The clock hit 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment for all NFL teams. The deadline required every team to trim their rosters from 90 players down to 53, bringing about a flurry of last-minute decisions—and some surprising cuts.
Key Roster Moves Across the League
This year's roster cuts featured several notable names. Lamar Jackson, despite being a Heisman Trophy winner, went undrafted in 2018. His journey is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of NFL careers. Teams, from rookies to veterans, had to prove their worth or face the axe.
One of the most active teams during this period was the Baltimore Ravens, who made deep cuts across multiple positions. Among the wide receivers let go were Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller. Tight ends did not escape the culling either, with Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington all being shown the door. Offensive linemen Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson, along with defensive lineman Tramel Walthour, faced similar fates. The special teams unit was not spared, as punter Jack Browning was also released. Additionally, quarterback Emory Jones and running back Chris Collier found themselves without a place on the team.
Notable Cuts From Other Franchises
The Denver Broncos also made headlines by releasing linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, and wide receiver Jalen Virgil. For the Green Bay Packers, the offensive line took a hit with the release of Royce Newman and Caleb Jones. The Packers also parted ways with quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford, along with kicker Anders Carlson, wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, and defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu.
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans saw significant changes in their defensive backfield, cutting 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.
The Las Vegas Raiders let go of quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman, along with wide receiver Jeff Foreman and defensive back Wood Governor. In New Orleans, the Saints released defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson. Their special teams unit saw changes as well, with punter Lou Hedley and kicker Charlie Smyth among those released.
Adjustments in the Northeast and Beyond
The New York Jets made cuts to their defensive backfield and running game, releasing defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson. The Philadelphia Eagles' roster adjustments included letting go of wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier, along with tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah. Defensive back Parry Nickerson and guard Max Scharping were also part of the cuts.
In the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Seahawks trimmed their roster by releasing 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, linebackers Easton Gibbs, Jon Rhattigan, and Devin Richardson, safety Ty Okada, running back George Holani, and defensive back Willie Roberts also did not make the final roster.
Final Changes Before the Regular Season
On the Gulf Coast, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory. The Washington Commanders made significant changes to their defensive and offensive units. Defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne, and several cornerbacks, including Chigozie Anusiem and A.J. Woods, were released. The Commanders also let go of guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, and kicker Riley Patterson.
With these moves finalized, NFL teams are now set with their initial 53-man rosters. As always, these decisions are a delicate balance of strategy, performance, and potential, reflecting the ever-competitive nature of professional football.