Two with Local Ties Cut From NFL Teams

Tuesday’s mandatory cut down date, requiring NFL teams to reduce their rosters down to 75 players, has ended the NFL stints of two more players with local ties. QB James Franklin from the University of Missouri and RB Ronnie Wingo Jr., a graduate of St. Louis University High School that played his collegiate ball at the University of Arkansas, were released from their respective teams early Monday morning.

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Franklin was an undrafted rookie trying to make the Detroit Lions roster as a long shot. After signing with the Lions, it was thought Franklin would compete with Kellen Moore for the third QB spot, but was given very little opportunity to compete during the preseason.

Wingo Jr. was looking to make the Buffalo Bills team after playing for the team in 2013. Wingo was active as the third string running back during the latter part of the 2013 season due to the injuries of starting RB CJ Spiller. Wingo also spent time on the Bills and Falcons practice squad after entering the league in 2013. Wingo was also considered a long shot to make the team after the Bills traded for former Eagle Bryce Brown in the offseason to go along with starting running backs CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson.

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Both Wingo and Franklin will look to catch on with another team or sign onto a practice squad somewhere. Wingo is the more intriguing prospect as a big back, weighing 230 lbs. and running a 4.47 40-yard.