The annual NFL roster cut deadline always brings a whirlwind of emotions, as teams across the league make the tough decisions to trim their squads from 90 players down to the required 53. The deadline, set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, saw a flurry of activity as numerous high-profile and fringe players alike were either released or waived.
Baltimore Ravens Make Sweeping Changes
Among the most noticeable of these decisions was the Baltimore Ravens' significant reconfiguration of their roster. The Ravens cut a trio of wide receivers: Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller, while also parting ways with 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 released as the team tightened its squad.
Significant Moves Across the League
While the Ravens' cuts were extensive, they were far from the only team making hard choices. The Denver Broncos made waves by cutting linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, alongside wide receiver Jalen Virgil. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers opted to release offensive linemen Royce Newman and Caleb Jones, as well as quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford. The Packers also cut kicker Anders Carlson, wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, and defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu.
The Houston Texans made notable roster adjustments by 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 also did not make the final cut.
Raiders, Saints, and Jets Among Those Making Tough Choices
Similarly, the Las Vegas Raiders released quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman, wide receiver Jeff Foreman, and defensive back Wood Governor. The New Orleans Saints cut defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, as well as linebackers Khaleke Hudson. The Saints further trimmed their roster by letting go of punter Lou Hedley, safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram, and kicker Charlie Smyth. They also released defensive lineman Jack Heflin, offensive linemen Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, Shane Lemieux, center Sincere Haynesworth, and defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat.
The New York Jets joined the roster-shuffling by releasing defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson.
Significant Changes for Eagles, Seahawks, and Buccaneers
The Philadelphia Eagles made noteworthy roster revisions, cutting wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier. Their adjustments also saw the release of tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah, defensive back Parry Nickerson, and guard Max Scharping.
In the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Seahawks removed tight ends Tyler Mabry and Michael Ezeike, wide receivers D'Wayne Eskridge and Easop Winston, and defensive ends DeVere Levelston and Jamie Sheriff from their squad. Their comprehensive cuts also 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 also made considerable changes, cutting wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory.
Washington Commanders Execute Mass Roster Overhaul
The Washington Commanders' roster moves were equally sizable. Defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne were among the players cut. Wide receivers Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis, and running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley were released as well. The Commanders further curtailed their squad by cutting cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre, along with guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson.
By the close of the day, every NFL team had finalized their initial 53-man rosters, setting the stage for the upcoming season. The sweeping changes highlight the ruthless, often heartbreaking nature of professional sports, where the dreams of many hopeful players are cut short as organizations work towards building their best possible teams.