Catching up on latest NFL roster moves

With the new NFL league year approaching, teams are frantically working to square away their rosters before the start of free agency on March 10. By NFL rules, franchises have to be below the $143 million salary cap number by that date, meaning some teams have some cuts to make before re-signing any of their players slated to become free agents.

With the deadline to use franchise tags looming on March 2, some general manager have already begun to make cuts. Let’s run down a few important ones from this week, and what it means for both the team and player.

Reggie Bush, Lions

Bush was awful in 2014, rushing for 297 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. Detroit is scrambling for cap space with Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Rashean Mathis all hitting the market, so the $1.7 million saved by cutting Bush is a minor boon. Bush, 30 years old next week, will find another team but with little guaranteed money.

A.J. Hawk, Packers

Hawk was very productive in nine years with Green Bay, but it was time. Hawk is still a first and second-down player but not worth the $5.1 million cap hit. By releasing Hawk, the Packers recouped $3.5 million, valuable money which can go towards re-signing Bryan Bulaga, Letroy Guion or Randall Cobb. Hawk will absolutely get a multi-year deal elsewhere.

Jacoby Jones, Ravens

Jones is an interesting case. Baltimore cut Jones after a brutal nine-catch season, but only saved $600K while having Torrey Smith and Owen Daniels hitting free agency. General manager Ozzie Newsome has serious work to do in the pass-catching department. Jones will latch on somewhere, but the market will be tough on him.

Anthony Fasano, Chiefs

Fasano is still a good player, but Kansas City is desperate for cap space. The Chiefs need to sign Justin Houston and make a run at some prolific receivers, so Fasano’s $2 million cap savings is needed. Fasano is a capable blocker with great hands. Despite only having 25 catches and 226 yards in 2014, he will have multiple suitors.

Steven Jackson, Falcons

Cutting Jackson saves Atlanta $3.7 million. The Falcons do not need any more cap space but were done with Jackson after rushing for 707 yards on 3.7 yards per carry in 2014. Jackson, who turns 32 in July, will have a tough time getting more than a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum.

Todd Herremans, Eagles

Philadelphia saves $2.8 million this season by releasing the 32-year-old guard. The Eagles have key free agents to sign and can use the extra money in hopes of retaining Jeremy Maclin, Casey Matthews and Mark Sanchez. Herremans will have a solid market, being able to play both guard and tackle with effectiveness.

About Matt Verderame

Matt Verderame, 26, is a New Yorker who went to school at the frozen tundra of SUNY Oswego. After graduating, Verderame has worked for Gannett and SB Nation among other ventures.

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