NFL Cuts 2017: Projecting Top Big-Name Releases Who Will Find New Homes

NFL owners delayed the inevitable when they decided to eliminate the 75-man roster cut period before the fourth preseason game. Now, teams will only prepare for one deadline after the final exhibition game.

The New England Patriots jumped off to an early start when general manager and head coach Bill Belichick released defensive end Kony Ealy, who the team traded for in March, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The New York Jets claimed him off waivers.

All 32 teams will play their final preseason contest Thursday. Typically, it's a game reserved for those who need a solid performance to secure a roster position, a spot on the practice squad or an opportunity with another team.

Throughout the week, several names will hit the free-agent market. Oftentimes, front offices will place a player on the trade block before outright releasing him without a direct return. Who's going to be available within the week? What's the demand for each individual looking for a new home?

QB Brock Osweiler

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When Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson named rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer as the starter, it spelled the end for veteran signal-caller Brock Osweiler. He'll likely walk into a new locker room for the third time in three seasons.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN (via ESPN.com's Pat McManamon), the Browns have placed Osweiler on the trade block, but he's shown nothing worth trading for over the past few seasons. Clubs interested in the sixth-year quarterback as a backup will probably wait until he's released shortly.

Even though Osweiler earned respect in the Browns locker room as the preferred starter, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the coaching staff went in a different direction. We may have witnessed the 26-year-old's last chance at a starting spot with the Houston Texans in 2016. Nonetheless, he's a worthy backup for most teams across the league.

Osweiler didn't put his best on film in two preseason games. The coaching staff kept him off the field in the third contest as Kevin Hogan and Cody Kessler took snaps behind Kizer against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unable to beat a rookie in a quarterback competition, you can expect to see Osweiler on the sideline holding a clipboard with a headset on game day in 2017.

RB Matt Jones 

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Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones falls under the same category as Osweiler; the team continues to actively shop him as a trade asset, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero:

According to Associated Press writer Stephen Whyno, Hadley Engelhard, Jones' agent, asked the team to release his client in June. The front office hasn't executed a transaction, but that should change sooner than later.

Washington selected Jones in the third round of the 2015 draft. Despite a couple of 100-plus-yard games in October, he fell out of favor during his sophomore season under head coach Jay Gruden. Robert Kelley took over the starting role, and the front office drafted Samaje Perine in the fourth round of April's draft.  

At 24 years old, Jones should have several teams lining up for a trade. The Redskins will probably find a partner for a swap in exchange for a late-round pick. Though it's an in-division rival, the New York Giants may have interest in a larger ball-carrier to complement Paul Perkins and Wayne Gallman, who haven't shown much during preseason action.

LB Lamarr Houston

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In the Chicago Bears' third preseason game, linebacker Lamarr Houston continued to play after most of the starters came off the field. It's not a good sign for a 30-year-old pass-rusher who should have a roster spot locked up.

Houston's track record with injuries and his cap hit may put him on the free-agent market. He's torn both ACLs over the past three years and carries an approximate $7 million cap hit as a non-starter. The Bears can release him and save $6 million, per Over The Cap.

This move would focus on economics more than Houston's ability to play the game at his age. When healthy, he can still contribute in a limited role. However, the veteran's deal isn't commensurate with his current value.

Fortunately for Houston, there's always a demand for defenders who can pressure the quarterback. If released before Week 1, he'll land on his feet with a two-year contract as a rotational pass-rusher.