Roster Cuts Shake Up NFL Teams Ahead of Season
The deadline for NFL teams to trim their rosters to 53 players has come and gone, resulting in a flurry of roster moves that have left many players looking for new opportunities. By 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, all teams had to finalize their squads, cutting down from the preseason allowance of 90 players.
Big Names Among the Cuts
Several notable names were released as teams honed their rosters. The Baltimore Ravens, for example, parted ways with wide receivers Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller. The team also cut tight ends Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington. On the offensive line, Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson were let go, while defensive lineman Tramel Walthour, punter Jack Browning, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, quarterback Emory Jones, and running back Chris Collier were also shown the door.
Lamar Jackson, an Echo from the Past
Interestingly, Lamar Jackson, who famously went undrafted in 2018 despite winning the Heisman Trophy, is a stark reminder that being cut or overlooked can sometimes be a precursor to greatness. This year’s cuts will undoubtedly fuel the ambitions of many players hoping to use their setbacks as stepping stones.
Broncos, Packers, and Texans Trim Down
The Denver Broncos made significant cuts as well, with linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, and wide receiver Jalen Virgil among those released. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers parted ways with offensive lineman Royce Newman and offensive tackle Caleb Jones. Quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford, along with kicker Anders Carlson and wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, were also released. Defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu was another casualty of the Packers’ roster trimming.
In Houston, the Texans cut cornerbacks Mike Ford, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and C.J. Henderson. Wide receivers Noah Brown and Quintez Cephus, safety Desmond King, quarterback Tim Boyle, and wide receiver Jaden Janke were also released.
Raiders, Saints, Jets Make Tough Decisions
The Las Vegas Raiders released quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman, along with wide receiver Jeff Foreman and defensive back Wood Governor. The New Orleans Saints had a significant culling, releasing defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson. The special teams unit wasn’t spared either, with punter Lou Hedley and kicker Charlie Smyth among the released players. The Saints also let go of safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram.
Eagles, Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Commanders Reduce Roster Sizes
The Philadelphia Eagles cut wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier, alongside tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah. Defensive back Parry Nickerson and guard Max Scharping were also released. The Seahawks trimmed their roster by cutting tight ends Tyler Mabry and Michael Ezeike, wide receivers D'Wayne Eskridge and Easop Winston, and defensive ends DeVere Levelston and Jamie Sheriff. Defensive tackle Mario Kendricks and a slew of linebackers, including Easton Gibbs, Jon Rhattigan, and Devin Richardson, were also released, along with safety Ty Okada and defensive back Willie Roberts.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made several notable moves, cutting wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders released defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, and wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne. The wide receiver room faced additional cuts with Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis released. Running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley were also let go, alongside several cornerbacks and a kicker, Riley Patterson.
Finalizing the 53-Man Roster
Every team across the league has finalized their initial 53-man rosters following this deadline, with coaches and general managers making some difficult decisions. These moves not only reflect current team strategies and needs but also a broader trend toward youth and versatility in today’s NFL. As always, the business side of football can be as unpredictable and competitive as the game itself.