Former Packers offensive lineman Royce Newman was claimed off waivers by the Buccaneers on Wednesday.
After spending three years with the team, the Green Bay Packers released offensive lineman Royce Newman during Tuesday’s final roster cutdowns. On Wednesday, Newman was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A 2021 fourth-round draft pick, Newman played in 51 games and made 24 starts in Green Bay, 16 of which came as a rookie. The team initially hoped Newman would develop into a reliable starter at right guard, but unfortunately, that potential never fully materialized. His next two seasons were marked by miscues and blown blocking assignments, which gradually pushed him down the depth chart.
Green Bay restructured Newman’s contract during the offseason to make his deal more affordable. However, even that didn’t secure him a roster spot.
According to Pro Football Focus, Newman played 146 offensive snaps over three preseason games. He excelled in pass protection, earning an impressive pass-blocking grade of 84.7 while surrendering zero sacks and no pressures. However, he struggled as a run blocker, receiving a much lower grade of 46.8.
The Packers ultimately chose to keep 10 offensive linemen on their initial 53-man roster, opting for youth and upside over Newman’s experience. At 27 years of age, Newman could still be a valuable depth piece if he can regain his footing in the NFL.
We look at seven players the Titans should pursue.
Tuesday marked the deadline for each NFL team to cut their roster down to 53 players.
That means every team had difficult decisions to make, including the Tennessee Titans. The Titans’ final roster includes surprises and omits a few players that many fans and analysts have predicted to be on it.
For example, the team’s initial 53-man roster includes five tight ends, a whopping seven inside linebackers, and just four corners and three running backs.
Of course, this roster will change again before the regular season kicks off. With every team cutting 30+ players, the Titans will see if any of those players fit on their roster.
Now, let’s identify seven players who were released or waived who could fit on this Titans’ roster.
Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
D’Onta Foreman, RB
D”Onta Foreman was released by the Cleveland Browns, and the veteran should interest the Titans. Foreman impressed as a member of the Titans in 2021, taking 133 carries for 566 yards.
Since that time, Foreman has spent a season with the Carolina Panthers and a season with the Chicago Bears. The veteran had hoped to latch on with the Browns but was unable to secure a spot on the final roster.
The Titans only kept three RBs on the roster after Hassan Haskins and Jabari Small failed to impress. With Julius Chestnut as the lone backup option, the team should consider bringing in Foreman to bolster the depth.
Carl Lawson #58 of the New York Jets. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Carl Lawson, EDGE
Carl Lawson could not crack the Dallas Cowboys’ roster, and the veteran will once again hit the open market. Lawson once signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the New York Jets, but injuries have prevented the defender from being consistent.
In 2023, Lawson was limited to six games and accumulated just five tackles. However, he had a productive pass-rushing season as recently as 2022, when he racked up seven sacks.
The Titans only kept four edge rushers on the final roster, so Lawson would provide a solid depth addition. Shane Ray was not one of the edge rushers kept around, so a veteran presence would be nice.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback CJ Henderson (23) and wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (10). Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
CJ Henderson, CB
The Titans gave up on one former first-round cornerback, so why not take a gamble on another? The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted CJ Henderson in the top ten of the 2020 NFL draft, and his career has not gone according to plan thus far.
Henderson was traded to the Carolina Panthers after just one season in Jacksonville, and the corner’s play never lived up to his draft pedigree. However, the Titans only kept four corners, and a young corner like Henderson may fit in perfectly behind L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie.
Cincinnati Bengals guard Jackson Carman (79). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jackson Carman, OL
Jackson Carman is another highly-drafted player who has disappointed to this point in the NFL. Carman was a second-round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft but has only started in six games.
The Bengals cut bait on Carman, but the Titans could be interested. On the initial roster, the team kept John Ojukwu and Jaelyn Duncan as backup tackles, which shouldn’t inspire much confidence.
Perhaps Brian Callahan saw enough during his time with Carman to take a chance.
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Travis Bell (73). Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Bell, DT
Travis Bell is another former Bengal who should interest the Titans. The defensive lineman was a seventh-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears last year but has already played on three different rosters.
However, Bell is still an intriguing prospect. The 6’0″, 310-pound DT was the first player to be drafted out of Kennesaw State and flashed preseason ability as a run-stuffer and pass-rusher.
The Titans do not have much depth on the defensive line. Keondre Coburn is the only reserve on the roster right now, so high-upside additions would be smart.
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Royce Newman (70). Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Royce Newman, G
As mentioned above, the Titans’ backup offensive linemen don’t inspire much confidence. The team kept Daniel Brunskill and Andrew Rupcich to back up on the interior after Saahdiq Charles’s retirement threw a wrench in the team’s plans.
Currently, Dillon Radunz is slated to start at right guard, with Brunskill and Rupcich as backup options. Adding Royce Newman would give the team a capable option who could fill in at a moment’s notice.
Newman has delivered acceptable results in 24 career starts. The lineman would greatly improve the Titans’ depth.
Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans (21). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Evans, RB
Zach Evans was a surprise cut by the Los Angeles Rams. The 2023 sixth-round pick impressed in the preseason, scoring two TDs in the finale.
Evans will now hit the waiver wire after just one season in LA. As mentioned previously, the Titans could use reinforcements at RB. Even though Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears will get the bulk of the carries, having just one depth option probably isn’t wise.
Evans would be a high-upside claim by the Titans, providing insurance in case Pollard or Spears get injured.
The Packers are releasing offensive lineman Royce Newman at final cuts on Tuesday.
The Green Bay Packers are releasing offensive lineman Royce Newman during final roster cuts on Tuesday, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Newman, 27, was a fourth-round pick of the Packers in the 2021 NFL draft. He played in 51 games and made 24 starts in Green Bay over his first three NFL seasons.
Despite restructuring his deal to make keeping him in 2024 more feasible, Newman failed to earn a roster spot this summer.
Newman, a 16-game starter who played over 1,000 snaps as a rookie, never took a developmental step. Last season, Newman started only two games and was on the field for only 183 snaps as a backup guard. At Pro Football Focus, he graded out poorly both as a run blocker and pass protector.
Newman played 146 snaps for the Packers this preseason. He allowed two pressures and committed one penalty while struggling again as a run blocker.
The Packers are keeping offensive tackle Kadeem Telfort and rookie Travis Glover as backups along the offensive line on the initial 53-man roster. Rookie Jacob Monk, a fifth-round pick, could be a top backup at guard and center in 2024.
The Packers reduced Royce Newman’s contract ahead of the 2024 season.
Royce Newman likely improved his chances of making the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster by agreeing to a revised contract ahead of the 2024 season. According to Over the Cap, Newman reduced his base salary to $1.25 million and converted $1 million into per-game roster bonuses, lowering his salary cap number to $2.37 million this season.
Newman, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, was set to make $3.1 million in 2024 after earning the NFL’s proven performance escalator during his first three seasons.
Although this is a straight paycut for Newman, it could be seen as a middle ground for player and team after the escalator clause drastically increased his salary.
A likely backup at guard, Newman would have been in a tough spot in terms of making the team with a rising, non-guaranteed salary in a contract year. His deal still lacks guaranteed money, but Newman’s lowered salary could be more manageable on the 2024 cap for the Packers — potentially increasing his chances of sticking on the roster.
A fifth-round pick in 2021, Newman started 22 games during his first two NFL seasons. He was on the field for only 183 total offensive snaps as a two-game starter last season.
Entering 2024, Newman is competing with 2022 third-round pick Sean Rhyan and first-round pick Jordan Morgan for playing time at guard. He’s likely no higher than No. 8 or No. 9 on the depth chart along the offensive line.
Even after re-working Newman’s deal, the Packers may still choose to move on — especially if a player such as fifth-round pick Jacob Monk or undrafted free agent Donovan Jennings emerges as a quality developmental player along the interior of the offensive line. Monk and Jennings, both rookies, are younger, cheaper and under team control for more seasons.
Newman’s deal still includes $124,836 of prorated signing bonus money, which would turn into a dead cap charge if Newman is cut.
Four players who need to bounce back from disappointing preseason debuts when the Packers host the Patriots in the preseason on Saturday night.
After two joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday, the Green Bay Packers will host the New England Patriots in Week 2 of the 2023 preseason on Saturday at Lambeau Field.
For the most part, the Packers looked sharp in last week’s 36-19 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but the scoreboard is far less important than what is happening on the field.
Players are competing for a spot on the roster or trying to prove to coaches that they are ready for a significant role. In Cincinnati, rookie running back Emanuel Wilson and Green Bay’s young receivers stood out on offense, while rookie corner Carrington Valentine consistently made plays for the defense.
Now as we look ahead to tomorrow’s matchup against the Patriots, there are several players who did not play as well and are hoping to have a bounce-back performance.
Do not click if you have a weak stomach for bad offensive line play. @PackerScribe breaks down Royce Newman’s rough day against the Jets.
Do not continue reading if you have a weak stomach for bad offensive line play. The Green Bay Packers are coming off a 27-10 loss to the New York Jets, in which quarterback Aaron Rodgers was hit nine times and sacked four. The offensive line as a whole didn’t play well, but it was an especially terrible outing for right guard Royce Newman.
Newman got off to such a bad start against the Jets that he was actually benched for backup Jake Hanson in the second quarter. Unfortunately, Hanson lasted only one series before suffering a biceps injury forcing the team to resort back to Newman for the rest of the game.
Newman’s benching has been boiling all season. He’s failed to take a second-year jump after starting in 16 games as a rookie last season, and this past week may have been the last straw. Newman struggled mightily against a pretty good Jets defensive line, allowing five pressures and a sack, according to Pro Football Focus.
Green Bay has not been able to rely on Newman for most of the year. So today, we are going to review the tape to see what led to Newman’s first-half benching and whether or not he should still be with the starters.
Let’s begin.
This appears to be a complete mental breakdown by Newman (No. 70). Everyone is blocking one way while he blocks down in the opposite direction, giving the defensive end a free lane to the running back. We see right tackle Elgton Jenkins attempt to pick up the corner blitz coming from off the screen, which means Newman should be reaching for the defensive end. Granted, it is a tough block to execute, but he doesn’t even know his responsibility. That can’t happen.
Maybe it gets a little better in pass protection. Nope, it doesn’t. To be a good offensive lineman, you have to have a strong base. In Newman’s case, he doesn’t have great length or strong hands, so having a strong lower body is a must. However, that obviously isn’t the case as he gets pushed back into Rodgers’ lap.
Again, we see Newman’s inability to anchor. When Newman isn’t first to get hand placement, he is prone to these types of bull rushes. Notice how he gets no arm extension leading to basically zero resistance or control over the defensive tackle. He also completely loses his footing, which leads to an embarrassing rep that eventually ends with him getting planted on the ground.
I don’t think words are needed to describe this rep. A grown man that is 6-5, 310 pounds shouldn’t be getting pushed around like this. If not for Rodgers’ putting on his cape and going superman mode, this would have been another sack allowed by Newman. It’s worth mentioning that this was one of his last plays before getting benched.
However, Newman wasn’t benched for the whole game. He was forced to return following the lowest moment of his NFL career, and the results didn’t get better. Here we see him looking for work after the linebacker showing a blitz drops into coverage. Newman makes the right decision of sliding to his left, where New York is running a twist. He is in position but fails to pick up the looper, leading to a sack.
Here is a picture to better illustrate how bad this was.
Initially, Newman is in good position, but because he doesn’t recognize the looper fast enough, he quickly loses leverage. Part of this is tied to a lack of processing and lateral agility.
Conclusion
Overall, the Packers’ offensive line needs to play a lot better. However, it is clear that Newman is the weakest link. Per PFF, he has already allowed 17 pressures and four sacks this season. After watching his film against the Jets, it’s apparent that he lacks confidence. His below-average length and play strength is being exploited and will lead to more teams taking advantage. They will also be more likely to send stunts at Newman to see how he handles them. Ultimately, I think it is time to send Newman to the bench indefinitely unless there is another injury. We’ve seen how one guy failing to do his job can derail an entire offense, and Newman has been the most frequent offender. In my opinion, Jenkins should move back to guard, so Yosh Nijman or Zach Tom can play right tackle. But if Green Bay is dead set on keeping Jenkins at tackle, I’d consider Tom or even third-round rookie Sean Rhyan at right guard.
Of course, my opinion doesn’t matter. The Packers are going to do what they feel is in the best interest of the team, and head coach Matt LaFleur made some interesting comments on Thursday about potential changes to the offensive line.
“That’s something we’re trying to feel that out right now,” he said.
“Do you move one guy…do you end up moving two guys…how does that work out? Or do you just work through what we’re going through right now and coach better and go out there and execute fundamentally at a higher level.”
LaFleur’s thought process, especially the part about working through everything, makes one think Newman could start again on Sunday. If he does, it will be interesting to see how he responds to all the adversity and if he can raise his play enough to not be a liability. On the other hand, if we see another performance like last week, the offense will continue to struggle.
The Packers have a clear weak link to the offensive line, and it’s at right guard.
It’s time for the Green Bay Packers to make a tough decision regarding right guard Royce Newman. Benching a player is never easy, but the 2021 fourth-round pick has struggled mightily in his second season and turned in another abysmal performance against the New York Jets on Sunday.
Pro Football Focus tallied five allowed pressures for Newman in 48 pass-blocking snaps. That brings Newman’s seasonal total to 17 in just six games. During his rookie year, Newman kept a better pace allowing 32 pressures in 16 starts.
Newman played so poorly in the first half against the Jets that he was benched for Jake Hanson. However, Hanson played only one series before suffering a biceps injury that kept him out for the rest of the game.
“That’s just something we thought would help us give us a little spark there on the right side,” Matt LaFleur said of the decision to bench Newman.
There is still no word on the severity of Hanson’s injury, which would mean the Packers are stuck with Newman at right guard unless they shuffle positions along the offensive line.
Elgton Jenkins was a Pro Bowl guard in 2020 but has only played right tackle this season. The team could move Jenkins back to guard and give Yosh Nijman a shot at right tackle. Nijman has only played left tackle for Green Bay and has proven to be a capable starter. Nijman played just four offensive snaps against New York since he is now reserved to being the primary backup for David Bakhtiari.
“I think everything’s on the table moving forward in terms of trying to get our best people out there to give us the best opportunity to move the football,” LaFleur said.
When asked about letting Nijman play right tackle, he reiterated, “everything is on the table.”
The Green Bay Packers will likely be without both Randall Cobb and Jake Hanson for the rest of the second half on Sunday against the New York Jets.
Cobb, who was carted off in the third quarter, is questionable to return with an ankle injury, while Hanson – who replaced Royce Newman for one series at right guard to end the first half – is out with a biceps injury.
It appeared Cobb was injured on the third play of the second half when got rolled up on during the play. The veteran slot receiver was evaluated in the medical tent on the sideline and then had a towel draped over his head as he left the field on a cart. The Packers are hurting for depth at receiver with both Cobb and Christian Watson (hamstring) both injured.
Cobb has one catch on one target for eight yards.
It’s unclear when Hanson was injured. The Packers had him on the field for six plays to end the first half. He is the team’s top backup along the interior of the offensive line.
Newman returned to the game at right guard and promptly gave up a sack on third down, ending the Packers’ first drive of the third quarter.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur may be able to provide injury details following the conclusion of the game on Sunday. Green Bay goes to Washington to play the Commanders next week.
Royce Newman had an up and down rookie season. He’s bigger and playing faster to start Year 2. Can he take a leap for the Packers offensive line?
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers can see a difference in Royce Newman entering the 2022 season. The second-year offensive lineman literally looks different.
“Royce looks heavier,” Rodgers said earlier this month. “He might not look the same coming out of the shower to his girlfriend as he did last year. I feel like his belly got a little bigger, but that might make him a better right guard.”
Improvement is necessary after an up-and-down rookie season.
Newman, a fourth-round pick of the Packers in 2021, said the game is starting to slow down a little bit after starting 16 of 17 games at right guard in Green Bay last season.
“Learning the technique, the speed of the game, how much it’s ramped up. Getting used to that,” Newman said. “Blocking these guys in the middle because I played tackle in college, so just learning how to play guard again, getting used to that.”
Newman was terrific during the preseason, earned the starting job at right guard to open the year but still went through the normal ebbs and flows of being a rookie starter at a new position. He struggled early and ascended late, but the Packers eventually replaced him in the starting lineup to end the season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Newman played 1,084 snaps as a rookie. He gave up six sacks and 32 total pressures and was flagged five times for penalties. Despite a strong stretch in December, Newman still finished 52nd in blocking grade at PFF among 63 guards with at least 600 snaps played.
Can he take the widely coveted second-year leap in 2022?
With Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick playing elsewhere and David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins still recovering from injuries, Newman once again has a real opportunity to be a starter for the Packers offensive line. He may need to beat out one of the rookies, including third-round pick Sean Rhyan and fourth-round pick Zach Tom.
Playing guard in the NFL is a tough gig, but as Rodgers noted, Newman believes he’s stronger and ready to play faster entering Year 2.
“Don’t have to worry about where I’m going like when I first got here,” Newman said. “I can just play faster. I had an offseason to get stronger. The mental game is evolved where I can play faster.”
Getting bigger and stronger and playing faster sounds like a good way for a young guard to get a lot better as a second-year player.
Reviewing the rookie season of Packers offensive lineman Royce Newman, a fourth-round pick of the team in the 2021 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers made nine picks during the 2021 NFL draft and signed a few others during college free agency, adding an influx of first-year talent to the roster. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be going through and reviewing the 2021 season for all of the Packers’ rookies.
Next up: wide receiver Royce Newman, the 142nd overall pick and the Packers’ fourth-round draft pick in 2021:
