Two Former Texas A&M Aggies Stars Among Possible NFL Cut Candidates
As the NFL offseason approaches, teams around the league begin assessing their rosters for potential cuts, trades, and roster reshuffling. This is a time when some established stars, despite their past performances, find themselves on the proverbial “bubble” due to salary cap constraints, injury concerns, or changes in team direction. Among the players under scrutiny are two former Texas A&M Aggies stars: offensive lineman Koda Martin and defensive end Myles Garrett. Both players, despite their collegiate success and potential in the professional ranks, are facing uncertain futures in the NFL.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into their backgrounds, their NFL careers thus far, and explore why they might be among the potential NFL cut candidates.
Koda Martin: From Aggies Standout to NFL Journeyman
College Career at Texas A&M
Koda Martin’s path to the NFL was not as straightforward as some of his former Texas A&M teammates, but he still carved out a solid collegiate career. A 6’5″, 300-pound offensive guard, Martin played for the Aggies from 2015 to 2018. During his time at Texas A&M, he made significant contributions to the team’s offensive line, showcasing his ability to both protect the quarterback and open up holes in the running game. His performances at A&M, while not always receiving the national attention of higher-profile players, earned him a reputation as a reliable and physical presence up front.
Martin’s combination of size, strength, and versatility led him to be considered a solid NFL prospect. After the conclusion of his college career, he entered the 2019 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, despite his collegiate pedigree, Martin went undrafted, a situation that typically spells uncertainty for players as they attempt to make their way into the NFL. Nevertheless, he was given a shot by the Los Angeles Chargers, who signed him to their roster as an undrafted free agent.
NFL Journey and Struggles
Despite his promise, Martin struggled to find a permanent home in the NFL. The Chargers waived him during training camp, and he was quickly picked up by the Arizona Cardinals. From there, his career took him on a roller-coaster journey, with stints at the New Orleans Saints, the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL, and several practice squads. He eventually landed back in the NFL with the Saints, though his time with the team ended in August 2023 when he was waived once again.
While Martin has the physical traits that NFL teams look for in an offensive lineman, his lack of consistent experience at the professional level and his frequent roster changes indicate that he has struggled to secure a long-term role in the league. In his brief appearances with teams, he demonstrated a few promising flashes, but he has yet to fully cement himself as a starter or key contributor on any roster. This leaves his future in the NFL up in the air.
Why He’s a Cut Candidate
The reality of Martin’s situation is that, despite his potential, he has struggled to make a lasting impact at the NFL level. His time with the Saints and other teams has been marked by inconsistency, and while he has been given opportunities, he hasn’t fully taken advantage of them. As teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season, Martin could very well find himself as a cap casualty or another player who is released in the final rounds of cuts.
One reason Martin is a potential cut candidate is that offensive line depth can sometimes be taken for granted. NFL teams are always looking for players who can come in and immediately contribute to the protection of their quarterback and improve the running game. However, most teams are now in the business of securing linemen who have proven they can perform at a high level. The financial considerations of the modern NFL also mean that teams are reluctant to keep players who haven’t demonstrated they can make a significant impact. If a team feels that Martin doesn’t give them an edge over younger, less expensive prospects or veterans who can deliver on a similar level, he could find himself waived once again.
The Road Ahead
Despite the uncertain future in the NFL, Martin still possesses the physical tools that could make him an appealing option for teams looking for depth on the offensive line. Whether or not he remains in the league will depend on his ability to prove that he can provide that depth and contribute when called upon. In the end, Martin’s journey is a reminder of how competitive and unpredictable the NFL can be, even for players who show promise at the collegiate level.
Myles Garrett: A Superstar on the Bubble?
College Stardom at Texas A&M
Myles Garrett is a completely different story. As one of the most dominant defensive players in recent college football history, Garrett was a force during his time at Texas A&M. As a defensive end, Garrett’s size, athleticism, and raw power were unmatched. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 270 pounds, Garrett had the physical attributes that made him a nightmare for offensive linemen and quarterbacks alike.
Garrett finished his career at A&M with a remarkable 32.5 sacks, ranking among the best in school history. He was widely regarded as one of the top pass rushers in the nation, and his college success earned him numerous All-American honors. He declared for the 2017 NFL Draft after his junior year and was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns, a pick that was universally seen as a no-brainer.
NFL Success and Elite Status
Since entering the NFL, Garrett has lived up to the hype and then some. He has been a cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns’ defense, consistently ranking among the league leaders in sacks and quarterback pressures. Garrett’s combination of size, speed, and technique has made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL, and he’s earned multiple Pro Bowl selections throughout his career.
In 2021, Garrett reached new heights, registering 16 sacks and continuing to dominate as one of the best defensive players in the league. His ability to impact games, disrupt opposing offenses, and change the course of a game with one sack or forced fumble has cemented Garrett’s reputation as one of the top defensive players in the NFL.
A Potential Trade or Release?
Despite his elite status, reports in the NFL media have indicated that Garrett could be on the move, with rumors swirling that he has expressed a desire for a trade. This has led some analysts and fans to wonder whether the Browns could ultimately decide to part ways with one of their star players. While it is difficult to imagine the Browns cutting Garrett outright due to his undeniable talent, a trade is a different story. Given Garrett’s stature and his substantial contract, which makes him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league, the Browns may look to move him if they believe they can get significant assets in return.
The primary reason why Garrett could be a trade candidate has more to do with the Browns’ broader strategy rather than his performance on the field. Cleveland is still in a rebuilding phase in some respects, and they may look to free up cap space, shift their focus to other areas of the roster, or even retool with younger players. If Garrett has indeed requested a trade, the team may look to accommodate his wishes, especially if they feel they can receive strong compensation in exchange for the elite pass rusher.
Why Garrett Might Stay
Despite the trade rumors, it’s important to acknowledge that a move like this would come with significant consequences. Garrett is still one of the league’s top defensive players, and his ability to create pressure on quarterbacks is invaluable to any team. The Browns might ultimately decide that they can’t afford to part with Garrett, even if they’re able to get good trade value for him. Trading away one of the NFL’s premier defenders would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the Browns’ defense, and it could take years to find a player who could replace his production.
Additionally, there’s the possibility that Garrett is simply seeking a change of scenery, rather than an outright departure from Cleveland. If that is the case, the Browns might look to find a trade partner that will satisfy both Garrett’s desire for a new environment and the team’s interest in receiving compensation. The NFL offseason is filled with surprises, and Garrett’s future with the Browns remains one of the more intriguing storylines to follow.
