- The deadline for NFL teams to set their initial 53-man rosters passed on Tuesday afternoon.
- A slew of notable players, including quarterback Tommy DeVito and offensive lineman Cole Strange, were waived or released.
- Practice squads will be set on Wednesday, and teams can still sign veterans at any time.
One of the most somber dates on the NFL calendar has come and gone.
Here’s a look back at all of the most notable moves with Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline having passed:
Colts roster cuts: Indy calls it quits on CB JuJu Brents
Anthony Richardson isn’t the only early draft pick the Indianapolis Colts are pivoting away from.
The team on Tuesday waived cornerback JuJu Brents, a second-round pick out of Kansas State in 2023.
The 6-3, 198-pound cover man started eight games as a rookie. But he has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, including a torn meniscus and MCL that forced him to miss almost the entirety of 2024, and the scheme shift brought by new coordinator Lou Anarumo brought about additional challenges.
Now, a Colts secondary that added marquee free agent cornerback Charvarius Ward this offseason looks poised for more turnover. The team also is bringing in veteran Mike Hilton for a workout, according to multiple reports, after he was released by the Miami Dolphins.
Patriots roster cuts: OL Cole Strange not sticking around
The New England Patriots have moved on from one of the more notable disappointments of the end of Bill Belichick’s tenure.
The team on Tuesday waived interior offensive lineman Cole Strange.
Belichick surprised many by selecting the Chattanooga product with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Strange started 27 games in his first two seasons but suffered a torn patellar tendon in December 2023. He appeared in just three games last season under Jerod Mayo, and Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf opted not to continue on with him for the final year of his rookie deal. Rookie Jared Wilson is set to take over the starting left guard job.
Other Belichick holdovers, including safety Kyle Dugger and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings, were the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, but the team kept many of its most notable names. Also sticking around are 2024 fourth-round receiver Javon Baker, veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne and rookie kicker Andres Borregales, who struggled in preseason but beat out Parker Romo.
Fifth-round edge rusher Bradyn Swinson was a surprising cut.
Cowboys roster cuts: RB Deuce Vaughn out of crowded backfield
Deuce Vaughn stuck around the Dallas Cowboys for two seasons, but the diminutive running back isn’t back on the starting roster for the beginning of the 2025 season.
Vaughn was among 18 players waived by the team on Tuesday, with 13 more being released.
A sixth-round pick in 2023, Vaughn immediately became one of the feel-good stories of the draft when his father, assistant director of college scouting Chris Vaughn, notified Deuce that the Cowboys were selecting him. Earning touches proved difficult for the 5-6, 176-pound ball carrier, who logged just 40 carries for 110 yards in his first two seasons. Dallas, meanwhile, reloaded in the backfield this offseason by signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders and drafting Jaydon Blue (fifth round) and Phil Mafah (seventh round).
Quarterback Will Grier and cornerback Israel Mukuamu were among the notable veterans to be released. Defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey and defensive end James Houston made the roster after impressing in camp, as did undrafted free agent cornerback Zion Childress.
Seahawks roster cuts: Marquez Valdes-Scantling beaten out for role
The Seattle Seahawks signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling to be the designated deep threat in the receiving corps, but the veteran was released after it appeared he was outraced by a rookie.
Valdes-Scantling signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Seattle this offseason to reunite with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, under whom he averaged 22.6 yards per catch for the New Orleans Saints last season. But the Seahawks saw fifth-round pick Tory Horton rapidly rise in training camp into the field-stretching role alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, and the rookie appears ready to take over.
Browns roster cuts: Change coming at kicker
The Cleveland Browns’ roster cuts include a change-up at kicker.
The team released veteran Dustin Hopkins, a 10-year veteran who held down the role for the last two seasons in Cleveland.
Hopkins missed nine kicks in 2024, however, which was tied for the second most in the NFL, and his struggles continued in the preseason with misses on all three of his field-goal attempts. Andre Szmyt remains a possible in-house option, though the team could make a move in the coming days.
Panthers roster cuts: Hunter Renfrow’s comeback hits a snag
After spending 2024 out of the NFL with ulcertaive colitis, Hunter Renfrow sought to re-establish himself with the Carolina Panthers. If he wants to continue his comeback bid, however, he’ll have to do so elsewhere.
The Panthers on Tuesday released the former Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Renfrow, 29, had been seeking to carve out a role in the slot as an asset for 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young. But with Carolina holding on to veteran Adam Thielen amid trade chatter – at least for the time being – the team had enough options to round out its receiving corps.
Carolina’s cuts also released DT Shy Tuttle, OLB Boogie Basham, LB Krys Barnes and LB Jon Rhattigan. Players who were waived included WR Ja’seem Reed, TE Bryce Pierre, OL Jarrett Kingston, OL Brandon Walton, OL Michael Tarquin, DE Jared Harrison-Hunte, DT Sam Roberts, LB Maz Mwansa, CB Shemar Bartholomew, CB Michael Reid, S Trevian Thomas, G Ja’Tyre Carter (injured) and RB Raheem Blackshear (injury settlement).
Falcons roster cuts: No room for C.J. Henderson
C.J. Henderson’s audition for the Atlanta Falcons didn’t yield a roster spot to start the season.
The former first-round cornerback is being released by the team, according to multiple reports.
Henderson signed with the Falcons less than two weeks ago to provide additional competition in the secondary. The No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 started 22 games for the Carolina Panthers from 2021-23 but did not appear in a game for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.
49ers roster cuts: San Francisco drops Terique Owens
The San Francisco 49ers won’t be eyeing T.O. 2.0 in 2025.
The team is waiving wide receiver Terique Owens, according to multiple reports.
Owens, the son of Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, was an undrafted free agent out of Missouri State in 2024. He spent time with the 49ers last season in training camp and on the team’s practice squad. But despite catching a touchdown in the preseason finale, cracking a receiving corps with a number of other young options – despite a bevy of injuries – proved to be too tall of a task.
Commanders roster cuts: Clelin Ferrell latest to be shown the door
An offseason of upheaval for the Washington Commanders has led to even more change.
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who started 10 games for the team last season, was released.
Ferrell recorded 3 ½ sacks last season for an overachieving Washington defensive line but was relegated to a backup role down the stretch. After playing extensively in the preseason, the seventh-year veteran now will be in search of his fourth team in as many years.
The Commanders also cut quarterback Sam Hartman.
Titans roster cuts: Xavier Restrepo can’t catch on
The Tennessee Titans are trying to get Cam Ward settled, but the team isn’t saving a roster spot for the No. 1 pick’s favorite target from college.
The team on Tuesday waived undrafted free agent Xavier Restrepo.
Restrepo led Miami (Fla.) with 1,127 receiving yards in Ward’s breakout season in 2024. The 5-10, 202-pound target stirred concerns about his long speed after running a 4.83-second 40-yard dash at his pro day and eventually went undrafted, but he linked up with his former signal-caller’s team.
But despite lacking much in the way of established options beyond Calvin Ridley, the Titans had a wealth of young pass catchers who entrenched themselves above Restrepo, including fourth-rounders Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike.
Steelers roster cuts: Robert Woods not part of initial receiving corps, Beanie Bishop Jr. also out
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ receiving corps remains a work in progress, but a key veteran won’t be part of it to start the season.
The Steelers released Robert Woods on Tuesday.
Woods, 33, signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh in April. With little settled for the Steelers at receiver beyond DK Metcalf, the 13th-year veteran could be a candidate to return later on.
Meanwhile, nickel corner Beanie Bishop Jr. was also released. The undrafted rookie hauled in four interceptions last season but didn’t have a spot after the team traded for Jalen Ramsey and signed Brandin Echols.
Saints roster cuts: New Orleans letting go of Jake Haener
Jake Haener began the offseason as a potential wild card in the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback competition. Now, the third-year signal-caller is looking for a new landing spot.
The Saints are waiving Haener, according to multiple reports.
Haener appeared in eight games last season for the Saints, starting one. First-year coach Kellen Moore had said in the summer that Haener would figure into the starting quarterback competition, but Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough quickly emerged as the leading candidates for the role.
Jets roster cuts: New York drops Malachi Corley
Gang Green’s regime change has led to the organization pulling the plug on one of its recent early draft picks.
The team is waiving wide receiver Malachi Corley, according to multiple reports.
A third-round pick out of Western Kentucky, Corley was widely likened to Deebo Samuel Sr. for his ability to rack up yards after the catch. But he managed just three catches for 16 yards in a trying rookie season, with the lowlight coming in a Halloween matchup against the Houston Texans when he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, negating a would-be touchdown.
With Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey coming aboard and Corley struggling throughout the summer, the Jets decided to part ways.
Browns roster cuts: Diontae Johnson can’t stick in Cleveland
Diontae Johnson’s attempt to redeem himself in the AFC North has fallen flat.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers standout, who flamed out with the Baltimore Ravens last season, is being released by the Cleveland Browns, according to multiple reports.
Johnson, who was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, signed a one-year deal with Cleveland in April as he tried to re-establish himself. Traded to the Ravens during the season, he notched just one catch before being suspended and later waived for refusing to enter a game.
Despite having scant depth at receiver behind Pro Bowler Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland opted to move forward with younger options.
Saints roster cuts: Isaiah Foskey let go
The New Orleans Saints are moving on from a disappointing early draft pick.
The team is releasing edge rusher Isaiah Foskey, according to multiple reports.
Foskey was a second-round draft pick out of Notre Dame in 2023. In two years, however, he never cracked the starting lineup or even recorded a sack. With Carl Granderson and Chase Young locking down the starting edge spots, Foskey didn’t have a discernible path to significant playing time.
Steelers roster cuts: Pittsburgh cuts bait on former early draft pick
The Pittsburgh Steelers are calling an end to the DeMarvin Leal experiment.
The team is waiving the 2022 third-round pick.
Leal entered the league as a talented but vexing tweener of a pass rusher out of Texas A&M. After bouncing around multiple spots, he seemed to settle in on the edge. But with standouts T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith holding down the starting spots and Nick Herbig and third-round rookie Jack Sawyer serving as backups, playing time would be hard to come by.
Jaguars roster cuts: LB Chad Muma out
The Jacksonville Jaguars are moving on from linebacker Chad Muma after three years, according to multiple reports.
Muma, a third-round pick out of Wyoming, started seven games over the last three years but was primarily a backup. The team also drafted two linebackers in April: fourth-rounder Jack Kiser and sixth-rounder Jalen McLeod.
The team is also moving on from safety and special teams contributor Daniel Thomas, per multiple reports.
Chiefs roster cuts: Kansas City moving on from Mike Edwards
The Kansas City Chiefs are moving on from a familiar figure whose second stint ended after just months.
The team on Tuesday released safety Mike Edwards, according to multiple reports.
Edwards, 29, was a member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl championship team in 2023, playing in all 17 games and starting five. He signed a one-year deal with the team in April after bouncing around with three teams last season.
Kansas City, however, is choosing to move on from the veteran, who was expected to serve as a backup. Chamarri Conner and Bryan Cook are set to be the starters, with 2024 fourth-round pick Jaden Hicks adding depth.
Giants roster cuts: Tommy DeVito’s time is up
The New York Giants’ quarterback shuffle means Tommy DeVito’s brief but memorable time on the active roster is over.
The team is waiving the fan favorite quarterback, Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network reported Tuesday.
The New Jersey native, who was dubbed ‘Tommy Cutlets’ by the fan base, rose from an undrafted free agent out of Illinois to an overnight sensation as a rookie in 2023, when he stepped in for injured second-stringer Tyrod Taylor and started six games. He led the Giants to three straight wins. He led the team to three straight wins and earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in a victory over the Green Bay Packers.
DeVito started two more games in 2024 after Daniel Jones was benched and later released, but he couldn’t recapture his earlier magic.
With the Giants bringing in Russell Wilson as the starter, Jameis Winston as the veteran backup and first-rounder Jaxson Dart as the future at quarterback, DeVito faced an uphill climb to make the active roster. He could, however, be a practice squad candidate if he clears waivers.
Which notable NFL players already have been released?
The following players already have either been cut or will be later Tuesday, per reports:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Kyle Trask, safety Shilo Sanders and defensive tackle Desmond Watson
- Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime
- Washington Commanders wide receiver Michael Gallup
- Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker
- New Orleans Saints running back Cam Akers
- Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kyle McCord and offensive guard Kenyon Green
- Miami Dolphins cornerback Mike Hilton
When is the NFL roster cut deadline?
By 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 26, all 32 teams must reduce their active rosters to 53 players. Official word for some teams’ moves, however, might not come until slightly later.
What happens once the NFL roster deadline passes?
NFL teams have until noon ET on Wednesday, Aug. 27, to claim players who are waived as part of league-wide roster reductions. Once those claims are resolved, clubs will begin filling out their practice squads.