Welcome to part two of the series, which focuses on four more NFL veterans in danger of losing a roster spot. High draft picks are expected to contribute from Day 1 and compete for starting positions, while late-round steals can also put veterans in jeopardy of losing their starting job, roster spots, or becoming trade bait. Just because a player did not get released in February or March does not mean they will survive roster cuts in August.
Also Read: 4 NFL Veterans in Danger of Losing a Roster Spot
Baltimore Ravens: G Ben Cleveland
- Contract: 1-year, $1,170,000
- 2025 Cap Hit: $1,030,000
- Post June 1st Cap Savings: $1,030,000
For the third consecutive season, Ben Cleveland failed to win a starting job on the offensive line in 2024. The former third-round pick competed for both guard positions but could not secure either one. As a result, Cleveland did not start a single game and played a career-low 49 offensive snaps.
The Ravens signed Joseph Noteboom and drafted Emery Jones Jr. in the third round and Garrett Dellinger in the seventh round. Both Jones and Dellinger will vie for the backup guard spot against Cleveland. He was also arrested and charged with DUI in February and could be suspended in 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Cordarrelle Patterson
- Contract: 2-year, $6 million
- 2025 Cap Hit: $3,750,000
- Post June 1st Cap Savings: $2,800,000
- Cap hit: $2,800,000 ($950,000 dead cap)
Cordarrelle Patterson had a minimal role on offense, limited to 110 offense snaps, the second-lowest total of his career. He rushed for 135 yards on 32 attempts, plus 12 receptions on 14 targets for 80 yards and one touchdown in 13 games and one start. Patterson also had 11 kick returns for 240 yards, the third-lowest and the second-lowest total of his career.
The Steelers tendered Jaylen Warren, signed Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon, and drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round. Patterson will compete against Gainwell and Sermon for the number-three running back spot. Due to his age and him no longer returning kicks, he may be the odd man out.
Indianapolis Colts: EDGE Samson Ebukam
- Contract: 3-year, $24 million
- 2025 Cap Hit: $10,490,000
- Post June 1st Cap Savings: $6,490,000 ($4,000,000 dead cap)
Samson Ebukam missed the entire season with an Achilles tear sustained in training camp and is waiting for medical clearance. The Colts re-signed Tyquan Lewis and drafted J.T. Tuimoloau in the second round, both cheaper options. Once he is cleared for training camp, Ebukam will compete against Tuimoloau and Lewis for the number-three and four EDGE rusher spots, and the front office may not justify keeping a backup worth $8 million.
Also Read: “A Great Spot”: Indianapolis Colts Defender Gives Major Injury Update
New York Giants: DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
- Contract: 3-year, $12 million
- 2025 Cap Hit: $5,033,334
- Post June 1st Cap Savings: $3,600,000 ($1,433,334 dead cap)
Rakeem Nunez-Roches was not effective at stopping the run and was average at rushing the passer. He recorded 52 tackles, two TFLs, six quarterback hits, and two sacks in 15 starts. Nunez-Roches also posted 19 stops, 13 pressures, a 53.1 pass-rushing grade, a 50.2 run-defense grade, and a 46.8 PFF grade.
The Giants signed Roy Robertson-Harris and Jeremiah Ledbetter and drafted Darius Alexander in the third round. Alexander will compete against Nunez-Roches for the starting number-three defensive end/tackle position. If the third-round pick impresses and earns a starting job, the front office may decide to move on from the 32-year-old veteran.
Also Read: New York Giants: Ink Under-the-Radar Prospect to 4-Year Deal
