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Wisconsin Football: Former Badgers Released from NFL Teams

By Jim Oxley

Sep 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Houston Texans tight end Garrett Graham (88) catches a touchdown as Carolina Panthers strong safety Roman Harper (41) and outside linebacker A.J. Klein (56) defend in the third quarter. The Panthers defeated the Texans 24-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Houston Texans tight end Garrett Graham (88) catches a touchdown as Carolina Panthers strong safety Roman Harper (41) and outside linebacker A.J. Klein (56) defend in the third quarter. The Panthers defeated the Texans 24-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Wisconsin football players have hit the free agent market unexpectedly

A pair of former Wisconsin football players are on the job search after being released from their NFL contracts this week. Both Kraig Urbik and Garrett Graham are now free agents.

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The two former Badgers spent multiple years together on campus for Wisconsin. Urbik played guard for the Badgers from 2005-2008 and was a third round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009. He was waived heading into the 2010 season, but was signed by the Buffalo Bills, and played there until he was released this week.

Graham was a tight end for Wisconsin from 2006-2009, and was a fourth round draft pick by the Houston Texans, where he played the entirety of his career before being released this week.

Urbik was the first former Badgers player on the chopping block this off-season, having his number called on Tuesday as the Buffalo Bills released Urbik, defensive end Mario Williams and running back Boobie Dixon.

The combined move saved the team $15.7 million in cap space, although the vast majority of that money came from Williams’ salary alone, as cutting him saves the Bills $12.9 million in cap space. Cutting Urbik saved the Bills about $1.75 million in cap space.

Urbik appeared in 84 games with Buffalo, starting 57 games and playing in both a starting and backup role as a center and a guard. He tweeted on Tuesday that he had no hard feelings with the organization.

He should have no trouble finding work as a backup or potential starter with another NFL franchise.

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He will be joined in the free agent pool by Graham, who will be looking for a fresh start after a rough season in 2015. The former Badgers tight end inked a three-year deal with the Houston Texans following a 49-catch, 545-yard, 5-touchdown season in 2013, but has struggled since.

Graham caught 18 passes in just 11 games in 2014 and caught only four passes in eight games in 2015. He was a healthy scratch for much of the 2015 season. He has 100 receptions for 1,059 yards and 10 touchdowns in his NFL career.

Graham was released Thursday, although the news that the Texans were releasing running back Arian Foster rightfully took top billing in the press. The Texans also released safety Rahim Moore.

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Houston saved around $9 million in cap space for releasing Foster, and another $3.8 million for cutting Graham and about $2 million for releasing Moore.

Graham tweeted his thanks and appreciation to Houston on Thursday following his release.

Graham may get a call from his old coach Gary Kubiak and rejoin fellow Badgers tight end Owen Daniels in Denver.