With NFL training camps getting underway this week, several teams made roster moves with notable veterans as they begin to solidify a vision for their final 53-man rosters.
NFL roster round-up: Chargers release Larry English, Falcons sign Pat Angerer
In other news on Tuesday, the Denver Broncos released tight end Joel Dreessen.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Chargers release Larry English
Larry English had his chance and then some after the San Diego Chargers invested a first-round pick in the former Northern Illinois pass rusher. Now English will try to latch on with another team after receiving his release from the Chargers, per Adam Schefter.
English never panned out after the team selected him at No. 16 overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Instead of bolstering their blitz, English became an expensive liability on the roster. The team continued to make moves around English to find the answer for their pass rush, signing Dwight Freeney and drafting Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu. According to John Gennaro, the team will save $1.5 million in cap space with the move:
This has more to do with cap space and depth than anything. The Chargers have Jarret Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Melvin Ingram, Jeremiah Attaochu, Tourek Williams, and Reggie Walker that can all play at OLB, and that's not even counting some of the other guys that could make a splash in Training Camp. He's not a top-level talent nor a young prospect, so there simply isn't room for English on the depth chart anymore.
English ends his five-year tenure in San Diego with only nine starts and 11 sacks in 52 games played.
Falcons sign Angerer
Linebacker Pat Angerer was among the top available veterans at his position, so it's no surprise that he found an eventual home with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, per Aaron Wilson.
The Falcons took a significant hit to their defense earlier this offseason, losing Sean Weatherspoon for the 2014 season due to an Achilles injury. The Falcons have several potential options to fill Weatherspoons' shoes, but many are young and inexperienced, including Prince Shembo, Paul Worrilow and Marquis Spruill. The Falcons also traded linebacker Akeem Dent to the Houston Texans for T.J. Yates, further limiting their options.
Angerer started 39 games over the last four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, amassing 184 career tackles.
Broncos release Dreessen
Joel Dreessen was given his expected release on Tuesday from the Denver Broncos after dealing with a consistent knee injury, per a team statement.
Thank u to everyone for all of the twitter support. Unfortunately my knee just refuses to cooperate at this time.
— JoelDreessen (@JoelDreessen) July 22, 2014 The @Broncos have been so good to me. We literally explored every possible option to get me healthy. Thank u. #firstclassorganization
— JoelDreessen (@JoelDreessen) July 22, 2014 Was such a blessing to come home and be a bronco the past 2 seasons. Everyone was so kind to me, especially the fans and media.
— JoelDreessen (@JoelDreessen) July 22, 2014 Dreessen started 15 games for the Broncos in his first year with the team, but last season he was relegated to the sidelines, catching only seven passes on the year. Julius Thomas emerged as the top tight end target, and Jacob Tamme is a longtime favorite of Peyton Manning. In addition, Virgil Green is another impressive young tight end on the roster, which means there's simply no room for Dreessen.
Dreessen will turn 32 this summer and has also played with the Texans and New York Jets.
Bucs release D.J. Moore
Earlier this offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers added a familiar face for new head coach Lovie Smith in cornerback D.J. Moore. Unfortunately for Moore, the reunion between former Chicago Bears didn’t last very long. The team announced the release of Moore today, per Jenna Laine.
Bucs CB DJ Moore just confirmed to me that has been released by the team.
— JennaLaineBucs (@JennaLaineBucs) July 22, 2014 Moore was with the Bears for his first four seasons in the NFL after the Bears drafted him in the fourth round in 2009. He played in only two games last season for the Carolina Panthers.
Moore has some pass-catching ability with 10 career interceptions and only three career starts. Still it’s clear that he faces an uphill battle to make a final NFL roster this season.
See More:
