Alabama NFL Cuts Return: Rookie Lineman Alex Leatherwood Signed by Cleveland Browns
In a surprising turn of events, several players from Alabama high schools and colleges who were cut by NFL teams have returned to the league. As the preseason rosters dropped to the regular-season limit of 53 players, 33 individuals found their way back into the NFL on Wednesday. While most players were re-signed by the teams that let them go, one player stood out from the crowd.
Offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, who was waived by the Chicago Bears, was signed by the Cleveland Browns after clearing the waiver process without being claimed. Leatherwood, the 17th selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and the recipient of the 2020 Outland Trophy, started every game of his rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, he was cut by the Raiders at the end of the 2022 preseason and played in only four games with the Bears last season.
Other players with Alabama football roots also found themselves joining NFL practice squads on Wednesday. One such player is defensive tackle Marlon Davidson, who hails from Greenville and played for Auburn. Each NFL team is allowed to have a 16-player practice squad, with ten of those spots reserved for rookies or second-year players. Practice-squad players have the opportunity to practice with the active-roster players but cannot participate in games, except for two exceptional cases.
During each game, two practice-squad players can be elevated to the active roster. After the game, they revert back to the practice squad without having to pass through waivers. Additionally, players can be elevated up to three times during the season. If they are elevated for a fourth time, they must be signed to the 53-player roster.
Practice-squad players with two or fewer seasons of experience earn a weekly salary of $12,000. Players with more experience have some room for negotiation, with a minimum salary of $16,100 per week and a maximum of $20,600 per week.
The return of these Alabama players offers them a second chance to prove their worth in the NFL. It is a testament to their resilience and determination to continue pursuing their football careers. As they join their respective teams’ practice squads, they have the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially be elevated to the active roster in the future.
These developments highlight the competitive nature of the NFL and the constant evaluation and shuffling of players as teams strive to field the best lineup possible. Fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on these players’ progress, hoping to see them make an impact on the field and contribute to their teams’ success.
This news emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of professional football. It serves as a reminder that setbacks can be stepping stones to future success, and players should never give up on their dreams. As the NFL season kicks off, the return of these Alabama players adds an intriguing storyline to watch unfold.
