We gave you 16 defensive players that could be cut earlier Thursday. We have even more on offense.
The new CBA should make it easier for teams to retain veterans, but most of these players simply cost too much. They could (or should) be released.
1. Vince Young, Titans QB: It’s rare to see such a talented, productive young quarterback become available. In the right scenario, Young could be a terrific value for some team out there.
2. Kyle Orton, Broncos QB: He’s awfully expensive if he’s going to be a backup. The Broncos should be able to find a trading partner, as Orton has better numbers than many starting quarterbacks out there.
3. Brandon Jacobs, Giants RB: If the Giants re-sign Ahmad Bradshaw, the team could ask Jacobs to take a paycut. Jacobs sounded open to the idea early in the offseason, but has backed off that stance. We’d guess he sticks in the end.
4. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals WR: The time has come. Even if this post causes Ochocinco to whoop my ass. The Bengals could wait for rookie A.J. Green to sign before making the move with Ochocinco.
5. Reggie Bush, Saints RB: The Saints say they want to keep Bush with a renegotiated contract. Bush says he wants to stay in New Orleans. We don’t particularly believe any of it; look for Bush to force his release by not accepting the Saints’ offer. We have our doubts he’ll get a big deal in free agency, but it only takes one team to prove us wrong.
6. Donovan McNabb, Redskins QB: The Redskins will try to trade him, but we highly doubt anyone will bite. The real question: How long will Mike Shanahan drag this out before cutting McNabb?
7. Willis McGahee, Ravens RB: The Ravens wouldn’t mind keeping McGahee as a backup, but not for $6 million. Look for McGahee to force his release rather than take a reduced salary.
8. Bernard Berrian, Vikings WR: We actually think $3.9 million isn’t crazy for Berrian if Sidney Rice leaves, but the team may feel like he needs a fresh start.
9. Marion Barber, Cowboys RB: He was as good as gone, even before the team drafted DeMarco Murray in the third round. It was a great run in Dallas. Barber could make for an interesting backup if he could stay healthy.
10. Steve Slaton, Texans RB: Only three years removed from a rookie season with over 1,600 yards from scrimmage, Slaton is the odd man out in a crowded backfield. Barring injury, we suspect he’ll get cut. We doubt the Texans could get a draft pick for him.
11. Shawn Andrews, Giants T: The Giants will have to reduce Andrews’ huge salary if they want to bring him back for a swing tackle role. His body probably couldn’t handle a starting job.
12. Stacy Andrews, Seahawks OL: The Andrews brothers are the Mannings of possible cap cuts.
13. Ryan Diem, Colts T: The lockout may help Diem’s chances of staying in town for $5.4 million. The Colts haven’t been able to groom their young linemen this offseason.
14. Chris Chambers, Chiefs WR: The Chiefs played Kevin Curtis over Chambers in the playoffs last year.
15. Greg Camarillo, Vikings WR: Even with Berrian and Sidney Rice leaving, $1.7 million is too much for this role player.
16. Derek Anderson, Cardinals QB: You could do worse if looking for a veteran backup, but the Cardinals should dump Anderson quickly because of his salary.
17. Justin Gage, Titans WR: Tennessee has depth at wide receiver, but not quality. $3.5 million is way too much for a guy averaging 24 catches the last two years.
18. Bryant Johnson, Lions WR: The former Cardinal no longer fits after Detroit drafted Titus Young.
19. David Carr, 49ers QB: Jim Harbaugh wants to rehab Alex Smith’s career, not this No. 1 pick.
20. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos RB: A career that lasted longer than most people expected may finally be over.
21. LenDale White, Broncos RB: A career that should have lasted longer may also be done.
22. Antwaan Randle El, Steelers WR: Randle El’s reunion in Pittsburgh was a good story, but he’s no longer necessary with so many quality young options.
23. Limas Sweed, Steelers WR: Neither is Sweed.
24. Jake Delhomme, Browns QB: Grantland.com called Delhomme the least valuable player in the NFL. Don’t be surprised if he lands in Denver.