3 Pro Bowlers Who Could Be Cut During the NFL Preseason

The 2021 NFL season is quickly approaching, but that doesn't mean team's rosters are fully set. Preseason games over the next few weeks will help determine a number of positional battles and potential roster cuts on nearly every team in the league. And star players aren't exactly immune to the latter either.

With that in mind, let's take a look at three Pro-Bowlers that could be cut before the start of the season.

1. Melvin Gordon, RB, Denver Broncos

Melvin Gordon got a big payday to come to Denver and be the starting running back following the 2019 season, but with the drafting of North Carolina running back Javonte Williams, Denver may have already found his replacement. Heading into the final year of his contract, the Broncos could save just under $2.5 million by cutting Gordon. And it would also be a huge vote of confidence in the rookie Williams, who the Broncos traded up to select No. 35 overall and who averaged an insane 7.3 yards per carry last season in college.

2. Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

After spending his entire 8-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, it seems like Zach Ertz's time in the city of Brotherly Love will come to an end sooner rather than later. There have been heavy and consistent rumors around the Eagles trying to trade Ertz all offseason. However, as we get closer to the kickoff to the regular season, a trade becomes less and less likely. If a trade partner cannot be found, cutting Ertz is an option for the Eagles, in a move that would save them about $5 million. This offense is clearly trying to get young, especially at the skill positions, and Ertz' best years are definitely behind him.

3. Jaylon Smith, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys

Jaylon Smith was a Pro-Bowler in 2019, but then endured an underwhelming 2020 campaign, receiving a weak overall grade of 54.2 from Pro Football Focus. The Cowboys are finally healthy on defense right now and with the addition of Micah Parsons, Smith could be the odd man out in the position group. Cutting Smith would save the Cowboys roughly $7.2 million in 2021.

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David Kaestle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, David also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username davekaestle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.