One surprise cut candidate from each NFL team in 2022

Tennessee Titans: Geoff Swaim, TE

The Tennessee Titans made a couple of moves already to free up cap space, which eliminates any shocking names making the list. They released offensive lineman Rodger Saffold, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, and wide receiver Julio Jones.

Jenkins and Jones were each brought in last season and expected to help them make a run. Tennessee did earn the No. 1 seed but they were out of the playoffs in the blink of an eye and in the offseason, they started to make some moves to save money.

That means any cut made now would likely be due to the way the roster shakes out. With that being said, the Titans could end up moving on from tight end Geoff Swaim who was their starter in 2021.

Swaim wasn’t bad in 2021, hauling in 31 receptions and three touchdowns — but he did have just 210 yards which was good for an average of just 6.8 yards per catch.

In the offseason, Tennessee added Austin Hooper, who was a disappointment for the Cleveland Browns but he’s easily an upgrade over Swaim — and that could lead to their previous starter being let go.

Washington Commanders: Taylor Heinicke, QB

This one would have been easier a couple of months ago. The Washington Commanders had several players who were cut candidates including defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis, safety Landon Collins, and guard Ereck Flowers.

However, all three were released as they went with more affordable youth at each position. They also saved a lot of money, which they needed to do after taking on nearly $30 million for quarterback Carson Wentz.

Now, their roster seems to lack many “surprise” cut candidates — but there is one player who could be let go that could save them more than $3 million. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke was the starter for most of the 2021 season and his experience could serve him well as the No. 2 behind Wentz — who struggles with health.

Having said that, the Commanders did add Sam Howell in the draft — giving them a talented backup who makes a lot less than Heinicke. He also has experience with Dyami Brown, an up-and-coming receiver for Washington.

Again, they made a lot of moves to get into decent cap space so it’s not as if they have to dump this salary but if Howell performs well in the preseason, it could be enough to convince the coaches to go with the youngster.