old veteran's career is about over. With a lot of young players at the position, the Steelers will not be willing to pay Williams the $1,235,000 he is due in 2006.

 

 

 

San Diego Chargers

OLB Randall Godfrey -- The veteran is due $1.9 million in salary and a roster bonus, but that should not scare the Chargers. Godfrey has played well and his number is very manageable for the production he has given them.

 

 

Tennessee Titans

RB Travis Henry -- He's still productive and only 26 years old. He missed four games last season with a substance abuse suspension, though, and one more strike means he is out for an entire season. He has a $1 million roster bonus due that will make him expendable.

 

OT Brad Hopkins -- He has been a potential cap victim for the past two to three years, but has avoided being cut. The Titans have started the youth movement on defense and need to do the same with the offense. He is 35 and has a cap number in excess of $11 million. He has been a solid starter, but it is time for the team to move on.

 

QB Steve McNair -- The veteran is still playing at a solid level, but age and durability are major concerns. The Titans are poised to draft a QB and they have a solid backup in Billy Volek. McNair has been a great player for this organization, but it is time for Tennessee to cut the cord and move on.

 

OG Benji Olson -- He is still a solid player and a team leader. However, he is 30 and that wear-down factor could rise to the surface. He is also due a $3 million 2006 salary and a $5 million roster bonus, which is way too much at this point in Olson's career. They would like to keep him if he restructures.

 

QB Billy Volek -- His status is up in the air because of the uncertainty surrounding McNair, and the fact that the Titans will likely take a QB with the No. 3 overall pick. If McNair were to return and the team drafts a QB, it could leave Volek as the No. 3. His $1.5 million package is solid for a No. 2, but not a No. 3.

[The Irish Doggy]

I swear I just don't understand why every article that mentions the Bengals run stopping problem points to the DT. They never mention the overpursuing LBs or overmatched, poor tackling S. Its my impression that most of the big runs were to the outside or on a cutback last year. LB & S responsibilities. Is there a website that keeps track of the rushing by breaking down inside/outside runs?

[NAUgrad]

Interesting that 2 Texan's D lineman are a better fit with a 3-4 D. I dont' remember the Texan's playing a 3-4 at all this season. Nice pick ups on the Texans part. Grabbing players that don't even fit in with the scheme. Man do they have a lot of work to do in the offseason.

[Gdawg]

The Ravens wont have to worry about cutting Orlando Brown, pretty sure he's going to retire. He certainly needs to retire; gravity did a better job of slowing pass rushers last year than Brown did. Pretty sure they will let Boulware go, and I pray to God they get rid of Vincent, that guy was/is a slug.

Edited February 28, 2006 by Gdawg

[Ziachild007]

Interesting that 2 Texan's D lineman are a better fit with a 3-4 D.  I dont' remember the Texan's playing a 3-4 at all this season.  Nice pick ups on the Texans part.  Grabbing players that don't even fit in with the scheme.  Man do they have a lot of work to do in the offseason.

 

1344884[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

The Texans have always ran a 3-4 defense in the past. However, this year with Kubiak they are switching to a 4-3. But the major problem here is they don't have many players on the current roster that will fit in the 4-3.

[Vote Quimby2]

The Texans have always ran a 3-4 defense in the past.   However, this year with Kubiak they are switching to a 4-3.  But the major problem here is they don't have many players on the current roster that will fit in the 4-3.

 

1345085[/snapback]

 

 

 

Travis Johnson should do well in a 4-3. Thats what FSU mostly ran while he was there.

[Ziachild007]

Travis Johnson should do well in a 4-3. Thats what FSU mostly ran while he was there.

 

1345110[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

Yeah, he is one of the few that I was thinking of in the front 7 that can actually play both.

[NAUgrad]

The Texans have always ran a 3-4 defense in the past.   However, this year with Kubiak they are switching to a 4-3.  But the major problem here is they don't have many players on the current roster that will fit in the 4-3.

 

1345085[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

Gotcha. Looks like the didn't have any that fit into a 3-4 either based on their success.

[Swiss Cheezhead]

Wow -- Brad Hopkins has an $11M cap figure?

 

Titans fans, meet D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Believe it, spain!