Numerous prominent players have entered the NFL’s open market following the roster cut deadline, which required all teams to finalize their 53-man rosters by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. While many teams announced their decisions ahead of time, others waited until the last moments to make their cuts.
The New England Patriots made early roster adjustments, releasing a quarterback who previously contended with Mac Jones, as well as cutting a second-year kicker. The Kansas City Chiefs also parted ways with a well-known wide receiver who did not achieve notable statistics, while the Arizona Cardinals let go of a quarterback from the 2022 draft.
Here is a summary of some of the most significant names that were released:
WR Kadarius Toney, Kansas City Chiefs
Toney’s time with the Chiefs has ended, with his stint largely remembered for a controversial offsides call against the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old was a first-round draft pick by the New York Giants in 2021, but his performance dipped in Kansas City, where he recorded 27 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown last season. His future prospects remain uncertain.
QB Desmond Ridder, Arizona Cardinals
Ridder had shown potential as part of a weak 2022 quarterback draft class, but he failed to make an impact in Arizona. Meanwhile, Malik Willis, another quarterback from the same class, was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Green Bay Packers recently.
WR Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos
Denver released Tim Patrick, a 6-foot-4 receiver who struggled with injuries over the past two seasons. Formerly a mainstay since 2018, Patrick’s release may open opportunities for him elsewhere if he can demonstrate resilience and regain his form.
QB Bailey Zappe, K Chad Ryland, New England Patriots
The Patriots let go of Zappe, who had previously competed with Mac Jones for the starting quarterback position. New England also waived kicker Ryland, a 2023 fourth-round pick, after he only connected on 16 of 25 field goal attempts, paving the way for Joey Slye to take over.
WR Noah Brown, Houston Texans
With a crowded receiving corps, the Texans decided to cut Noah Brown, a player who had contributed 33 receptions for 567 yards and two touchdowns in ten games last season. The 28-year-old previously spent five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and could provide valuable experience for another team.
S Lewis Cine, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings released Cine, a first-round pick in 2022 from Georgia. After suffering a serious leg injury in his rookie season, he faced limited opportunities in his second year. Teams looking to take a chance on a potential talent should consider Cine.
CB Caleb Farley, Tennessee Titans
Farley, another former first-round pick, was released after struggling with injuries throughout his first two seasons, which limited his playing time. His recent personal tragedy, including the loss of his father in a house explosion, adds to the challenges he has faced.
K Anders Carlson, Green Bay Packers
The Packers decided to waive Carlson, a sixth-round pick in 2023, after hoping he would replace veteran Mason Crosby. Last season, Carlson converted on 27 of 33 field goals and 34 of 39 extra-point tries but ultimately lost the starting job to veteran Greg Joseph.
WR Allen Robinson, New York Giants
Robinson, a former 1,000-yard receiver, was released by the Giants before appearing in a game. At 31 years old, Robinson has played for three different teams in the past three seasons, and he could soon find himself on a fourth, depending on his next career move.
RB Matt Breida, San Francisco 49ers
Breida’s attempt to return to the 49ers was halted as the team is set to rely on running backs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and rookie Isaac Guerendo, with Elijah Mitchell now on injured reserve for the entire season.