The whirlwind of activity leading up to the NFL's 53-man roster cut deadline saw teams across the league making crucial decisions to trim their squads from 90 players down to 53. By 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, front offices had solidified their initial rosters, signaling both the culmination of rigorous preseason evaluations and the beginning of a new chapter for those remaining.
Notable Cuts Highlight Preseason Unpredictability
In a notable twist, Lamar Jackson, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner, went undrafted back in 2018, illustrating the perennial unpredictability of NFL rosters and the high stakes of preseason performances. This year's cuts echoed that unpredictability as several established and promising players were shown the door.
The Baltimore Ravens were particularly active, making significant cuts in various positions. Wide receivers Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller were let go, alongside tight ends Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington. The team's offensive line saw the release of Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson, while the defensive line parted ways with Tramel Walthour. Additional exits included punter Jack Browning, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, quarterback Emory Jones, and running back Chris Collier.
Elsewhere in the league, the Denver Broncos cut linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, as well as wide receiver Jalen Virgil, indicating a possible shift toward younger or more versatile talents. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers made their own tough decisions, releasing offensive lineman Royce Newman and offensive tackle Caleb Jones. The Packers also moved on from quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford, and kicker Anders Carlson was let go alongside wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, as well as defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu.
Teams Reshape for Upcoming Season
The flurry of roster-trimming also affected the Houston Texans, who cut cornerbacks Mike Ford, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and C.J. Henderson. Not stopping there, the Texans decided to release wide receivers Noah Brown and Quintez Cephus, along with safety Desmond King, quarterback Tim Boyle, and wide receiver Jaden Janke.
The Las Vegas Raiders made their cuts with quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman among those released. Wide receiver Jeff Foreman and defensive back Wood Governor were also let go. These moves, typical of the annual roster churn, open up opportunities for new talents to shine.
The New Orleans Saints also had a busy day, cutting a plethora of players to meet the deadline. Defensive end Niko Lalos and wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown headlined the cuts, accompanied by linebacker Khaleke Hudson. The Saints also released punter Lou Hedley and several safeties, including Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram, alongside kicker Charlie Smyth. The defensive line and offensive line were not spared, with players like Jack Heflin, Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, and Shane Lemieux being cut. Center Sincere Haynesworth and defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat also found themselves on the outside looking in.
The Wide-Spread Roster Shake-ups
The New York Jets refined their roster by releasing defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson. Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles made strategic cuts, parting ways with wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier. The Eagles also cleared tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah, defensive back Parry Nickerson, and guard Max Scharping.
The Seattle Seahawks were not immune to the trimming frenzy, cutting tight ends Tyler Mabry and Michael Ezeike, wide receivers D'Wayne Eskridge and Easop Winston, and defensive ends DeVere Levelston and Jamie Sheriff. They also released defensive tackle Mario Kendricks, linebackers Easton Gibbs, Jon Rhattigan, and Devin Richardson, safety Ty Okada, running back George Holani, and defensive back Willie Roberts.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory, further highlighting the movement in rosters throughout the league.
In their bid to recalibrate, the Washington Commanders cut a slew of players including defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne, and cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre. The Commanders also released guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson.
With the dust now settled, teams have finalized their initial 53-man rosters, each roster decision a blend of strategy, potential, and sometimes, unpredictability. As the NFL season looms, the hard work of these athletes and the challenging decisions made by team executives will soon be put to the test on the gridiron.