NFL waiver wire spotlight: Saints, Eagles, Colts headline post-cutdown pickups

NFL cutdown day can feel like the end of the road, as players who are released or waived face long odds of carving out a future in the league.

But surprises happen, and plenty of players have turned second chances into long, successful careers.

With that in mind, I break down three players, acquired from waivers, who have the potential, with continued development and perhaps a little good fortune, to become difference-makers on their new teams.

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Trey Palmer, wide receiver

Waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Claimed by the New Orleans Saints.

Palmer's career started brightly, as he earned a role in three-receiver sets behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in his rookie season.

Unfortunately for him, the Buccaneers added more and more talent to their group of wide receivers in the 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts, and he quickly found himself the odd man out.

He's also buried on the depth chart of his new team, sliding in behind Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks, and likely competing with the Saints' other recent signing, Devaughn Vele, for playing time.

Even if Palmer can find a way to impress, he may have to play the waiting game. Thankfully, hope is on the horizon.

The Saints picked up Olave's fifth-year option earlier this year, but he may not remain with the team in the long term. Shaheed is in the final year of his contract, and Cooks turns 32 next month.

Barring an injury to one of the players ahead of him, Palmer probably won't make much noise this season. Next year could be a different story.

Willie Lampkin, center

Cut by the Los Angeles Rams with an injury designation. Claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles from waivers

It was no shock that Lampkin went undrafted because at 5'11" and 290 pounds, he fell well below typical NFL size expectations.

However, his impressive performances during the Rams' preseason games left many wondering if the Rams had unearthed a gem.

Unfortunately, Lampkin suffered an ankle injury in the second preseason game.

The Rams may have expected the 23-year-old to go unclaimed, in which case he could have returned to the team on their injured reserve list. But in a move that surprised some, the Eagles moved swiftly to claim him.

Philadelphia is set with Cam Jurgens at center, but Lampkin had experience playing both guard positions for the North Carolina Tar Heels, so he could work his way into contention in the coming years should an injury occur.

Chad Muma, linebacker

Waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Claimed by the Indianapolis Colts.

The 26-year-old did not distinguish himself in his time with Jacksonville, but it still shocked some to hear his name among the players let go on cutdown day.

The Colts were in dire need of help at linebacker following the departure of 2024 starter E.J. Speed.

Converted safety Jaylon Carlies was tipped to step into the vacated role, but he suffered an ankle injury and has been placed on IR.

That opens the door for Muma to compete with Cameron McGrone for what should be a full-time role alongside veteran Zaire Franklin for at least the first four games of the season.

McGrone has the inside track to be the Week 1 starter, but with only nine NFL snaps under his belt, he's far from a lock to keep Muma at bay.

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