Tough decisions impact Wildcats across the league
NFL roster cut day is one of the hardest traditions in football, and the dream took a pause for several former Wildcats this week, including a Super Bowl champion.
Mike Edwards (Chiefs, S): In the most heartbreaking move, the seven-year pro was released by Kansas City. A Super Bowl champion with proven production (318 tackles, 8 career INTs), Edwards became a victim of a youth movement at the safety position. He leads a list of former Wildcats cut on NFL roster day.
Here’s a look at the other former Kentucky players impacted as teams finalized their 53-man lineups:
- Eli Cox (Texans, C): A steady presence on Kentucky’s line, Cox started 39 career games. His toughness should land him practice squad looks.
- Keidron Smith (Broncos, DB): The Ole Miss transfer gave Kentucky a memorable pick-six against Florida in the Swamp. Denver valued his versatility but couldn’t keep him.
- JJ Weaver (Panthers, OLB): A heart-and-soul leader for Kentucky’s defense, Weaver was a tough cut for Carolina.
- D’Eryk Jackson (Seahawks, LB): A tackling machine with 298 career stops at Kentucky, Jackson has the instincts to stick in the league once he refines coverage skills.
- Jamin Davis (Jets, LB): A 2021 first-round pick, Davis is still searching for consistency after a breakout 102-tackle season at UK.
- Devin Leary (Ravens, QB): Leary threw for 25 TDs in his lone season at Kentucky. Baltimore saw him as a developmental arm but released him for roster flexibility.
- Marques Cox (Broncos, OT)
- Jamon Johnson (Packers, LB): Johnson brought energy as a rotational linebacker. His special teams value could earn him a future call-up.
The silver lining? Many will land on practice squads, keeping their NFL dreams alive.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion