NFL Waiver Wire 2015: Projecting Preseason Cuts Who Will Land with New Teams

It might not turn out as wild as the normal floodgates of NFL free agency, but the market looks ready to pick up again as an influx of talent arrives thanks to teams whittling down rosters to meet league requirements. 

The process happens every year, and each season, teams find a way to improve by adding some of the players who just lost jobs. These losses happen due to money, performances and competition, but for the high-upside options, other jobs will open up.

Below, let's take a look at some names who might wind up on the market due to various reasons. Just don't expect them to last long.

Release Projections Sure to Find New Homes 

Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Things don't seem to be working out for 2013 second-round pick Montee Ball in Denver, but it doesn't mean he won't catch on with another team.

Ball hasn't shown much just yet, which critics will point out is a huge red flag considering his spot on an offense led by quarterback Peyton Manning. But it can be difficult to see significant playing time on a running back depth chart also featuring Ronnie Hillman, C.J. Anderson, Juwan Thompson and Jeremy Stewart.

As ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold revealed, Ball now sits third in the pecking order:

While Ball's cap hit isn't anything major (less than $1 million, per Spotrac.com), the Broncos might want to keep four backs. Given the current trajectory, he doesn't figure to wind up as one of the four.

Despite this bleak outlook, plenty of teams not as rich in depth at the position will jump to give Ball a second chance. Knowing a change of scenery can do most players good, the potential suitor list should be long.

Christine Michael, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

The Seattle Seahawks are another team with plenty of depth at a position requiring several names who can contribute on a regular basis.

There was enormous hype surrounding Christine Michael in the 2013 draft. When he fell to Seattle, many were right to think the team had found an eventual Marshawn Lynch replacement.

Instead, Michael has carried the ball just 52 times and has yet to reach the end zone. Sherman Smith, Michael's position coach, detailed his issues this summer, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: “For him, it’s about becoming more dependable, doing stuff consistently. That’s always been his Achilles’ heel. The physical talent is there, absolutely no question about that. But we want him to become more dependable and more accountable.’’

With Lynch, Robert Turbin and Thomas Rawls rounding out a respectable depth chart, it wouldn't stand as a surprise to see Seattle end the Michael experiment. Like Ball, though, it's a project another team would likely be willing to resume based on high upside and a need for depth.

Ryan Broyles, WR, Detroit Lions

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

The Detroit Lions, despite touting a pass-happy offense, might not want to wait on wide receiver Ryan Broyles any longer.

Broyles, a 2012 second-round pick, has appeared in just 21 games over three seasons and touts 32 catches and two scores. To make matters worse, Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com provided some startling details:

"

Unfortunately, he’s lost some of his explosiveness due to the two ACL injuries and torn Achilles tendon he’s suffered.

He’s made the most of his opportunities in the preseason against some second- and third-team defenders, but the fear the Lions have is can he get open against top-notch starting caliber cornerbacks?

"

The depth chart doesn't figure to give Broyles a chance. Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate are the starters. Other capable names, such as Corey Fuller, Jeremy Ross, Lance Moore and Greg Salas, can contribute, too.

Somewhere along the line, though, Broyles will be an upgrade as a fourth receiver for a team. When he is, he'll get a shot. It just doesn't look like it will happen in Detroit.

Travaris Cadet, RB, New England Patriots

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

Everybody knows the New England Patriots love to get wild and throw fantasy football owners for a loop by seemingly using a different running back to great effect each week. 

It might not be in the cards for Travaris Cadet, though. Just look at the surrounding depth chart: LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, James White, James Develin and Brandon Bolden.

Cadet isn't the biggest name, but he is a big talent if given the chance. He can be especially potent through the air, catching 38 passes for 296 yards and a score last year. This might be a role he can fill in New England, but the large depth chart suggests otherwise, meaning his best shot to make the 53-man roster comes on special teams.

While Cadet might not crack the field, it's clear he can be the important pass-catching back in someone's rotation. Expect that someone to come calling if he hits the open market.  

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and are accurate as of Aug. 28. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.