10 NFL veterans who could be traded or cut as teams finalize rosters

Here, theScore evaluates 10 notable names who could be released or traded ahead of the NFL's Tuesday 4 p.m. ET deadline to cut rosters down to 53 players.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers

No player has been the subject of more trade speculation this offseason than Garoppolo, but all that talk has come to nothing so far. The San Francisco 49ers signal-caller's future is even murkier than it was at the end of last season after nearly every potential suitor solidified its quarterback room while Garoppolo recovered from shoulder surgery. San Francisco has said it's willing to pay Garoppolo's salary rather than cut him, but it's likely a bluff to keep his trade market alive. Keeping Garoppolo will only undermine Trey Lance's position if the youngster struggles. At this stage, Garoppolo would do well to push for his release and position himself as the go-to option for the first contender to lose its starter.

Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Hunt and the Cleveland Browns are in a standoff. The running back - who's in the final year of his contract - requested a trade in the absence of an extension, but the Browns are unwilling to grant it. As one of the best second options in the NFL - 1,406 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons behind Nick Chubb - the 27-year-old would presumably have suitors, even if the acquiring team would need to immediately hand him a new deal. But that's why Cleveland badly wants to keep him. With Deshaun Watson missing the first 11 games, the Browns will rely on their two-headed backfield more than ever. Will either side blink ahead of the season?

Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins

It's rare for a franchise-tagged player to be the subject of trade rumors, but Gesicki's early struggles in Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel's offense have led to speculation about his future. Gesicki lined up out wide or in the slot for 85% of offensive snaps last year, compared to just 12% as a tight end, according to PFF's Ryan Smith. But McDaniel wants his tight end more in the traditional do-it-all mold of George Kittle. However, Gesicki's blocking ability isn't up to par. McDaniel quickly shut down talk of trading Geiscki, but the poor fit might lead teams in need of pass-catching to test Miami's resilience.

Robert Quinn, DE, Bears Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Quinn doesn't want to leave the Chicago Bears after leaping from team to team over the second half of his career, but the rebuilding NFC North club could still look to move the pass-rusher after apparently receiving interest in him earlier in the offseason. Quinn's value will likely never be higher after recording a franchise-record 18.5 sacks. But after trading Khalil Mack, letting Quinn go would leave Chicago with one of the league's worst pass-rushing units. A contender could make a late push for Quinn, but if a trade is to happen, a midseason move is perhaps more likely.

Kendrick Bourne, WR, Patriots

At the start of the offseason, Bourne's place with the New England Patriots was secure. He was coming off a 55-catch, 800-yard (both second on the team) debut season in New England and had a team-friendly contract. But Bourne struggled in training camp and is apparently not a fan of the new offense. He ran with the second-team unit and got ejected for fighting during joint practices with the Carolina Panthers before mysteriously being held out of the preseason matchup. Bourne's relatively cheap contract means he almost certainly won't be cut, but a trade isn't inconceivable if he has gotten on Bill Belichick's bad side.

Mason Rudolph, QB, Steelers Steven Ryan / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Mitchell Trubisky is expected to win the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting job, while rookie Kenny Pickett looks set to challenge the veteran at some point this season after a strong preseason. That has left Rudolph surplus to requirements after four years in Pittsburgh. Teams are reportedly interested in the 27-year-old, and the Steelers would consider a deal "for the right price." Rudolph would improve the depth chart of a few teams, and Pittsburgh could recoup some value after signing him to a one-year, $5-million extension last year.

Chuck Clark, S, Ravens

Clark confirmed Friday that he requested a trade after the Baltimore Ravens drafted safety Kyle Hamilton 14th overall. The Ravens had also made one big addition to their secondary earlier in the offseason, signing Marcus Williams to a five-year, $70-million contract. Clark - who has two years but no guaranteed money left on his contract - insists he's now "locked-in" for the season, but his admission might spark interest from other teams.

Darius Slayton, WR, Giants Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Slayton was a surprise gem for the New York Giants over his first two seasons after being taken in the fifth round in 2019. But following back-to-back 700-yard campaigns, Slayton had just 339 yards in 2021 while struggling with injuries. Kenny Golladay, rookie Wan'Dale Robinson, and Kadarius Toney are all ahead of Slayton, and Sterling Shepard will be as well once healthy. With little experience on special teams, it makes sense to either cut or trade Slayton in favor of keeping the likes of C.J. Board and Collin Johnson, who better suit the No. 5 receiver role.

Denzel Mims, WR, Jets

Mims called for a fresh start in the NFL on Thursday. He's in desperate need of one after a poor first two seasons in the league and falling even further down the New York Jets' pecking order following the addition of first-round rookie Garrett Wilson. Mims' agent said New York has refused to cut him, but the club should be able to find a trade partner willing to take a low-risk bet on the 2020 second-round pick.

Alex Leatherwood, OL, Raiders Chris Unger / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Leatherwood failed to live up to expectations after the Las Vegas Raiders drafted him 17th overall in 2021, and he's now facing a fight to remain on the team. He was moved from right tackle to guard after struggling early as a rookie. The former Alabama standout was given the chance to fight for his more natural position this offseason but quickly fell down the depth chart. While it would be bold to trade or even cut Leatherwood after just one year, the Raiders' new regime has no ties to him.

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