As the NFL's 4 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline approached, teams across the league were faced with the challenging task of whittling their rosters from 90 players down to the final, vital 53-man roster. The annual event, marked by high stakes and tough decisions, saw several high-profile names and surprising cuts as franchises made their final adjustments ahead of the new season.
Ravens Make Significant Cuts
The Baltimore Ravens, for example, made significant moves by cutting a host of players across multiple positions. Among the notable decisions were the release of wide receivers Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller. The Ravens also cut tight ends Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington. These decisions underscore the competitive nature within the squad as the team aims to solidify a strong lineup for the forthcoming season.
In addition to the offensive cuts, the Ravens released offensive linemen Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson. Defensive changes included the release of defensive lineman Tramel Walthour, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, punter Jack Browning, quarterback Emory Jones, and running back Chris Collier.
Broncos and Packers Trim Down
Elsewhere in the league, the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers also solidified their rosters. The Broncos cut linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, alongside wide receiver Jalen Virgil. Meanwhile, the Packers parted ways with offensive lineman Royce Newman and offensive tackle Caleb Jones. The Packers' quarterback room also experienced changes with the release of Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford.
Furthermore, the Packers' special teams and wide receiver units saw shake-ups with kicker Anders Carlson, wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, and defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu all hitting the waiver wire.
Texans Overhaul Roster
The Houston Texans made headline-worthy changes by cutting several key players, including cornerbacks Mike Ford, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and C.J. Henderson. In moves that may surprise some fans, the team also released wide receivers Noah Brown and Quintez Cephus, safety Desmond King, quarterback Tim Boyle, and wide receiver Jaden Janke.
Raiders and Saints Decisions
The Las Vegas Raiders focused on their quarterback and wide receiver contingents, releasing Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman, as well as wide receiver Jeff Foreman. Defensive back Wood Governor was also part of the cuts. The New Orleans Saints made waves by cutting defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson. Additionally, the Saints let go of punter Lou Hedley, safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram, along with kicker Charlie Smyth.
In the trenches, the Saints cut defensive lineman Jack Heflin and offensive linemen Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, Shane Lemieux, and center Sincere Haynesworth. Defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat was also released.
Jets, Eagles, Seahawks Finalize Rosters
The New York Jets' roster trimming saw defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson being cut. Over in Philadelphia, the Eagles released 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.
The Seattle Seahawks also took significant steps to finalize their roster by cutting tight ends Tyler Mabry and Michael Ezeike, wide receivers D'Wayne Eskridge and Easop Winston, and defensive ends DeVere Levelston and Jamie Sheriff. Other notable cuts 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.
Buccaneers and Commanders Make Tough Choices
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made headlines by cutting wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders executed a series of roster moves cutting defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne, and cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre.
The Commanders further reduced their squad by releasing 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.
Every team in the league has now submitted their initial 53-man rosters, bringing an end to one of the most stressful yet exciting periods in the NFL season. With these rosters set, fans eagerly await the kickoff, hoping that their teams have made the right choices to propel them to success.