Donovan McNabb, Roy Williams and 5 Former NFL Stars Who Should Be Cut

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Sometimes, a player remains in the NFL for too long based solely on what he's done in the past.

Teams think he can regain his All-Star status and put up the same kinds of numbers he did when he was in his prime.

Sometimes, teams get lucky (Brett Favre with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009). Sometimes, they don't (Brett Favre with the Vikings in 2010).

Here's a list of five veterans that used to be stars who just don't have what it takes any more.

Their teams would be wise to cut ties with them before they start costing them regular season victories.

5. Shawne Merriman, LB, Buffalo Bills

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Merriman has never played a full 16 game season and hasn't been an effective linebacker since 2007.

In 2008, he only played one game. In 2009 he played 14 games but only recorded four sacks. And, in 2010, he played in only three games.

Why the Bills think he can stay healthy in 2011 is anyone's guess.

They already have one injury-prone linebacker in Nick Barnett, there's no reason they should be paying Merriman for what will end up as a spot on injured reserve.

4. Larry Johnson, RB, Miami Dolphins

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Johnson hasn't been any good since way back in 2006.

His past four seasons have been disappointing at best. He hasn't even scored a touchdown in the past three seasons.

So, why did the Dolphins give him another shot?

I have no idea. They should have gone with Clinton Portis, who is still looking for work.

3. Albert Haynesworth, DT, New England Patriots

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Ever since Haynesworth signed his $100 million contract in 2009, he's been a huge bust.

He hasn't even come close to matching his 2008 production and doesn't even really try to get on the field.

He hasn't been overly impressive in New England either. Since he was a low-risk investment on the part of the Patriots, cutting him wouldn't be much of a loss.

They have plenty of depth behind him with Vince Wilfork, Shaun Ellis and others manning the defensive line.

2. Roy Williams, WR, Chicago Bears

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Williams hasn't eclipsed the 800 receiving yards mark since 2007 with the Detroit Lions.

And in this year's preseason with the Bears, he's had issues with dropping passes.

He was supposed to become Jay Cutler's No. 2 receiver behind Devin Hester, but that hasn't happened yet.

The Bears should cut him before the start of the season and go with Hester and Knox as their starters again.

1. Donovan McNabb, QB, Minnesota Vikings

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McNabb looked bad last season in Washington.

This preseason, he hasn't done much of anything at all. He hasn't showed that he's still a decent starting NFL QB, but he hasn't made any horrible mistakes either.

With or without McNabb though, the Vikings aren't going to make the playoffs this year.

Therefore, what do they have to lose by saving money by cutting McNabb and starting Christian Ponder this year.

I'd rather see the team have Ponder and Joe Webb developing for the future than watching McNabb lead the team to a very mediocre season.