NFL training camp isn’t just about preparing for the season, it’s also when tough roster decisions get made. Many veteran players with name value and past production are now fighting to keep their jobs as younger, cheaper talent pushes for a spot. For fantasy managers and dynasty players, knowing which vets are on the bubble can give you an edge. Let’s break down who’s at risk and what it could mean for your roster.

Why Veterans Get Cut::

Before diving in, recognize the common threads that put veterans at risk:

1. The Cap Number:  Is their salary disproportionate to their projected role?
2. Youth Movement: Has the team invested significant draft capital or seen promising development in a younger player at the same position?
3. Diminishing Role: Did their playing time or production noticeably decline last season?
4. Lack of Special Teams Value: Can they contribute beyond their primary position?
5. Scheme Shift: Does a new coaching staff favor a different skillset?

Veterans on Thin Ice:

1. RB Devin Singletary, New York Giants

   • Why He’s on the Bubble: Signed to replace Saquon Barkley, Singletary ($6.25M 2025 cap hit, 2.16% of Giants’ cap) saw his lead role evaporate as rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. exploded for 839 yards and 5 TDs. The Giants doubled down by drafting versatile back Cam Skattebo (4th round, 2025). Singletary offers minimal special teams value, a critical factor for depth RBs.
   • Performance Trend: Clear downward trajectory in touches and impact as the 2024 season progressed. Opened as the starter, finished as an afterthought.
   • Cap Implication: Cutting Singletary pre-June 1 would incur a $6.0 million dead cap hit against $250,000 in savings in 2025 – a less financially clear-cut move than it might seem for a backup.
   • Contingency Stash: Tyrone Tracy Jr. becomes the undisputed lead back with RB1 upside. Cam Skattebo is the direct beneficiary for backup touches and could carve out a valuable versatile role early. Don’t sleep on Eric Gray for deep PPR leagues due to his special teams value securing a roster spot and potential passing-down work.

2. RB Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots

   • Why He’s on the Bubble: Signed in 2024 to be a pass-catching complement, Gibson underwhelmed (23 rec) behind workhorse Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots then used a premium 2nd-round pick on dynamic Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson, a perfect fit for new OC Josh McDaniels’ scheme. UDFA Lan Larison (1,465 rushing yards, 17 TDs in FCS) is also flashing versatility and special teams potential the staff loves.
   • Performance Trend: Solid runner (4.5 YPC) but failed miserably in his primary expected role as a receiving threat. His career-low 23 catches were a major disappointment.
   • Cap Implication: His modest 2024 free-agent deal ($11.25M/3 yrs) likely has manageable dead money. Saving his salary for a player potentially buried as RB3 or even RB4 is attractive.
   • Contingency Stash: TreVeyon Henderson is the future and could quickly challenge Stevenson for touches, especially on passing downs. Lan Larison is the sneaky deep stash – if he beats out Gibson (very possible), he becomes the primary backup with McDaniels-friendly versatility. Stevenson remains the early-down hammer, but his workload ceiling lowers with Henderson’s arrival.

3. WR Sterling Shepard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

   • Why He’s on the Bubble: The ultimate respected veteran fighting against time and talent. At 32, Shepard provided valuable depth in 2024 due to injuries but is now buried behind locks Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, 1st-round rookie Emeka Egbuka, and ascending 2024 late-season standout Jalen McMillan (7 TDs in final 5 games). Younger options like Trey Palmer, Tez Johnson (7th-rounder), and Rakim Jarrett offer more special teams value.
   • Performance Trend: Steady when called upon (32 rec, 334 yds, 1 TD in 14 games) but lacks the explosiveness of his prime. Injury history is a constant concern.
   • Cap Implication: Cutting Shepard saves the Bucs $1.25 million, crucial change for filling out the back end of the roster with cheaper, younger contributors..
   • Contingency Stash: Jalen McMillan is the big winner if Shepard is cut, solidifying his role as the likely WR4 with significant upside in Tampa’s offense. Rookie Tez Johnson becomes a more intriguing deep dynasty stash if he makes the roster. Trey Palmer‘s special teams value likely secures his spot regardless.

4. WR K.J. Osborn, Washington Commanders

   • Why He’s on the Bubble: Osborn landed in Washington late in 2024 and was re-signed to a cheap ($1.195M) deal… one day before the Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel. He’s now buried on a suddenly deep depth chart: Terry McLaurin, Samuel, Noah Brown ($3.01M), Luke McCaffrey, and exciting rookie Jaylin Lane (4th round). Analysts project him fighting for maybe the 6th WR spot.
   • Performance Trend: Sharp decline after leaving Minnesota. Minimal impact in New England (7 games) and Washington (1 game) in 2024. His previous reliable WR3 production seems distant.
   • Cap Implication: Cutting Osborn saves Washington $740,000. While not huge, every dollar counts, and his spot could go to a cheaper developmental player.
   • Contingency Stash: Rookie Jaylin Lane benefits most directly. His draft capital, speed, route-running, and punt return ability make him a valuable asset who could climb the depth chart quickly. Luke McCaffrey‘s slot role becomes even more secure. Keep an eye on Michael Gallup as a potential reclamation project if he stays healthy, though he’s no lock either.

5. TE Harrison Bryant, Philadelphia Eagles

   • Why He’s on the Bubble: Signed as potential Dallas Goedert insurance, Bryant’s path vanished when Goedert took a pay cut to stay. Bryant is now firmly behind Goedert and Grant Calcaterra, battling Kylen Granson (and others) for a potential TE3 spot. The Eagles historically keep only 2-3 TEs.
   • Performance Trend: Plateaued after a promising rookie year. A pure depth piece with minimal production (9 rec, 86 yds in 2024 with Raiders).
   • Cap Implication: Bryant’s 1-year, $1.2M deal includes $780,000 in guaranteed money. Cutting him pre-June 1 would result in a $780,000 dead cap hit against $420,000 in savings, making it less of a ‘no-brainer’ financially than if he had no guarantees.
   • Contingency Stash: If the Eagles keep a TE3, Kylen Granson (with potential receiver flexibility) is the favorite over Bryant. Grant Calcaterra‘s role as the primary backup TE behind Goedert is solidified. Monitor UDFAs like E.J. Jenkins if they flash, but the TE depth chart simplifies significantly if Bryant is gone.

What to Watch For:

Don’t wait for the official cut list. Use this framework to scout your own team’s bubbles:

1. Follow the Money: Spot veterans with cap savings significantly higher than dead money.
2. Track Draft Capital: High picks invested in a position group signal a changing of the guard.
3. Monitor Camp Buzz: Beat reporters highlighting standout rookies or struggling veterans are invaluable.
4. Assess ST Value: Can the veteran gunner or return? If not, their margin for error shrinks drastically.
5. Project the Final Number: How many players will the team keep at that position? Who sits 5th at WR or 3rd at TE?

The release of these veterans isn’t just about cap space; it’s a declaration of confidence in younger, cheaper talent. By identifying the players on the bubble now, you gain weeks of leverage in fantasy drafts and dynasty waiver claims. Stash the Tracy Jrs., the Lanes, and the Larisons before the headlines break..

FAQ

Q1: When do most veteran cuts happen?
Final preseason week and the 53-man roster deadline; some veterans get released earlier to “do right by them.”

Q2: What’s the fastest tell a veteran is in trouble?
Cap savings > dead money and a rookie/cheap vet taking first-team reps plus ST snaps.

Q3: How should I handle these vets in dynasty?
Shop them now on any positive camp note; hedge with the listed contingency stashes.

Q4: FAAB or patience?
Pre-emptively add deeply rostered contingency names; save 25–35% FAAB for the cut-week chaos.

Q5: What if my stash gets cut instead?
If they have ST value or a profile the league likes, hold through the first 48–72 hours of waivers — landing spots materialize fast.