Surprising NFL Roster Cuts: Notable Departures from Each Team

NFL Roster Cuts Overview

On Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the NFL mandated that all 32 teams finalize their initial 53-man rosters, leading to a flurry of trades and transactions as teams made surprise decisions about their players.

The Athletic’s NFL writers identified the most unexpected cuts from every team. Below is a list highlighting these surprises.

Team Highlights

Arizona Cardinals: Simi Fehoko, WR

Initially signed to a one-year contract in March, Simi Fehoko’s limited experience in the NFL—just 10 catches over four seasons—did not indicate he would be a major contributor. Despite a strong preseason where he caught two touchdowns, the Cardinals cut him, leaving fans to wonder about their thin receiver depth. Coach Jonathan Gannon previously praised his versatility, yet it wasn’t enough to secure a roster spot. Fehoko may find opportunities elsewhere or join the practice squad.

Atlanta Falcons: Morgan Fox, DT

The Falcons surprised many by releasing eight-year veteran Morgan Fox, who had inked a two-year deal worth up to $8.5 million with $3 million guaranteed. Fox recorded 15.5 sacks in the previous three seasons but did not make the cut, contributing to an overall roster with only five interior defensive linemen.

Baltimore Ravens: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB

Fourth-round pick Jalyn Armour-Davis had a promising summer but was cut despite showing strong preseason performance with an interception and minimal completions allowed. The Ravens opted to retain undrafted rookie Keyon Martin instead, raising eyebrows given their usual strategy of maintaining cornerback depth.

Buffalo Bills: Dane Jackson, CB

Dane Jackson’s release raised concerns due to the team’s limited cornerback options, particularly with injuries to other players. Having spent four seasons with the Bills, Jackson started 28 games but found himself in an increasingly competitive environment.

Carolina Panthers: Hunter Renfrow, WR

Hunter Renfrow’s return from a severe gastrointestinal issue was a compelling story, enhanced by a training camp visit from his former Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. However, after battling a hamstring injury and limited performance in preseason games, he was cut in favor of David Moore. The Panthers may still pursue Renfrow for their practice squad if he remains without other offers.

Chicago Bears: Tyler Scott, WR

Despite consistent involvement with the reserve squad, Tyler Scott was surprisingly released. Although he was expected to be the sixth receiver, undrafted rookie Jahdae Walker’s standout performances shifted the decision.

Cincinnati Bengals: Jaxson Kirkland, OL

The Bengals shocked by keeping only eight offensive linemen, which reflects poorly on their young players’ ability to compete effectively. Kirkland, who had previously been on the team, struggled to regain his form after injury in training camp.

Cleveland Browns: Sam Kamara, DT

Sam Kamara’s release caught attention as the Browns welcomed back Mike Hall Jr. from injury. There’s potential for Kamara to return through the practice squad if the team needs additional depth.

Dallas Cowboys: Traeshon Holden, WR

Despite being a consistent performer during training camp, Holden was cut as the team opted for Ryan Flournoy, who was seen as a better fit for special teams. Holden was a standout this year but ultimately fell short of securing a 53-man spot.

Denver Broncos: Audric Estimé, RB

Estimé, a fifth-round pick, was among the cuts that raised eyebrows as he had begun to show promise in his rookie year. Injuries and the addition of veteran J.K. Dobbins crowded Denver’s backfield.

Detroit Lions: Ahmed Hassanein, Edge

Hassanein was waived due to an injury settlement after showing promising skills during practice. The Lions opted not to utilize an IR designation, instead allowing him to potentially sign with another team if he clears waivers.

Green Bay Packers: Kalen King, CB

While not a major shake-up, Kalen King’s release surprised fans after a solid training camp performance. The Packers hope to re-sign him for their practice squad, offering a glimpse of their roster determination.

Houston Texans: Trent Brown, OT

After signing Brown in hopes of him starting post-injury, the Texans released the 2019 Pro Bowl lineman, indicating their shift towards rookie Aireontae Ersery for the tackle position.

Indianapolis Colts: JuJu Brents, CB

Brents, a second-round pick in 2023, was cut due to ongoing injury issues that hindered his ability to make an impact on the field. His release marks a significant turn in expectations for his career.

Jacksonville Jaguars: John Wolford, QB

John Wolford’s exit is notable, given that he was a respected figure within the organization. The Jaguars opted to stick with Trevor Lawrence and Nick Mullens at quarterback, leaving Wolford’s role uncertain.

Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Edwards, S

The Chiefs made the surprising decision to cut veteran safety Mike Edwards, despite him having advocates within the team for his ball-hawking talents. This raises questions about the safety depth heading into the season.

Las Vegas Raiders: Laki Tasi, OL

Tasi’s release was unexpected given his unique background and potential after being signed through the International Player Pathway. His journey began in rugby, showcasing the Raiders’ interest in his versatility.

Los Angeles Chargers: Branson Taylor, OL

The Chargers’ decision to part ways with Taylor highlights their ongoing struggles with offensive line depth. His inability to secure a roster spot raises concerns about their evaluation process in recent drafts.

Los Angeles Rams: Chris Paul Jr., ILB

Paul was unable to overcome a hamstring setback during training camp, leading to his release as the Rams opted for earlier signings who proved effective in preseason.

Miami Dolphins: Mike Hilton, CB

The unexpected cut of Mike Hilton indicated the Dolphins’ confidence in rookie Jason Marshall, potentially reshaping Miami’s cornerback lineup ahead of the season.

Minnesota Vikings: Gabriel Murphy, Edge

Although Murphy had a solid training camp, the Vikings opted for alternatives that better matched their special teams strategy, resulting in his release.

New England Patriots: Cole Strange, G

Cole Strange’s cut illustrated the struggles of recent Patriots drafts, as the team’s 2022 first-round pick failed to secure a lasting role after starting only 29 games.

New Orleans Saints: Jake Haener, QB

With the selection of Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback, Haener found himself out of the competition, prompting speculation on the Saints’ potential to add veteran help.

New York Giants: Elijah Chatman, DL

Chatman’s surprise release came after a strong training camp where he contributed on both defense and offense. His cut may impact the Giants’ defensive depth significantly.

New York Jets: Jamaal Pritchett, WR

Pritchett, a popular undrafted rookie, was cut after failing to secure a spot amidst competition, likely leading him towards the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Philadelphia Eagles: Patrick Johnson, Edge

Patrick Johnson’s release marked a surprise decision among a group of edge rushers as the Eagles opted to retain players who offered more immediate production.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Chuck Clark, S

The Steelers’ decision to release Clark came as a surprise, given his recent first-team reps. There remains the possibility of re-signing him, given his veteran status.

San Francisco 49ers: Thomas Morstead, P

Morstead’s cut surprised fans but was attributed to contractual adjustments. The 49ers are also keeping an eye on undrafted rookie defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez.

Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Bohanna and Brandon Pili, DTs

Despite showing promise in training, both Bohanna and Pili were cut, leaving the Seahawks with a thinner interior defensive line.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Trask, QB

Trask’s departure shocked many after he signed a one-year, $2.7 million deal. Although he was initially seen as the backup to Baker Mayfield, his inconsistent performance led to Teddy Bridgewater’s acquisition.

Tennessee Titans: James Proche, WR

James Proche’s skills as a returner and his consistent performance in camp were overlooked as the Titans made room for other special teams players. He may still have a chance on the practice squad.

Washington Commanders: Clelin Ferrell, DE

Ferrell’s release was not unexpected given his performance during camp. The Commanders opted for players who provided superior pass rush potential.