As the NFL season draws closer, teams have been busy trimming their rosters to comply with the league's 53-man roster cut deadline. By 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, teams needed to whittle down their rosters from 90 players to the magic number of 53, setting the stage for a slew of difficult decisions and surprising cuts across the league.
Ravens Make Major Moves
In Baltimore, the Ravens made headlines with an extensive list of cuts, affecting several position groups. Notably, the wide receiver room saw significant changes with the release of Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller. Tight ends Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington were also let go, indicating a strategic shift ahead of the upcoming season.
On the offensive line, Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson were shown the door, while the defensive line lost Tramel Walthour. Punter Jack Browning, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, and promising talents like quarterback Emory Jones and running back Chris Collier were among the notable names departing from the Ravens' roster.
Broncos and Packers Follow Suit
The Denver Broncos also faced tough decisions, releasing linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, and wide receiver Jalen Virgil. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers parted ways with offensive lineman Royce Newman and offensive tackle Caleb Jones. The Packers' quarterback room also saw a shakeup with Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford being released. Additionally, kicker Anders Carlson, wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, and defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu were cut as Green Bay sought to streamline their squad.
Texans Restructure Defense
The Houston Texans undertook significant changes, particularly in their secondary. Cornerbacks Mike Ford, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and C.J. Henderson were among the cuts. Wide receivers Noah Brown and Quintez Cephus, safety Desmond King, quarterback Tim Boyle, and wide receiver Jaden Janke were also released, highlighting the Texans' efforts to revamp both their offense and defense ahead of the season.
Raiders and Saints Announce Releases
Out west, the Las Vegas Raiders made notable adjustments by releasing quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman. Wide receiver Jeff Foreman and defensive back Wood Governor also found themselves without a roster spot as the Raiders fine-tuned their team.
The New Orleans Saints had a busy cut day themselves, highlighted by the release of defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson. Special teams saw substantial cuts as well, with punter Lou Hedley, safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram, and kicker Charlie Smyth all parting ways with the team. The cuts on the offensive line included Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, Shane Lemieux, and center Sincere Haynesworth, along with defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat.
Other Teams Make Tough Decisions
Elsewhere in the league, the New York Jets released defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson, while the Philadelphia Eagles decided to part ways with wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier. The Eagles' tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah, and defensive back Parry Nickerson, along with guard Max Scharping, also found themselves cut from the roster.
In Seattle, the Seahawks' decision-makers cut 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 in a comprehensive roster overhaul.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made notable cuts, including wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory. In Washington, the Commanders released defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne, and wide receivers Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis. The running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley, and cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre also faced the axe. Additionally, guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson were all released.
As teams finalized their initial 53-man rosters, the league witnessed an array of surprising and strategic moves. Each team's decisions reflect their unique tactical shifts and future aspirations as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting NFL season.