The NFL's annual roster cut deadline has once again brought significant changes across the league, as teams trimmed their rosters from 90 players down to 53 by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. This year's roster cuts were particularly notable, affecting a broad array of talented players, including former draft picks and seasoned veterans.
Baltimore Ravens Make Bold Cuts
The Baltimore Ravens made some unexpected decisions, releasing wide receivers Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller. In a move that caught many by surprise, the Ravens also parted ways with several tight ends, including Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington. Offensive linemen Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson were also shown the door, along with defensive lineman Tramel Walthour, punter Jack Browning, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, quarterback Emory Jones, and running back Chris Collier.
Green Bay Packers Shake Up Offense and Defense
The Green Bay Packers made several significant moves to finalize their roster. Offensive lineman Royce Newman and offensive tackle Caleb Jones were cut, while quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford also did not make the final team. Special teams saw a shake-up with the release of kicker Anders Carlson. Additionally, wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, along with defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu, were released.
Houston Texans' Surprising Moves
The Houston Texans also underwent a major reshuffle, most notably in their secondary. Cornerbacks Mike Ford, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and C.J. Henderson were all cut. The wide receiver group saw changes with Noah Brown and Quintez Cephus being released. Safety Desmond King and quarterback Tim Boyle, along with wide receiver Jaden Janke, were also let go.
Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders Adjust Rosters
In Denver, the Broncos released linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, and wide receiver Jalen Virgil. Over in Las Vegas, the Raiders cut quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman. Wide receiver Jeff Foreman and defensive back Wood Governor also didn't make the final roster.
New Orleans Saints' Extensive Cuts
The New Orleans Saints made several cuts, impacting both offensive and defensive lines. Defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson were let go. Special teams also saw changes with the release of punter Lou Hedley, and kickers Charlie Smyth. Safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram were cut. Defensive lineman Jack Heflin, offensive linemen Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, Shane Lemieux, and center Sincere Haynesworth, along with defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat were also released.
Other Notable Roster Changes
The New York Jets released defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles cut wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier. Their roster was also trimmed with the release of tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah, defensive back Parry Nickerson, and guard Max Scharping.
The Seattle Seahawks made numerous cuts, particularly at tight end and wide receiver. Tyler Mabry, Michael Ezeike, D'Wayne Eskridge, and Easop Winston were all released. Defensive ends DeVere Levelston and Jamie Sheriff did not survive the cuts either. Other notable releases included 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 parted ways with wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory. The Washington Commanders made their own significant moves, cutting defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, and wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne. Additional cuts included wide receivers Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis, along with running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley. The Commanders also released cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre. Guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson were among the final roster casualties.
Every team across the league has now finalized their initial 53-man rosters, setting the stage for another exciting season of professional football. As the regular season approaches, teams will be closely monitoring the waiver wire and practice squads to ensure they have the right mix of talent and depth.