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Counting down NFL stars who were unfairly cut
#3 - Josh Sitton, G, Green Bay Packers, 2016
Josh Sitton can rightfully consider himself an NFL star, having made it to multiple Pro Bowls and for having won the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. But to say that he was unfairly cut would be an understatement.
Sitton made it to the Pro Bowl four times in his career. He did so once in 2012, and then after a hiatus in 2013, he made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2014 to 2016. It was during this period, when he was most productive, that the Green Bay Packers decided to move on from him.
It was a surprising move but even more surprising was that, out of all the teams he could have signed with, he turned up with the Chicago Bears in 2016 and went on to have the final of his Pro Bowl years with them.
#2 - Steve Smith Sr., WR, Carolina Panthers, 2013
The Carolina Panthers had to navigate their salary cap situation in 2013. Instead of deft maneuvres, they chose brute decisions.
Steve Smith made the Pro Bowl five times as a Panthers player. The NFL star still holds the record for the most receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns for the franchise. He was the glue that held the offense together. Yet, for some reason, instead of restructuring his contract or offloading other players, the Carolina Panthers decided to get rid of him.
It was especially bizarre because he was the only one in their receiving corps entering that season who had caught passes with the Panthers before. His leadership would have been invaluable, as would have been his field output because he was none too shabby after he moved to the Baltimore Ravens. The entire situation was unfair to this NFL star who had given his life and soul to the club.
#1 - Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts, 2011
Do we all know why Peyton Manning was let go by the Indianapolis Colts after the 2011 season? Yes, we do. Do we still think it is unfair? Definitely, yes.
Peyton Manning is not just an NFL star. For many quarterbacks, he is their lodestar, defining what modern quarterbacking looks like. He led the Colts to their first Super Bowl in their current guise. The home stadium is affectionately called "The House that Manning built," having established a fanbase for the franchise in a city otherwise known for its love of basketball.
Yet, when he was injured in 2011 and needed neck and spine surgery, instead of standing by him, the Colts decided that they needed to be ruthless. It was understandable, given that the NFL star may have waned and never recovered his strength after surgery. But it was bet that they should have taken on their franchise quarterback, who was responsible for carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders.
Instead, they went with another future NFL star, Andrew Luck, in that year's draft, moving on from Manning at the first sign of trouble. It was a stunning lack of loyalty and while there are no hard feelings between the player and the club, so to say, it still sits atop our list of NFL stars who were unfairly cut.
