10 NFL Veterans in Danger of Being Cut If Performance Doesn't Improve

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Players once thought to be studs are now in danger of being cut, especially players like Chris Johnson and Thomas Jones. 

While many of these players are far from washed up, they are no longer contributing to their teams in a way that is worth the money they are being paid. 

If these players can turn their play around, they will no doubt remain on their respective teams.

Here are 10 players that are in danger of being cut if their play doesn't improve.

Peyton Hillis

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After his 2011 performance, many expected Peyton Hillis to excel again.

He didn't.

This season he only has two touchdowns and 211 yards. 

He has been struggling with injury, but when he has played it has not been very good. 

If he doesn't get any better, the Cleveland Browns could cut him. Most likely, they just won't resign him. 

Chris Johnson

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After holding out for the entire preseason, Chris Johnson received a monster contract. 

What did he do with it? Nothing. 

Chris Johnson has been playing like a second-tier running back instead of the league leader he is supposed to be. 

He only has two touchdowns this season.

If he doesn't start to perform soon, the Tennessee Titans may look at shedding his monster contract.

Chad Ochocinco

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One of the biggest moves of the 2011 offseason was the New England Patriots bringing in Chad Ochocinco. 

However, he has brought nothing but disappointment. He only has 11 receptions on the season. 

He needs to start to find ways to get open, or coach Bill Belichick will find someone who can. 

DeAngelo Williams

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Coming into the 2011 season, the Carolina Panthers were expecting Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams to split carries in the backfield.

As it turns out, however, that is not the case. Williams averages less than 10 carries per game. 

He only has one touchdown on the season. 

With Stewart, there is really no need to keep Williams around, unless he starts performing. 

Shonn Greene

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No doubt, one of the most disappointing facets of the New York Jets offense has been the running game. 

The most disappointing part of the running game has been running back Shonn Greene.

There have been big expectations for him for several years and he really hasn't performed.

This season, he only has two touchdowns.

Look for the Jets to cut their losses and get someone new. 

Tarvaris Jackson

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Tarvaris Jackson went to the Seattle Seahawks in anticipation of being the savior.

This didn't happen. Since his time in Minnesota, it has been pretty clear that Jackson is not a starting quarterback. 

This season he has six touchdowns and nine interceptions and a quarterback rating of 74.8. This doesn't bode well for his case to remain the starter.

Look for the Seahawks to cut their ties with Jackson and pickup a veteran in free agency. 

E.J. Henderson

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One of the thorns in the side of the Minnesota Vikings has no doubt been its defense. 

The leader of the Vikings defense is E.J. Henderson, and he has been virtually non-existent this season. 

As a middle linebacker, he averages fewer than six tackles per game and one sack.

If he doesn't improve his play, the Minnesota Vikings will look to upgrade at the position. 

C.J. Spiller

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With Fred Jackson playing so well and C.J. Spiller playing so poorly, there is really no good reason to keep him around. 

Spiller has less than 200 total yards and has scored one touchdown. 

If he can't start playing better, look for the Bills to upgrade to a solid third-down back. 

Thomas Jones

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At 33, Thomas Jones has passed his prime. 

In 2011, he averages 2.9 yards per carry and has accumulated 204 yards on the ground. 

He has not scored a touchdown either. 

If his play doesn't drastically turn around, there is no reason to keep him on the team, especially when Jamaal Charles returns. 

Darrius Heyward-Bey

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Since being drafted in the first round, Darrius Heyward-Bey really hasn't done much. 

This season, he has 434 receiving yards and one touchdown. 

If his performance doesn't improve, he is in danger of being cut because of the other Oakland Raiders receivers. 

Denarius Moore and T.J. Housmenzadeh seem to have had good connections with quarterback Carson Palmer.