Arizona Cardinals' most surprising 2023 NFL preseason roster cuts extend beyond Colt McCoy
The Arizona Cardinals announced the release of veteran quarterback Colt McCoy on Monday in a move that shocked a lot of the NFL.
But it wasn't the only stunning move the team made to get down to the 53-man roster for the start of the NFL season.
Several NFL players cut by the Cardinals came as a surprise to NFL writers and fans.
In addition to the release of the QB, who many thought would be the team's starting QB with Kyler Murray injured, Arizona's NFL team released a running back who many thought might play a big role in 2023, as well as a starter on the defensive line, an experienced safety, and the team's lone long snapper.
Here's a look at 5 of the most surprising cuts for the Arizona Cardinals at the 2023 roster cut deadline.
Which one surprised you the most?
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Colt McCoy, quarterback
The veteran QB's release was a shock to many, and it brought up renewed accusations of tanking for the Cardinals.
Sportsnaut's Vincent Frank wrote of the move: "With starter Kyler Murray (ACL) on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, McCoy figured to be Arizona’s starting quarterback in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders. That’s why it was a major surprise that the Cardinals moved on from the veteran ahead of final NFL roster cuts. McCoy, 36, has experience with 36 career starts. The Cardinals’ two remaining quarterbacks, Joshua Dobbs (two) and rookie Clayton Tune (zero), have started a combined two NFL games. This move is one of the clearest indications that the Cardinals are tanking for USC quarterback Caleb Williams in 2023."
More: Arizona Cardinals tanking accusations resurface after Colt McCoy's surprise NFL release
Aaron Brewer, LS
While Brewer could resign with the Cardinals, his release nevertheless came as a surprise, especially since it left the Cardinals with no long snappers on the roster.
Cards Wire's Jess Root broke down the situation with Brewer's surprise release: "Cutting Brewer leaves no long snapper on the roster. That’s a bit of a surprise. However, it is less surprising because it happened last year as a way to manipulate the roster. He is not subject to waivers, so there is no danger of him getting claimed by another team. The assumption is he will be re-signed later in the week after other moves with injured reserve, waiver claims and potential trades. The worst-case scenario will be getting signed to the practice squad initially and getting elevated to the active roster before the first game."
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Rashard Lawrence, DT
This move stunned many, as Lawrence has starting experience for the Cardinals.
Clutch Points' Bailey Bassett ranked this move as the 10th most surprising roster move from NFL cut day, writing: "Rashard Lawrence was a starter on the Arizona Cardinals defensive line for the last couple of seasons, yet they decided to release the player at the cut deadline. The Cardinals are without the injured Kyler Murray, and there are rumors that the team is trying to get rid of quality players in an effort to tank for a better draft pick (and the chance to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams)."
More: Arizona Cardinals release quarterback Colt McCoy as NFL roster cuts begin
Andre Chachere, S
The Cardinals are thin at safety, so this move came as another surprise.
Root wrote of this situation: "The Cardinals only kept three safeties. Chachere’s connection to Jonathan Gannon, having played for the Eagles last season, and his ability play on special teams made it seem like he would likely make the team."
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Corey Clement, RB
Clement rushed for 79 yards on 14 carries in the Cardinals' preseason finale and was expected to be a primary backup to James Conner. Not anymore.
The Arizona Republic's Bob McManaman wrote: "The Cardinals announced Tuesday they have released Corey Clement among several others to get down to the mandatory 53-man roster. Clement, 28, rushed for 79 yards on 14 carries during Saturday’s 18-17 preseason win at the Vikings. Releasing Clement means that second-year pro Keaontay Ingram will be the primary backup to Conner. Undrafted rookie free agent Emari Demercado remains on the team’s 53-man roster, although the Cardinals could very well add a veteran from the waiver wire."
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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals' 5 most-surprising releases at 2023 NFL cut deadline
