NFL teams finalized their 53-man rosters by Tuesday afternoon, a move that sparked a rush of last-minute trades and cuts. Here are the notable surprises across all 32 teams, with context on why each move stood out and what could come next.
Arizona Cardinals: Simi Fehoko, WR
Fehoko, a 2021 fifth-round pick who signed a one-year deal in March, flashed as a depth option and special-teams contributor in the preseason. Despite two touchdown catches in the exhibition slate and praise for his versatility, the Cardinals cut him as they balanced a thin receiving corps. He’ll likely land on another roster or the practice squad.
Atlanta Falcons: Morgan Fox, DT
Fox arrived as a veteran depth piece with a sizable contract, but Atlanta opted to go lighter on their interior after the weekend cutdown, releasing Fox and a few other veterans. He’s a strong candidate for a quick return elsewhere, if not a practice squad spot.
Baltimore Ravens: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB
Armour-Davis battled injuries early in his career but stayed healthy in camp this year and showed promise. An undrafted rookie, Keyon Martin, emerged to win a roster spot at cornerback, costing Armour-Davis a place on the 53-man roster. The Ravens’ depth at corner remains strong, and Armour-Davis could land on the practice squad or another team’s roster.
Buffalo Bills: Dane Jackson, CB
Jackson’s release surprised given injuries at cornerback, but Buffalo prioritized health and experience in the early stages. With Maxwell Hairston injured and Tre’Davious White not yet fully productive, the Bills may look to bring Jackson back on the practice squad or find him another opportunity.
Carolina Panthers: Hunter Renfrow, WR
Renfrow’s comeback from a serious illness was a major storyline, but hamstring issues and limited production in the preseason left him behind on the depth chart. The Panthers chose David Moore for the seventh receiver spot and expressed willingness to sign Renfrow to the practice squad if opportunities arise.
Chicago Bears: Tyler Scott, WR
Scott, a fourth-round pick, showed promise but the Bears kept a rookie undrafted receiver, Jahdae Walker, with eight receptions for 98 yards and two scores in the preseason. Scott’s limited production and Walker’s special-teams value contributed to the decision.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jaxson Kirkland, OL
The Bengals kept only eight offensive linemen, loading up on defensive linemen instead. This move reflected a broader assessment of the depth chart, with Kirkland among those who didn’t make the initial 53. It’s a decision that could shift with injuries or development later in the season.
Cleveland Browns: Sam Kamara, DT
Kamara was released as Cleveland balanced its defensive line with Mike Hall Jr. returning from injury. Kamara could return to the practice squad or join another team, depending on how the DT room shakes out after Week 1.
Dallas Cowboys: Traeshon Holden, WR
Holden stood out in camp as a reliable receiver, but Dallas rolled with a group led by CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and others. Holden’s special-teams value wasn’t enough to crack the 53, though he could return via waivers or stay in the mix on a practice squad.
Denver Broncos: Audric Estimé, RB
Estimé, a fifth-round rookie, contributed in the early going but was edged by Denver’s loaded backfield after the additions of RJ Harvey and veteran Dobbins. The Broncos’ crowded RB room made Estimé expendable for now, though he could land somewhere with an opportunity or return to the practice squad.
Detroit Lions: Ahmed Hassanein, edge
Hassanein impressed with his motor but was released with an injury settlement after a pectoral injury sidelined him. Lions’ management opted for the cost of an IR-to-return possibility versus tying up a roster spot. If healthy, Hassanein could return, likely after clearing waivers.
Green Bay Packers: Kalen King, CB
King posted a solid camp but was ultimately released, with the Packers hoping to re-sign him to the practice squad after he clears waivers. He’d be the likely candidate to return to the roster if health and depth dictate it.
Houston Texans: Trent Brown, OT
The Texans signed Brown with the expectation he could start at right tackle, but he was deemed expendable as the roster took shape. Rookie Aireontae Ersery and veteran Tytus Howard headline the tackles, while Brown’s status will depend on injuries and future roster moves.
Indianapolis Colts: JuJu Brents, RB
Brents, a 2023 second-round pick, was waived as the Colts pivoted on a hometown-to-team storyline that had not fully materialized. He’ll likely seek a fresh start elsewhere, with teams cautious about his injury history but still recognizing his upside.
Jacksonville Jaguars: John Wolford, QB
Trevor Lawrence is the unquestioned starter, Nick Mullens the backup, and rookie Seth Henigan will be in the mix. Wolford’s experience and smarts keep him on the radar for a practice squad, should he clear waivers.
Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Edwards, S
Edwards drew backing from coaches for his playmaking, but Kansas City opted for younger safeties. He could end up back on the Chiefs’ practice squad or find a home elsewhere, given the depth at safety around him.
Las Vegas Raiders: Laki Tasi, OL
Tasi is a product of the International Player Pathway program with a rare background. He showed potential on the offensive line in the preseason, but the Raiders chose to move forward with other options. He may land on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Los Angeles Chargers: Branson Taylor, OL
Taylor, a sixth-round pick, couldn’t crack the interior line behind more established players. The Chargers’ evaluation of their inner line depth remains a focal point, and Taylor could be a practice squad candidate if he clears waivers.
Los Angeles Rams: Chris Paul Jr., ILB
Paul, a fifth-round pick, dealt with a hamstring issue in camp. With Nate Landman locked in as the starting middle linebacker and veteran depth still available, Paul was shed from the initial 53 and could land on the practice squad or elsewhere.
Miami Dolphins: Mike Hilton, CB
Hilton’s release came soon after Miami added veteran Rasul Douglas to the mix. Rookie Jason Marshall has looked strong, and Hilton’s absence signals a shift toward the young cornerback group for the immediate future.
Minnesota Vikings: Gabriel Murphy, edge
Murphy impressed in camp but the Vikings chose Bo Richter and Chaz Chambliss for the final edge spots, factoring in injuries and long-term upside. Murphy could return via the practice squad if he clears waivers.
New England Patriots: Cole Strange, G
Strange’s departure was notable given his first-round status a few years back, but New England opted for the current roster construction and development arc. The Patriots’ recent draft class results have sparked questions, but Strange moves on to seek a new opportunity.
New Orleans Saints: Jake Haener, QB
First-year coach Kellen Moore tabbed Spencer Rattler as the quarterback of the present and future, keeping Haener out of the conversation for Week 1. Haener will likely seek a veteran option or a practice squad spot behind the two quarterbacks at the top of the depth chart.
New York Giants: Elijah Chatman, DL
Chatman’s versatility, having moved from defense to occasional offense, raised eyebrows, but the Giants kept a deeper defensive line group intact. Chatman’s future likely lies on a practice squad or another team’s depth chart.
New York Jets: Jamaal Pritchett, WR
Pritchett drew early fan attention, but the Jets valued Xavier Gipson’s NFL-ready credentials and return ability more highly. Pritchett may surface on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Philadelphia Eagles: Patrick Johnson, edge
Johnson’s spot was under pressure as the Eagles leaned on Ogbo Okoronkwo and other edge players. Johnson’s NFL journey continues, with a path likely through the practice squad or a broader search pool.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Chuck Clark, S
Clark’s release comes after the Steelers acquired Jalen Ramsey, reshuffling the secondary. Thornhill and Elliott start, while Clark could float to the practice squad or a new destination if the Steelers pursue another safety upgrade.
San Francisco 49ers: Thomas Morstead, P
Morstead’s high-profile reaction was tempered by a contract or procedural matter that paused his status. The 49ers also highlighted undrafted Sebastian Valdez, who could be a keep-if-claimed candidate for the practice squad as he develops.
Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Bohanna and Brandon Pili, DTs
Seattle trimmed interior depth despite strong camp showing. Bohanna and Pili could return via the practice squad, but the Seahawks will start the season lighter up front than they hoped.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Trask, QB
Trask’s roster status ended up in question as the Buccaneers added Teddy Bridgewater, pushing Trask down the depth chart. This follows a pattern of minimal real game-time opportunities for Trask, with a chance to reemerge via waivers or practice squad.
Tennessee Titans: James Proche, WR
Proche was a standout as a returner and receiver in camp, but Bryce Oliver and Van Jefferson claimed spots on the active roster. If he clears waivers, Proche could return on the practice squad or compete for a later role.
Washington Commanders: Clelin Ferrell, DE
Ferrell’s future with Washington was not as secure as hoped after several pass-rush changes. The Commanders chose other defensive ends and ends up with a refreshed depth plan. Ferrell could find a home as a depth option elsewhere or land back on a practice squad.
Overview and takeaways
– The 53-man cuts show how teams are prioritizing depth at key positions, especially cornerback and edge/rush-heavy roles, while also testing younger players for potential long-term roles.
– Several players released will likely find opportunities on practice squads or via waivers, underscoring the ongoing nature of roster-building in the early season.
– Injuries and strategic flexibility (such as IR-to-return designations) continue to influence cut decisions, especially for teams managing limited cap and depth.
– The moves create immediate opportunities for rookies and previously overlooked players to seize roles in practice squads or later in the season as injuries occur.
Summary
– Every club made a tough round of 53-man decisions, producing a mix of veteran releases, surprising cuts, and opportunities for younger players to prove themselves on practice squads and in Week 1 readiness. As teams monitor waiver wires and adjust rosters in the coming days, the landscape will continue to shift, offering hopeful narratives for players eager to earn spots and contribute.
Possible value-add notes
– If you’re following a specific team, keep an eye on practice squad signings and potential waiver pickups in the next 24–48 hours, as this is when most roster shuffles formalize.
– For fantasy viewers, the week ahead could reveal which receivers or backs are on the cusp of a larger role, particularly where injuries or depth concerns exist.
If you’d like, I can condense this into a shorter, publish-ready version for WordPress with a clean, reader-friendly format and a concise summary at the top.