The recent 53-man roster cut deadline has brought significant changes across the NFL as teams trimmed their rosters from 90 players down to the required 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. This annual event, essential for teams to finalize their lineups ahead of the new season, saw a number of notable player releases and unexpected moves.
Baltimore Ravens Make Significant Cuts
The Baltimore Ravens have made some surprising decisions, particularly in their wide receiver and tight end positions. The team decided to part ways with wide receivers Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller. Additionally, the Ravens released tight ends Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington. The Ravens also trimmed their offensive line by releasing Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson. The defensive line saw cuts as well, with Tramel Walthour being released. Special teams and the secondary were not spared, with punter Jack Browning, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, and quarterback Emory Jones all being released. Running back Chris Collier also found himself among those waived.
Maneuvers by the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers
The Denver Broncos also had notable roster changes, cutting linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, along with wide receiver Jalen Virgil. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers made some unexpected moves themselves. They cut offensive lineman Royce Newman and offensive tackle Caleb Jones. Quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford were also let go, along with kicker Anders Carlson. Wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, and defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu were also released.
Texans and Raiders Clean House
The Houston Texans focused on their defensive backfield and receiver corps. They 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 released as well. The Las Vegas Raiders chose to part ways with quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman, wide receiver Jeff Foreman, and defensive back Wood Governor.
Saints and Jets Trim Their Rosters
In New Orleans, the Saints made several high-profile moves. They cut defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson. The Saints' special teams also saw changes with the release of punter Lou Hedley and kicker Charlie Smyth. A host of safeties including Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram were also released. Adding to these were defensive lineman Jack Heflin, offensive linemen Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, Shane Lemieux, center Sincere Haynesworth, and defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat.
The New York Jets released defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson as they worked to meet the 53-player threshold.
Eagles, Seahawks, and Buccaneers Announce Cuts
The Philadelphia Eagles also made their cuts known, including wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier. Their tight end room saw reductions with E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah being released, along with defensive back Parry Nickerson and guard Max Scharping.
In Seattle, the Seahawks decided to move forward without 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 were also released.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made notable cuts as well, releasing wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory.
Washington Commanders’ Extensive Roster Changes
Finally, the Washington Commanders made extensive changes to their roster. Defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, alongside wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne, were cut. They also parted ways with wide receivers Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis, and running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley. The cornerback position saw a considerable overhaul with Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre all being cut. The Commanders released guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson.
This comprehensive roster cut moves every NFL team a step closer to their final formations for the upcoming season. As the dust settles from these decisions, teams are set with their initial 53-man rosters, signaling the closing chapter of preseason preparations and the onset of regular season challenges.