5 NFL Teams That Could Add the Most Help from Roster Cuts

As NFL teams prepare to trim rosters to 53 players ahead of Tuesday's deadline, some clubs will be on the lookout for talent to fill voids at key positions.

Leading up to Week 1 of the season, front offices will add veterans to compensate for injuries and complement younger starters.

Here's a look at five teams that could be the most active in signing free agents or claiming them off the waiver wire.

Each club has three glaring roster needs it should address in the coming days.

Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Browns RB Dylan Sampson

Roster needs: CB, RB, LB

The Cleveland Browns may look for depth at cornerback because of the injuries at the position. Martin Emerson Jr. tore his Achilles tendon in the first week of training camp, and Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II suffered shoulder injuries this summer.

The Browns can also bolster their depth at linebacker as Mohamoud Diabate deals with an undisclosed injury. He didn't participate in the team's final training camp practice. Devin Bush has a December 2 trial date for a domestic violence case.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Browns have called teams to inquire about running backs.

Rookie tailback Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned after facing a misdemeanor domestic battery charge that a prosecutor dismissed a couple of weeks ago. Rookie fourth-rounder Dylan Sampson isn't ready for a significant role. Cleveland needs a veteran to pair with Jerome Ford in the backfield.

Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/John Locher

Raiders CB Darien Porter

Roster needs: CB, S, QB

The Las Vegas Raiders will head into the regular season with Eric Stokes as their lead cornerback and an unknown starter opposite him on the boundary.

It's worth noting rookie third-rounder Darien Porter had a poor showing in the team's preseason finale.

On top of that, safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. broke his fibula in the first week of training camp, which opens up a starting spot when Jeremy Chinn lines up as the slot defender in nickel formation.

Head coach Pete Carroll has a strong track record of developing defensive backs, but he's going into the season with major question marks across the secondary. The Raiders should add a cornerback and safety as insurance plans at unsettled positions.

Aidan O'Connell fractured his wrist in the team's final exhibition game.

On Sunday, Carroll spoke to the media about what he's looking for in a backup quarterback.

"We're looking everywhere to see we find the best guy that fits us," he said. "...I want somebody who's played. That's what's important, a guy that's had game experience is really huge to me."

Rookie sixth-rounder Cam Miller struggled mightily in two of three preseason outings. He's a developmental third-stringer. Expect Las Vegas to sign a savvy veteran who can fill in for Geno Smith if necessary.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Dolphins TE Darren Waller

Roster needs: OL, TE, CB

The right side of the Miami Dolphins' offensive line had a subpar performance in Week 3 of the preseason. The Jacksonville Jaguars' backup defenders pushed around right guard James Daniels, who signed a three-year, $24 million deal in free agency, and fill-in right tackle Larry Borom.

The Dolphins should look at potential upgrades for a temporary starting right tackle/swing tackle while first-stringer Austin Jackson nurses a lower leg injury. If they stand pat, oft-injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's blindside pass protection could be an issue.

In a trade with the New York Giants, Miami brought tight end Darren Waller out of retirement, but it's risky to rely solely on him for pass-catching production at that position given his injury history.

The 32-year-old missed at least five games every season between 2021 and 2023. Other than Waller, the tight end group has underwhelming career receiving numbers.

The Dolphins had a full offseason to sort out a new cornerback room. Second-year pro Storm Duck and recent free-agent acquisition Jack Jones could start on the boundary for Week 1, but they aren't a trustworthy pair.

Miami may add another veteran for insurance at the position.

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Saints RB Alvin Kamara

Roster needs: CB, RB, TE

While rebuilding, the New Orleans Saints should be in the market for talent on cheap deals. They also need to do some patchwork on their cornerback unit.

Head coach Kellen Moore told reporters that Alontae Taylor "will be out a little while with an injury."

Isaac Yiadom is a journeyman cornerback who's back in New Orleans for his second stint and has started in 13 games over the last two years. A veteran with starting experience can push for snaps on the boundary.

With second-year pro Spencer Rattler or rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough under center, the Saints offense will be a work in progress. The team needs to provide strong support for a young starting quarterback.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, New Orleans is in the market for a running back.

Alvin Kamara hasn't handled a massive workload on the ground, and that won't change in his age-30 term. The Saints need a reliable ball-carrier who can take on a sizeable load to spell him.

Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill are recovering from season-ending knee injuries. A blocking tight end can complement Juwan Johnson and bolster the ground game.

San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

49ers WR Jauan Jennings

Roster needs: WR, G, DL

Over the past week, the San Francisco 49ers have been proactive on the trade market, acquiring running back Brian Robinson Jr. and wideout Skyy Moore. Because of a banged-up receiver corps, a key injury along the offensive line and a couple of defensive linemen on the mend, they have more work to do.

The 49ers must strengthen a depleted receiver unit.

Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins and Russell Gage Jr. suffered injuries in the offseason. Jauan Jennings has a calf injury and wants a new contract.

San Francisco traded for Moore, but he may be more valuable on special teams than in the passing game. The fourth-year veteran has 43 receptions for 494 yards and a touchdown in 36 games.

In Week 2 of the preseason, Dominick Puni suffered a knee injury, and his status for the team's season opener is unclear. A veteran guard could help solidify the offensive line until the second-year pro returns to action.

The Athletic's Vic Tafur expects Yetur Gross-Matos and Kevin Givens to land on the physically unable to perform list and the injured reserve, respectively. If that is the case, San Francisco can restock depth along the defensive line with at least one free-agent cut.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.