In the recent past, contending teams were able to supplement their rosters with bargain priced free agents who were released from their teams after the draft. The Baltimore Ravens have taken advantage of the post draft veteran market by signing players such as Bryant McKinnie, Bernard Pollard and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. However, this market has all but dried up lately.
Last offseason, 158 players were cut within the two weeks following the first round of the draft. Among them center Matt Slauson, corner Rashaan Melvin and kicker Connor Barth were the only players who were able to earn starting roles with new teams.