NFL Roster Cuts: Predicting the Destinations of Best Released Players

Monday marked the end of the initial round of cuts across the NFL as teams faced a 4 p.m. deadline to trim rosters down to 75 players.

Most of these released players are relative unknowns whose use to teams amounted to little more than a warm body for training camp.

However, even though there is another, bigger, round of cuts coming by Friday's 9 p.m. 53-man deadline, a number of notable players were sent packing. Included in the bunch were former Pro Bowlers, Super Bowl champions and young guys who could contribute elsewhere.

Where will these guys wind up? Here's a look at some of the top recently released players and predictions on their next destinations.

Jabar Gaffney

By far the most shocking of all Monday's roster moves was the New England Patriots' release of Gaffney. The 31-year-old, who spent last season with the Washington Redskins, came into the preseason as a favorite to overtake incumbent Deion Branch for the team's third wide receiver spot.

But it wasn't to be. Branch looks all but certain to make the Patriots roster while one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL looks for a new job.

If teams are smart, Gaffney shouldn't last long on the market.

The former Florida Gator is one of the most consistent receivers in all of football and is a prototype for teams needing a possession guy. Gaffney is one of just 12 guys in the NFL to go over 65 catches and 875 yards in each of the past two seasons (via NFC director of communications Randall Liu), so production won't be a question, either. 

Upon his release, speculation was boundless as to where Gaffney could play. But it seemed that one team kept coming up: the Miami Dolphins.

Miami may have the weakest group of receivers in the entire NFL and should be on the market for a stable veteran after releasing Chad Johnson.

This seems like a move too perfect not to happen. 

Predicted Destination: Miami Dolphins

Vince Young

Though some are predicting the end of the NFL road for Young, it seems too soon for the No. 3 pick in the 2006 NFL draft to be headed out of football for good.

Young is nowhere near starter-level at this point, but there are far worse backups in the league. And, according to some advanced metrics, there may even be worse starters.

Using Football Outsiders' DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement) metric, Young's ranking of No. 33 was better than Josh Freeman, Matt Cassel and Sam Bradford last season.

That's certainly good enough to at least get the former Pro Bowler another look in the league.

And if you're looking for a team that could (and should) give VY another chance, the Green Bay Packers seem like a perfect fit.

Current backup quarterback Graham Harrell has looked like an ill fit for the No. 2 spot, completing just 50.8 percent of his passes for 261 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions this preseason. Harrell has also looked flustered in the pocket, going down for a sack five times.

With Aaron Rodgers firmly planted as the starting quarterback, Young could sit behind the star and at least provide some level of competency the Packers star goes down.

Predicted Destination: Green Bay Packers

Danario Alexander

Cut by the St. Louis Rams on Monday, Alexander could be an explosive third receiver in the NFL if he could ever stay healthy.

The only problem is that the 24-year-old just cannot keep himself on the field. In two seasons in the league, Alexander has missed 14 games due to injury.

And with the former Missouri Tiger missing most of camp and every preseason game with a nagging hamstring, it's no wonder the Rams had to let him go.

But for any team that's looking to add some offensive explosion on the cheap, Alexander could be an ideal fit. At 6'5, he's a huge body with a ton of athleticism that can put six on the board in a hurry when on the field.

And what team just so happens to need receiving help and offensive explosion? Yep, the only team this preseason that hasn't scored a touchdown: the New York Jets.

Predicted Destination: New York Jets