Packers Release Veteran RB James Starks
Starks had signed a two year, $6 million contract with the Packers last season but only saw action in 9 games this year, was sidelined with a concussion, and was generally ineffective averaging just 2.3 yards per carry. Scheduled to earn $3 million this season, Starks was number 5 on our list of likely cuts at running back this year and the Packers will gain $2.868M in cap room with his release.
The Packers are incredibly thin at running back and Starks, despite missing so many games, actually ranked third in playtime last year behind Ty Montgomery and fullback Aaron Ripkowski. With Eddie Lacy set to be a free agent it would not be surprising if the Packers re-sign Starks at the minimum or close to the minimum if he draws no interest elsewhere.
CB Justin Gilbert Clears Waivers
One of the bigger draft busts of recent times, the former 8th overall draft pick cleared waivers just 3 seasons into his career. Gilbert was originally drafted by the Browns in 2014 but had a bad start to his career and quickly fell out of favor with the coaching staff. By the end of the year he was deactivated and then suspended for a few days which we believe voided the remaining guarantees, which would have been $2.17 million this year. The Steelers will gain $2.17M in cap room with his release.
Gilbert was traded to the Steelers for just a 6th round pick this past year showing how far his star had fallen. Despite the Steelers problems in the secondary Gilbert played in just 1.1% of the team’s defensive snaps. Gilbert is another in a scary list of Browns first round draft picks from 2012 to 2014 who failed to complete their rookie contract with the Browns, which is unheard of in the NFL. That list includes Trent Richardson (1 year), Brandon Weeden (2 years), Barkevious Mingo (3 years), and Johnny Manziel (2 years). Phil Taylor, drafted in 2011, was released during his 5th year rookie option season.
Patriots Make Futures Signings Official
With the Super Bowl over the Patriots signed the members of their Practice Squad to their active roster for 2017. The list includes Chris Barker, Trevor Bates, Jamil Douglas, Chris Farris, Tyler Gaffney, Woodrow Hamilton, Darius Kilgo, and Devin Lucien.
Jets and Buccaneers Add Long Snappers
Jets veteran long snapper Tanner Purdum is a free agent this year and perhaps in preparation for that they will take a look at Josh Latham. Latham went undrafted in 2016 and was unsigned for the entire season.
The Buccaneers signed former Florida State long snapper Dax Dellenbach to a futures contract. Dellenbach had a tryout with the Titans back in 2015.