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15 Most Surprising NFL Roster Cuts of 2014

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By @DraftScout_NFL

2014 NFL Roster Cuts: 15 Most Surprising Cuts

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With every NFL team’s final roster now set, there were some notable players released in recent days. From young players trying to make their mark on the league, to veteran players that were battling for a roster spot, there were several roster cuts that can only be classified as surprising. Without further ado, here are the 15 most shocking roster cuts of 2014.

15. Connor Barth

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15. Connor Barth

Connor Barth
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After missing the entire 2013 season because of injury, Connor Barth returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose his job once again. This time, however, it’s permanent. Beaten out by Patrick Murray in Tampa Bay, Barth can only hope another team needs a kicker soon.

14. Daniel Thomas

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14. Daniel Thomas

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Although Daniel Thomas never lived up to expectations with the Miami Dolphins, it was still surprising to see the team part ways with him. With Knowshon Moreno seemingly always dealing with an injury, and the uneven play of Lamar Miller, releasing Thomas could come back to bite the Dolphins.

13. Phillip Thomas

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13. Phillip Thomas

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A fourth round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, Phillip Thomas lasted just one season with the Washington Redskins before being released. A young player with starting upside, Thomas should have no problem finding a new home.

12. Ryan Succop

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12. Ryan Succop

Ryan Succop
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After five very consistent seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Ryan Succop now finds himself without a team. The second kicker on this list, Succop will probably receive interest from any team in need of a kicker considering his impressive resume.

11. Vincent Brown

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11. Vincent Brown

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After watching Vincent Brown battle with injuries in his first three NFL seasons, the San Diego Chargers released the young wideout. Brown is too slow to be a full-time starter, but his ability to catch the ball should help him latch on with another team.

10. Josh Boyce

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10. Josh Boyce

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A fourth round pick a year ago, Josh Boyce failed to crack the New England Patriots final roster in his second season. That said, with tremendous speed and good potential, Boyce should latch on elsewhere.

9. Michael Sam

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9. Michael Sam

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Before the preseason, Michael Sam was expected to be released by the St. Louis Rams. However, after a very good month, Sam made it considerably more difficult for the team to cut him right away. In the end, however, the Rams waived Sam, and unless he makes it to the practice squad, he will be picked up by another team.

8. Kenjon Barner

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8. Kenjon Barner

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Considering the Philadelphia Eagles just acquired Kenjon Barner, it’s surprising to see the team release him so soon. Sure, there is a lot of depth at the running back position for the Eagles, but Barner was a natural fit in the offense and had the ability to be a situational playmaker.

7. Lache Seastrunk

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7. Lache Seastrunk

Lache Seastrunk
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This one was pretty surprising. Thought to be an absolute steal in the late rounds of the 2014 NFL draft, Lache Seastrunk was expected to be a very good running back for Washington with some development. He’s not a playmaker, but Seastrunk is more than good enough to be on an NFL roster.

6. Robert Meachem

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6. Robert Meachem

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After playing as a starter throughout the preseason and training camp, it was thought that Robert Meachem was a lock to make the New Orleans Saints final roster. However, the team surprised many when they decided to release the receiver on Saturday. Meachem isn’t the player he once was, but he still provides some value.

5. Robert Lester

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5. Robert Lester

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Starting four games as an undrafted rookie was impressive for Robert Lester in 2013, but apparently it wasn’t enough for him to keep a roster spot. Lester performed well as a starter, and while he’s not a game-changer, he could be a backup elsewhere.

4. Terrelle Pryor

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4. Terrelle Pryor

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The Seattle Seahawks gave up a seventh round selection to the Oakland Raiders for Terrelle Pryor earlier this offseason, but that’s a move that failed to pay any dividends as Pryor was released by the team. With amazing athletic ability, Pryor will garner some interest, but time is running out for him to make it as an NFL quarterback.

3. Nate Burleson

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3. Nate Burleson

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What’s most surprising about the Cleveland Browns choosing not to keep Nate Burleson around is the fact that the team has very little talent at the wide receiver position. Injuries aside, Burleson was a proven player that could have helped the Browns offense.

2. Kevin Vickerson

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2. Kevin Vickerson

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Despite starting 25 games over the past two seasons for the Denver Broncos, Kevin Vickerson now finds himself without a team. Vickerson is a great run-stuffer, and although he’s aging, he will latch on somewhere.

1. Champ Bailey

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1. Champ Bailey

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Signed to a two-year deal earlier this offseason, Champ Bailey was expected to be a starter for the New Orleans Saints this season. Unfortunately, injuries and age lead to his release. A future Hall of Famer, Bailey’s career is likely over with this release.

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