10 NFL Roster Cuts That Could Affect Fantasy Football Decisions

With one week before the season begins, these moves give some players a clearer path to playing opportunity.

It’s the morning after the 2023 NFL roster cuts and now that the dust has settled, it’s time to draw some conclusions that could help our fantasy football teams. Whether you have already drafted and are searching the waiver wire for additions or are drafting this weekend, here are 10 roster decisions that could impact your fantasy squads.

With Kyler Murray on the PUP list and Colt McCoy getting cut, the Cardinals may have rookie Clayton Tune starting at quarterback for the first four games of the season :: Rob Schumacher/The Republic/USA TODAY Network

1. Arizona released veteran QB Colt McCoy despite Kyler Murray opening the season on the PUP list. The Cardinals recently traded for Joshua Dobbs, which could suggest he has the inside track to open the season, but no official announcement has been made. The team has been high on rookie Clayton Tune, taken in the fifth round of this year’s draft. Tune is a player to consider adding in superflex leagues. Arizona may already be looking to their future.
2. Remember when it was all the buzz on Twitter … I mean X … That Rashaad Penny may not even make the Eagles’ 53-man roster? We didn’t fall for it, and we hope you didn’t, either. Trey Sermon became the odd man out on Tuesday. If you want a piece of the Eagles’ backfield, Kenneth Gainwell may be the best value, as he’s currently going in the 14th round. Rashaad Penny could also be of tremendous value, and of course, D’Andre Swift is the player coming off the board first. I’m fading Swift, but I’ll be streaming Boston Scott every time the Eagles play the Giants (trust me on this one). Sermon is a player I can imagine signing with another team that needs depth before the season starts, but he isn’t worth a bench spot yet
3. New England has only one QB after releasing Bailey Zappe on Tuesday. Rumor has it they like how Ezekiel Elliott looks under center, so maybe he’s the new handcuff for Mac Jones. Kidding. Sort of. Either way, this is Jones’s show now, so wheel’s up for Jones in your supeflex leagues.
4. After adding Dalvin Cook, the Jets didn’t have enough space in their crowded running room. New York will go into the season with Breece Hall, Michael Carter, and rookie Israel Abanikanda. Zonovan Knight, who was cut Monday, could find himself in another situation sooner than later. After proving he could perform well last season when he briefly had to fill a primary role, the former undrafted free agent likely won’t be unemployed long. Keep an eye on who lands “Bam.” If the situation is good, he could be worth a late flier.
5. The Raiders released veteran tight end O.J. Howard on Monday. With Darren Waller now in New York, rookie tight end Michael Mayer could have a good path to playing time. Grab Mayer in late rounds.

Colts running back Deon Jackson :: Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports

6. Indianapolis cut running backs Kenyan Drake, Jason Huntley and Toriano Clinton, and the Colts' running back room is still clear as mud. Right now, Zack Moss and Deon Jackon appear next in line while we wait for Jonathan Taylor to come off the PUP list or be traded. My money would be on Jackson to start the season, but don’t eliminate the possibility of another signing altogether. Of course, Sermon and Knight come to mind as possible options but don’t forget veterans Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette are still looking for new homes. Hunt visited Indianapolis a few weeks ago and could be worth a late-round stash.

7. The Broncos released wideout Kendall Hinton on Monday. Hinton has flashed when given the opportunity, but despite Tim Patrick’s season-ending injury, K.J. Hamler’s health issues that caused him to step away and Jerry Jeudy starting the season on the IR, Hinton still didn’t make the cut for Denver. The arrow continues to point up for Courtland Sutton and rookie Marvin Mims Jr. I also think this could be a good sign for tight end Greg Dulcich, and running backs Samaje Perine and Javonte Williams as pass-catching weapons for Wilson. Values are good for most Broncos players this season.

8. James Robinson was released from the Giants on Monday. The former undrafted free agent who helped many of us win a fantasy title just a few seasons ago may finally be done. Look to Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell if you need a handcuff for Saquon Barkley.

9. Two veteran wideouts, Breshad Perriman and James Washington, have not made the roster for the Colts, either. At least one of them will likely be picked up by another NFL team. In the meantime, Alec Pierce looks like the WR2, so grab that value.

10. The Bengals cut two backup QBs, Trevor Siemian and Reid Sinnett. Now only Jake Browning remains behind Joe Burrow. That bodes well for Burrow starting in Week 1 after dealing with a calf injury. Go get your guy.