Nebraska Football: Pair of former Husker defenders have different NFL outcomes

Miami Dolphins linebacker Garrett Nelson (56) makes a sack during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, August 11, 2023, in Miami Gardens, FL.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Garrett Nelson (56) makes a sack during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, August 11, 2023, in Miami Gardens, FL. /
facebooktwitterreddit

Two former Nebraska football defenders saw very different sides of cut day in the NFL as Garrett Nelson is looking for a new time while Ben Stille stuck.

This has been quite the rollercoaster of emotions for fans of the Nebraska football program when it comes to watching former Huskers try to earn spots on NFL roster. There’s been some good news, such as Trey Palmer making the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

There has also been some bad news, such as Adrian Martinez getting cut by the Detroit Lions despite having a very solid preseason.

For former Nebraska football defensive lineman Garrett Nelson, he is going to be following in Martinez’s footsteps as he looks for another NFL team to sign with.

Nelson was cut by the Dolphins earlier this week as the franchise got down to its 53-man active roster. The cut comes despite Nelson showing he could be worth someone adding him to their practice squad at the very least as he recorded four tackles and a sack in the three-game preseason.

That Nelson was cut wasn’t exactly a total shock. He was always going to be a long shot to make a team after signing with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent.

Of course, the fact that he chose Miami over a number of suitors might mean that those same teams will come calling now that he is once again a free agent.

Ex-Nebraska football star gets good news

While Nelson is looking for a new job, another former Husker defensive lineman has found himself a team. Ben Stille made the final cuts for the Arizona Cardinals and is one of seven defensive linemen that will be on their opening week roster.

This will be Stille’s second year in the NFL. Last season he appeared in six games for the Cleveland Browns and recorded three tackles in those games.

The former Nebraska football star was allowed to become a free agent after the season, but has now caught on with the Cardinals and it will certainly be interesting to see if he gets a bit more action in Arizona.