Javon

Wims

Taylor was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and played on 378 defensive snaps last season. One of several Matt Rhule draft picks to get the ax on cut-down day, Taylor earned a PFF coverage grade of 52.1 last season and allowed 23 receptions for 369 yards and two touchdowns on 30 targets. In addition to Taylor, the Panthers also waived/released WR Shi Smith, LB Brandon Smith, WR Javon Wims, OL Justin McCray, and LB Deion Jones.

Cleveland also announced the signing of defensive end Isaac Rochell. Wims joined the Raiders on a reserve/future contract after the end of the 2021 season but was released in March. He hasn’t appeared in a game since 2020. Wims will need to impress in training camp to make the Browns’ final roster.

Wims signed a reserve/future contract in January after spending time on the practice squad. The 27-year-old ex-Chicago receiver hasn’t appeared in a game since 2020 and was a roster longshot. The Raiders also released DT P.J. Johnson, OT William Sweet, DB Jordan Brown, and DB Natrell Jamerson.

Wims, 26, had multiple opportunities to make an impact in Chicago the past two seasons but underwhelmed with 24/234/2 across 29 appearances in that span. His sudden release opens the door for either Riley Ridley or Damiere Byrd to start in three-wide sets with Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney in Week 1. Wims could receive another trial elsewhere during the final preseason game to potentially eek out a spot on a 53-man roster.

Mooney didn’t practice Friday so he was always a long shot to suit up against New Orleans. Javon Wims and Riley Ridley should see expanded roles in Chicago’s Wild Card game, and Allen Robinson could see even more looks than usual with Mooney sidelined. Just last week, Mooney commanded a team-high 13 targets against the Packers.

Wims’ suspension is technically for “violations of unsportsmanlike conduct rules” after he ignorantly punched Gardner-Johnson’s helmet (twice) on Sunday, causing a brief sideline brawl and garnering blatant disgust from coach Matt Nagy. Nagy has moved players into his doghouse for less, potentially resulting in Wims getting healthy scratched even after he serves his suspension.

Wims sucker punched Chauncey Gardner-Johnson during the Bears’ Week 8 loss to the Saints, triggering a brief brawl and getting Wims tossed from the contest. Wims claims Gardner-Johnson had ripped out his mouthpiece and spit on him earlier in the game -- a claim that has not been verified by replay. Wims’ retaliation was jarring and drew the scorn of his teammates and head coach. He could miss at least one game as punishment for the sucker punch.

Wims finished his second NFL season with 18 receptions and 186 yards while working as the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver in Chicago. A late-season concussion to Taylor Gabriel allowed Wims to see the field, but results were very hit and miss. Wims only caught 18 of his 39 targets (46%) and averaged 4.8 yards per look. Wims will likely be competing for the No. 4 job in 2020 and isn’t likely to be on the fantasy radar as long as Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller stay healthy. The Bears need to upgrade their quarterback group, among other things, for Wims to have deep sleeper appeal next summer.

Taylor Gabriel (concussion) has already been ruled out. Wims’ absence would open up more targets for both Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller. Cordarrelle Patterson and Riley Ridley are the top candidates to join A-Rob and Miller in three-WR sets if Wims is ultimately ruled out. None of these complementary WRs are realistic fantasy options due to volume concerns.

As was Taylor Gabriel (concussion). Wims has worked as Chicago’s second receiver on the outside without Gabriel in Chicago’s last two games, but his sprain from Thursday’s win threatens his availability against the Packers. His absence would simply increase Allen Robinson’s and Anthony Miller’s projected target shares.