The NFL's final roster cut deadline has come and gone, forcing teams to trim their squads from 90 players to 53 by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. This annual process, filled with anticipation and tension, has seen several notable names being waived as franchises fine-tune their rosters for the upcoming season.
Lamar Jackson's Surprising Journey
One of the most eye-catching facts from the cut day is the undrafted status of Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson back in 2018. Jackson, despite being a Heisman Trophy winner, did not hear his name called during the draft. It's a stark reminder of the unpredictability and challenges that talented players often face in entering the professional realm of the NFL.
Ravens Make Significant Cuts
The Baltimore Ravens were one of the most active teams, releasing several potential contributors. Notable cuts included wide receivers Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller. Additionally, the team parted ways with tight ends Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington.
The Ravens' offensive line was also trimmed, with Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson being let go. On the defensive front, players like Tramel Walthour and the promising punter Jack Browning were released, alongside cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, quarterback Emory Jones, and running back Chris Collier.
Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers' Decisions
In Denver, the Broncos made cuts to their linebacker corp, releasing Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, along with wide receiver Jalen Virgil. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers waved goodbye to offensive lineman Royce Newman and offensive tackle Caleb Jones. Quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford, as well as kicker Anders Carlson, and wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, were also released. Defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu found himself among the list of Packers’ cuts as well.
Texans and Raiders Thin Out Their Roster
The Houston Texans cut cornerbacks Mike Ford, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and C.J. Henderson, attempting to refine their secondary. Wide receivers Noah Brown and Quintez Cephus were released, along with safety Desmond King, quarterback Tim Boyle, and wide receiver Jaden Janke.
Over in Las Vegas, the Raiders made tough calls on their quarterback room, releasing Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman. Wide receiver Jeff Foreman and defensive back Wood Governor were also on the list of cuts.
Saints and Jets: Veterans and Newcomers Alike
The New Orleans Saints' roster cuts featured a mix of veterans and promising newcomers. Defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson were among those cut. The Saints also trimmed their special teams unit, releasing punter Lou Hedley and kicker Charlie Smyth. Notable defensive backs released included safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram. Additionally, the Saints cut defensive lineman Jack Heflin, offensive linemen Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, Shane Lemieux, and center Sincere Haynesworth.
The New York Jets made fewer cuts but still significant ones, releasing defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson.
Eagles, Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Commanders Finalize Rosters
The Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier. Tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah, along with defensive back Parry Nickerson and guard Max Scharping, were also released.
Seattle Seahawks' notable cuts included tight ends Tyler Mabry and Michael Ezeike, wide receivers D'Wayne Eskridge and Easop Winston, as well as defensive ends DeVere Levelston and Jamie Sheriff. The team 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 released wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory, making some tough decisions ahead of the new season.
The Washington Commanders also made significant cuts. Defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne, cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre were among those released. The Commanders additionally cut wide receivers Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis, running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley, guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson.
As the dust settles, every team has finalized their initial 53-man rosters. The dynamics of each squad have shifted, opening doors for some players while closing them for others. It's the nature of the NFL, a league that is as competitive as it is merciless, and all eyes now turn to the season ahead to see how these decisions play out on the field.