CBS Sports included former Florida Gators Dameon Pierce and Van Jefferson among 20 notable veterans who could be cut as NFL teams trim rosters.
Pierce is the more recent Gator, playing at Florida from 2018-21. He appeared in 50 games for the Orange and Blue, finishing his college career with 1,806 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 329 carries. Pierce added 422 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He is remembered at Florida as a fierce competitor on every down who was more effective than his stats may suggest.
The Houston Texans drafted Pierce in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He broke out with 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns during his rookie season but never matched that production again. He fell down the depth chart over the next
three seasons before being waived in November. Pierce signed with Kansas City's practice squad to close out last year and was eventually promoted to the active roster.
The Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a one-year deal this offseason, but depth is a concern with Saquon Barkley leading the room. Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley have already carved out roles in the offense, too. As decision day approaches, Pierce could be in danger of becoming a free agent once again.
Jefferson played at Florida from 2018-19 after spending the first three years of his college career at Ole Miss. Between both programs, Jefferson totaled 2,159 receiving yards on 175 receptions and 16 touchdowns. He started all 26 games over his two seasons with Florida and led the Gators in receiving yards both years.
The Los Angeles Rams drafted him 57th overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft. His best season came the following year, when he started all 17 games for the Rams and finished with 50 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns. Jefferson has yet to cross the 500-yard threshold since, but he was a member of the Rams' Super Bowl LVI championship team.
The Rams traded him midseason to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to a one-year deal in 2024, and he spent last season with the Tennessee Titans as the fourth receiver on the depth chart.
"Jefferson has been a part-time starter for the Falcons, Steelers and Titans," Carter Bahns wrote for CBS Sports. "He could carve out that same role with the Commanders, but it could be difficult considering the team's wide receiver depth."
Being listed doesn't mean either Pierce or Jefferson will be cut. If they are let go, both have enough NFL experience to draw interest elsewhere.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Dameon Pierce, Van Jefferson face uncertain futures at NFL cuts
