NFL Cuts 2015: Analyzing Top Big-Name Releases Who Will Find New Homes

More often than not, the first round of NFL releases ahead of the regular season is a routine affair. 

It's a rather predictable period in which franchises wiggle toward the 53-man limit by shedding the camp bodies and a few players here and there perhaps set to stick around on practice squads.

Every now and then, though, a notable name slips through the cracks for one reason or another. The result is a viable option for other teams around the league at a time front offices would otherwise be using to trim the fat.

Here's a look at some of the most notable cuts so far, players who won't last long on the open market despite the environment.

Big-Name Cuts Who Won't Last Long on the Market

Ryan Broyles, WR 

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Sometimes, an early big-name cut like this comes down to a mutual feeling. 

It appears to be the case between Ryan Broyles and the Detroit Lions. Per Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News, the two sides decided to part ways Monday.

For the Lions, the staff couldn't afford to wait on the former second-round pick any longer, not with a deep depth chart featuring names such as Corey Fuller, Jeremy Ross, Lance Moore and Greg Salas behind starters Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate.

On a more personal note, Broyles took to social media to address the move:

There's a home out there for Broyles, who so far hasn't been able to flash the elite potential that made him a notable draft pick in the first place. Instead, injuries have held him to 21 appearances over three seasons.

In an ideal world, Broyles lands somewhere willing to give him time to adapt. A knee injury to start his NFL career put him behind the curve, but if a team helps him catch up and he manages to stay healthy, he could still turn into a viable role player.

As a fourth or fifth receiver, many teams around the league could do much worse. 

Tim Jennings, DB

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

At the pass-happy pro level right now, there's no such thing as too many solid defensive backs. 

Just don't tell it to the Chicago Bears, as the front office decided Monday was a good time to part with veteran Tim Jennings.

ESPN's Adam Schefter detailed the move:

In other words, the Bears seem confident with the starting duo of Kyle Fuller and Alan Ball. Per WGN Radio's Adam Hoge, much of the move came down to simple schematics: 

Jennings, 31, had a run-in with the law in January and had his knee scoped in February, so it's safe to presume many factors played into the veteran's release.

From an on-field standpoint, some team will make the schematic side of things work. Jennings is on the wrong side of 30 and in a slight decline, but he still ranked as Pro Football Focus' No. 25 corner last year. Of course, it seems a far cry from his No. 7 rank in 2012.

Look for Jennings to find a new team in a hurry. He's a valuable asset and won't be in a position to demand money teams would shy away from in most situations. 

Fred Jackson, RB

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

Fred Jackson was one of the most obvious cut candidates this preseason. He has plenty left in the tank at 34 years old, but the Buffalo Bills have LeSean McCoy, Anthony Dixon, Bryce Brown and rookie Karlos Williams on the depth chart.

Per Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News, Jackson's name hit the cut list as the team made a move to hit the 75-man limit. Other than depth at the spot, the fact Jackson was a $2.7 million cap hit, per Spotrac, probably didn't do him in any favors.

Just don't expect Jackson to fade into the sunset yet: 

In a way, this is a good situation for Jackson. Sometimes, veterans don't get to choose where and how their careers end, but now Jackson can perhaps find a suitable contributing role on a contender and chase a ring.

SEASON	GP	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD
2012	10	115	437	3.8	3
2013	16	206	890	4.3	9
2014	14	141	525	3.7	2

One look at Jackson's recent numbers above shows he has plenty to offer a team willing to bring him on board. In an era of rotational committees, Jackson can still act as a between-the-tackles sledgehammer when the time is right.

Expect Jackson's next move to be a calculated one as his career winds down. The team able to land him gets a late steal heading into the regular season.

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and are accurate as of August 31. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.