To most, training camp signals the “start” of the NFL season. Players are at the facilities, practices and joint practices are happening and the NFL preseason begins shortly after that.
For some players, this is an opportunity to further their dream of playing in the NFL, but to others, it could be the end of the line with the team they entered training camp with.
Below are four surprising players on the NFL roster bubble as the preseason progresses.
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Fantasy Football Players on NFL Roster Bubbles
Robert Woods (WR – HOU)
With Tank Dell coming back and Stefon Diggs coming into the fold, veteran wide receiver Robert Woods finds himself as a potential roster bubble player. Behind Dell, Diggs and Nico Collins are Woods, Noah Brown and John Metchie III. In cutting Woods, the Texans would have about $5 million in cap savings and $4.75 million in dead money.
Last season with the Texans, Woods saw 75 targets, caught 40 passes and went for 426 yards and a touchdown. There’s something to be said about having a player like Woods to be a veteran presence in the locker room, but now they have Diggs, who can also fulfill that role and lead by example.
There are just not many opportunities for Woods on this roster in 2024 and his average draft position (ADP) of WR138 in fantasy leagues further illustrates that.
Allen Lazard (WR – NYJ)
It would be surprising to see the Jets cut Lazard for numerous reasons. Of course, he played with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. He would be a trusted option for him, but also because they paid him $44 million over four years before the 2023 season.
However, the Jets added Mike Williams and drafted Malachi Corley. Lazard may make the team, but it will be a close call. Fortunately for his spot on the roster, there are no cap savings in cutting him. Williams is often injured, so having a player that doesn’t save you any money and has a rapport with the starting quarterback would be valuable. He’s going as the WR112 in fantasy leagues and would need a few injuries to the receiving corps to have any value.
I think his roster spot is safe, but it’s shaky.
Kadarius Toney (WR – KC)
It wasn’t too long ago that Kadarius Toney scored go-ahead touchdowns in the Super Bowl, but here we are with him on the bubble.
There have been a few noteworthy reports.
According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, he’s been getting reps with the first-team offense. There have also been other reports of him taking snaps at running back during training camp. This could be helpful as the Chiefs have limited assets in the backfield behind Isiah Pacheco.
That said, Toney picked up a lower-leg injury during practice on Wednesday, August 7, adding to his list of injuries.
Going as the WR85, Toney could be intriguing coming out of the backfield, but his health could be a deciding factor in parting ways, especially with players like Nikko Remigio showing great signs of progress.
Treylon Burks (WR – TEN)
With the new kickoff rules, Treylon Burks will likely maintain a roster spot with the Titans, but his usage as a wide receiver should certainly come into question.
According to Easton Freeze of Broadway Sports Media, Titans head coach Brian Callahan mentioned he could have a role on special teams.
“If he’s one of those guys on game day, we’re going to have to find a place for him,” he said. However, he didn’t mention Burks as a returner but as a gunner.
The Titans have DeAndre Hopkins but also brought in Tyler Boyd and Calvin Ridley, leaving little opportunity for Burks to crack the starting lineup as a receiver. In 2023, he played in 11 games and caught just 16 passes for 221 yards.
Callahan also used the word “if,” which is certainly far from committing to having him on the roster.
What’s surprising about this is that if he is cut, it will be just three years after he was a first-round pick meant to replace A.J. Brown.
He’s going as the WR128 in fantasy drafts, after players like River Cracraft. He has exactly zero value in fantasy football.
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