It’s almost time for the NFL to begin its season, and with that comes the paring down of rosters. A few former Gators received the unfortunate news this weekend, including Cam Newton.
Most remember Newton in college from his Heisman campaign at Auburn in 2010, but he played behind Tim Tebow at Florida during the 2008 national championship season before a legal issue forced his departure from the university. The 2015 NFL MVP is one of the most high-profile players to be cut so far as he was expected to help transition Mac Jones in as the future quarterback in New England.
Another former Gators quarterback was waived in Will Grier. Grier backed up Jeff Driskel in 2014 but was suspended for PED use in the following year. He then transferred to West Virginia and wound up drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019. There’s a chance he makes Carolina’s practice squad if he isn’t claimed.
The Panthers also waived offensive tackle Martez Ivey, who played for the Gators until 2018. After going undrafted and being cut in the preseason by the Patriots in 2019, Ivey joined the Tampa Bay Vipers of the XFL until the league folded.
The Denver Broncos waived Tyrie Cleveland after drafting him in the seventh round in 2020. He might be best remembered by Gators fans for catching a game-winning Hail Mary from Felipe Franks (who made the cut for the Atlanta Falcons) against Tennessee in 2017.
Finally, the Miami Dolphins released Jordan Scarlett, who they signed to a reserve/future contract in January.
[lawrence-related id=51926,51916,51913,51911,51902]
[vertical-gallery id=51540]
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.