5 NFL players who were shockingly cut ft. Tyrann Mathieu

#3 – Alex Leatherwood, Las Vegas Raiders

New England Patriots v Las Vegas Raiders

While not in the same class of players as the aforementioned, Alex Leatherwood’s recent cutting is still a huge surprise. Offensive lineman Leatherwood was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After initially starting at tackle, was moved to guard as he continued to struggle.

Leatherwood allowed more pressures than any lineman in football and the Raiders had seen enough. They cut him just a year after investing a first-round draft pick in him.

#4 – Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks

Wild Card Round - Detroit Lions v Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander won MVP and Offensive Player of the Year during a monster 2005 campaign. However, just two seasons later, the Seahawks cut him.

The former Madden cover star could not replicate his previous form. After registering just 20 yards from nine carries during a playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, he was cut after the 2007 season.

Alexander met with plenty of teams before joining the Washington Redskins but would only serve as a backup. After logging just 2.2 yards per carry on 11 carries, he was released by Washington in November 2008. He never played in the NFL again.

#5 – Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona Cardinals

Tyrann Mathieu - Super Bowl LV

Tyrann Mathieu was an elite-level safety when the Arizona Cardinals decided to cut him after the 2017 season. Mathieu was cut by Arizona after refusing to take a pay cut, and he was quickly picked up by the Houston Texans.

Mathieu has proven that the Cardinals should have paid him his due, as he’s been named All-Pro four times and made four Pro Bowls. He was also a key figure for the Kansas City Chiefs and was part of their Super Bowl-winning team in February 2020.