Recently released NFL players who should be on contending teams' radars

Cutdown day for the 2024 NFL season has officially passed, with all 32 teams reducing their respective rosters to 53 players as of 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Although those who were released failed to make an impact for the teams that cut them, there are several players hitting the market who could provide value for a playoff hopeful. With that in mind, here are seven recently released players who teams with the potential to contend for the postseason should have on their radar, accompanied by some potential fits.

Running back Kene Nwangwu

One of the more surprising cuts from Tuesday's wave of transactions, Nwangwu isn't the answer for teams needing running back depth, given that he has only rushed for 88 yards on 27 career carries. However, with the implementation of the NFL's new kickoff rules, he could be a difference-maker for his next team. Since being drafted in 2021, the former fourth-round pick ranks second in the NFL in kick return yards ( 1,879 ) and first in kick return touchdowns (three).

Potential team fits : Lions and Eagles

Linebacker Deion Jones

Jones is far removed from being the Pro Bowl-caliber player he was during his time with the Atlanta Falcons, as injuries have limited him to being a rotational piece on defense. It's even more concerning that the Bills, who recently placed star linebacker Matt Milano on injured reserve, didn't think Jones was adequate depth and cut ties with him on Monday.

Still, if used correctly, the 2016 second-rounder can be a quality backup. While he isn't one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL like he once was, Jones is still a competent pass defender. In addition to intercepting one pass last season, the 13th of his eight-year career, Jones earned the 14th-highest coverage grade among linebackers by Pro Football Focus (76.7).

Potential team fits : Rams and Packers

Wide receiver Noah Brown

Following the offseason addition of four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs, coupled with John Metchie III's strong preseason output, Houston had little reason to keep Brown around. Even so, Brown, who averaged a career-high 56.7 receiving yards per game in 2023, proved that he can be extremely productive when receiving a considerable amount of targets from a talented quarterback. Across Weeks 9 and 10 of last season, Brown hauled in 13 of 14 targets for 325 yards and one touchdown.

Potential team fits : Ravens and Chargers

Cornerback Caleb Farley

Farley's extensive injury history is undoubtedly a major concern, but the 2021 first-round pick is still young and talented enough to warrant a contender taking a flier on him. The Virginia Tech product saw his rookie year end after three games due to a torn ACL, and a back injury not only limited him to just nine games in 2022, but also cost him all of last season.

Even though Farley wasn't particularly effective when he was on the field ( 14 tackles and one pass breakup), a change of scenery could help him get his career back on track.

Potential team fits : Chiefs and Cowboys

Cornerback Desmond King II

King, a former All-Pro selection, might not be an ideal addition for a team looking to add a return man, particularly since his muffed punt in Houston's preseason finale cost him his roster spot. Nonetheless, the 29-year-old can be an effective rotational slot cornerback. In 2023, King was the 27th-highest-graded cornerback in the NFL, according to PFF, racking up 47 total tackles, five for loss and two pass breakups in 10 games for the Steelers and Texans.

Potential team fits : Ravens and Buccaneers

Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins

The Giants have prioritized getting younger at wideout in recent years, capped off by their selection of No. 6 pick Malik Nabers this past April, which made Hodgins the odd man out in the receiver room.

Although the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder had just 21 receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns last season, Hodgins' success in 2022 provides optimism that he can be a solid pickup for teams eyeing wide receiver depth. That season, Hodgins caught 33 passes for 351 yards and four touchdowns in eight regular-season games and notably had eight receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown in New York's wild-card round win over Minnesota.

Potential team fits : Dolphins and Cowboys

Quarterback C.J. Beathard

Beathard was a longshot to make Jacksonville's 53-man roster, considering the team traded for former Pro Bowl QB Mac Jones earlier this offseason. While there are younger quarterback options with some upside on the market, such as Desmond Ridder and Mike White, Beathard could be one of the safest backup signal-callers available.

Despite having a 3-10 career record as a starter, Beathard is 2-1 in his last three starts , throwing for 633 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions in that span while posting a 105.1 passer rating.

Potential team fits : Dolphins and Bills