The NFL's roster cut deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday led to significant changes across the league as teams trimmed their rosters from 90 players down to 53. This annual event, which always brings a mix of surprise cuts and expected releases, showcases the intense competition and tough decisions teams face as they prepare for the regular season.
Baltimore Ravens' Notable Cuts
The Baltimore Ravens, always a team to watch closely, made several significant roster decisions. Despite being packed with talent, the Ravens decided to release wide receivers Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller, and tight ends Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington. Offensive linemen Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson, defensive lineman Tramel Walthour, punter Jack Browning, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, quarterback Emory Jones, and running back Chris Collier also found themselves on the chopping block.
Lamar Jackson, who famously went undrafted in 2018 despite his Heisman Trophy win, stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL's roster dynamics. Even players with significant accolades can face uncertainty as teams finalize their lineups.
Moves Across Other Franchises
Transitioning to the Denver Broncos, the team decided to part ways with linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, along with wide receiver Jalen Virgil. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers made headlines by cutting offensive lineman Royce Newman, offensive tackle Caleb Jones, and releasing quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford. The Packers also released kicker Anders Carlson, wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, and defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu.
In Houston, the Texans made some surprising decisions, including 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 as the team looked to streamline their roster.
Impactful Cuts by Other Teams
The Las Vegas Raiders also made notable cuts, releasing quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman, and wide receiver Jeff Foreman, along with defensive back Wood Governor. Similarly, the New Orleans Saints made a series of high-profile cuts, including defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson. They also released punter Lou Hedley, safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram, and kicker Charlie Smyth. Furthermore, the team cut defensive lineman Jack Heflin, offensive linemen Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, Shane Lemieux, center Sincere Haynesworth, and defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat.
The New York Jets, looking to sharpen their roster for the upcoming season, released defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson. In Philadelphia, the Eagles opted to cut 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.
Final Preparations for the Season
The Seattle Seahawks also made significant cuts, including tight ends Tyler Mabry and Michael Ezeike, wide receivers D'Wayne Eskridge and Easop Winston, and defensive ends DeVere Levelston and Jamie Sheriff. The team additionally 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 trimmed down their roster by cutting wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory. Lastly, the Washington Commanders made sweeping changes, cutting defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne, and releasing wide receivers Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis. The Commanders also released running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley, cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre, and guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson.
As each team finalizes their 53-man roster, the focus now shifts to how these newly structured teams will perform in the upcoming NFL season. The continuous flux and high level of competition will undoubtedly make this season as intriguing as ever.