Max Starks
The former Steeler went to a Super Bowl as a starting tackle and played in Pittsburgh for the majority of his career before landing in Arizona this offseason, and with the void of offensive line talent in the NFL this cut is a little more surprising considering the fact that this is the first round of cuts. The addition of Jared Veldheer and the return of Bobby Massie as the starting tackles likely made Max Starks expendable. While it's possible Starks is over the hill, the offensive tackle position will likely see injuries around the league and Starks should find a job as insurance at the very least.
Alan Branch
Branch had been a starting defensive tackle for two years in Seattle prior to landing in Buffalo in 2013, where he worked as the third defensive tackle in the rotation but still logged 13 starts. While Buffalo has a wealth of talent at defensive tackle, Branch's cut is likely coupled with his DUI arrest. Branch is an above average defensive tackle with plenty of experience under his belt, but off the field issues such as this likely won't help him find a job. Branch will likely land with a team who gets hit with injuries on the defensive line, whether it's in the near future or during the regular season.
Adrian Wilson
The former Arizona Cardinals pro bowl safety was out of a job last season, but managed to find his way into Chicago this offseason and likely would have had the chance to start. Considering the problems the Bears have had at safety in recent years, this move is a sign that Wilson may be over the hill at this point in his career. The Bears also parted ways with safety Craig Steltz, a member of the team since 2008.
Winston Justice
The Broncos parted ways with Justice after a 2013 season where he didn't start and served as depth. The Broncos have a pretty good group of tackles, so this cut wasn't necessarily surprising. Prior to 2013 Justice started 12 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 and was a longtime contributor as depth and as a starter in Philadelphia. Justice is approaching his 8th season in the NFL, and likely won't be considered for left tackle duties on an NFL squad. He could be serviceable as a right tackle but he probably won't be the answer to any team's offensive line woes (hint hint).
Ramses Barden
Panthers fans should remember Barden's name well as the guy who shredded the Panthers secondary in 2012. Barden landed in Jacksonville in 2013 but couldn't secure a job on roster. And this is a roster that has been noticeably lacking receiver talent aside from Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts. Blackmon is slated to miss more time this season with his continuous off the field issues by serving an indefinite suspension, while the Jags drafted Marqise Lee in 2014's draft. Barden's a young player, but not being able to catch on with the Jaguars certainly doesn't bode well for his future.
Tommy Kelly and Will Smith
The Patriots cut ties with both of these veteran defensive lineman in the first round of cuts, signaling that the Patriots want to give their younger options the nod for 2014. Both Will Smith and Tommy Kelly were good options for their former teams (Saints and Patriots respectively) but had issues with on the field conduct, as we all remember the bounty debacle in New Orleans and Kelly was flagged many times for late hits. Both are on the back end of their careers but should find jobs as stop gaps for teams lacking depth on the defensive line.
Carey Spear
His nickname is "Murderleg", of course it's notable! Highest hit rating for a KICKER in Madden history!!
Terrell Thomas
Thomas was a guy the Panthers appeared to be targeting at defensive back during the free agency period. Thomas is coming off two ACL tears prior to returning in 2013 with the Giants. Thomas landed in Seattle but couldn't stick with the talent in their secondary. It appears that Thomas is able to play now coming off those injuries, but it remains to be seen whether he can play at a high level again or if a team is willing to take that risk. The Panthers did with Thomas Davis, and it turned out well for us. I personally hope that Thomas gets another shot somewhere.