Teams trim down to 53, and there were a half-dozen moves that caught my eye …
Chris Brooks, Dolphins
Miami released Brooks, instead keeping Jeff Wilson, who’ll be 29 in November. That one surprised me. I was impressed by Brooks’ size and tackle-breaking ability in the preseason. I thought he was running hard, looking like the kind of guy defenses don’t like to take. I was wondering if he might develop into another Gus Edwards or Tyler Allgeier. He’s got lesser speed but had a 59-yard run against Washington and a 52-yard run in the regular season last year. He’ll be signing somewhere before the end of the week. Baltimore could use a backup behind Derrick Henry. Could be a Greg Roman kind of guy for the Chargers.
Chris Rodriguez, Commanders
He averaged 7.2 yards per carry in the preseason as a rookie, looking pretty similar to Washington’s other big, young back (Brian Robinson). If he can’t land a roster spot somewhere, he’ll be on a practice squad. I was surprised Washington instead opted to keep journeyman Jeremy McNichols. Rodriguez didn’t help himself in the preseason, with his 8 carries going for 4 yards.
Samaje Perine, Broncos
At 29, Perine’s best days as a runner are behind him. But he’s a trusty third-down option. He understands protections, and his size makes him more formidable as a blocker. An effective pass catcher as well, averaging 9.1 yards per catch last year (3rd-best among running backs). When the Bengals played three playoff games two years ago, Perine was on the field for more plays than Joe Mixon in two of them. With Joe Burrow’s health being so important, Cincinnati could be interested in a reunion.
D’Onta Foreman, Browns
He’s had some success with three different teams in the last three years – Titans, Panthers, Bears. I believe the Browns will re-sign him. (I think they’re playing games here, slipping him onto waivers knowing that they’ll be able to get him back).
Kadarius Toney, Kansas City
Both the Giants and Kansas City quit on him in less than two years, but he’s talented enough that others will want to take a look. Miami doesn’t have much behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Atlanta could use a third receiver. Those seem like possible fits.
Kene Nwangwu, Vikings
I am confident some team will be interested in Nwangwu as a kickoff returner, given the revised rules for that play. He scored 3 touchdowns on kickoff returns in his first two seasons. He struggled with injuries last year but it looks like he’s healthy now. (He had a 48-yard touchdown run in the preseason).
—Ian Allan
