Numerous high-profile players have entered the NFL’s open market following the roster cut deadline that required all teams to finalize their 53-player rosters by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Many clubs made their decisions known ahead of time, while others waited until the last moment.
The New England Patriots were quick to make moves, parting ways with a quarterback who previously competed with Mac Jones, as well as a second-year kicker.
In other notable cuts, the Kansas City Chiefs released a well-known wide receiver who failed to deliver significant statistics, while the Arizona Cardinals let go of a quarterback drafted in 2022.
Here’s a summary of some of the most significant players released:
WR Kadarius Toney, Kansas City Chiefs
Toney’s time with the Chiefs came to an end, marked by his notorious offsides during a game against the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old, previously a first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2021, finished last season with 27 receptions, totaling 169 yards and one touchdown. It remains to be seen if there is interest from other teams.
QB Desmond Ridder, Arizona Cardinals
Ridder had been one of the few promising quarterbacks from a weak 2022 class, but his performance did not meet expectations with the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Malik Willis, another quarterback from the same draft class, was recently traded to the Green Bay Packers from the Tennessee Titans.
WR Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos
Tim Patrick, a tall receiver at 6-foot-4, was released by Denver after suffering two consecutive season-ending injuries before the start of the regular season. The 30-year-old had been with the Broncos since 2018, but he may find opportunities elsewhere if he can demonstrate his fitness.
QB Bailey Zappe and K Chad Ryland, New England Patriots
In New England, Zappe was let go after previously competing for the starting role with now-Jaguars quarterback Jones. Ryland, a fourth-round pick in 2023, was also cut after a lackluster performance, converting only 16 of 25 field goal attempts. Joey Slye is anticipated to take over the kicking duties.
WR Noah Brown, Houston Texans
With a crowded receiving corps, the Texans released Brown, 28, who had played only one season with the team, recording 33 catches for 567 yards and two touchdowns over 10 games. He previously spent five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and could serve as a valuable veteran asset for other teams.
S Lewis Cine, Minnesota Vikings
Cine, a first-round draft choice in 2022, was let go by the Vikings. The Georgia alum suffered a leg injury during his inaugural season and had limited involvement last year. Teams in rebuilding mode should consider taking a chance on him.
CB Caleb Farley, Tennessee Titans
Another former first-round pick, Farley was released after struggling with injuries throughout his first two seasons. He did not play last year following a tragic event in which his house exploded, resulting in his father’s death.
K Anders Carlson, Green Bay Packers
The Packers hoped Carlson, a sixth-round draft choice in 2023, would succeed Mason Crosby, but he lost the starting position to veteran Greg Joseph after converting 27 of 33 field goals and 34 of 39 extra-point attempts last season.
WR Allen Robinson, New York Giants
Robinson, a previous 1,000-yard receiver, was cut by the Giants before ever taking the field in an official game for them. The 31-year-old has played for three different teams over the last three seasons, and that number could increase should he sign with another team.
RB Matt Breida, San Francisco 49ers
Breida’s attempt to revive his career with the 49ers ended after his release. The 49ers will instead rely on running backs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and rookie Isaac Guerendo, as Elijah Mitchell has been placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Looking ahead, anticipation builds for the upcoming 2024 NFL season and its matchups.