Big-Name NFL Players Who Should Fear First Mandatory Training-Camp Cuts

The NFL is heading into its full slate of Week 3 preseason action, but a more imminent date is just around the corner. Teams must get down to 75 players on their rosters by August 27, and in the process, they need to make some tough decisions that accompany it.

Yes, the time has come for teams to start parting ways with training-camp long shots, undrafted free agents, recent draft busts, underachievers and reclamation projects. For some of these players, it will mark the end of their dreams and additional opportunities won't present themselves. For others, getting cut early in the process might enable their chances to latch on with other teams, which may ultimately be a blessing in disguise.

But there was one other player category I failed to mention—the big-name NFL player.

Almost every team has them, and every year, there seems to be a decent amount of them in the recycling bin. Some of these big-name players still have plenty left in the tank; some are just too expensive, and some are just square pegs trying to fit into round holes.

Nevertheless, the business side of football dictates that such moves are inevitable. It's hard to predict just how many big names will hit the pavement come August 27, but for a lot of these players, the fear factor is just a reality.

Here are some big names that face that fear.

James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers

When a team brings in Cedric Benson to bolster its running attack and also has a promising young player in Alex Green, it doesn't leave a lot of blanks to fill in. Starks, who is also injured but close to returning, could be the odd-man out. He probably will stick it out, but if Brandon Saine impresses, the fear could turn to reality quickly.

Terrell Owens, WR, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks aren't depending on Owens to carry the load, especially when he's dropping 46-yard touchdown passes. I thought he would have an uphill battle when they signed him, and apparently, it's a little closer to reality as reports are flying that he's up to his old prima-donna ways. The coffin will be officially closed if he gets cut.

Tavaris Jackson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

With Russell Wilson playing well and Matt Flynn just as capable, the writing is as visible as Broadway lights for Jackson. Is there a trade market for him? If one does exist, it won't involve early draft picks. Seattle could elect to hold on and try and get something, but cutting him could be a solution as well. Jackson will at least be looking at a backup and not a third-string role.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

Moreno is buried on the Denver depth chart behind Willis McGahee, Lance Ball and rookie Ronnie Hillman. He's recovering from an ACL injury, but with this crowded backfield, where is there room? Denver could try and get him in better shape to facilitate a trade or keep him for depth, but they still could give him a shot at another team by letting him go.

Trent Edwards, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

With the performance of Nick Foles against the Patriots, the Eagles could've potentially found their starting quarterback for the future regardless of Michael Vick's athletic gifts. With a young Mike Kafka also in the mix, Edwards most certainly won't have a home in Philadelphia. He could be a great veteran pickup for the right team.

Pacman Jones, CB, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have some great depth at cornerback with Nate Clements, Terrance Newman, Leon Hall, Jason Allen and first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick. The selection of Kirkpatrick was a huge statement for the Bengals, and it doesn't bode well for Jones. I don't think teams will be banging down his doors, but maybe Jones could be a valuable backup for the right team. At 28 years old, he could have some value.

Remi Ayodele, NT, New Orleans Saints

Buried behind free-agent Brodrick Bunckley and rookie Akeem Hicks, this veteran could be facing the first cutdown. The Saints obviously upgraded the position with a free-agent and a third-round pick, so that doesn't play favorably for him.

Keith Brooking, LB / Jim Leonhard, S, Denver Broncos

Two veterans who were recently brought in by the Broncos, but could those stays be short-term? A recent NFL.com article by Greg Rosenthal seems to back that up, and it's more than logical to believe so. The Broncos could do what a lot of teams do and find younger, healthier players that will face the same fate.

Randy McMichael, TE, San Diego Chargers

Not the biggest name by any means, but he's well-known in football circles and a proven veteran player. At 33 years old, the Chargers may want to go young. And the Chargers have Dante Rosario, Kory Sperry and athletic rookie Ladarius Green playing behind Antonio Gates. McMichael can still play and has a nice skill set, but he might be the victim of the numbers game.

Rex Grossman, QB, Washington Redskins

With Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins obviously the future of this franchise, either individually or collectively, Mike Shannahan could elect to let Grossman go be a backup somewhere else. 

Neil Rackers, K, Washington Redskins

A proven NFL kicker, Rackers is currently in competition with Graham Gano, who is a much younger kicker. At 36 years old, Rackers could easily find another team and bring his years of experience with him.

Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins

The talented but oft-injured tight end could be facing the end of the road with Washington. With Cooley, this could be the time for him to change scenery and for the Redskins to dump his salary. He's been a warrior and played in some tough NFC East battles, but the missed time doesn't justify the roster spot.

Matt Moore, QB, Miami Dolphins

This might be a bit of a surprise, but with the announcement of Ryan Tannehill as the starting quarterback, it looks like the Dolphins are all-in. The Dolphins could save some money, and they have David Garrard to provide experience and Pat Devlin to develop.

The business of the NFL stops for nobody. But keep in mind that at a time when over 1,000 players will lose their jobs, it could also be a golden opportunity for teams as well. It all depends on who's been doing their homework.