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5 NFL veterans who should be released for a chance to play for a contender

cory woodroof
·2 min read
Nov 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) leaves the field after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) leaves the field after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL has only a handful of weeks left before the 2024 playoffs, and some teams are trying to shore up their rosters for a postseason push while dealing injuries.

Some NFL teams, however, are just waiting for the final bell after disappointing seasons. Those teams might consider releasing veterans late in their careers who could latch on with contending teams.

Now, this would require a gesture of kindness for those struggling teams, a willingness from said player to want a release and the waiver system to not send them to yet another struggling team.

However, we've come up with five guys we'd love to see play for Super Bowl contenders down the stretch, including one future Hall of Famer.

Dolphins DE Calais Campbell

Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA;Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) celebrates after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA;Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) celebrates after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Campbell's five-win Dolphins team could still hypothetically make the AFC wild-card round, but it's not a lock. It'd be awesome to see Campbell get a chance to play for a real Super Bowl threat.

Cowboys DT Linval Joseph

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 23: Linval Joseph #93 of the Buffalo Bills reacts in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 23: Linval Joseph #93 of the Buffalo Bills reacts in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Joseph is on a five-win Cowboys team where he is taking limited snaps. He's been a solid addition late in the season for recent contenders, and it'd be cool to see him take up that mantle again.

Raiders DT John Jenkins

Dec 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) smiles after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) smiles after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Jenkins could give any NFL contender a decent depth option up front on the defensive line, particularly against the run. If he could latch onto a Super Bowl team, he'd be an asset.

Giants CB Adoree' Jackson

Oct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Giants cornerback Adoree Jackson (22) celebrates following a fumble recovery against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) joins Jackson at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-489322 ORIG FILE ID: 20221030_jmn_sn8_030.JPG

Jackson has spent most of the season in a reserve role and could help out a contending team looking for secondary help. He's not likely to return to New York next year anyhow.

Bears TE Marcedes Lewis

Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis (84) makes a catch against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis (84) makes a catch against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis is nearing the end of his NFL career, and Chicago probably won't make the playoffs this season barring a dramatic turnaround. At 40, Lewis would be a really nice option for a tight end room looking for some blocking help and general depth at the position.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 NFL veterans who should be released for a chance to play for a contender