NFL News

The Saints’ linebacking corps continues to fluctuate, with the team now deciding to cut veteran linebacker Parys Haralson, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).

Haralson was a part-time starter in New Orleans the past two seasons, starting 20 games but appearing in all 32 since joining the team in 2013.

Prior to that, the 31-year-old linebacker was a fixture on the 49ers, starting from 2007-11 after being a fifth-round pick of the team’s in 2006.

Already out Curtis Lofton in free agency, the Saints earlier this summer cut Junior Galette and Anthony Spencer, the latter moving to injured reserve, so a lesser-known linebacking corps will man the second level for the team this season.

Haralson should attract interest, earning positive marks from Pro Football Focus the past two years for his work at outside backer.

The Bills have made five more roster moves to get their roster under 53 players in advance of this afternoon’s deadline. According to a press release, quarterback Matt Cassel and defensive tackle Red Bryant are among the players who have been cut by the team. Buffalo also confirmed the release of safety Jonathan Meeks and announced that it has waived center Dalton Freeman and linebacker Kevin Reddick.

Cassel, 33, was acquired by the Bills back in March in a trade with the Vikings. His release comes as a bit of a surprise, since the club already cut Matt Simms, and the latest move leaves Buffalo with just Tyrod Taylor and E.J. Manuel at quarterback. Still, Cassel had been set to earn a base salary of $4.15MM, so cutting him will create some cap flexibility, and the Bills could put that room toward an extension for Marcell Dareus.

Speaking of Dareus, he’ll start the season on the reserve/suspended list, which should leave the Bills with two openings on their 53-man roster. That makes the club a strong candidate to add a player or two on waivers tomorrow.

As the roster cutdown deadline looms, the Browns are fielding offers for Terrance West, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. According to Rapoport, the Texans are one of the suitors for last year’s third-round selection.

The Cowboys also appear to have engaged in discussions for West, but the Browns’ asking price proved too much at this time, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).

The former third-round pick lost playing time to Isaiah Crowell last season, and coach Mike Pettine indicated Crowell could be given the opportunity to start before West this year.

2015 third-rounder Duke Johnson could also usurp West on the depth chart but is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com noted that West is not necessarily guaranteed a roster spot (on Twitter).

As expected, the Jets will place running back Stevan Ridley on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to start the season, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The move ensures that the club doesn’t have to use an active roster spot on Ridley, who will be sidelined for at least the first six weeks of the season.

Ridley’s 2014 season with the Patriots was cut short, as an ACL and MCL injury suffered in Week 6 ended the running back’s year. In six games, Ridley compiled 340 yards and two touchdowns on 94 attempts, and his upside earned him a one-year contract with the Jets. However, he’s still recovering from that severe knee injury.

Ridley is the latest notable player to be removed from the Jets’ active roster today. The team has also cut defenders Jason Babin and Joe Mays, and quarterbacks Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson.

The Broncos have parted ways with cornerback Tony Carter (via ESPN’s Josina Anderson) and tight ends Marcel Jensen and Dominique Jones (via Mike Klis of 9News in Denver). The moves will save the team about $2.6MM.

Carter had been with Denver since 2011, making 38 appearance in four seasons. He played eight games in 2014, finishing with five tackles and one pass defended.

Cutting Jensen and Jones leaves the Broncos with only a pair of tight ends in Owen Daniels and Virgil Green. Klis believes the team will be looking to add a third tight end, a third offensive tackle, and a sixth defensive lineman following cuts.