Cutdown Day Winners and Losers
Wed Aug 27 10:43am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Horton could play big role
Teams had to get their rosters down to 53 yesterday, so there was plenty of movement in the NFL. There weren’t any earth-shattering moves but certainly some that will impact the fantasy landscape. And as always, we are here to help you sort it all out. Here are the winners and losers from the fallout of cutdown day.
WINNERS
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Browns. The Browns traded Kenny Pickett, opening the door for the top backup job in Cleveland. And the winner of that job is Gabriel, who showed much better later in the preseason. He won the job. And with Joe Flacco the starter, you could see Gabriel getting a chance to start for the Browns at some point this season.
Tory Horton, WR, Seahawks. Seattle released receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was battling Horton for the No. 3 job. Horton won that job to work alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. He could have some big games in that role, getting some advantageous matchups. Horton is a player moving up draft boards and for good reason.
Spencer Rattler, QB, Saints. The Saints named Rattler their starting quarterback. He beat out rookie Tyler Shough for the job. And Jake Haener was battling for that starting job but was released. This shows the Saints are pretty happy with Rattler and Shough as the options for this season. Rattler is going to get the first shot at this job. We’ll see how long that lasts.
Drake Maye, QB, Patriots. The Patriots ended up keeping eight receivers on their roster, including Kendrick Bourne, second-year receiver Javon Baker and undrafted rookie Efton Chism III. New England is giving Maye as many weapons as possible to work with, hoping to see him continue to grow his second year in the league.
Kendre Miller, RB, Saints. The Saints released both Cam Akers and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Miller earned that top backup job, playing behind Alvin Kamara. Miller has some potential in a backup role but needs to stay healthy to reach that potential. Injuries have derailed the start to his career. It will be interesting to see what Miller can do if he can play a full season.
LOSERS
Deuce Vaughn, RB. Despite having all sorts of openings at running back, the Cowboys got rid of Vaughn. He just never panned out in Dallas. He got plenty of buzz a few years back, but wasn’t able to build on that. He might have a hard time catching on with another team.
Xavier Restrepo, WR. There was some early buzz on Restrepo this offseason. He was showing well in offseason workouts and even getting drafted in a lot of early fantasy leagues. But he wasn’t able to secure a roster spot with the Titans. He was Cam Ward’s college teammate and had a good rapport with him, but couldn’t capitalize on that.
Malachi Corley, WR. The Jets cut ties with the former third-round pick. Corley has some value as a return man but that wasn’t enough for him to keep a roster spot. He might catch on with some other team but don’t expect much. Corley is a long shot to help fantasy teams this season.
Diontae Johnson, WR. The Browns seemed like a great fit for Johnson, but it didn’t work out for him once again. At this point, you have to wonder if his career is about over. He has bounced around the league in recent seasons, unable to play a big role with any of those teams.
Audric Estime, RB. Denver released Estime, who was a fifth-round pick last year. He was battling a host of backs, though, for a roster spot. He just got lost in a numbers game. It wouldn’t surprise to see another team take a chance on him. Estime is still young and has some talent for the position.
Michael Gallup, WR. The Commanders had some openings at receiver, but Gallup was unable to take advantage. His comeback to the NFL is over before it even begins. Gallup is a long shot to catch on with another team at this stage of his career.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Cutdown Day Winners and Losers
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Preseason News and Notes: Week 3
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Fantasy Tourism
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Five Fantasy Football Busts
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Five Fantasy Football Sleepers
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: 2025 Fantasy Wide Receiver Preview
- Niners nix Jauan Jennings' trade request; Week 1 status in doubt
- Commanders 'absolutely' expect WR Terry McLaurin to be ready Week 1
- Thumbs up: Packers QB Jordan Love practices without restriction
- Colts GM on QB Anthony Richardson: 'We're not trading him'
- Patriots claim waived Giants QB Tommy DeVito
- Patriots releasing WR Kendrick Bourne at his request
- Chiefs' Travis Kelce kicks off fashion partnership with American Eagle
- Ravens' Kyle Hamilton inks extension, becomes NFL's top-paid safety
- Texans GM: 'No crystal ball' on RB Joe Mixon's return
- NFL pushing Rashee Rice six-game ban beginning Week 1
- Dolphins GM: RB De'Von Achane to play in season opener
- Bills to add familiar face, S Jordan Poyer, to practice squad
- Ex-NFL QB Jay Cutler gets jail time in DUI plea deal
- Vikings trade picks to reunite with Panthers WR Adam Thielen
- Lions trade WR Tim Patrick to Jaguars
- Patriots cut 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange
- Chargers elevate RB Najee Harris (eye) from non-football injury list
- Falcons place RT Kaleb McGary on season-ending IR
- Saints choose QB1: Spencer Rattler over Tyler Shough
- YouTube TV, Fox standoff impacts NFL home market broadcasts, not Sunday Ticket
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Bye Week Strategy
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Cut Day Impact on Fantasy Football: Biggest Risers and Fallers
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Draft Slot Strategies From Pick 10 (2025): Draft CMC, Early QB & TE or Heavy-WR
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Committee Backfields: Who to Draft, Who to Fade
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Running Back Handcuffs: From David Montgomery to Kyle Monangai
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Rankings: The Top 50 You Need For Your Upcoming Drafts
- Fantasy Life: Rashee Rice Fantasy Football Ranking and Outlook After Receiving Six-Game Suspension
- Fantasy Life: t-Cutdown Day Sleepers For Fantasy Football 2025 Drafts
- Fantasy Life: High-Stakes Fantasy Football Mock Draft on RTSports with Dwain McFarland and Ian Hartitz
- Fantasy Life: Old Guys Rule! Veterans Still Contributing To Fantasy Football
The Paur Report
Five Fantasy Football Busts
Dynasty | The Lions have traded wide receiver Tim Patrick to the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: Patrick was deemed expendable presumably based on not only the availability of Jameson Williams but the preseason emergence of rookie Isaac TeSlaa. Patrick has proven to be a relatively solid veteran and should compete with Parker Washington and Dyami Brown for targets behind Brian Thomas Jr and Travis Hunter. Still, it's hard to see a lot of dynasty relevance for Patrick moving forward.
Dynasty | The trade of Tim Patrick to the Jaguars moves rookie Isaac TeSlaa up the depth chart. Dynasty Analysis: TeSlaa was a puzzling pick of the Lions in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft this year but did nothing but impress this preseason. With only Khalif Raymond to compete with for WR3 duties behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, this move could create a situation for TeSlaa to have both short and long-term value. In short, TeSlaa has moved from an eyebrow raising selection to a rookie who is quickly experiencing a rise in their ADP.
Dynasty | The Panthers have traded wide receiver Adam Thielen to the Vikings. Dynasty Analysis: The Vikings get Thielen, a conditional seventh-round pick and a future fifth-round pick from the Panthers in exchange for a fifth-round pick and a future fourth-round pick. It's a low-cost deal for the Vikings, who he played for the first nine seasons of his career. His return will help soften the blow of losing Jordan Addison for the first three games of the season and give JJ McCarthy a veteran presence moving forward. Thielen will likely have more short than long-term value but he could have some dynasty value for a contender.
Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will be suspended the first six games of the 2025 season. Dynasty Analysis: Rice will miss the first six games of the season and hopefully turn the corner in terms of his personal conduct. He has the chance of providing WR1 value for the last 11 games of the year and beyond in his career but dynasty managers will need to adjust their short-term plans. If this is the end of his issues, Rice has the pathway for real success in fantasy and reality. The window to buy low is now closing.
Dynasty | The 49ers have signed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Dynasty Analysis: He'll face the team that cut him (Seattle) in a #revengegame in week one as a result. The 49ers are desperate for receiving help as their corps has been wiped out by injuries. MVS could provide some short-term value until they're back to full strength but the fact he was severely outplayed by Tory Horton doesn't bode well for his future. He doesn't seem a like a player worth chasing in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | The Patriots have released wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. Dynasty Analysis: Bourne has spent four years with San Francisco and four with New England, failing to really find much sustained success along the way. It seems the 49ers are hot on his trail to re-sign the veteran but it's tough to see him making too much of an impact outside of the first few games of the season. Bourne is likely best served on the waiver wires regardless of if he ends up back with San Francisco.
Dynasty | The Jets have claimed tight end Jelani Woods. Dynasty Analysis: Woods has shown real flashes of talent but injuries have just derailed his career as he hasn't played since 2022. The Jets have Mason Taylor and figure to give him the keys to the position but Woods should at least stay on watch lists at the moment.
Dynasty | The Saints have claimed for Bucs wide receiver Trey Palmer. Dynasty Analysis: Here's some classic NFC South team-on-team waiver wire crime as Palmer goes to a team within the division. There's some sleeper appeal here as Palmer could push DeVaughn Vele for snaps but he's best served simply as a player on dynasty watch lists at the moment.
Dynasty | The Panthers have signed quarterback Hendon Hooker to their practice sqaud. Dynasty Analysis: Hooker was cut by Detroit earlier in the week but finds a home (kind of) with Carolina. He'll be eligible to sign with any team but Carolina clearly sees something in the former Tennessee Volunteer. While Hooker shouldn't be on any dynasty roster (he's not even on a real NFL roster), dynasty managers would be wise to at least keep an eye on him, especially in 2QB leagues.
Dynasty | The Chiefs have signed Clyde Edwards-Helaire to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: The Chiefs just can't give up on their former first rounder. Still, CEH has really fallen off the map after failing to make the Saints roster this off-season. He's now behind Kareem Hunt, Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith at the very least. CEH should stay on waiver wires at the moment unless he's signed by a team to their active roster.
Dynasty | The Eagles have signed running back Audric Estime to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Estime failed to make the Broncos roster and will now attempt to resurrect his career with the Eagles. With Saquon Barkley, AJ Dillon, and Will Shipley ahead of him on the roster, it will take an injury or two for Estime to be elevated. While he could be picked up by another team, Estime still looks like a player who needs to be placed on dynasty waivers.
The Cleveland Browns have claimed running back Raheim Sanders off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers. The 23-year-old went undrafted out of South Carolina earlier this offseason. He was productive during the preseason, totaling 28 carries for 101 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Although he looked solid this summer, it wasn't enough for him to earn a roster spot over Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton, or Hassan Haskins. He has a much more reasonable path to playing time with the Browns, who remain in a contract stalemate with rookie running back Quinshon Judkins. Sanders immediately slots in third on the Browns' depth chart behind Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson. He should be avoided in most redraft leagues, but he might be worth stashing in the deepest dynasty leagues given that he could see some opportunities out of the backfield this year.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have claimed wide receiver Trey Palmer off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 24-year-old was only targeted in the Bucs' third and final preseason game, as he caught one pass for 13 yards. He was a sixth-round pick in 2023 but has caught just 51 passes for 557 yards and four touchdowns over the course of two NFL seasons. After missing out on a roster spot in Tampa Bay, he'll now get a fresh start with the Saints. He'll likely rank near the bottom of the depth chart, competing with the likes of Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Devaughn Vele.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins have signed free agent running back Jeff Wilson Jr. to their practice squad, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Wilson just wrapped up his second stint with the 49ers after they released him. Now, he's onto his second stint with the Dolphins. The 29-year-old appeared in just nine games last year with Miami, rushing for 57 yards on 16 carries. He also caught three passes for an additional 19 yards in the air. By joining the practice squad, Wilson will become buried on the Dolphins' depth chart. However, there's a chance he could be elevated to the gameday roster for Week 1 if either De'Von Achane (calf) or Jaylen Wright (leg) can't play.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens have signed quarterback Tyler Huntley to their practice squad, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He had been released by the Cleveland Browns earlier this week. Huntley has bounced around the NFL and is now headed for his third stint with the Ravens. He began his career with the team in 2020 and even made the Pro Bowl after going 2-2 with three total touchdowns and three interceptions in 2022. He also attempted 133 with the Miami Dolphins last year, posting a 2-3 record. The veteran added competition to the Browns' quarterback room this offseason but ultimately didn't make the team. Now, he's back in Baltimore, where he'll provide depth and a familiar face behind Lamar Jackson and Cooper Rush.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel made the team's initial 53-man roster. The 29-year-old is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, as he caught just 31 passes for 253 yards and one touchdown through 14 games. Although last season wasn't up to his typical standards, his moderate production and veteran status (plus a solid training camp this summer) earned him a roster spot heading into the 2025 campaign. Samuel will likely operate as the Bills' No. 4 receiver behind Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Josh Palmer. As a result, he currently lacks fantasy appeal.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani has made the team's roster and will open the season as the third option on the depth chart, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Holani turned heads this preseason by rushing for 110 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts. He's also a candidate to return kicks during the regular season. Holani beat out Damien Martinez, a seventh-round rookie from the University of Miami. Kenneth Walker III's injury history could give Holani more fantasy intrigue, but he's still not worth rostering in most redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers plan to sign quarterback Hendon Hooker to their practice squad, according to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. Hooker was cut loose by the Detroit Lions earlier this week after head coach Dan Campbell publicly admitted the quarterback might need a change of scenery. The former third-round pick has only attempted nine passes through two seasons in the NFL, completing six for 62 yards. His role on the Panthers' practice squad positions him third on the depth chart behind Bryce Young and Andy Dalton.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing (hamstring) was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Wednesday, guaranteeing that he will miss at least the first four games of the season. Cowing was battling a hamstring injury for most of training camp and suffered a major setback while trying to return for the team's final preseason game. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided a six-week return timeline for Cowing, making his IR placement an easy decision. The 24-year-old would have had a chance to make an early-season impact had he been able to stay healthy, as the 49ers' wide receiver room has been besieged by injuries behind WR1 Ricky Pearsall. With the delayed start, Cowing should be off the radar of fantasy managers for the time being. However, he could be an under-the-radar midseason pickup, depending on the status of currently sidelined 49ers wideouts Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf).
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers waived running back Kimani Vidal on Tuesday, but Vidal is expected to return to the team via its practice squad, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. With Najee Harris (eye) able to avoid a trip to the NFI list, Vidal lost the battle with Hassan Haskins for the third and final running back slot on the Chargers' active roster. Los Angeles drafted Vidal in the sixth round in 2024, and he recorded 217 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 48 total touches as a rookie. The soon-to-be 24-year-old could get a second chance to make an impact with the team if a backfield injury leads to his activation from the practice squad, but he should remain off the radar of fantasy managers for the time being.
From RotoBaller
