Back in the day, the NFL cuts to 53 would produce a nice roster of guys released.
Not anymore.
My 2016 All-Cut Team, which includes players released last week when they had to reach the 75-man limit, wouldn't stand a chance against anybody. The quarterback position isn't good enough, but the rest of the team couldn't help overcome that deficiency either.
That's because teams now trim a lot of fat before they even get to camp and rarely do you see good players let go.
The Green Bay Packers made an exception to that rule by letting Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton go. He is a 30-year-old veteran who is in the final year of a deal that will pay him $5.9 million in 2016. Sitton can still play, even if the Packers are moving on.
The rest of my All-Cut Team is made up of players who have issues. Some have battled injuries, some weight troubles and others just haven't lived up to their expectations.
Some of these players will get picked up, but it's doubtful many -- if any -- will have major impact in 2016 for any team.
The big problem with the All-Cut Team is the quarterback spot. We have teams unsettled at the most important position. What's to think a quality starter would be on this list?
My quarterback is Mark Sanchez, who was released by the Broncos Saturday and then signed by the Cowboys. It was the third team that gave up on Sanchez in his career, which is telling. He also beat out by a player who has never thrown a pass in his career.
So here's the 2016 All-Cut Team. It's a starting unit that would be 40-point dogs to the best teams of the NFL -- which should tell you a lot about this unit.
Offense
Quarterback
Mark Sanchez, Broncos -- Sanchez was let go by the Broncos but quickly snatched up by the Cowboys to be a veteran backup. This could be his last shot after failing to make Denver's 53-man roster.
Running backs
Dexter McCluster, Titans -- He is capable third-down back who could help a lot of teams. He could be a nice change-of-pace back for a team.
Justin Forsett, Ravens -- He was the starter and a productive player before breaking his arm last November. Even so, his release was a bit of surprise. He is in his ninth season, so that's getting up in the years for a back.
Wide receivers
Justin Hunter, Titans -- The 6-4 receiver looked the part, but it never materialized for him with the Titans in three seasons. His best season was 28 catches two seasons ago. He does have big-play ability -- he averaged 19.7 and 17.8 yards per catch in his first two seasons. Somebody will give him a look.
Cecil Shorts, Texans -- He caught 42 passes with two touchdowns for the Texans last season, but with rookies Braxton Miller and Will Fuller emerging this summer, he was expendable. He can still run and could help a speed-needy team.
Aaron Dobson, Patriots -- Injuries have limited him in his three seasons with the Patriots. But he has the talent to help a team if he can stay on the field.
Tight end
Jace Amaro, Jets -- He had 38 catches in 2014, but missed all of last season with a torn labrum in his shoulder. He does have pass-catching ability and might be worth a look.
Tackles
Sam Young, Dolphins -- He's bounced around with a few teams, but he's more than capable of being a backup. He isn't starter material, but there is some value in a veteran who has playing experience.
Michael Ola, Lions -- He started seven games for the Lions last year, and appeared to be a candidate to be their top reserve. But he suffered a leg injury and hasn't played in a few weeks. In a league where backup tackles aren't very good, he should get a look.
Guards
Josh Sitton, Packers -- At 30, he is still a good player. The Packers clearly want to get younger and he's in the final year of his contract. He won't be on the street for long.
Jeremiah Poutasi, Titans -- He started some at tackle for the Titans, but he looks like he could also play guard. They tried him there, but opted to let him go. I think he catches on somewhere
Center
John Sullivan, Vikings -- Sullivan was a good center at times in his eight-year career with the Vikings. But he missed last season with a back injury and lost his job to Joe Berger. If healthy, Sullivan can help a team.
Defense
Defensive ends
Ryan Davis, Jaguars -- He had 10 sacks the past two seasons, but was moved to linebacker this year and didn't stick with the Jaguars. He can also rush from an inside spot for a 4-3 team.
Corey Lemonier, 49ers -- This 2013 third-round pick has some pass-rush ability. He might be better suited to putting his hand on the ground for a 4-3 team. The 49ers tried to play him standing up. He had one sack in three seasons, which is why he was cut.
Defensive tackles
Terrance Knighton, Patriots -- He was an early surprise cut by the Patriots after they gave him a $625,000 bonus. When he's in shape, he's a good run player. He looked to be in solid shape this summer, so the move was a little surprising. Some team that is looking to get bigger -- Tampa Bay? -- might be wise to give him a look.
Gabe Wright, Lions -- This 2015 fourth-round pick played in seven games as a rookie, but got caught up in a numbers game this summer. He isn't big, but he is quick and might find a home.
Outside linebacker
Manny Lawson, Bills -- He has some off-field issues pending, but for a team looking for a veteran pass rusher he would be worth a look. He isn't a kid anymore, so how much does he have left? Could be facing a suspension for an off-the-field incident.
Inside linebacker
Arthur Brown, Ravens -- This fourth-year 2013 second-round pick hasn't lived up to expectations and the Ravens finally decided to give up on him. But he was a good run player in college.
Cornerbacks
Nick Marshall, Jaguars -- He has a ton of raw talent, but he's a work in progress. If a team can be patient, he might end up being a nice backup corner.
Dee Milliner, Jets -- Yes, he's been a big disappointment for the Jets after being a first-round pick. But he was taken that high for a reason. Maybe a change of scenery will be good for him.
Doran Grant, Steelers -- A fourth-round pick in 2015, the Steelers decided to cut him a second time. He played three games last season after being cut in the summer of 2015 and then re-signed. I think he might need to go to safety.
Safeties
Jimmy Wilson, Bengals -- He started seven games last season for the Chargers, but got beat out by seventh-round pick Clayton Fejedelem.
Josh Evans, Jaguars -- He's only 25 and he's already started 27 games in his career. There is value in that. He isn't a great cover player, though.
