Waiver Wire Black Friday: Which players might become available?

[MHS831]

Pure speculation based on a SI article that was published in May--I see two or three interesting possible additions here.  I included the positions that might be of interest.  I also used blue to highlight my "yes please" waiver wire additions.  Please feel free to post suggestions that seem destined for the waiver wire.

New England Patriots: Bailey Zappe, QB    "yes please"

Bailey Zappe started two games for New England as a rookie in 2022 and six more in 2023. Now that the Patriots have pivoted to third overall pick Drake Maye with capable veteran Jacoby Brissett as his backup, Zappe is unlikely to stick on the roster.  (MHS: Not to mention Milton--Zappe is a goner, and I think he will be a Panther).

 

Baltimore Ravens: Tylan Wallace, WR

Following a standout career as a wideout at Oklahoma State, Tylan Wallace has never been an important offensive piece with Baltimore. He's occupied a valuable role on special teams in all three seasons, so the Ravens still can utilize him. But if they're comfortable with Deonte Harty and rookie Tez Walker, Wallace's time in Baltimore may end.  (MHS: A decent returner--I might take Wallace if Smith-Marsette is not effective.  Wallace was a 4th rounder, so he could just need a chance)

Cleveland Browns: David Bell, WR

David Bell has totaled 900 snaps on offense and special teams during his two professional seasons. However, he may be squeezed out of the position after Cleveland traded for Jerry Jeudy and drafted Jamari Thrash. It seems unlikely Bell and Cedric Tillman will remain on the roster.  (MHS: He is 23 and has skills--probably will be cut-he is the same size as Mingo, XL, Adam T-not better than what we have, imo)

 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Cole Holcomb, LB  "yes please"

The most unfortunate part of Cole Holcomb's season-ending knee injury is that it might lead to his release. This offseason, the Steelers signed high-priced Patrick Queen and added Payton Wilson in the draft. Pittsburgh may simply move in a new direction away from Holcomb, who posted 54 tackles in eight appearances last season.  (MHS:  This tarheel has been solid in Pittsburgh, and he is recovering from knee surgery.  We are thin at LB--yes please.  check him out on PFF: https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/cole-holcomb/49753?season=2022    )

Tennessee Titans: Tre Avery, CB "yes please"

Over the last two seasons, Tre Avery has collected 62 tackles with five starts in 29 games. Tennessee needed to upgrade the unit, however, and added both L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie. Roger McCreary is the third starter, while releasing Caleb Farley saves no money and keeping Eric Garror and rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is sensible. Avery should catch on somewhere if the Titans move on.  (MHS:  There could be something here.  We need tackling CBs and he had a good PFF score in 2022.  considering our lack of depth, this could be an upgrade to our depth, so I am giving this a marginal "yes please."  https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/tre-avery/56146?season=2022)

Los Angeles Chargers: Chris Rumph, Edge

At this point, Jim Harbaugh has probably turned over the roster to his liking. Chris Rumph may snatch a final spot, but the recent signing of Bud Dupree is not good news for him. Rumph is behind Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Dupree at the position.  (MHS:  Rump is young and could offer some depth.  They would have to like him better than Chaisson, imo.  https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/chris-rumph/56345)

Chicago Bears: Dominique Robinson, Edge

After playing 50 percent of snaps as a rookie, Dominique Robinson's share dipped to 35 percent last year. Meanwhile, the Bears traded for Montez Sweat and jumped up to land Austin Booker in the draft. Robinson will be fighting for a final spot in the edge-rushing rotation. (MHS: Meh.  Has not been that great in Chicago and his PFF scores are bad.  He is young.  This probably won't happen)

Minnesota Vikings: Nick Mullens or Jaren Hall QB

If possible, the Vikings would probably like to keep Nick Mullens around for his knowledge. The problem is Minnesota signed Sam Darnold in free agency, drafted J.J. McCarthy and still has Jaren Hall—who realistically might not be safe as a hopeful stash on the practice squad. This is very much a Mullens vs. Hall discussion.  (MHS:  Mullens is no spring chicken (29), but he has a lot of NFL experience.  We know that Mullens or Hall is gone, and I am guessing that they keep Hall for salary cap reasons.  Since it is one of two, I will share the PFF links for both.  Mullens--https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/nick-mullens/12282?season=2022   Hall:  https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/jaren-hall/82094?season=2023)

Atlanta Falcons: Taylor Heinicke, QB

Since he already agreed to a restructured contract, Taylor Heinicke has a logical path to another year in Atlanta. He may legitimately be content as a handsomely paid reserve, too. Still, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins and semi-controversially drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. Heinicke is neither a stopgap starter nor the perceived backup.  (MHS: When Atlanta signed Cousins and drafted Penix Jr, it made Heinicke too expensive to keep as a #3.  I think they will shop him first, but he is 31 and his PFF ratings are low--hard pass)

 

[Jackie Lee]

Yeah I think Dalton already has Heinicke's job. Plus he's had too many seasons for the waiver wire. He'll probably get traded to an injury riddled team. Or if cut just sit around and wait for someone desperate during the season

[jasonluckydog]

Juju Smith Schuster was just cut by the Pats.

[ProcessBlue2]

All of them.

[Johnstonny]

Um...anyone that played last night?

[PNW_PantherMan]

Jack Plummer should be available.

[Captain Morgan]

our GM likes to churn the bottom of the roster, so we may see some of these guys 

[MHS831]

3 hours ago, jasonluckydog said:

Juju Smith Schuster was just cut by the Pats.

did he play?  Do not remember him  He would cost $7m, I think (I am not the person who explains salary well)--bad side?  He is the same size as our other WRs are--XL, Mingo, TMJ, Adam T.

[Panthercougar68]

7 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

did he play?  Do not remember him  He would cost $7m, I think (I am not the person who explains salary well)--bad side?  He is the same size as our other WRs are--XL, Mingo, TMJ, Adam T.

He had snaps, shows you how far he’s fallen.

[LinvilleGorge]

20 hours ago, ProcessBlue2 said:

All of them.

Seriously. 80% of the players that saw the field for us on Thursday night have to be worse than waiver wire trash.

[kungfoodude]

21 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Seriously. 80% of the players that saw the field for us on Thursday night have to be worse than waiver wire trash.

Don't be so sure. We have a knack for continuing to get worse as we "churn the bottom of the roster."

[LinvilleGorge]

13 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

Don't be so sure. We have a knack for continuing to get worse as we "churn the bottom of the roster."

Oh, I've learned to never underestimate Tepper's Panthers' ability to get worse.

[strato]

The bright side is once you can achieve zero wins, you can get incrementally worse yearly and your record won’t suffer.

Edited August 10, 2024 by strato