PROJECTED CAMP CUTS

[MGB01]

BIRMINGHAM BOLTS

QB(3): Taylor Heinicke, A.J. McCarron, Chris Oladokun

MISSED CUT: none

Besides the preseason competition between Heinicke and McCarron for the starting gig--which many Bolts fans would deem severely underwhelming, there's also the question of what to do with the fourth player not named here, Malik Cunningham. However Cunningham is listed internally as QB/WR so they could stash him as a seventh receiver and move him back and forth in a 'slash'-type role.

RB(4): Damien Harris, Sincere McCormick, Keaton Mitchell, Bo Scarbrough

MISSED CUT: C.J. Marable, Darrel Williams

Gonna be some real tough decisions here with a bevy of talented young backs in camp and Ken Dorsey likely only to take four to San Diego for the season opener Feb 18. McCormick got some carries in the season finale and might get the nod over Williams, whose first season in Birmingham lasted two games before he bowed out with a hip injury. If so McCormick would be only returnee in the RB room after the Bolts' offseason overhaul.

WR(7): Slade Bolden, Malik Cunningham, Ray Ray McCloud, Jonathan Mingo, Osirus Mitchell, A.T. Perry, George Pickens

MISSED CUT: Deon Cain, Myron Mitchell, Riley Ridley, Marlon Williams

As addressed above the Bolts will keep Cunningham as a WR/QB, although that would come at the expense of keeping a dynamic slot receiver like Cain. Seeing that the top six all have defined roles, it'd be hard not to make a tough call here.

TE(3): Cole Hikutini, Isaiah Likely, Jace Sternberger

MISSED CUT: Jeremiah Hall

Likely will be paired with two vets in the TE group. Hall, an H-back who should be able to clear waivers, will sneak onto the practice squad.

OL(9): Nick Broeker, Cohl Cabral, Trystan Colon, Darius Harper, Darian Kinnard, Billy Price, Brandon Shell, Quinton Spain, Luke Tenuta (Cooper Hodges to IR)

MISSED CUT: Shamarious Gilmore, Cole Schneider, Kadeem Telfort, Darryl Williams

No real surprises here. Hodges will at least start the season on IR as he's been battling knee problems. The local product Telfort would ideally be a favorite to break into the competition for left tackle with Kinnard, Harper, and Tenuta. Williams feels like someone who will be back when injuries start ravaging the group.

DL(8): C.J. Brewer, Willie Henry, Dean Lowry, Zacch Pickens, LaBryan Ray, Tim Settle, Raequan Williams, Willie Yarbary

MISSED CUT: Darrion Daniels, Anthony Rush, Demetrius Taylor, Marvin Wilson

Taylor already would have a hard time making it out of camp as the Bolts have both Brewer and Ray as the backup ends, currently suspended he has almost no chance unless Dorsey decides to go with nine. Also missing the cut are big bodies Daniels and Rush as well as Wilson, whose career has been a disappointment at the very least.

LB(6): Travin Howard, A.J. Klein, Drew Sanders, Joe Schobert, Baylon Spector, Henry T'ooT'oo

MISSED CUT: Brandon Bell, Reggie Ragland, Elijah Sullivan, Zeke Vandenburgh, Scooby Wright

This could be re-evaluated by the end of camp as Paul Spicer is under tremendous pressure to revitalize this defense, which could push the Bolts into adding an extra LB. Bell is the big surprise here, given how many big-tackle seasons he's had, but he may also retire from accumulating injuries--Bell played all 16 games in 2023 but his snaps went down nearly 40% over the last three games as he dealt with knee pain.

DB(10): Tony Adams, Christian Benford, Reed Blankenship, Nick Cross, Keisean Nixon, Will Parks, Eli Ricks, Kelee Ringo, Stanford Samuels, Starling Thomas

MISSED CUT: Brad Hawkins, Brandon Sebastian

If the Bolts do go with an extra LB, they'll have one less DB. Otherwise, they'll have just two misses in Hawkins and Sebastian. Parks, while a key offseason signing, making the roster is still somewhat of a surprise but he saved the Hitmen secondary two years ago and his versatility has paid dividends throughout his career.

ST(3): Brandon Aubrey, Pressley Harvin, Cole Mazza

MISSED CUT: none

There's still some question marks surrounding Harvin, who has a big leg but some felt he wasn't much of an upgrade over Bradley Pinion. This could be a weekly thing during the season, stay tuned.

[MGB01]

CAROLINA COLONELS

QB(3): Carson Strong, Kyle Trask, Ryan Willis

MISSED CUT: none

Nothing to see here, other than Willis and Strong battling for the backup job.

RB(4): Alex Armah, Gus Edwards, Jerome Ford, Kenneth Gainwell

MISSED CUT: Michael Warren

Have to feel for Warren, who finally got on the field last year and was very productive but he's also stuck behind three productive backs (with Edwards replacing Jordan Howard this year), and Armah also plays a key role as the fullback. This year the Colonels might not be so lucky to keep him on the practice squad, but it is what it is.

WR(6): Tee Higgins, Diondre Overton, Trey Palmer, Jayden Reed, Hunter Renfrow, Dareke Young

MISSED CUT: Bailey Gaither, Tyler Johnson, Anthony Miller, Jalen Nailor, Sage Surratt, Thayer Thomas

The additions of Palmer and Reed in the draft dictate that someone's getting pushed out, and, while a bigger name, hardly a surprise it's Johnson, whom the Colonels will try to trade first before waiving him. Nailor, also unsurprisingly, loses his spot with Reed set for return duties.

TE(3): Christopher Herndon, Ian Thomas, Blake Whiteheart

MISSED CUT: Jovani Haskins, Ben Sims

This a tough one. Haskins had a pair of TD grabs early on, but was waived midseason and spent the rest of the year, including the Colonels' playoff run, on the practice squad. He'll be hard-pressed to make the squad this year as well, ditto for Sims.

OL(10): Deonte Brown, Trey Hill, Michael Jordan, Cameron Jurgens, David Moore, Ben Powers, Asim Richards, Greg Little, Prince Tega Wanogho, Daryl Williams

MISSED CUT: Myron Cunningham, Grant Gibson, Will Holden, Braxton Jones

Holden is only one of the four that has starting experience, and should (or when) the Colonels have injury issues on the OL he'll probably be the first one that gets called back

DL(6): Jeremiah Ledbetter, Xavier Kelly, Justin Madubuike, T.Y. McGill, Alim McNeill, Eddy Wilson

MISSED CUT: Calvin Avery

Kelly spent most of last season on and off the practice squad so this year he gets the promotion and Avery, an interesting 335-lb prospect, takes his place.

LB(9): Akeem Davis-Gaither, Nakobe Dean, Marquis Haynes, Zakoby McClain, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Chris Rumph, Ty Summers, Oshane Ximines, Byron Young

MISSED CUT: Isaiah Graham-Mobley, Wilson Huber, Tyrus Wheat

This will be the toughest cutdown area other than WR. The biggest just-miss will be Wheat, whose ability to rush, defend, and possibly play some special teams will take him down to the last cut.

DB(9): Luq Barcoo, Mike Brown, Michael Carter, Micah Hyde, Lamar Jackson, Jaylon Jones, Geno Stone, Jamar Summers, Jay Ward

MISSED CUT: Anthony Johnson, Mark Webb, James Wiggins, Trill Williams

Aside from the raised eyebrows over KOC breaking camp with both Michael Jordan and Lamar Jackson in the fold, special teams will be the way for any of these four to steal spot on this team, and both Webb and Williams have had plenty of injury roadblacks in their careers.

ST(3): Blake Ferguson, Blake Hayes, Dustin Hopkins

MISSED CUT: Jack Podlesny

The revenge of Rodrigo Blankenship aside, Podlesny is only in camp as an extra leg, and will probably end up handling all the kicking duties in both preseason games as well.

[MGB01]

CHICAGO ENFORCERS

QB(3): Jack Coan, Gardner Minshew, Nate Stanley

MISSED CUT: Jamie Newman

Stanley will get his shot to overtake Newman for QB3 in the preseason and will make the most of it, pushing Newman off the roster. It won't be easy, Newman did complete all eight passes for 82 yards in a preseason outing last year.

RB(5): Eno Benjamin, Kennedy Brooks, Trey Edmunds, Elijah Holyfield, D'Andre Swift

MISSED CUT: Isaiah Bowser, Garrett Groshek

While we have Bowser missing the cut, don't be surprised if he does end up stealing the spot (most likely Holyfield or Benjamin, both of whom have injury history working against them) as early returns from Enforcer camp is that he is what Brooks was last year--the same Brooks who ended up rushing for a team-leading 614 yards on just 79 carries.

WR(6): Ronnie Bell, Josh Downs, Allen Lazard, Jaquarii Roberson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Trent Taylor

MISSED CUT: Daniel Arias, Quintez Cephus, Denzel Mims

Much like Demetrius Taylor, Cephus picked a bad time (although is there ever a good time?) to get suspended. But he'll have company, as while Mims may just resurrect his career in the XFL, it won't be with Chicago. Arias is a prime practice squad candidate.

TE(3): Nick Eubanks, Thaddeus Moss, Jeremy Ruckert

MISSED CUT: Briley Moore

Moore will be plenty sought after due to his value as a H-back, so we wouldn't be surprised to see Rex Ryan change the numbers a bit just to fit him on the roster (or put somebody on IR).

OL(9): Blaise Andries, Michael Dunn, Robert Jones, Corey Levin, Josh Myers, Dareaun Parker, Jon Runyan, Alex Taylor, Zachary Thomas, Dohnovan West

MISSED CUT: Richard Gouraige, Sadarius Hutcherson, Alex Mollette

With the Enforcers' injuries up front last year it's a good bet that you won't have heard the last of this trio after cutdowns. As a matter of fact they might all make it up to the 53 at some point--as Hutcherson did when he was active for four games after being signed off Tampa Bay's practice squad.

DL(6): Shane Bowman, A.J. Epenesa, Folorunso Fatukasi, Mustafa Johnson, Cameron Jordan, Jordon Scott

MISSED CUT: Christopher Hinton, Forrest Merrill, Walter Palmore

What do the Enforcers need (on D) more than anything? Pass rush. None of these three offer much, though Hinton did have a pair of sacks in 2023.

LB(8): Tashawn Bower, Troy Dye, Derick Hall, Trent Harris, Jalen Jelks, Boye Mafe, Elandon Roberts, Kenny Young

MISSED CUT: Tavante Beckett, Jermaine Carter, Derick Roberson

It wouldn't be a surprise to not only see some of the misses switch columns but Young, in the second of a four-year deal, may retire from concussion issues.

DB(10): Adrian Amos, Darrell Baker, Anthony Brown, Vincent Gray, A.J. Green, Ronnie Hickman, Godwin Igwebiuke, Jack Koerner, Michael Ojemudia, Jerrick Reed

MISSED CUT: Arquon Bush, Dane Cruikshank, Saivion Smith, Rashad Torrence, Lamont Wade

Not a very happy homecoming for Cruikshank, who misses the cut in his return to the Windy City. Wade registered 10 tackles on just 22 snaps.

ST(3): Jonathan Garibay, Johnny Hekker, Taybor Pepper

MISSED CUT: Adam Korsak

Korsak is basically auditioning for a job elsewhere, the three year/near $11 million deal the Enforcers gave Hekker says so. The only questions are a)how long Korsak stays around and b)how much work he gets.

[MGB01]

COLUMBUS CAPITOLS

QB(3): Cardale Jones, Will Levis, P.J. Walker

MISSED CUT: James Blackman

Don't get too hung up on the Caps' QB room, Jones spent time during the offseason auditioning for his post-football career (which Rage and Glory fans might tell you he was doing while he was starting for them), so they might turn elsewhere for a third QB.

RB(4): Israel Abanikanda, Tyler Badie, Tarik Cohen, Breece Hall

MISSED CUT: Jordan Ellis, Mike Weber

Ellis was second on the team in rushing, but the return of Cohen and Hall plus the entry of Abanikanda pushes him down into a competition with Badie to round out the group, and Badie has the higher upside going forward.

WR(6): Jacob Copeland, Johnnie Dixon, Taylor Grimes, Taysir Mack, Tre Turner, Golden Tate

MISSED CUT: Landen Akers, Devin Smith, Shi Smith, Tre Walker

Doesn't say much for the four cuts here when this may be most unappealing WR group in the league, led by 35-year old Tate--although there is big-play potential with Turner and new additions Copeland and Grimes.

TE(4): Connor Heyward, Isaac Nauta, Gerrit Prince, Irv Smith (Leonard Taylor to IR)

MISSED CUT: Joel Wilson

Heyward and Nauta's respective ability to play HB allowed the Capitols to move on from Trey Edmunds, although Heyward could be in line for bigger things with only the oft-injured Smith ahead of him.

OL(9): Tyrell Crosby, Nate Davis, Kellen Diesch, Lamont Gaillard, Ryan Hayes, Cain Madden, Tyler Steen, Zach Tom, Luke Wypler

MISSED CUT: Isaiah Battle, Tre'Quan Dorsey, Michael Maietti, Denzel Okafor

Battle came back from starting just eight games in the regular season to start both playoff games for Carolina, but he'll be beaten out by Hayes and Diesch for the backup tackle spots. Any two of the other three will be back on the practice squad.

DL(6): Mohamed Diallo, Travis Jones, P.J. Mustipher, Brent Urban, Armon Watts, Justin Zimmer

MISSED CUT: Malik Herring, Tariqious Tisdale

Herring and Tisdale were both curious choices to make the 53 last year as both are undersized in this defense, so with the Capitols adding more they'll both be on the move.

LB(9): Genard Avery, Noah Burks, Dylan Cole, Jordan Evans, Elijah Lee, Ivan Pace, Zach VanValkenburg, Chase Winovich, Dee Winters

MISSED CUT: Shaun Dion Hamilton, Daelin Hayes

Burks gets the nod for the final spot over vets Hamilton and late-season pickup Hayes because he probably won't make it through waivers.

DB(9): Jakorian Bennett, Elijah Campbell, Michael Ford, Alohi Gilman, Quindell Johnson, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Kendall Sheffield, Juanyeh Thomas, Damarion Williams

MISSED CUT: T.J. Carter, Yusuf Corker, Mark Gilbert, Ferlando Jordan, Kareem Orr

Corker, who started the week 15 game against the Hitmen, and the high-upside Jordan will have the best shot of resurfacing later in the year.

ST(3): Tanner Brown, Liam McCullough, Tommy Townsend

MISSED CUT: none

Surprisingly Matt Ammendola wasn't retained and even a late-season stint with the Houston Texans hasn't seemed to change Brian Flores' mind as far as bringing him back in for a kicking competition. So Brown will be the opening day kicker.

[MGB01]

DALLAS LONESTARS

QB(3): Shane Buechele, Chase Garbers, Luis Perez

MISSED CUT: Kevin Anderson

Anderson served as QB3 in Seattle last year but it's Garbers who maintains the role in Arlington.

RB(4): Caleb Huntley, Jacques Patrick, Austin Walter, Javonte Williams

MISSED CUT: Abram Smith

The offseason reset of the RB room leaves Smith out.

WR(7): Jonathan Adams, Randall Cobb, Jequez Ezzard, Xavier Hutchinson, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tyler Vaughns, Seth Williams

MISSED CUT: JaVonta Payton, Javon Wims

Payton will be back at some point during the year, while Wims' 37-419-4 debut in 2019 with Carolina will unfortunately remain the high point of his career.

TE(3): Daniel Bellinger, Albert Okwuegbunam, Darnell Washington

MISSED CUT: Anthony Firkser, Kenny Yeboah

Yeboah is the odd man out as Stoops breaks with only three TEs this year, but with Big O's health constantly a question mark both he or Firkser won't remain too far away.

OL(9): T.J. Bass, Ezra Cleveland, Cody Ford, Nick Harris, Cameron Hunt, Jonah Jackson, Josh Sills, Joe Tippmann, Matt Waletzko

MISSED CUT: Mike Horton, James Jackson, Xavier Newman, Bam Olaseni, Jordan Rhodes, Dru Samia

Injuries forced Newman to start a game last year in Kansas City and he actually didn't fare too badly, which Bob Stoops will keep in mind when he almost assuredly has to make some midseason recalls.

DL(6): Bobby Brown, Greg Gaines, Neville Gallimore, Rashard Lawrence, Antwaun Woods, Cameron Young

MISSED CUT: Ami Finau

At 27, Finau is older than Brown and Lawrence, who head into their third and fourth years respectively.

LB(9): Dorance Armstrong, Brian Asamoah, Markus Bailey, Jeremy Banks, Alex Okafor, Ronnie Perkins, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Thomas

MISSED CUT: Otaro Alaka, Merlin Robertson, Christian Sam, Chris Whittaker, Jordan Wright

Sam is a bit of a head-scratcher as he was Dallas' most productive player on special teams last year, but they also traded for Reeves-Maybin so he'll assume the role. Be interesting to see if Robertson plays his way onto the team in preseason (thus knocking one of these guys out).

DB(9): Kyler Gordon, Darren Hall, Holton Hill, Michael Jackson, Antonio Johnson, Damontae Kazee, Josh Metellus, Jordan Miller, Armani Watts

MISSED CUT: Jamal Carter, Jalen Green, Olaijah Griffin, Harrison Hand

Hand's attempt at a comeback falls short as does Carter's quasi-one--he was out of the league in 2023 after Orlando released him and contemplated retirement before Dallas picked him up in December.

ST(3): Tanner Carew, Jack Fox, Tristan Vizcaino

MISSED CUT: none

Stoops had talks with his old OU kicker Austin Seibert about bringing him in to compete with Vizcaino, but nothing came of it as Seibert went back to the New York Jets, so other than Carew replacing Colton Taylor the unit stays intact.

[MGB01]

KANSAS CITY MONARCHS

QB(3): Vernon Adams, Case Keenum, Skylar Thompson (Stetson Bennett to NFI)

MISSED CUT: none

After all the QB maneuvering post-Colin Kaepernick, it's effectively status quo with Adams, after an eight-year run in the CFL, replacing him on the depth chart.

RB(4): Salvon Ahmed, Michael Carter, Kareem Hunt, Sean Tucker

MISSED CUT: D'Vonte Price

Tough call here as Price got meaningful snaps last year, but any of the top three are capable of rushing for 1000 yards and Ahmed's return make it so.

WR(7): Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Austin Mack, Demarcus Robinson, Tre Tucker, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Virgil

MISSED CUT: Lance McCutcheon

Second verse, same as the first. The Monarchs lose a star wideout (Terry McLaurin) and yet end up with a deeper WR room.

TE(3): Harrison Bryant, Jake Ferguson, Lucas Krull

MISSED CUT: Gunnar Oakes, Josh Pederson, Travis Vokolek

Having Doug's son on the roster for the opener might be nice from a coaching intel standpoint, but it's not like the younger Pederson spent a lot of time on his dad's teams. Vokolek is the one to watch in preseason and see if he bumps Krull off the roster.

OL(9): Matthew Bergeron, Ben Cleveland, La'el Collins, Stone Forsythe, Royce Newman, Bernhard Raimann, John Michael Schmitz, Coleman Shelton, Rasheed Walker

MISSED CUT: Willie Beavers, Eric Fisher, Jarron Jones, John Simpson, Jared Thomas

A lot to unpack here: Raimann moves over to left tackle with the arrival of Collins, pushing Fisher out. Simpson, replaced by first-rounder Bergeron, will be trade bait and quite frankly Cleveland, similarly displaced by Shelton, could follow but he stays for now.

DL(9): Jayson Ademilola, David Anenih, Habbakuk Baldonado, Andre Carter, Khalil Davis, Jordan Elliott, Dre'Mont Jones, Aaron Lynch, Karter Schult

MISSED CUT: Antwaun Jackson

Jackson saw 13 snaps in the season finale but, with Davis expected to see more time in new DC Joe Whitt's front plus the arrival of Ademilola, doesn't really have a spot behind starters Jones and Elliott.

LB(6): Kuony Deng, Christian Elliss, Ben Hladik, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Owen Pappoe, Trenton Simpson (Darien Butler to IR)

MISSED CUT: Anthony Hines, Terrance Plummer, DaShaun White, Charles Wiley

The Monarchs aren't in panic after the short-lived Rashaan Evans experience as Pappoe becomes the starter at MLB with CFL import Hladik backing him up, pushing week 12 starter Plummer off the roster. Deng and Elliss are their top options on special teams.

DB(9): Devante Bausby, Jaquan Brisker, Javaris Davis, Tashaun Gipson, Xavier McKinney, Kaevon Merriweather, Xavier Rhodes, Levi Wallace, Riq Woolen (Isaiah Bolden and Avery Williams to IR)

MISSED CUT: Mario Goodrich, Daniel Isom

Nothing really to see here other than the Monarchs would have loved to see what Bolden could do in this all-world secondary, but he'll start the year on IR while Williams is still in recovery after suffering an ACL tear in practice late last season. Goodrich got on the field in the X-Bowl, seeing four snaps.

ST(3): Cal Adomitis, Nick Folk, Sterling Hofrichter

MISSED CUT: none

Hofrichter might be the only Monarch under the gun this year as his inconsistency would stand out on any other team. He averaged just 43.9 yards per punt and a sub-40 net, though he did land 17 inside the 20. Then he came back in the playoffs and averaged 49 with a 44.8 net. They have had punters in for tryouts (namely Bradley Pinion) but nothing has materialized yet.

[MGB01]

LOS ANGELES XTREME

QB(3): Holton Ahlers, Desmond Ridder, Brett Rypien

MISSED CUT: none

While it wouldn't be a shock to see Ahlers, a five-year starter at East Carolina, seriously push the mostly uninspiring Rypien for the backup job, this is Ridder's team, as was shown from the preseason onward.

RB(4): Darrell Henderson, Jason Huntley, Roschon Johnson, Dameon Pierce

MISSED CUT: Artavis Pierce

Really tough to cut a guy who had 12 total TD (in just nine games, and 108 snaps, no less), but with a 1000-yard rusher, two third round picks, and your top kick returner it's hard to find a place for him. Of course it'll be harder to see him land elsewhere and possibly put up a thousand-yard season of his own.

WR(6): Deontay Burnett, Simi Fehoko, Dazz Newsome, Michael Pittman, Khalil Shakir, Parker Washington

MISSED CUT: Josh Johnson

Johnson will head to the practice squad for the second straight year as the one guy he could come closest to threatening for a roster spot is the 6-3 220 lb Fehoko, who has the size for a prototypical possession receiver

TE(3): Hunter Bryant, Tyler Higbee, David Wells

MISSED CUT: Josh Falo, Noah Gindorff, Curtis Hodges

The conundrum here is Bryant; his off-the-charts potential hasn't materialized and his injury-marred career has produced just seven catches for 128 yards to date. That led the Xtreme to sign the veteran Wells in the offseason. Nonetheless he'll stay and Hodges will head to the practice squad for another year.

OL(9): Alec Anderson, A.J. Arcuri, Henry Bainivalu, Nick Ford, Alex Forsyth, Damien Lewis, Cody Mauch, Terence Steele, Logan Stenberg

MISSED CUT: Nick Amoah, Matt Kaskey, Kahlil McKenzie

The unproven Arcuri replaces Charles Leno at left tackle for a team that still hasn't solved center post-Corey Linsley, at least they were able to replace Jawaan Taylor with Steele.

DL(6): Zach Allen, Jamare Edwards, Reggie Howard, Kyle Peko, Jordon Riley, Bravvion Roy

MISSED CUT: Ralph Holley, Dion Novil, Cody Roscoe

It will probably come down to Edwards and practice squad holdover Novil for the final spot as the Xtreme figure out how to at least land in the ballpark of replacing Jurrell Casey's production (which signing Allen made progress towards)

LB(9): Jayon Brown, Devante Downs, Chris Garrett, Daiyan Henley, Drake Jackson, Tyler Johnson, Dorian O'Daniel, Jack Sanborn, Reggie Walker

MISSED CUT: Jaylan Alexander, Emmanuel Beal, Trey Cobb, Hamilcar Rashed, Curtis Robinson

Robinson is a reliable special teamer so don't be surprised to see him find his way back. Watch Cobb in preseason and see if he can push for a roster spot.

DB(9): Coby Bryant, Tariq Carpenter, Jevon Holland, Elijah Molden, Siran Neal, Terell Smith, Jason Taylor, Josh Thompson, Greedy Williams (Ar'Darius Washington to IR)

MISSED CUT: Tyreque Jones, Bryan Mills, Arrion Springs, Chris Steele, Sterling Weatherford

Early in camp the Xtreme have been giving Bryant and Molden reps at safety, which isn't great news for Jones. Weatherford, who logged 159 snaps in 12 games last year, could come back and carve out a role.

ST(3): Cameron Dicker, Ryan Navarro, Colby Wadman

MISSED CUT: Paxton Brooks

The Xtreme having two solid punters in camp will be of great interest to teams scouting for an upgrade, three if you count Dicker but he's made the switch over to kicker (yeah yeah that whole name thing) full-time.

[MGB01]

NEW YORK HITMEN

QB(3): Matt Barkley, Garrett Gilbert, Hendon Hooker

MISSED CUT: Cole Kelley

Kelley had an impressive preseason but faltered in the higher-leverage regular season. Losing his job after one year would be harsh but Barkley is an experienced backup and Hooker will be ready to serve as QB3 after recovering from a torn ACL

RB(5): J.K. Dobbins, Jerrion Ealy, Zach Evans, Andy Janovich, Ken Walker

MISSED CUT: Jalen Holston, Kerrith Whyte

The Hitmen will get a long look at Holston in the preseason, while Whyte is there more for his return abilities after averaging a "yikes" 1.6 yards per attempt in Orlando last year.

WR(7): Kazmeir Allen, Jamison Crowder, Antoine Green, Cam Phillips, Amari Rodgers, Jordan Smallwood, Brandon Smith

MISSED CUT: Juwan Green, Teo Redding

The Hitmen added three wideouts (counting Allen) in the draft and free agency, and pick late-season add Smith over Juwan Green to fill out the WR room.

TE(3): Ryan Becker, Pat Freiermuth, Cole Turner

MISSED CUT: Wes Saxton

They'll go with Becker over Saxton for the last spot and look for Freiermuth to have a big year in his third season.

OL(9): Braeden Daniels, Matt Hennessy, Derrick Kelly, Conor McDermott, K.J. McDermott, Garrett McGihn, Sean Rhyan, Dalton Risner, Max Scharping

MISSED CUT: Earl Bostick, Daishawn Dixon, Jamahl Johnson, Chibiuze Nwanna

Dixon played in three games for Carolina last year but was not active for either of their playoff games, and won't get a chance to join the new-look Hitmen OL either.

DL(9): Brenton Cox, Johnathan Hankins, Matt Henningsen, K.J. Henry, Patrick Jones, Carl Lawson, Jonathan Marshall, Hercules Mata'afa, Alton Robinson

MISSED CUT: Victor Jones, Jalen Redmond, Dalyn Wade-Perry

This is tentative, as Robinson was lost for the season with a knee injury in week four and has struggled to make it back, which would open up a spot for any of the three or another waiver-wire pickup.

LB(5): Kwon Alexander, Jason Cabinda, Paddy Fisher, Justin Hilliard, Jake Hummel

MISSED CUT: Jamal Brooks, Chris Orr, Lonnie Phelps

Jim Herrmann's plan to play heavy nickel this year isn't just telegraphed by having just five LBs but the fact that Alexander, whose knees haven't allowed him to maintain a high level since signing a big contract in Orlando four summers ago, is one of them. So it might be a good idea to keep Brooks or Phelps, one of which is probably headed to the practice squad anyway, on speed dial.

DB(9): Tre Brown, Percy Butler, Jalen Elliott, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Grant Haley, Jamar Johnson, Joey Porter, Jaylen Watson, Paris Ford

MISSED CUT: Zyon Gilbert, T.J. Green, Leonard Johnson, De'Jahn Warren

The belief is that Gardner-Johnson and Porter are the missing pieces to getting this group back to 2021 levels, of which interestingly no one is left nearly three years later.

ST(3): Graham Gano, Trenton Gill, Jordan Silver

MISSED CUT: Christopher Dunn, Nick Zecchino

The Hitmen are the only team in the league with two kickers and two long snappers in camp. It's easy to see at kicker as Gano slumped to a sub-80 (22/28) FG percentage and won't be kicking in preseason, while the presence of two long snappers indicates that Rivera might think that there was a problem, thus creating a competition.

[MGB01]

ORLANDO RAGE

QB(3): Todd Centeio, Feleipe Franks, Brad Kaaya

MISSED CUT: none

D'Eriq King left the squad in December to go into coaching, and Centeio replaces him. It's not out of left field to think that he could also challenge Franks for the backup job.

RB(5): Nick Bellore, Kendre Miller, Samaje Perine, Trey Sermon, Wendell Smallwood

MISSED CUT: Sewo Olinilua

The Rage certainly won't replace the production of back-to-back 1000-yard rusher Damien Harris but do have the stable of backs to, if healthy, form a solid RBBC.

WR(6): Lynn Bowden, Charlie Jones, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Nixon, Keytaon Thompson, Jalen Tolbert

MISSED CUT: Shocky Jacques-Louis, Freddie Swain, Juwann Winfree

Meyers is by no stretch of the imagination a replacement for Deebo Samuel but the Rage will very pleased to have another weapon as they begin life A.D.. Thompson, a one-time highly recruited QB, will be kept on the team past final cuts just so no one else grabs him.

TE(3): James Mitchell, Josh Whyle, Mitchell Wilcox (Armani Rogers to IR)

MISSED CUT: none

Mitchell becomes the lead TE after the departure of Alize Mack, and the Rage add Whyle (draft) and Wilcox (FA). Rogers tore an achilles tendon during a late-season practice last year and is still in recovery.

OL(9): Julie'n Davenport, Kevin Dotson, Yasir Durant, Liam Eichenberg, Kyle Fuller, Jamarco Jones, Sean Pollard, Nick Saldiveri, O'Cyrus Torrence (Corey Linsley to NFI)

MISSED CUT: Jeremy Cooper, Jarrett Horst, Josh Rivas, LaQuinston Sharp, Nico Siragusa

The Rage will have to scramble with the loss of Linsley, who recently acknowledged he will likely retire from a heart issue. So Fuller goes from vet backup to starter, with Pollard recalled to be his backup but Sharp will also get a look in preseason. The Rage are deep enough at guard that erstwhile starter Siragusa and Rivas, who started two games last year, won't be back though Rivas should make it to the practice squad.

DL(9): Amare Barno, Jonathon Cooper, Raekwon Davis, Michael Dogbe, Davon Godchaux, Albert Huggins, Jonathan Ledbetter, Anthony Nelson, Elijah Qualls

MISSED CUT: Terry Hampton, Brock Martin

The addition of Hampton as an undrafted FA was a curious one since all four DTs range from Huggins (305) to Davis (325) and he's slightly big for tackle/end tweeners like Dogbe and Ledbetter, whereas Martin fits in more with the smaller rushers on the team in Cooper and Barno--making him a better candidate to sneak onto the practice squad.

LB(6): Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jabril Cox, Tae Crowder, Jake Hansen, Nephi Sewell, Grant Stuard

MISSED CUT: Marquez Bembry, DeCalon Brooks, Kosi Eldridge, Jeremiah Gemmel, Shaka Heyward, Jacquez Jones

The Rage brought plenty of LBs to camp but will part with at least half of them (one being Brooks, the son of Hall of Fame LB Derrick). Only Gemmel, who made one special teams tackle and spent most of the year on IR, has any game experience from 2023.

DB(9): Lance Boykin, Josh Blackwell, Joey Blount, Kei'Trel Clark, Tre Flowers, Demarcco Hellams, Rayshawn Jenkins, Shaun Wade, Jordan Whitehead (Jalyn Armour-Davis to IR)

MISSED CUT: Mackensie Alexander, Darius Joiner, Shaun Jolly

Finally, a team that gave out a veteran contract to a player that's fringe at this point in his career and they aren't fooled by it (at the expense of a young player) come cutdown time, which is what happens with Boykin over Alexander. That said, they are keeping Flowers around, but he has two things going for him: playing special teams, and Armour-Davis starting on IR.

ST(3): Jose Borregales, Ryan Wright, TBA

MISSED CUT: Matt McCrane

Somewhat obscuring the surprise of Borregales beating out the reliable vet McCrane to make the team is that Orlando will go through the preseason with Wilcox as their long snapper then sign one off the waiver wire. Unconventional but with at least the Hitmen in the midst of a preseason snapper battle as well as other options available (including their former snapper Drew Ferris) they can afford to take that risk.

[MGB01]

ST. LOUIS STALLIONS

QB(3): Josh Johnson, Jarrett Stidham, Chris Streveler

MISSED CUT: none

The QB room will be nearly the same with Streveler replacing Luke Falk as QB3.

RB(4): Michael Burton, Eric Gray, Rhamondre Stevenson, Jonathan Taylor

MISSED CUT: Matteo Durant, Zonovan Knight, Kevon Latulas

This is dependent on if the Stallions trade Taylor, if so then Knight moves to the active roster. But if not Taylor and Stevenson will continue as the league's top 1-2 punch, as they were the only duo in the league to each rush for 700 yards.

WR(7): Hakeem Butler, Romeo Doubs, Devin Duvernay, Jaylen Hall, Gary Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, Kyle Philips

MISSED CUT: James Bostic, Darion Chafin

On paper it's hard not label this the bordering-on-blasphemous GSOT2.0, some major additions to the win column might make this more acceptable though.

TE(3): Kelvin Benjamin, Peyton Hendershot, Zack Kuntz

MISSED CUT: Trevon Wesco

Wesco's role as an H-back is perfect in this offense, but after signing Burton it seems almost redundant. Besides sneaking Kuntz through waivers is too risky.

OL(9): Steve Avila, David Bakhtiari, Jaelyn Duncan, Luke Goedeke, Colby Gossett, Creed Humphrey, Alaric Jackson, Abraham Lucas, Landon Young

MISSED CUT: Jacob Gall, Martez Ivey, Jaryd Jones-Smith, Conner Olson

The top story is, as always, the health of Bakhtiari as he gears up for a third season in the Lou, which is why the Stallions go tackle-heavy behind him. But count on this unit's makeup changing early and often, especially as Humphrey is the only full-time center--although first-rounder Avila can also play there.

DL(8): Eric Black, Poona Ford, Darius Hodge, LaCale London, Caleb Murphy, Khalen Saunders, Willie Taylor, Deatrich Wise

MISSED CUT: Damion Daniels, Dom Peterson, Jordan Ragin, Gelen Robinson, Jadrian Taylor, Kenny Willekes

Willekes' bad injury luck, he's missed two of four seasons, costs him as Black nabs the final roster spot.

LB(6): Curtis Bolton, Jojo Domann, Aaron Hansford, Nate Herbig, Micah Kiser, Mike Rose

MISSED CUT: Christopher Allen, Johnny Buchanan, Drew Lewis, Evan Weaver

Lewis' presence is a bit of a surprise but with the Stallions going to nickel and the Herbig/Rose tandem set to eat up most of the snaps next to Kiser he's unneeded.

DB(10): Nico Bolden, Ben DeLuca, Bryce Hall, Elijah Hamilton, Shalom Luani, Tre Norwood, Leon O'Neal, Amani Oruwariye, Troy Pride, Aaron Robinson

MISSED CUT: Omari Carter

Barring a position change or a waiver wire pickup Bolden, an undrafted free agent out of Kent State, is the starter at free safety over Luani.

ST(3): Joseph Charlton, Tyler Ott, Matthew Wright

MISSED CUT: none

The Stallions overhauled their entire ST battery over the season (Charlton came in a trade) and, although Wright had some key misses, it was an overall success.

[MGB01]

SAN ANTONIO STAMPEDE

QB(3): Kaleb Eleby, Anthony Gordon, Colin Kaepernick

MISSED CUT: Matthew McKay, Reid Sinnett

Eleby put himself ahead of Gordon with a strong outing in last season's finale while Gordon struggled, averaging just 3.5 yards per attempt, but Gordon should be able to hold off McKay and Sinnett for a roster spot.

RB(3): Tyler Goodson, David Montgomery, Benny Snell

MISSED CUT: T.J. Pledger, Chris Smith

Pledger was signed after Justin Jackson's surprise retirement, but despite a new locale it'll be another miss of the cut followed by a trip to the practice squad, this time on the other side of the Lone Star Series.

WR(6): Mecole Hardman, Jalin Hyatt, Collin Johnson, Reggie Roberson, Jerreth Sterns, Marquez Stevenson

MISSED CUT: Carlos Carriere, Ty Fryfogle, J.C. Santana, T.J. Vasher

The Stampede are set to largely run back last year's group with the exception of swapping out Jordan Smallwood for the explosive Hyatt.

TE(4): Jahleel Billingsley, Grant Calcaterra, Brevin Jordan, Trey McBride

MISSED CUT: Brett Borske

Similar story at TE although Calcaterra will occasionally line up in the backfield as the H-back.

OL(9): Brian Allen, Ben Brown, Jake Curhan, Sage Doxtater, Emil Ekiyor, Blake Freeland, Teven Jenkins, Josh Jones, Solomon Kindley

MISSED CUT: Brendan Bordner, Dylan O'Quinn

The unit definitely played a part in San Antonio's second half weardown, so Jones moves to left guard and Freeland will start at right tackle.

DL(6): Carlos Davis, P.J. Hall, Jaleel Johnson, Bilal Nichols, Otito Ogbonnia, Moro Ojomo

MISSED CUT: Glen Logan, Kobe Smith

Hall was a great midseason addition for Seattle and having him anda healthy Ogbonnia to go with Nichols and Johnson up front should help keep the DL a team strength.

LB(9): Drew Beesley, Nik Bonitto, Ellis Brooks, Jack Cochrane, Aubrey Miller, Jeremiah Moon, Joseph Ossai, Tegray Scales, Carson Wells

MISSED CUT: Trevor Harmanson, Silas Kelly, Lorenzo McCaskill

Everyone says this, but this could be one of the better units in the league if everyone stays healthy.

DB(10): Brian Branch, Montaric Brown, Damar Hamlin, R.J. Hubert, J.C. Jackson, Desmond King, Jalen Mills, Robert Rochell, Ja'Sir Taylor, Tre Tomlinson

MISSED CUT: Terrell Bonds, Marqui Christian, Donnie Lewis, Darius Rush, Reggie Stubblefield, Dillon Thomas

Hamlin was back in the news after Corey Linsley's situation, but Hamlin will be ready to go in 2024 after sitting out the 2023 season. If Branch plays anywhere near DROY contention then this secondary (which had J.C. Jackson intercept seven passes in 12 games before he was shut down) just got better.

ST(3): Clark Harris, Jason Sanders, Tress Way

MISSED CUT: none

Harris will be back for an 18th season in '24, as the oldest long snapper in the league is also one of its best.

[MGB01]

SAN DIEGO MISSION

QB(3): Jaren Hall, Trace McSorley, Malik Willis

MISSED CUT: Tim Demorat

It's Willis' time now after sitting behing Chad Henne all last season, although some eyebrows were raised that Eric Bieniemy didn't sign a veteran backup, despite the fact that rookie Hall is actually a year older than the future-turned-present.

RB(5): Leddie Brown, JaQuan Hardy, Phillip Lindsay, Kenny McIntosh, Isiah Pacheco

MISSED CUT: Stephen Carr

Pacheco is the definite starter, as the real competition will be who will get the most carries behind him--led by Lindsay, who returns to southern California after being traded from Los Angeles to San Antonio two years ago.

WR(5): Josh Gordon, Jaivon Heiligh, Johnny Johnson, Skyy Moore, Darrius Shepherd

MISSED CUT: Michael Bandy, Cade Johnson, Brycen Tremayne, Calvin Turner

It's surprising to see what's happened to Cade Johnson, regarded as a steal when the Stallions drafted him in 2021 but wasn't able to get on the field before the Mission claimed him off waivers last year, and hasn't been able to find his way into the mix since.

TE(4): Cade Brewer, Darrell Daniels, Derrick Deese, Marcus Lucas

MISSED CUT: none

Time will tell if the Mission essentially flipping Kelvin Benjamin for Lucas (via free agency) was a wise move, considering the headaches Benjamin and Gordon posed for opposing defenses. But Lucas' production has been pretty consistent over the last three seasons (45, 43, and 41 catches).

OL(9): Ben Bredeson, Will Clapp, Cameron Fleming, Rodney Hudson, Dawand Jones, Michal Menet, Max Mitchell, Jamaree Salyer, Jason Spriggs

MISSED CUT: Desmond Bessent, William Dunkle, Fernando Frye, Ken Marks

The million (well actually his cap hit of 13.1 million) dollar question is will Hudson retire or will he play? It was assumed he would in the offseason, but that never happened. It didn't happen at the start of camp. So it must be assumed he's going forward with a 14th year.

DL(10): Christian Covington, Matt Ioannidis, Eric Johnson, Benito Jones, Scott Matlock, Takkarist McKinley, Damarcus Mitchell, Kyle Phillips, Dominique Robinson, B.J. Thompson

MISSED CUT: Ola Adeniyi, Mandy Alonso, Jacob Slade

Bieniemy is trying to find the right blend of vets and younger players along the D-line, they're definitely closer if nothing else.

LB(5): Nate Landman, Pita Taumoepenu, Charlie Thomas, Kyzir White, Mack Wilson

MISSED CUT: Emmanuel Ellerbee, Leon Jacobs, Colin Schooler, Connor Strachan

What this group lacks in quantity it makes up for in versatility, as the unit will closely resemble the more recent Kansas City nickel alignments, hence the addition of Wilson

DB(9): Brandon Facyson, Kolby Harvell-Peel, Josh Jobe, Brandon Joseph, Kenny Robinson, Cam Smith, Nolan Turner, Andrew Wingard, Rezjohn Wright

MISSED CUT: Myles Brooks, Xavier Henderson, Isaac Taylor-Stuart, Jaylen Watkins

With Watkins out Facyson, Wingard, and Robinson will be the veteran leaders of a secondary that past them will be comprised of rookies and second-year players

ST(3): Matt Araiza, Colton Taylor, Greg Zuerlein

MISSED CUT: Lachlan Edwards

While some would criticize Bieniemy for bringing Araiza in he did have Malik McDowell last year, but legal status regardless Araiza will be expected to not only walk a straight line now that he's been tossed a lifeline to continue his career but live up to his "punt god" nickname.

[MGB01]

SAN FRANCISCO DEMONS

QB(3): Sam Howell, Kyle Lauletta, Adrian Martinez

MISSED CUT: none

Ridiculous as this sounds, the Howell/Lauletta debate could be the biggest QB controversy in San Francisco since Montana/Young (or not).

RB(4): Corey Clement, Tyrion Davis-Price, Javian Hawkins, Hunter Luepke

MISSED CUT: Brennan Scarlett, J.J. Taylor, C.J. Verdell

Coaches were raving in camp about the potential of Luepke in this offense.

WR(6): Marcell Ateman, Keelan Doss, Trevon Grimes, Elijah Higgins, Allen Hurns, Christian Watson

MISSED CUT: Brice Butler, Jaray Jenkins, Jahcour Pearson, Connor Wedington

Hurns beats out the ex-Monarch Butler for a roster spot as the veteran possession receiver, provided his knees hold up. Even without another Butler (Hakeem, now in St. Louis) this is still a high-powered WR unit led by XFL ROY Watson

TE(3): Chase Allen, Cade Otton, Charlie Woerner

MISSED CUT: Pro Wells

Otton's ten TDs tied for the league lead and led all tight ends.

OL(9): Hakeem Adeniji, Trent Brown, Drew Dalman, Jermaine Eluemunor, Brock Hoffman, Jaxson Kirkland, Colton McKivitz, Kyle Murphy, Tyler Vrabel

MISSED CUT: Alfred Edwards, James Empey, Tyler Roemer, Dare Rosenthal, Marquez Tucker

An interesting name on the cut list is former starting right guard Tucker, who was replaced by Coleman Shelton in the playoffs and will get a chance to reclaim it but loses out to Adeniji. Vrabel was active for eight games and played mostly on special teams, giving him the edge for the final OL spot.

DL(9): Kevin Atkins, Austin Bryant, Leki Fotu, Justin Houston, Tayland Humphrey, Willie Jefferson, Chris Nelson, Carlos Walkins, Keion White (Charles Omenihu suspended)

MISSED CUT: Porter Gustin, Tyler Johnson, Pasoni Tasini, Curtis Weaver

Even without Omenihu for the first six games the Demons have plenty to back up Houston, who won't be averaging nearly 46 snaps per game as he did in 2023 (over 50 taking out the two games he left) in the form of Lonestar recents Bryant and Watkins, ex-Monarch Jefferson, and first round pick White.

LB(7): Yasir Abdullah, Davin Bellamy, Tony Fields, Willie Harvey, D.J. Johnson, Kyron Johnson, Jacob Phillips

MISSED CUT: Dequan Jackson

The one to watch is Bellamy, who could play himself into a starting job with Phillips' injury history--the former second rounder has ended all three of his seasons on IR.

DB(9): Paulson Adebo, Shakur Brown, Rudy Ford, Thomas Graham, Trevon Moehrig, Scott Nelson, Darius Phillips, James Pierre, Marvell Tell

MISSED CUT: Qwynterrio Cole, Shaun Crawford, Aashari Crosswell, Jeremy Webb

While Pierre moves into the starting lineup don't be surprised to see another change with Ford replacing Tell, a starter since his rookie year in 2020.

ST(3): Scott Daly, Michael Dickson, Evan McPherson

MISSED CUT: none

McPherson wasn't as strong as he was his rookie year but most of his FG misses came early (all in wins) and he made his last ten, inclduing playoffs.

[MGB01]

SEATTLE REIGN

QB(3): Luke Falk, Brian Hoyer, Jordan Ta'amu

MISSED CUT: none

Falk returns to the state where he starred collegiately (WSU) but it's fair to wonder if the Reign won't take a gander at the waiver wire once cuts are made to see if they can upgrade at QB3.

RB(5): Max Borghi, Tony Brooks-James, Chase Brown, Alec Ingold, Jamaal Williams

MISSED CUT: Titus Swen

The Reign would love to stash Swen on the practice squad behind a stacked group on the active roster

WR(7): Tayvian Cunningham, Emeka Emezie, Travell Harris, Kendall Hinton, Marvin Jones, John Ross, Devon Williams (Malik Knowles to IR)

MISSED CUT: Chadarius Townsend

Townsend is listed at WR which his best shot at making the team. He'll mostly be tried on kick returns over the preseason.

TE(4): Greg Dulcich, Quintin Morris, Kaden Smith, Brock Wright

MISSED CUT: none

Seattle believes Dulcich is every bit as good as Cade Otton, but consistency hurts him--he finished tied for the league lead in drops.

OL(9): Jackson Barton, Charles Leno, Alec Lindstrom, Vederian Lowe, Jarrett Patterson, Isaiah Prince, Liam Ryan, Josh Seltzner, Andrew Steuber

MISSED CUT: Adrian Ealy, Des Holmes, Liam Jimmons, John Ojukwu, Jazston Turnetine

Barton beats out Ealy for the last spot, having started two games at left tackle for St. Louis last year--one which came in Seattle in week 15.

DL(8): Adetomiwa Adebawore, Keeanu Benton, Andrew Billings, Micheal Clemons, Quinton Jefferson, Chris Odom, David Ojabo, Jayden Peevy

MISSED CUT: Sam Burt, Jalen Dalton, Malcolm Lee, Benson Mayowa, Lazarus Williams

It's almost as if the Reign signed Odom and re-signed Mayowa to have them compete for a single roster spot, an interesting use of resources.

LB(6): Te'Von Coney, Sharif Finch, Clarence Hicks, Brandon Marshall, Colby Reeder, Malcolm Rodriguez

MISSED CUT: Chase Hansen, Edmond Robinson, Tre Walker, Peyton Wilgar

Hicks and Reeder have both been having a great camp and will play their way onto the roster over veterans Hansen and Robinson.

DB(8): Jordan Battle, Cody Brown, Xavier Crawford, Tristan McCollum, Zyon McCollum, Verone McKinley, Bryce Thompson, Carrington Valentine

MISSED CUT: Antoine Brooks, Bubba Bolden, Chris Payton-Jones, Destin Talbert, Mykael Wright

In a departure from last year's vet-laden secondary two week one starters could be rookies: Battle and Valentine

ST(3): Jake Bailey, Daniel Cantrell, Nick Sciba

MISSED CUT: none

Brian Johnson was waived midseason after missing a ridiculous ten extra points in just six games, but him and Sciba were a perfect 29/29 FG. Bailey was among the league leaders in pinning punts inside the 20, but also had the most touchbacks in the league (one more than the man he's replacing, Lachlan Edwards).

[MGB01]

TAMPA BAY SHARKS

QB(3): Drew Lock, Nathan Peterman, Brady White (Nate Sudfeld to IR)

MISSED CUT: Tanner Morgan

White wins the battle for QB3 with Peterman, who was a couple plays from going 2-0 as a starter/in relief, backing up Lock.

RB(4): Jordan Howard, Shermari Jones, Jaret Patterson, De'Veon Smith (Nyheim Hines to NFI)

MISSED CUT: Dewayne McBride

Apparently to the rest of the league Howard is washed after not hitting the 1000-yard mark for the first time in his career, to the Sharks he'll be the co-lead back with Smith and Jones/Patterson in complimentary roles.

WR(6): Calvin Austin, Jauan Jennings, Elijah Moore, Jaydon Mickens, Tyler Scott, Dede Westbrook

MISSED CUT: Daewood Davis, Trea Shropshire, Jaylen Smith

Westbrook, the 2018 OROY, will face a tough challenge to hold onto his roster spot over the two playmaking rookies in Davis and Shropshire, but the Sharks already have their rookie burner in Scott and will keep Westbrook for the money downs--15 of his 17 catches were on third/fourth downs and twelve moved the sticks.

TE(4): Austin Allen, Michael Ezeike, Alize Mack, Ricky Seals-Jones

MISSED CUT: Charlie Taumoepeau

The rookie Ezeike gets the nod as the fourth TE and Tauamoepeau will be on call as an injury replacement, whether it be for the Sharks or elsewhere--as he was for two games with the Monarchs in 2023.

OL(9): Alex Bars, Michael Deiter, Silas Dsanzi, Joshua Ezeudu, Will Fries, Joe Haeg, Ted Karras, Warren McClendon, Terrone Prescod

MISSED CUT: Mason Brooks, Juwann Bushell-Beatty, Jerome Carvin

A camp battle to watch is at right tackle, where McClendon could push out longtime starter Prescod.

DL(6): John Atkins, Jerrod Clark, Isaiah Buggs, Da'Shawn Hand, DeMarvin Leal, Tyler Shelvin (Grover Stewart suspended)

MISSED CUT: Benning Potoa'e

Stewart's season-opening suspoension will allow Tampa Bay to get a longer look at a pair of younger DTs in Shelvin and Clark in the rotation as the veteran Atkins will start at the nose.

LB(9): Cam Brown, Ali Gaye, Josey Jewell, David Long, DeMarvion Overshown, Max Roberts, Mark Robinson, Quincy Roche, Ramik Wilson (Bradlee Anae to IR)

MISSED CUT: Big Kat Bryant, Jordan Ferguson, Dylan Moses

Moses' knee troubles kept him from being the steal the Stampede thought they were getting three years ago and his comeback attempt will land short here as Brown, Wilson and the rookie Overshown will be the backups at ILB.

DB(9): Tycen Anderson, Andrew Booth, Kris Boyd, DeVontae Harris, Clark Phillips, Benny Sapp, J.L. Skinner, Keith Taylor, Antoine Winfield

MISSED CUT: Micah Abernathy, Antonio Fletcher, Anthony Johnson, Tarvarus McFadden, Derrion Rakestraw, Nehemaih Shelton

McFadden had seen his role decrease over the years to mainly special teams in 2023, his 50 defensive snaps were the lowest since his rookie year.

ST(3): Michael Badgley, Jake Julien, Brian Khoury

MISSED CUT: none

Badgley's season-bookending walkoffs against his former team, the Rage, underscore that he's found a home in Tampa, having missed just four field goals the last two seasons since an 11 of 15 debut in 2021 after the Sharks took him off waivers.