As the NFL season approaches, teams across the league faced the challenging task of paring down their rosters to the final 53 men. By the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, every organization had made their tough decisions, releasing many hopefuls in the process.
Baltimore Ravens' Major Moves
The Baltimore Ravens made significant cuts, trimming their roster across various positions. Notable wide receivers Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller were let go, along with tight ends Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington. The offensive line also saw changes, with the release of Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson. Defensive adjustments included cutting lineman Tramel Walthour, and in the special teams unit, punter Jack Browning was released. Additionally, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, quarterback Emory Jones, and running back Chris Collier were also let go.
Broncos and Packers Adjustments
The Denver Broncos did not hold back either, cutting linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, as well as wide receiver Jalen Virgil. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers deeply shuffled their roster. Offensive lineman Royce Newman and offensive tackle Caleb Jones were among those released. Quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford, kicker Anders Carlson, wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, and defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu were also unable to secure a spot on the team.
Texans and Raiders Roster Changes
The Houston Texans were another team that made significant cuts, including cornerbacks Mike Ford, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and C.J. Henderson. Wide receivers Noah Brown, Quintez Cephus, and Jaden Janke were cut, along with safety Desmond King and quarterback Tim Boyle. On the West Coast, the Las Vegas Raiders released quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman, as well as wide receiver Jeff Foreman and defensive back Wood Governor.
Saints' Last-Minute Decisions
The New Orleans Saints were equally busy, cutting defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson. Their special teams unit also saw some turnover, with punter Lou Hedley and kicker Charlie Smyth being released. Safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram, as well as defensive lineman Jack Heflin, offensive linemen Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, and Shane Lemieux, and center Sincere Haynesworth were also cut. Lastly, defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat found himself released.
Jets, Eagles, and Seahawks Shifts
The New York Jets made several notable moves, releasing defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson. The Philadelphia Eagles followed suit, cutting wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier. Tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah, defensive back Parry Nickerson, and guard Max Scharping also did not make the final roster.
In Seattle, the Seahawks' notable cuts included 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.
Final Trims by Buccaneers and Commanders
Other teams also made final adjustments. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory. The Washington Commanders had an extensive list of cuts as well, including defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne. Wide receivers Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis, and running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley were also released. Cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre did not make it either. Additionally, the Commanders released guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson.
As the dust settles, every NFL team has now finalized their initial 53-man rosters. These released players will look for opportunities elsewhere or perhaps a place on practice squads. For the teams, the hope is that these difficult decisions will pay off as they move forward towards the upcoming season.