Harrison Bryant signed a prove-it contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, but the former fourth-round pick could be cut before he ever has a chance to justify that investment. Selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Florida product has been an adequate yet unremarkable player throughout his four years in the league. Coming off a career-worst season where he recorded just 13 receptions for 81 yards and three touchdowns, the tight end hoped he could shine outside David Njoku’s shadow.
Unfortunately for Bryant, that opportunity might not come with the Raiders. Bleacher Report‘s David Kenyon recently released an article listing one potential roster cut for each team, and Harrison Bryant earned the honor for Vegas.
Las Vegas Raiders Could Cut Harrison Bryant
It’s easy to see why the Raiders could cut Harrison Bryant. Even before the NFL Draft, the tight end likely would have been the second option on the depth chart behind 2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer. Now that the team added a sure-fire stud in first-round pick Brock Bowers, Bryant has no path to the field. Barring injury, it’s hard to envision any world where he sees substantial playing time. While releasing him will only save $497,000, Vegas might decide they’re better off without the veteran.
Assuming the Raiders cut Harrison Bryant, he shouldn’t wait too long before finding a new home. The tight end is not a world-beater by any stretch of the imagination, but he’s an adequate backup who can handle starting duties in a pinch. Seeing as there aren’t enough good tight ends to go around, the following five teams could bring him in.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have the single worst collection of pass-catching talent in the NFL. While most of the attention has gone to the receiver, the tight ends are something of a disaster themselves. Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst might’ve been able to get the job done in 2019, but they’re not reliable options in 2024. Harrison Bryant might not be enough to singlehandedly save this room, but the cut candidate could earn some snaps on this underwhelming depth chart.
New York Jets
The Jets are all-in on the final year(s) of Aaron Rodgers and spent the offseason building a roster capable of winning it all. While they addressed the offensive line and wide receivers throughout free agency and the NFL Draft, they have yet to add a meaningful tight end. Harrison Bryant won’t be Rodgers’ go-to option, but he can cut it as the third or fourth receiving option behind Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and Breece Hall.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have two great playmakers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and some respectable depth in Odell Beckham and Braxton Berrios. The tight end room, however, could use some help. Jonnu Smith had a few flashes with the Falcons, but the veteran tight end shouldn’t be a full-time player. If cut by the Raiders, Harrison Byrant could land with the Dolphins and lessen Smith’s workload.
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young never had a chance to succeed last year. Adding Diontae Johnson and first-round pick Xavier Legette will make life easier for the former first-overall pick, but he could still use another tight end. Ja’Tavion Sanders has potential as a pass-catcher, but Carolina could use someone like Harrison Bryant, who is capable of making an impact from Day 1.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr is only as good as the players around him, and New Orleans needs to win football games if Dennis Allen wants to keep his job. With all this in mind, the Saints should add as much talent as possible between now and the start of the regular season. Juwan Johnson is a fine player, but he’s not an ideal three-down starter, and Taysom Hill is better off as a gadget player. If cut, Harrison Bryant would be an ideal pairing in this room who should battle with Johnson for the starting job and provide some much-needed depth to a top-heavy position.
Main Photo: Scott Galvin – USA Today Sports
