In a series of strategic moves ahead of the impending roster deadline, NFL teams have rigorously trimmed their rosters, with the Baltimore Ravens leading the charge by releasing a slew of players. The Ravens had to cut down their lineup from 90 to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, as mandated by the NFL regulations.
Baltimore Ravens' Moves
In a surprising turn of events, Baltimore released several wide receivers, including Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, and Anthony Miller. Tight ends such as Mike Rigerman, Riley Sharp, Qadir Ismail, and Scotty Washington also saw their names on the chopping block. The offensive line was not spared either, with immediate releases for Tashawn Manning and Darrell Simpson. Additionally, defensive lineman Tramel Walthour, punter Jack Browning, cornerback Damarion "Pepe" Williams, quarterback Emory Jones, and running back Chris Collier were let go. These drastic changes raise questions about the team's new strategy and how they aim to balance out their roster moving forward.
League-wide Releases
The Denver Broncos took a similar approach, cutting linebackers Jonas Griffith and Jaylon Allen, and wide receiver Jalen Virgil. In Green Bay, offensive linemen Royce Newman and Caleb Jones were released alongside intriguing choices like quarterbacks Michael Pratt and Sean Clifford. Even kicker Anders Carlson, wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Samori Toure, and defensive lineman Kenneth Odumegwu couldn’t escape the Packers' roster purge.
Houston Texans' Adjustments
The Houston Texans made significant adjustments as well, letting go of cornerbacks Mike Ford, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and C.J. Henderson. Wide receivers Noah Brown and Quintez Cephus, and safety Desmond King also found themselves without a team, along with quarterback Tim Boyle and wide receiver Jaden Janke.
Las Vegas Raiders' Roster Cuts
Across the desert in Las Vegas, quarterbacks Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman were axed, along with wide receiver Jeff Foreman and defensive back Wood Governor. The New Orleans Saints made sweeping changes as well, shedding defensive end Niko Lalos, wide receivers Samson Nacua and Equanimeous St. Brown, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson. The Saints also released punter Lou Hedley, safeties Roderic Teamer, Lawrence Johnson, Ugo Amadi, and Johnathan Abram, and kicker Charlie Smyth. This major overhaul extends to defensive lineman Jack Heflin, offensive linemen Josiah Ezirim, Tremayne Anchrum, Shane Lemieux, center Sincere Haynesworth, and defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat.
Changes at the Jets, Eagles, and Seahawks
The New York Jets also trimmed their squad by releasing defensive back Tre Swilling, running back Xavian Valladay, and tight end Neal Johnson. In Philadelphia, the Eagles took a hit at key positions, cutting wide receiver Parris Campbell and quarterback Will Grier. Tight ends E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah, defensive back Parry Nickerson, and guard Max Scharping also didn't make the final roster.
The Seattle Seahawks joined the fray by cutting 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.
Further Cuts Across the NFL
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers follow suit, cutting off wide receiver Sterling Shepard, defensive lineman Eric Banks, and linebacker Randy Gregory. In Washington, the Commanders focused on trimming their defensive ends Andre Jones and KJ Henry, and wide receivers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Brycen Tremayne. More notable cuts include wide receivers Martavis Bryant, Mitch Tinsley, and Davion Davis, along with running backs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Wiley.
Cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem, A.J. Woods, Nick Whiteside II, Tariq Castro-Fields, and James Pierre also faced cuts. To finalize their downsizing, the Commanders released guard Julian Good-Jones, center J.C. Hassenauer, linebacker Bo Bauer, defensive back Ben Nikkel, and kicker Riley Patterson, demonstrating an across-the-board trimming of positions.
Every team has now finalized their initial 53-man rosters, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing NFL season. With varying strategies and surprising cuts, teams will be looking to prove that these difficult decisions will translate into success on the field.