NFL Roster Cuts: Jordan Shipley and Most Ridiculous Preseason Releases of 2012

The NFL offseason is winding down and a number of talented players are, surprisingly, looking for a job thanks to league-mandated roster cuts.

For any number of reasons—injuries, poor preseason play mainly—these three guys were cut from a roster this season and it’s just mind-boggling to think how that could happen.

Let’s take a look at these shocking releases.

Jordan Shipley

As a rookie in 2010, Shipley was an excellent third receiver and racked up 600 yards on 52 receptions. His sophomore campaign was ruined by injuries and he saw action in just two games.

Surprisingly, before his third season with the Cincinnati Bengals could get off the ground, he was cut.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers realized the value in the former Texas Longhorns standout and immediately acquired him for their roster.

He’s going to play with a chip on his shoulder this season and should be a player to watch out for after his surprise release.

Vince Young

Young broke the news on Twitter that he would be leaving the Buffalo Bills, shortly after the franchise acquired Tarvaris Jackson in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.

Both QBs have similar skill sets and mobility, but apparently the 2006 late second-round pick (Jackson) is more valuable than the No. 3 overall pick in that draft (V.Y.), which is crazy considering Young won the Rookie of the Year Award and made two Pro Bowls during his career.

If Young still has the talent he displayed earlier in his career, he needs to find a way to showcase it now, or his time in the NFL will soon be over.

Jabar Gaffney

This is the most shocking release of 2012, but perhaps it shouldn’t be since New England Patriots seem to have a habit of surprising everyone with who they elect to chop from their roster.

Gaffney signed a two-year deal in May to rejoin the team that he first found success with, but obviously lightning didn’t strike twice between Tom Brady and the receiver.

He’s now a free agent, and it would be shocking to see him without a home in the NFL by the time the season starts.