It's cutdown day in the NFL; rosters have to be at 53 by 4 p.m. Eastern. Some teams, bless their hearts, have already made at least some of their cuts, giving us something to talk about. The biggest one was just announced: the Bills have released LeSean McCoy.
Many of us expected this, despite the Bills verbal commitment to McCoy as both their starter and feature back all offseason. A cold reminder that teams lie, players don't always know what they're talking about (McCoy said all offseason he expected his role to be unchanged). The guy who shoots up the rankings is rookie Devin Singletary, and this is also an indication that Frank Gore will again get significant work. I expect a Gore-Singletary committee (we'll see if T.J. Yeldon also gets cut; if not, he'll have a passing downs role, probably).
The Jets cut Elijah McGuire. This is not a surprise, but McGuire has some ability, including as a receiver. I think he'll find a job somewhere today, maybe coming into some PPR value at some point, if it's with the right team.
The Patriots have cut Braxton Berrios. Berrios has looked for two years like New England had him in mind to replace Julian Edelman down the road, which is obviously a productive spot in the team's offense. Clearly, they're not married to him in that spot. Maybe he resurfaces on their practice squad. This could also be taken as a sign that there's no need to worry about Edelman, who appeared to land on his injured thumb while getting reps in the last exhibition game. (But it also doesn't speak well of Berrios' future.)
Saints cut Jacquizz Rodgers. His bid to play for a third NFC South team ends. He will not be the handcuff (passing-down complement) to Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray. That will probably be undrafted Devine Ozigbo, who maybe carries some small amount of dynasty league appeal.
Seattle waives Paxton Lynch. This in itself is not a big deal. But as another stake in the heart of Lynch's NFL career, it's a reminder that John Elway hasn't had any success drafting quarterback. So don't get too attached to Drew Lock in dynasty leagues.
Cardinals cut Chad Williams. Also not a surprise. At some point in dynasty I had Williams, McGuire and Berrios on the same team. And no doubt cut somebody who turned out better than they have. Alas.
Your Carson Wentz backup is Josh McCown. The Eagles waived Cody Kessler.
Random thoughts on holdouts for those drafting tonight: I would draft Ezekiel Elliott in the last first or early second round. I don't believe he'll miss more than 2 games, and probably only one. If I drafted him, I'd be hoping to select Tony Pollard in the 7th.
Melvin Gordon, if I had an early pick, I would take him in the late 4th (if I had a late pick, I'd consider him in the early 4th, but would probably hope he made it to the late 5th). I think the Chargers will him some kind of small raise and he'll come back within the first game or two. I don't consider him as much of a difference-maker as Elliott, and think the Chargers are less likely to budge, so his holdout might go longer; that's why he's a later dice roll than Elliott.
As more interesting cuts roll in, I'll weigh in with thoughts by either updating this post or adding a comment.
--Andy Richardson