Welcome to the third and final installment of this series, which focuses on four more NFL veterans in danger of losing a roster spot. While high draft picks are expected to contribute from Day 1, 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 let go 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, 4 NFL Veterans in Danger of Losing a Roster Spot Pt 2
Washington Commanders: WR Michael Gallup
- Contract: 1-year, $1,250,000
- 2025 Cap Hit: $1,110,000
- Post June 1st Cap Savings: $910,000 ($200,000 dead cap)
Michael Gallup retired the day before training camp in 2024 as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders and remained on the retired list for the entire season. He unretired and signed with the Washington Commanders but faces an uphill battle and is buried on the depth chart. The Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel Sr., re-signed Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn, drafted Jaylin Lane in the fourth round, and Gallup missed mandatory minicamp with a hamstring injury, further complicating things.
Chicago Bears: G/C Ryan Bates
- Contract: 4-year, $17 million
- 2025 Cap Hit: $4,000,000
- Post June 1st Cap Savings: $3,500,000 ($500,000 dead cap)
Ryan Bates lost the starting center job to Coleman Shelton and battled three injuries, limiting him to a career-low three games. He allowed three pressures, one quarterback hit, and one sack in one start at left guard and one at right guard. Bates missed Weeks 2-9 with an arthritic issue with his elbow and shoulder, and Weeks 12-18 due to a concussion.
The Bears signed Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson and drafted Luke Newman in the sixth round. Bates will compete against Doug Kramer Jr. and Newman for the backup guard and center roles. The front office may prioritize younger players over a veteran with injury concerns and a $4.25 million salary.
Arizona Cardinals: RB Michael Carter
- Contract: 2-year, $2,375,000
- 2025 Cap Hit: $1,270,000
- Post June 1st Cap Savings: $1,220,000 ($50,000 dead cap)
Michael Carter spent all but the final three games of the regular season on the practice squad, only playing because their top three running backs were injured. He rushed for 131 yards on 35 attempts and one touchdown, plus 11 receptions for 57 yards in one start.
Carter will compete against Emari Demercado and Deejay Dallas for the number-three and four running back spots. Dallas will likely remain on the active roster for his abilities as a return specialist, while Demercado’s explosiveness and strength in pass protection are also valuable.
San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos
- Contract: 2-year, $18 million
- 2025 Cap Hit: $9,473,000
- Post June 1st Cap Savings: $4,820,000 ($4,653,000 dead cap in 2025 and $4,959,000 in 2026)
Yetur Gross-Matos missed significant time with an injury and was not very effective. He recorded 19 tackles, six TFLs, seven quarterback hits, and four sacks in 11 games. Gross-Matos also posted nine stops and 21 pressures and missed six games with a knee injury.
The 49ers acquired Bryce Huff and drafted Mykel Williams in the first round, with Sam Okuayinonu and Robert Beal Jr. fighting for a roster spot. The front office may choose the promising Okuayinonu and Beal since they are cheaper options than a veteran with injury concerns and a $9 million salary.
