Now we may have an explanation for the release of popular cornerback Jimmy Moreland. The Washington Football Team waived “The People’s Corner” as he has commonly been referred to. Moreland was part of Washington’s final roster cuts Tuesday as teams around the NFL got down to the mandated 53 players.
The decision to cut Moreland was met by a great deal of criticism from fans throughout social media. A seventh-round pick in 2019 out of James Madison, Moreland started 10 games over the past two seasons.
Yet, this season he didn’t make the initial 53-man roster for the first time in his short pro career. But why? We may have learned the reasoning behind him being cut.
According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, Moreland was waived with an injury designation. He suffered a knee bruise, but the injury is considered minor. He is expected to be ready for Week 1.
The designation is to notify the other teams in the league, Moreland is dealing with an injury.
He could still be claimed off waivers by any one of the 31 other teams in the league. He had two years remaining on his $2.6 million contract he signed as a rookie. That’s an attractive contract for a cornerback capable of starting in the league.
If he clears waivers, Moreland and Washington can negotiate an injury settlement to avoid being reverting to injured reserve. Considering he should be ready for Week 1, obtaining an injury settlement seems ideal. In that case, Moreland will be a free agent and available to sign with a new team.
There is a remote chance Washington could re-sign him. But they would have to wait for his injury settlement time period plus three additional weeks before bringing him back. For example if Moreland and the team agrees to one week of payment, Washington must wait four weeks in total before re-signing him.
