The lifespan of an NFL player is unpredictable. During the NFL Draft season, it is easy to get caught up in the hype and hold high expectations, but not every prospect immediately hits the ground running.
The top NFC South cut candidates feature four players still on their rookie deals, three of whom were drafted in Rounds 1 or 2, who have had slow starts to their young careers.
Potential Training Camp Cut Candidates for All NFC South Teams
Atlanta Falcons | S Richie Grant
A second-round pick in 2021, Richie Grant hasn’t lived up to the hype since arriving in Atlanta. He’s firmly on the roster bubble, and cutting him would result in just an $843,000 dead cap hit.
Carolina Panthers | WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
With Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, and Diontae Johnson now in Carolina’s receiver room, there might not be a spot for Terrace Marshall Jr. The 2021 second-round pick has struggled since entering the NFL and faces a make-or-break camp.
KEEP READING: NFL Cut Candidates — 1 Player From Each Team Who Could Be Released Before Season
New Orleans Saints | DE Payton Turner
A first-round pick in 2021, Payton Turner faces a pivotal fourth training camp in New Orleans. He’s been limited to just 15 games due to various injuries and didn’t record any sacks last season. His top competitors are Isaiah Foskey, Trajan Jeffcoat, and Niko Lalos.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | TE Ko Kieft
The Bucs drafted Ko Kieft in the sixth round in 2022, and the Minnesota product was active for 33 games over his first two seasons. But Kieft just doesn’t add much to the offense and is more of a special teamer. He could be on the way out.
