Packers: 3 most shocking 53-man roster cuts

Packers surprise cuts: WR Juwann Winfree

The most surprising cut on Tuesday was to the wide receiver core. Juwann Winfree didn’t make the final 53-man roster and will now enter waivers.

Winfree was impressive in training camp and preseason, totaling 75 yards on 7 receptions, but a crowded wide receiver room that includes Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers, and more was going to be tough to cut through.

Winfree’s popularity was inflated in part by Aaron Rodgers sending compliments his way multiple times throughout training camp. At one point, Rodgers said he was a big fan of Winfree, and another time he said, “I will say, between 88 and 87, there’s been a lot of positive things that makes you feel good about the depth we could have in that room.”

Romeo Doubs, the 87 Rodgers is referring to, did make the final roster. Doubs, a rookie, served as a punt returner in college which may have helped his case over Winfree.

Unfortunately for Winfree, the depth was his killer, as there was just too much talent to fit him on the roster, capable as he is. He does have familiarity with the Packers, though, having played seven games with Green Bay last year. He pulled in 8 receptions for 58 yards for an average of 7.2 yards per reception.

Like the rest on this list, Winfree is a sure thing as a practice squad signee if he gets past waivers before someone snatches him.