NFL teams made some of the most difficult decisions of the season yesterday. Teams submitted their final cuts for the 53-man roster by the 4 p.m. EST deadline. Plenty of talent exists on the waiver wire right now, and teams needing to fill some holes on offense or defense will be active on their phones contacting players. Excluding players who will likely sign big contracts such as Earl Thomas, here are some of the most intriguing players on the waiver wire.
Hakeem Butler
The former 4th-round pick out of Iowa State landed on injured reserve last season for the Arizona Cardinals. The offseason acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins didn’t help Butler as he was further buried on the depth chart. While he didn’t do enough to impress coach Kliff Kingsbury, Butler should draw attention from other teams due to his 6-6, 219lbs frame. Butler racked up over 1300 receiving yards in his junior season at Iowa State. According to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, “Butler is an intriguing height/weight/speed receiver who will straight-up Randy Moss some defensive backs.” Butler’s height at wide receiver should make teams drool over him. Teams without a downfield threat or a big red-zone target should be interested in Butler.
Todd Davis
Todd Davis flew under the radar in a Denver defense headed by Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, and Chris Harris Jr., but Davis was one of the most important players on the field. Davis led the Broncos in tackles in 2019 (134) and 2018 (114) and had seven passes defended in 2018. The Broncos cut Davis as he did not participate fully in training camp for the second straight season. Davis dealt with a right calf injury during training camp two years ago as well as suffering a left calf strain this year. The Broncos look to third year man Josey Jewell to fill Davis’ spot. Teams looking for a veteran coverage linebacker should be interested in Davis.
Sidney Jones
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sidney Jones is the fact that he is still 24 years old. The former second-round pick in 2017 struggled to stay on the field during his first three seasons in Philadelphia. Jones has never played more than 35% of defensive snaps during any season of his career. However, Jones flashed his potential last season while dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. Jones recorded two interceptions and defended eight passes while playing just 29% of defensive snaps. Before tearing his Achilles at Washington’s pro-day, Jones was projected to be a first-round pick. Teams with considerable cornerback depth should look to bring in Jones as he will need to ease into a system. Jones’ youth and upside make him on the most intriguing players available.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in March. Yet, Clinton-Dix is looking for a new team once again. The former Pro Bowl safety allowed only one touchdown in coverage last year, and quarterbacks posted 67.0 passer rating when targeting him. Clinton-Dix has no issue staying on the field, playing 99% of defensive snaps for the Chicago Bears last season. Still only 27 years old until December, teams should bank on Clinton-Dix’s youth, but also his experience at safety. Teams needing a reliable starter at safety should target Clinton-Dix.
Damarious Randall
Much like Clinton-Dix, Damarious Randall also signed a one-year deal this offseason, but with the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, exactly like Clinton-Dix, Randall is looking for another team. One thing that makes Randall an intriguing player is his versatility. Randall played cornerback during his first three seasons for the Green Bay Packers before transitioning to safety for the Cleveland Browns. Randall transitioned well to safety with 146 tackles and 15 passes defended in his two seasons in Cleveland. Quarterbacks failed to complete over 60.0% of their passes when targeting Randall. While he held quarterbacks to a 57.1 completion percentage last season, Randall struggled by surrendering eight touchdowns and allowing a 120.0 passer rating. Teams who need immediate relief at safety or cornerback should target Randall. His experience with corner and safety sets him apart from other secondary options.
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