NFL roster madness explained

Something always has to have a nickname.

Like “Black Monday” in the NFL, when head coaches are fired the day after the end of the regular season, it was only a matter of time before someone slapped a name on the cutdown in the NFL.

Some have called it “Black Tuesday,” some “Bloody Tuesday,” and others might have better ideas. How about “Terrible Tuesday”?

Of course, the reality is that teams that played their final preseason game began slashing their rosters on Friday through the weekend, and more are coming today (Monday) before the massive numbers remaining for Tuesday.

How massive?

Consider that all teams have at least 90 players, and many have 91. Those with 91 have an International Pathway Program player who receives an exemption.

By my count, 25 teams took advantage of the new procedure this year that allows every team to have one international player granted an exemption. Those players still go through the waiver process and, once cleared, will be added to the practice squad, giving those teams 17 players instead of 16.

With that 25 in mind, 1,209 players will be removed from rosters by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday. However, don’t make the mistake that many do and claim all will be cut and looking for jobs.

There will be players traded, placed on reserve/injured, listed as physically unable to perform (non-football injury/illness) or suspended. In 2023, for example, the cut to 53 included nine trades, 61 players placed on an injured list and nine others suspended.

Also, please don’t refer to it all as the “final” cut. There’s nothing final about it. In fact, the biggest error younger players make is when they breathe a sigh of relief of being on the roster at the end of the day Tuesday and then being cut the following day when the team they are on is assigned players on waivers.

In addition, don’t be confused when certain teams announce all the players being cut as released. Players waived aren’t released from their contracts until the following day if they clear. Vested veterans cut have their contracts terminated and become immediate free agents. Consider that players aren’t technically traded or waived/terminated. It’s their contracts.

Many of the team decisions are done with the practice squad in mind because there is added flexibility. Of the 53 players on the active roster, only 46 can be active on game day. However, two players can be elevated each week to the game-day roster and for a maximum three times during the season.

Still, teams often obsess about cutting young players, hoping they will go unclaimed and can be added to the practice squad.

Don’t feel too bad for those in that group. Six players on the practice squad can be veterans. Those with two accrued seasons or fewer are paid $12,500 per week this year, which translates to $225,500 if they are on it for all 18 weeks. Veterans can be signed for totals from $16,800 to 21,300 per week. The latter would be $383,400 for all 18 weeks and they all count against the salary cap.

That would be a maximum total cap of $4.55 million for a team.

The “short term” reserve/injured rules have changed significantly this season, so teams won’t have to play roster roulette when they make the cut to 53.

Each team has eight players who can be designated for return from IR during the regular season after missing a minimum of four games. Teams will have two if needed in the playoffs.

In previous years, players eligible to be designated for return had to be on the roster at the cut to 53. Then they were placed on IR two days later—that forced teams in that situation to cut other players and hopefully bring them back. The way around it was to release vested veterans who couldn’t be claimed, who were told they would be re-signed.

This year, teams can designate two players as eligible for return and place them on IR within the 53-man cut.

One last note: Teams don’t have much time to decide about waiver claims. Usually, the claiming deadline is 4 p.m. ET, the day after a player is waived. However, after the cut to 53, the claiming deadline is noon ET Wednesday.

Clubs are quickly notified of who cleared waivers and if they were awarded anyone. They can then officially begin putting together the practice squad.

Maybe “Tumultuous Tuesday” would be a better name, followed by “Wacky Wednesday.”

Player movement updated as of 9 p.m ET, Tuesday, Aug 27

As reported by ESPN

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Biggest move: Carl Lawson signed late in training camp to try to land one of the Cowboys' final pass-rusher roles behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. The veteran has 27 career sacks but did not record one in six games last season for the Jets. He played 13 snaps in the preseason finale but did not register a tackle, pressure or sack. Lawson being released does not mean his time with the Cowboys is done. He could be brought back to the practice squad and elevated to the game-day roster, which is something the Cowboys will consider with linebacker Darius Harris as well. -- Todd Archer

Traded: TE Peyton Hendershot

Waived/released: WR Deontay Burnett, OL Cohl Cabral, DB Josh DeBerry, LB Willie Harvey Jr., TE Alec Holler, WR Cam Johnson, LB Jason Johnson, RB Nathaniel Peat, CB Eric Scott Jr., DT Albert Huggins, WR Tyron Billy-Johnson, LB Damien Wilson, DE Carl Lawson, OL Josh Ball, LB Darius Harris, CB Josh Butler, RB Snoop Conner, WR Jalen Moreno Cropper, RB Malik Davis, DT Denzel Daxon, TE Princeton Fant, RB Royce Freeman, CB Kemon Hall, WR Kelvin Harmon, S Emany Johnson, WR Racey McMath, LB Brock Mogensen, DT Justin Rogers, OL Dakoda Shepley, LB Nick Vigil, S Julius Wood.

Waived/injured:WR David Durden, DL Viliami Fehoko Jr., DE Durrell Johnson

Reserve/commissioner exempt: WR CeeDee Lamb

Reserve/suspended: DE Al-Quadin Muhammad

New York Giants

Biggest move: The Giants kept three quarterbacks, including last year's undrafted rookie sensation Tommy DeVito. It's the first time under coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen they kept three quarterbacks. The question now is whether DeVito sticks. There will be more roster shuffling in the coming day and the Giants have been reluctant to say his spot is secure behind Drew Lock and Daniel Jones. At wide receiver, the Giants also prioritized special teams and cut veterans Allen Robinson II and Isaiah Hodgins. Bryce Ford-Wheaton made it as a gunner and Gunner Olszewski as a returner. -- Jordan Raanan

Waived/released: WR Ayir Asante, DL Kyler Baugh, LB Darrian Beavers, DB Breon Borders, WR Miles Boykin, TE Lawrence Cager, LB K.J. Cloyd, OLB Tomon Fox, CB Mario Goodrich, CB Tre Herndon, WR Isaiah Hodgins, DB Clayton Isbell, CB Darnay Holmes, DB Christian Holmes, DL Timmy Horne, WR John Jiles, S Alex Johnson, OT Marcellus Johnson, RB Joshua Kelley, LB Trey Kiser, S Raheem Layne, RB Lorenzo Lingard, CB David Long. Jr., OL Jalen Mayfield, K Jude McAtamney, OL Marcus McKethan, OT Joshua Miles, RB Dante Miller, C Jimmy Morrissey, OT Matt Nelson, OLB Ovie Oghoufo, WR Allen Robinson II, DT Casey Rogers, TE Jack Stoll, DB Jonathan Sutherland

Reserve/injured/designated for return: WR Isaiah McKenzie, LB Matthew Adams

Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest move: The Eagles are holding onto defensive back James Bradberry IV, at least for now. An All-Pro selection in 2022, Bradberry's play fell off last season, and he lost his grip on the starting corner spot opposite Darius Slay Jr. With Philadelphia drafting DBs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with its first two picks in April's draft, Bradberry saw the writing on the wall and asked the coaching staff about transitioning to safety. That project has had its ups and downs this summer, leading to questions about whether he'd make the team. Given that the Eagles are on the hook for his salary this season, it might be worth keeping him for depth if they can't find a trade partner. -- Tim McManus

Waived/released: LB Oren Burks, WR John Ross, OL Nick Gates, OL Matt Hennessy, WR Parris Campbell, WR Austin Watkins Jr., WR Griffin Hebert, RB Lew Nichols, OL Max Scharping, CB Parry Nickerson, LB Julian Okwara, OL Brett Toth, QB Will Grier, TE E.J. Jenkins, CB Zech McPhearson, DE Tarron Jackson, S Andre Sam, TE Kevin Foelsch, CB Shon Stephens, OL Jason Poe, OL Gottlieb Ayedze, T Anim Dankwah, RB Tyrion Davis-Price, DT Gabe Hall, WR Jacob Harris, CB Josh Jobe, LB Terrell Lewis, C Dylan McMahon, RB Kendall Milton, DT PJ Mustipher, WR Joseph Ngata, TE Armani Rogers, LB Brandon Smith, S Caden Sterns, T Laekin Vakalahi

Reserve/suspended: TE Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. (IR), WR Ainias Smith (IR), S Sydney Brown (PUP)

Washington Commanders

Biggest move: The gutting of Washington's 2023 draft class, the last one held under previous coach Ron Rivera. Washington released five players from the seven-member draft class, though only one of them qualifies as a genuine surprise. Defensive end KJ Henry, a fifth-round pick, had a solid camp. But the others -- center Ricky Stromberg (third round), tackle/guard Braeden Daniels (fourth), running back Chris Rodriguez (sixth) and defensive end Andre Jones Jr. (seventh) weren't surprising. Corner Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (first) and safety Quan Martin (second) remain; the latter is firmly established as a starter. New regimes like their guys, but the lack of success by this class highlights the issues of the past. -- John Keim

Waived/released: WR Martavis Bryant, QB Sam Hartman, QB Trace McSorley, TE Cole Turner, DE Andre Jones Jr., DE KJ Henry, WR Mitchell Tinsley, WR Davion Davis, CB Nick Whiteside II, CB Tariq Castro-Fields, CB Chigozie Anusiem, OL Julian Good-Jones, OL David Nwaogwugwu, RB Chris Rodriquez Jr., WR Brycen Tremayne, OL Braeden Daniels, WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, DL Benning Potoa'e, LB Anthony Pittman, OL Alex Taylor, WR Kazmeir Allen, RB Austin Jones, DE Jalen Harris, LB Chapelle Russell, CB Kyu Blu Kelly, CB A.J. Woods, CB James Pierre, OL Ricky Stromberg, DE Justin Hollins, DT Haggai Ndubuisi, S Sheldrick Redwine, C Cameron Tom, RB Michael Wiley, S Kendell Brooks

Reserve/injured: LB Jordan Magee, DE Norell Pollard, DT Taylor Stallworth

PUP: DE Efe Obada

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Biggest move: There was never any doubt that the Bears were going to keep Velus Jones Jr. on the 53-man roster (which I predicted in both of my roster projections) after moving him to a hybrid receiver/running back role. There aren't many surprises among the 37 players who were cut, but what stands out are the six defensive ends the Bears have plus backup edge rushers Daniel Hardy and Dominique Robinson, both making the roster after Chicago traded a sixth-round pick to Seattle for Darrell Taylor. -- Courtney Cronin

Waived/released: LB Micah Baskerville, TE Brenden Bates, OL Theo Benedet, FB Khari Blasingame, TE Stephen Carlson, OL Ja'Tyre Carter, OL Jerome Carvin, DB Adrian Colbert, OL Aviante Collins, DL Byron Cowart, OL Jake Curhan, DL Michael Dwumfour, DL Jaylon Hutchings, WR John Jackson, WR Collin Johnson, DB Quindell Johnson, LB Carl Jones Jr., DB Leon Jones, DL Jamree Kromah, WR Peter LeBlanc, LS Cameron Lyons, DL Dashaun Mallory, LB Paul Moala, DB Tarvarius Moore, QB Austin Reed, QB Brett Rypien, DB Reddy Steward, DB Greg Stroman Jr., DB Ro Torrence, P Corliss Waitman, LB Javin White

Reserve/injured: WR Dante Pettis, WR Nsimba Webster, RB Ian Wheeler

Reserve/injured, designated for return OL Larry Borom, DL Jacob Martin

Detroit Lions

Biggest move: After a competitive training camp and preseason battle, it appears that second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker has won the primary backup role behind veteran Jared Goff with the Lions releasing Nate Sudfeld. Although Hooker appeared up and down at times, coach Dan Campbell was encouraged by his performances in the final two preseason games, which ended in come-from-behind victories over the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. Detroit also released veteran WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, who couldn't step up to fulfill the role of the big-bodied receiver within the Lions offense. -- Eric Woodyard

Waived/released: CB Essang Bassey, WR Daurice Fountain, CB Javelin Guidry, LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe, T Jamarco Jones, WR Tom Kennedy, TE Sean McKeon, S C.J. Moore, DL Pat O'Connor, DL Kyle Peko, WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, QB Nate Sudfeld, LB Ty Summers, LB Mitchell Agude, WR Maurice Alexander, LB Abraham Beauplan, DL Mathieu Betts, G Jake Burton, WR Jalon Calhoun, OL Duke Clemens, LS Scott Daly, WR Kaden Davis, C Kingsley Eguakun, QB Jake Fromm, RB Jake Funk, S Chelen Garnes, CB Steven Gilmore, C Bryan Hudson, RB Jermar Jefferson, RB Zonovan Knight, TE James Mitchell, DL Chris Smith, DL Isaac Ukwu, CB Rachad Wildgoose, TE Shane Zylstra

Reserve/injured: DL David Bada

Reserve/NFI: OL Christian Mahogany

Reserve/injured (designated for return): DL Brodric Martin, CB Emmanuel Moseley

Green Bay Packers

Biggest move: The running back position was going to look different after the Packers signed Josh Jacobs and moved on from Aaron Jones in the offseason. But with AJ Dillon (stinger) placed on injured reserve and not designated to return, the RB2 spot will be between rookie MarShawn Lloyd (who missed much of the preseason because of a hamstring injury) and second-year pro Emanuel Wilson. While nothing is set in stone yet pending waiver additions, veteran Greg Joseph was the last kicker standing in the three-way competition. QB Malik Willis' roster spot is pending a physical that he will take upon arrival in Green Bay following the trade from the Titans, but Sean Clifford could be back as the third quarterback (likely on the practice squad) if he clears waivers. -- Rob Demovsky

Waived/released: DL Keshawn Banks, K Anders Carlson, QB Sean Clifford, WR Grant DuBose, DL James Ester, CB Gemon Green, K Alex Hale, WR Julian Hicks, G/T Donovan Jennings, S Anthony Johnson Jr., T Caleb Jones, CB Kalen King, RB Nate McCrary, RB Ellis Merriweather, DL Zach Morton, G/T Royce Newman, TE Henry Pearson, QB Michael Pratt, CB Robert Rochell, LB Chris Russell, S Benny Sapp III, DL Keonte Schad, G/C Lecitus Smith, WR Dimitri Stanley, TE Messiah Swinson, T Luke Tenuta, WR Samori Toure, DL Spencer Waege, WR Jalen Wayne, LB Kristian Welch, TE Joel Wilson, LB Christian Young

Waived/injured CB LJ Davis, LB Ralen Goforth

Reserve/injured: DL Jonathan Ford (designated to return), TE Tyler Davis, RB AJ Dillon

Minnesota Vikings

Biggest move: Waiving Lewis Cine, their No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft, closing the door on one of the least productive first-round picks in recent memory. Cine managed only 10 defensive snaps in two seasons, in part because of a compound fracture of his left leg in the third game of his rookie season. When he returned in the spring of 2023, he was already a step behind the scheme installed by new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Cine played in only 10 games over that stretch, finished his second season as the team's sixth safety and lost any chance he had to move up the depth chart this summer when he was slowed by a lower-body injury. Cine's departure means that the first two draft picks of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's career (2022 second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr.) have already been cut loose. -- Kevin Seifert

Waived/released: OL Henry Byrd, LB Andre Carter II, OL Matthew Cindric, S Lewis Cine, QB Matt Corral, OL Chuck Filiaga, LB Dallas Gant, RB Myles Gaskin, CB A.J. Green III, WR Justin Hall, TE N'Keal Harry, RB Mo Ibrahim, WR Lucky Jackson, WR Jeshaun Jones, TE Neal Johnson, WR Malik Knowles, DL James Lynch, RB DeWayne McBride, DB Bobby McCain, DL Tyler Manoa, OL Doug Nester, RB Kene Nwangwu, LB Owen Porter, TE Sammis Reyes, LB Bo Richter, Tyrese Robinson, DL Jaquelin Roy, OL Spencer Rolland, CB Duke Shelley, WR Thayer Thomas, TE Robert Tonyan, CB Jaylin Williams, DL Jonah Williams, CB Nahshon Wright.

Injured reserve: G Dalton Risner, LB Gabriel Murphy, LB Jordan Kunaszyk.

PUP: TE T.J. Hockenson

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Biggest move: Not a ton of major moves, but there were some minor surprises, including the Falcons keeping veteran Taylor Heinicke as a third quarterback rather than releasing or trading him. Heinicke himself said during camp he knew that could be a possibility, though he preferred to stay in Atlanta. The team also surprisingly waived wide receiver Chris Blair and cornerbacks Kevin King and Natrone Brooks. Blair was the third-most productive receiver in the league during the preseason (156 yards), and Brooks had 13 tackles and a forced fumble against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago. -- Marc Raimondi

Waived/released: WR Chris Blair, CB Natrone Brooks, RB Spencer Brown, WR Dylan Drummond, DT Prince Emili, TE John FitzPatrick, WR OJ Hiliare, CB Anthony Johnson, DL Zion Logue, DL LaCale London, WR Jesse Matthews, DL Kehinde Oginni Hassan, CB Jayden Price, OL Andrew Stueber, S Tre Tarpley III, DL Tommy Togiai, RB Carlos Washington Jr., OL Barry Wesley, S Dane Cruikshank, OL Julien Davenport, DL Demone Harris, CB Kevin King, S Milo Eifler, S Josh Thompson, WR Josh Ali, OL Zack Bailey, S Lukas Denis, CB William Hooper, LB Donavan Mutin, LB Storey Jackson, OL Jaryd Jones-Smith, OL John Leglue, QB John Paddock, TE Austin Stogner, S Trey Vaval

Reserve/injured: S DeMarcco Hellams

Carolina Panthers

Biggest move: Releasing wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. shouldn't come as a complete surprise. Although the 2021 second-round pick had a solid camp, outplaying 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette, his lack of production the past two seasons and not playing special teams were factors. That David Moore plays special teams and has experience under coach Dave Canales made him more valuable. Although the roster appears stronger than a year ago, it's far from set. Carolina needs help at outside linebacker and cornerback, as well as depth on the offensive line. Plus, it has the top waiver wire pick. -- David Newton

Waived/released: G Jack Anderson, WR Michael Strachan, WR Sam Pinckney, S Rudy Ford, OLB Luiji Vilain, TE Feleipe Franks, RB Jaden Shirden, CB Dicaprio Bootle, QB Jack Plummer, RB Mike Boone, LB Derrick McLendon, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., TE Jordan Matthews, OG Ike Boettger, OLB Kenny Dyson Jr., TE Jacob Hollister, DT Junior Aho, OT Tyler Smith, DT Ulumoo Ale, LB Aaron Beasley, OG Mason Brooks, S Alex Cook, OT Jeremiah Crawford, CB Willie Drew, OT Ricky Lee, CB Quandre Mosely, DT Walter Palmore, CB Chris Wilcox, LB Chandler Wooten, TE Jesper Horsted.

Reserve/injured: RB Jonathon Brooks (PUP/NFI), OLB D.J. Wonnum (PUP), OLB Amare Barno (PUP), CB Dane Jackson (designated for return), S Sam Franklin Jr. (designated for return), LB Tae Davis (season-ending IR), LB Cam Gill (season-ending IR).

New Orleans Saints

Biggest move: The biggest surprise cut was safety Johnathan Abram, who had been battling Jordan Howden and Will Harris for a starting spot. Abram was a key reserve player last year and signed a one-year deal to return last year. The Saints kept promising undrafted rookie wideout Mason Tipton even though he has missed three weeks because of an injury. Veteran punter Lou Hedley was released in favor of Australian rookie punter Matthew Hayball, while second-year kicker Blake Grupe held on to his job over Irish kicker Charlie Smyth, who kicked a 65-yarder in practice toward the end of training camp. -- Katherine Terrell

Waived/released: S Johnathan Abram, K Charlie Smyth, S Ugo Amadi, P Lou Hedley, WR Samson Nacua, WR Stanley Morgan Jr., RB James Robinson, WR Equanimeous St. Brown, G Tremayne Anchrum Jr., OT Jesse Davis, LB Andrew Dowell, LB Khaleke Hudson, G/C Shane Lemieux, S Roderic Teamer, CB Joejuan Williams, WR Kevin Austin Jr., S Millard Bradford, WR Shaquan Davis, OL Mark Evans II, TE Mason Fairchild, DT Jack Heflin, G Kyle Hergel, TE Michael Jacobson, DB Shemar Jean-Charles, S Lawrence Johnson, RB Jacob Kibodi, DE Niko Lalos, CB Mac McCain III, LB Monty Rice, LB Mike Rose, LB Isaiah Stalbird

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Biggest move:The Bucs released veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who missed significant time in training camp because of injury and Cody Thompson, who led the Bucs with 15 catches and 137 receiving yards this preseason. They also released Zach Triner, their starting long snapper for the last five years. In total, they kept 44 of 53 players that they drafted or originally signed and they held onto 11 defensive backs -- the most they've kept in at least five years. Two undrafted free agents made the final cut in wide receiver Kameron Johnson and cornerback Tyrek Funderburk. -- Jenna Laine

Waived/released: QB John Wolford, WR Sterling Shepard, WR Cody Thompson, WR Ryan Miller, WR Raleigh Webb, WR Tanner Knue, WR Cephus Johnson III, WR Latreal Jones, RB DJ Williams, RB Ramon Jefferson, OL Ryan Johnson, OL Luke Haggard, OL Xavier Delgado, OL Lorenz Metz, OL Avery Jones, TE Tanner Taula, TE Sal Cannella, TE David Wells, DL Mike Greene, DL C.J. Brewer, DL Lwal Uguak, DL Judge Culpepper, DL Brandon Matterson, OLB Daniel Grzesiak, OLB Jay Person, OLB Shaun Peterson Jr., LB Kalen DeLoach, LB Vi Jones, LB Antonio Grier Jr., DB Keenan Isaac, DB Chris McDonald, DB Andrew Hayes, DB Marcus Banks, DB Rashad Wisdom, P Nolan Cooney, LS Zach Triner

Reserve/suspended: RB Chase Edmonds (IR), WR Rakim Jarrett (IR/Designated to Return)

 

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Biggest move: Releasing running back Michael Carter was the biggest surprise of the Cardinals' roster moves on Tuesday. Carter, who was claimed off waivers in November, provided a burst to the Cardinals' running game last season and had been a solid complement to the power game of James Conner. Carter continued to show that burst during camp but ended up being the odd man out in a crowded running backs room. -- Josh Weinfuss

Traded: LB Cameron Thomas

Waived/released: WR Andre Baccellia, LB Markus Bailey, LB Krys Barnes, OL Jackson Barton, RB Michael Carter, DL T.J. Carter, S Andre Chachere, WR Dan Chisena, CB Jaden Davis, RB Hassan Hall, OL Marquis Hayes, DL Phil Hoskins, OL Keith Ismael, DO Naquan Jones, LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams, DL Myles Murphy, LB Trevor Nowaske, WR Tejhaun Palmer, CB Bobby Price, QB Desmond Ridder, TE Bernhard Seikovits, LB Tyreke Smith, DL Ben Stille, TE Blake Whiteheart, OL Elijah Wilkinson, CB Divaad Wilson

Waived/injured: TE Sage Surratt.

Reserve/injured: OL Christian Jones, RB Tony Jones Jr., DL Darius Robinson

Los Angeles Rams

Biggest move: The Rams traded inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was entering the final year of his rookie deal, to the Tennessee Titans. The Rams received a 2026 fifth-round draft pick for a 2026 sixth-round pick and Jones. The Rams will need to find a new defensive playcaller, as Jones filled that role. Los Angeles will also have to fill a leadership void, as general manager Les Snead called Jones the "leader of the defense" in January. -- Sarah Barshop

Traded: LB Ernest Jones IV

Waived/released: OL AJ Arcuri, OL Justin Dedich, RB Zach Evans, TE Miller Forristall, DB Tanner Ingle, DB Shaun Jolly, TE Nikola Kalinic, DB Cam Lampkin, DL Tuli Letuligasenoa, OL Mike McAllister, DL David Olajiga, WR Xavier Smith, WR Drake Stoops, DB Jason Taylor II, OLB Keir Thomas, OL Zach Thomas, OLB Zach VanValkenburg, WR Sam Wiglusz

Waived/injured: DE Anthony Goodlow

Reserve/injured designated for return: OL KT Leveston, DL Larrell Murchison

Reserve/injured: DB Tre Tomlinson

Reserve/physically unable to perform: TE Tyler Higbee

Reserve/suspended: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, LT Alaric Jackson

San Francisco 49ers

The biggest surprise was the Niners placing RB Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) on injured reserve without designating him to return. That means his season is over unless he's released with an injury designation and brought back later. Still, the real tension lies in what's next for a pair of players expected to not only be on the roster but play significant roles on the defending NFC champions. Left tackle Trent Williams is not on the initial 53 (he stays on the reserve/did not report list for now) as his contract-related holdout continues while receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains on the roster because he "held in." Still, it's getting down to crunch time and the Niners need to get Williams and Aiyuk signed and settled as soon as possible. Until they do, no other roster machinations will matter nearly as much. -- Nick Wagoner

Waived/released: OL Ben Bartch, WR Robbie Chosen, OL Chris Hubbard, DT T.Y. McGill, OL Brandon Parker, TE Eric Saubert, WR Trent Taylor, TE Logan Thomas, S Tracy Walker III, DL Nick Williams, CB Rock Ya-Sin, OL Isaac Alarcon, DL Evan Anderson, DL Alex Barrett, DL Shakel Brown, DL Jonathan Garvin, LB Jalen Graham, WR Danny Gray, OL Sebastian Gutierrez, OL Jarrett Kingston, TE Cameron Latu, CB Chase Lucas, S Jaylen Mahoney, WR Tay Martin, QB Tanner Mordecai, OL Drake Nugent, TE Mason Pline, RB Cody Schrader, TE Brayden Willis, CB Samuel Womack III

Reserve/did not report: OT Trent Williams

Reserve/injured/designate to return: DT Kalia Davis

Reserve/injured RB Elijah Mitchell

Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform: LB Dre Greenlaw

Seattle Seahawks

Biggest move: The Seahawks did not place outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu on injured reserve while setting their initial 53-man roster. They could still do so before the opener, but given that an IR stint would last at least four weeks, not making that move yet suggests there's hope he could return from his MCL sprain before Week 5. Right tackle Abe Lucas will miss at least the first four games since he's remaining on the physically unable to perform list. The Seahawks should be able to get by in Lucas' absence with solid veteran George Fant, but Nwosu -- Seattle's best edge rusher and a tough run defender -- will be harder to replace for whatever amount of time he has to miss. -- Brady Henderson

Waived/released: QB PJ Walker, WR Dee Eskridge, WR Hayden Hatten, WR Ty Scott, WR Easop Winston Jr., WR Cody White, TE Jack Westover (injured), TE Tyler Mabry, TE Michael Ezeike, TE Devon Garrison, RB George Holani, RB Kobe Lewis, RB Kairee Robinson, G/T McClendon Curtis, T Garret Greenfield, G Ilm Manning, T Raiqwon O'Neal, T Max Pircher, DT Kyron Barrs, DT Mario Kendricks, DT DeVere Levelston, OLB Jamie Sheriff, OLB Nelson Ceaser, OLB Sundiata Anderson, ILB Michael Barrett, ILB Blake Lynch, ILB Easton Gibbs, ILB Patrick O'Connell, ILB Jon Rhattigan, S Marquise Blair, S Ty Okada, CB Artie Burns, CB Lance Boykin, CB Carlton Johnson, D.J. James

Reserve/physically unable to perform: RT Abe Lucas, S Jerrick Reed II, DT Cameron Young

 

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Biggest move: No shocking moves were made by the Bills to get the roster down to 53, but the choice to waive wide receiver Tyrell Shavers was certainly one to note because of where it leaves this wide receiver room. Khalil Shakir is the only returning receiver from last year -- with Curtis Samuel, Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling the other four at the position. While the Bills kept five receivers for most of last season, it was with a vastly different position room and Shavers was among the top five or six at the position during camp. There's a chance Shavers returns to the practice squad.

The roster moves do indicate some positives when it comes to a number of injured players making the initial 53, including Samuel and Valdes-Scantling, although more tweaks could be made in that regard on Wednesday. -- Alaina Getzenberg

Acquired: Returner/cornerback Brandon Codrington

Waived/released: QB Ben DiNucci, QB Anthony Brown, RB Frank Gore Jr., RB Darrynton Evans, WR Tyrell Shavers, WR Damiere Byrd, WR Xavier Johnson, WR Justin Shorter, WR Andy Isabella, WR KJ Hamler, WR Deon Cain, TE Zach Davidson, TE Tre' McKitty, OL La'el Collins, OL Kevin Jarvis, OL Gunner Britton, OL Will Clapp, OL Mike Edwards, OL Keaton Bills, OL Richard Gouraige, DT Eli Ankou, DT Gable Steveson, DT Branson Deen, DT DeShawn Williams, DE Kingsley Jonathan, DE Rondell Bothroyd, DE Kameron Cline, LB Shayne Simon, LB Deion Jones, CB Daequan Hardy, CB Te'Cory Couch, CB Keni-H Lovely, CB Kyron Brown, S Kareem Jackson, S Kendall Williamson

Reserve/injured: LB Matt Milano (designated to return), RB Darrynton Evans (designated to return), OL Travis Clayton, S Terrell Burgess. S Dee Delaney

Miami Dolphins

Biggest move: After a months-long position battle for the backup quarterback job, the Dolphins released veteran Mike White in favor of Skylar Thompson. Now entering his third NFL season, Thompson officially beat White out for the job with a strong performance in the final week of the preseason. Coach Mike McDaniel said Thompson's grasp of the offense coupled with the way the team responds to him ultimately tipped the scales. Starter Tua Tagovailoa suggested Miami will try to bring White back in some capacity, but for now Thompson remains its primary backup at the game's most important position. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

Waived/released: QB Mike White, TE Jody Fortson Jr., WR Mike Harley Jr., DT Robert Cooper, DT Isaiah Mack, DT Leonard Payne Jr., DT Neville Gallimore, CB Jason Maitre, WR Jadon Janke, OL Matthew Jones, LB Curtis Bolton, WR Kyric McGowan, WR Je'Quan Burton, DB Nik Needham, RB Chris Brooks, TE Hayden Rucci, RB Zander Horvath, CB Isaiah Johnson, S Jordan Colbert, OL Chasen Hines, S Mark Perry, LB David Anenih, WR Erik Ezukanma, LB Dequan Jackson, OT Bayron Matos, DT Jonathan Harris, RB Anthony McFarland Jr., LS Blake Ferguson, WR Braylon Sanders, OL Ryan Hayes

Reserve/injured: WR Anthony Schwartz, CB Cam Smith, WR River Cracraft, LB Bradley Chubb, LB Cameron Goode, OL Isaiah Wynn, LB Wyatt Ray

New England Patriots

Biggest move: Unlike the Browns, who kept four QBs on their initial roster in an unconventional move, the Patriots trimmed their group to three by waiving Bailey Zappe. That leaves two rookies on the depth chart behind veteran starter Jacoby Brissett, with No. 3 pick Drake Maye and sixth-rounder Joe Milton III. There's always the option of adding a more experienced option on the practice squad. In addition, the kicker competition went to veteran Joey Slye over 2023 fourth-round pick Chad Ryland, while the Patriots took the unique approach of keeping seven wide receivers and seven cornerbacks. All eight draft picks made the initial roster. -- Mike Reiss

Waived/released: LS Tucker Addington, WR Kawaan Baker, S Joshuah Bledsoe, DE William Bradley-King, DT Josiah Bronson, LB Steele Chambers, OT Kellen Diesch, RB Deshaun Fenwick, OL Liam Fornadel, LB Joe Giles-Harris, RB Kevin Harris, CB Azizi Hearn, OT Zuri Henry, RB Terrell Jennings, LB Kobe Jones, WR Matt Landers, G Atonio Mafi, OLB Christian McCarroll, TE La'Michael Pettway, DT Sam Roberts, OLB Jotham Russell, K Chad Ryland, S A.J. Thomas, C Charles Turner, CB Mikey Victor, CB Shaun Wade, WR David Wallis, TE Jacob Warren, TE Mitchell Wilcox, QB Bailey Zappe

Reserve/injured: OT Calvin Anderson, DT Christian Barmore (designated to return), WR Kendrick Bourne (physically unable to perform), S Marte Mapu (designated to return), G Cole Strange (physically unable to perform), LB Sione Takitaki (physically unable to perform), DT Armon Watts

New York Jets

Biggest move: The Jets traded rookie PR/KR/CB Brandon Codrington, who impressed in the preseason with averages of 13.8 and 37.5 yards on punts and kickoffs, respectively. The biggest surprise was where they sent him -- the Bills. Why help a division rival address a need? The Jets received a 2026 sixth-round pick for Codrington and a 2026 seventh-rounder. It was the first trade between the Jets and Bills since 1987. Evidently, the Jets couldn't justify a roster spot for Codrington, who is more of a specialist than a cornerback. They feel comfortable with PR/KR Xavier Gipson as their top returner. Instead of stashing Codrington on the practice squad, they opted for the trade route. The other noteworthy move was keeping three undrafted rookies on the defensive line -- Braiden McGregor, Leonard Taylor III and Eric Watts. One could be demoted if/when Haason Reddick ends his holdout. -- Rich Cimini

Traded: KR Brandon Codrington (Bills)

Waived/released: QB Adrian Martinez, QB Andrew Peasley, RB Xazavian Valladay, RB Deon Jackson, WR Tyler Harrell, WR Lance McCutcheon, WR Brandon Smith, TE Anthony Firkser, TE Zack Kuntz, TE Lincoln Sefcik, WR Isaiah Winstead, OT Austin Deculus, OT Obinna Eze, OL Chris Glaser, OL Jake Hanson, OL Brady Latham, OL Kohl Levao, OL Willie Tyler III, DT Jaylen Twyman, DE Jalyn Holmes, DT Bruce Hector, DT Tanzel Smart, LB Sam Eguavoen, LB Anthony Hines III, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball, LB Jackson Sirmon, S Jaylen Key, Al Blades Jr., CB Tre Swilling, CB Shemar Bartholomew, S Jarius Monroe, CB Kendall Sheffield, CB Nehemiah Shelton, PK Austin Seibert

Reserve/injured: TE Kenny Yeboah, DT Leki Fotu

Reserve/non-football injury: QB Jordan Travis

 

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Biggest move: The Ravens kept three running backs, but they may have to make a decision at the No. 3 spot behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Rookie fifth-round pick Rasheen Ali is questionable for the season opener because he's in the concussion protocol. There is hope that Keaton Mitchell, who is on the Physically Unable to Perform list after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year, could return sometime in November. All of this could lead Baltimore to adding a running back who was cut from another team. -- Jamison Hensley

Waived/released: P Jack Browning, OT Corey Bullock, RB Chris Collier, CB Bump Cooper Jr., WR Malik Cunningham, OL Darrian Dalcourt, OLB Joe Evans, WR Russell Gage, CB Ka'dar Hollman, TE Qadir Ismail, QB Emory Jones, RB John Kelly Jr., QB Devin Leary, WR Keith Kirkwood, OL Tashawn Manning, WR Anthony Miller, OT Julian Pearl, DE C.J. Ravenell, ILB Yvandy Rigby, TE Mike Rigerman, ILB Josh Ross, WR Sean Ryan, NT Deadrin Senat, TE Riley Sharp, OT Darrell Simpson, DT Josh Tupou, WR Dayton Wade, DT Tramel Walthour, CB Damarion Williams, DB Daryl Worley

Reserve/PUP: RB Keaton Mitchell

Reserve/injured: CB Arthur Maulet (designated to return), ILB Deion Jennings, DB Christian Matthew, CB Trayvon Mullen, WR Isaiah Washington, RB Owen Wright

Cincinnati Bengals

Biggest move: Undrafted linebacker Maema Njongmeta went from an unheralded prospect to someone who earned a spot on the 53-man roster. Njongmeta's playmaking and production in three preseason games warranted a roster spot after initial cuts. Cincinnati kept five linebackers. Additionally, all 10 of Cincinnati's draft picks have made the initial roster. -- Ben Baby

Waived/released: CB Jalen Davis, QB Logan Woodside, DT Travis Bell, CB Nate Brooks, WR Cole Burgess, OT Devin Cochran, HB Elijah Collins, DT Carlos Davis, DT Domenique Davis, C Nate Gilliam, TE Cam Grandy, LB Devin Harper, LB Shaka Heyward, C Trey Hill, WR Shedrick Jackson, S PJ Jules, WR Kendric Pryor, CB Lance Robinson, DE Justin Blazek, WR Hakeem Butler, RB Noah Cain, OT Jackson Carman, DE Andre Carter, LB Aaron Casey, S Michael Dowell, CB Allan George, WR Kwamie Lassiter II, QB Rocky Lombardi, G Eric Miller, DT Joshua Pryor

Reserve/injured: DE Myles Murphy, P Brad Robbins

Reserve/physically unable to perform: CB DJ Ivey

Cleveland Browns

Biggest move: No major position battles for starting spots took place during training camp, but Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley competed to be the No. 3 quarterback. In the end, the Browns kept all four quarterbacks, including starter Deshaun Watson and primary backup Jameis Winston, on the initial 53-man roster. Cleveland has had trade talks regarding its backups and the situation remains fluid, a source said. The Browns released veteran running back D'Onta Foreman and kept just two backs on their initial roster, so more shuffling is expected before Week 1. -- Daniel Oyefusi

Traded: DL Chris Williams, K Cade York

Waived/released: S Brady Breeze, DL Jowon Briggs, WR Ahmarean Brown, CB Tony Brown II, S Tyler Coyle, WR Jaelon Darden, OL Wyatt Davis, S Chris Edmonds, RB D'Onta Foreman, CB Justin Hardee Sr., K Lucas Havrisik, CB Faion Hicks, LB Landon Honeycutt, OL Germain Ifedi, DL Siaki Ika, LB Caleb Johnson, OL Zack Johnson, DL Sam Kamara, DL Jeremiah Martin, OL Roy Mbaeteka, TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden, LB Marvin Moody, OL Chim Okorafor, WR James Proche II, LB Winston Reid, RB Aidan Robbins, RB Jacob Saylors, LS Rex Sunahara, DL Isaiah Thomas, OL Lorenzo Thompson, TE Treyton Welch, S Chase Williams, WR Michael Woods II

Commissioner's exempt list: DL Mike Hall Jr.

Reserve/suspended: RB Nick Chubb (PUP), G Michael Dunn (NFI), RB Nyheim Hines (NFI), C Luke Wypler (IR)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest move: The Steelers didn't have many -- if any -- surprises in the initial 53-man cutdown. They released WR Quez Watkins, a veteran offseason addition, following a shaky performance as a punt returner in the first preseason game. With Watkins released and WR Dez Fitzpatrick waived, the initial group of wide receivers is Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, George Pickens and Roman Wilson. The other somewhat surprising move was the team placing rookie DB Ryan Watts on IR without a designation to return. Watts sustained what coach Mike Tomlin called a stinger in the team's final preseason game and had to be helped off the field. Watts was in the midst of converting to safety after playing cornerback in college. -- Brooke Pryor

Waived/released: DB Kiondre Thomas, DL Marquiss Spencer, LB Kyahva Tezino, OL Tyler Beach, OL Devery Hamilton, RB Daijun Edwards, WR Jacob Copeland, WR T.J. Luther, K Matthew Wright, DB Kyler McMichael, OL Anderson Hardy, FB Jack Colletto, WR Quez Watkins, DB Thomas Graham, RB Jonathan Ward, LB Kyron Johnson, LB Luquay Washington, LB Jacoby Windmon, LB Marcus Haynes, DB Zion Gilbert, DL Willington Previlon, DL Jacob Slade, OL Tykeem Doss, OL Joey Fisher, QB John Rhys Plumlee, RB Aaron Shampklin, TE Matt Sokol, TE Rodney Williams, WR Jerry Jenkins, WR Duece Watts, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, RB La'Mical Perine

Reserve/suspended: CB Cameron Sutton

Reserve/injured (designated to return): OL Dylan Cook, LB Jeremiah Moon Reserve/injured: DB Ryan Watts, LB Julius Welschof

Reserve/PUP: LB Cole Holcomb

AFC South

Houston Texans

Biggest move: Running back Cam Akers made the 53-man roster, signing a week after training camp started. Akers doesn't have much special teams value, so that means if he's active, he will be pushing for carries on game day to spell starter Joe Mixon. The shocking move of the day was releasing wide receiver Noah Brown. He didn't practice all of August, but he had guaranteed money on his contract. Clearly management was less worried about the money than his inability to stay healthy. -- DJ Bien-Aime

Waived/released: DT McTelvin Agim, LB Tarique Barnes, DE Solomon Byrd, WR Quintez Cephus, OL Dieter Eiselen, DE Malik Fisher, DE Ali Gaye, FB Troy Hairston, DT Marcus Harris, WR Johnny Johnson III, CB Troy Pride, WR Ben Skowronek, RB J.J. Taylor, LB Max Tooley, OL Kilian Zierer, FB Nick Bawden, FB Andrew Beck, QB Tim Boyle, WR Noah Brown, OL Cameron Erving, CB Mike Ford Jr., OT Charlie Heck, CB C.J. Henderson, S Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB Desmond King II, LB Jacob Phillips, OL Chris Reed, CB D'Angelo Ross, OL David Sharpe, RB Jawhar Jordan, DE Pheldarius Payne, TE Teagan Quitoriano

Reserve/suspended: DL Denico Autry

Reserve/injured: LB Christian Harris, QB Case Keenum, S Brandon Hill

Reserve/NFI: DE Dylan Horton

Injured reserve/designated to return list: DT Kurt Hinish, LB Christian Harris

Indianapolis Colts

Biggest move: The Colts essentially opted for a third quarterback over a fourth running back, retaining QB Sam Ehlinger on the final roster and waiving 2023 fifth-round pick and running back Evan Hull. Hull made the opening-day roster last season but sustained a season-ending knee injury in the season opener. But the Colts went with Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson as backups behind Jonathan Taylor for 2024. Elsewhere, the Colts waited until Tuesday to place defensive end Samson Ebukam on injured reserve, subsequently designating him for return. Ebukam faces a long road back after sustaining an Achilles tear in the first week of training camp, but he has an outside shot of returning in December. -- Stephen Holder

Waived/released: DE Genard Avery, CB Chris Lammons, WR D.J. Montgomery, TE Eric Tomlinson, WR Laquon Treadwell, CB Micah Abraham, LB Austin Ajiake, LB Liam Anderson, QB Jason Bean, DE Levi Bell, S Marcel Dabo, RB Demetric Felton, G Arlington Hambright, RB Evan Hull, DT Eric Johnson II, DT Jonah Laulu, DE Titus Leo, TE Jordan Murray, C Mike Panasiuk, RB Zavier Scott, CB Jaylin Simpson, CB Ameer Speed, S Michael Tutsie, T Jake Witt, LB Craig Young

Reserve/injured: DE Samson Ebukam (designated for return), LB Cameron McGrone (designated for return), WR Juwann Winfree, TE Jelani Woods

Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest move: Trading DE Trevis Gipson was a bit of a surprise since the team signed him in the offseason to be a reserve pass rusher behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. But Arik Armstead, whom the team signed three days before Gipson, will rush from outside as well as inside, so that was going to cut into Gipson's time. -- Michael DiRocco

Traded: DE Trevis Gipson

Waived/released: DE Raymond Johnson III, DT Jonathan Marshall, LB Andrew Parker Jr., WR Joseph Scates, DE Breeland Speaks, WR Seth Williams, CB Tevaughn Campbell, WR Denzel Mims, TE Chris Myarick, OL Keaton Sutherland, TE Shawn Bowman. CB Christian Braswell, RB Gary Brightwell, WR Joshua Cephus, DE DJ Coleman, WR Elijah Cooks, CB Erick Hallett II, RB Jalen Jackson, OL Steven Jones, QB E.J. Perry, S Josh Proctor, WR Austin Trammell, OL Darryl Williams, S Adrian Amos, TE Josiah Deguara, S Terrell Edmunds, CB Tre Flowers, DE Joe Gaziano, OL Blake Hance, LB Tanner Muse, CB Amani Oruwariye, OL Tyler Shatley, QB C.J. Beathard (injury settlement)

Waived/injured: TE Patrick Murtagh

Reserve/injured: RB Keilan Robinson, S Andrew Wingard

Reserve/suspended: S Tashaun Gipson Sr.

Tennessee Titans

Biggest move: General manager Ran Carthon continues to flip the roster, trading quarterback Malik Willis and releasing cornerback Caleb Farley. But his most impactful move on cutdown day was acquiring Ernest Jones IV, a young, aggressive linebacker who instantly upgrades their defense as a starter next to recent free agent acquisition Kenneth Murray Jr. New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson saw firsthand how much outstanding linebackers can impact a defense after serving as the defensive backs coach for the Ravens, who had Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen. Multiple injuries decimated the linebacker group in camp, forcing Carthon to take action. -- Turron Davenport

Traded: QB Malik Willis

Acquired: ILB Ernest Jones IV

Waived/released: DB Tre Avery, DT Quinton Bohanna, DB Shyheim Carter, DE Khalid Duke, DB Keaton Ellis, DB Caleb Farley, DB Eric Garror, RB Hassan Haskins, DT Isaiah Iton, WR Kearis Jackson, DB Matthew Jackson, DB Robert Javier, DB Gabe Jeudy-Lally, DB Anthony Kendall, WR Mason Kinsey, K Brayden Narveson, WR Bryce Oliver, RB Jabari Small, G Cole Spencer, T Leroy Watson IV

Waived/injured: WR Kyle Philips, G Lachavious Simmons

Reserve/injured: LB Chance Campbell, DE 1 McLendon Jr.

Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform: WR Colton Dowell

Terminated Vested Veteran: DT Abdullah Anderson, T Geron Christian, C Corey Levin, LB Shane Ray

 

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Biggest move: Wide receiver Tim Patrick certainly did all he could do to make the roster, but he got caught in the squeeze on the depth chart. Patrick, who was one of the most important voices in the locker room in back-to-back 50-catch seasons in 2020 and 2021, had battled back from a torn ACL that cost him the 2022 season to go with a torn Achilles tendon that cost him the 2023 season. He had shown throughout camp he was still a reliable, quarterback-friendly target who would fight for every ball. He had five catches for 44 yards and a touchdown in the preseason, but in the end the fact he was not a regular on special teams probably tilted the scales away from him. That, and the Broncos kept two of the draft picks from this past April -- Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele -- at the position. The Broncos had tried to trade Patrick before they released him. -- Jeff Legwold

Waived/released: RB Tyler Badie, WR Michael Bandy, DL Angelo Blackson, S Omar Brown, FB Michael Burton, Phillip Dorsett, DE Elijah Garcia, G/C Nick Gargiulo, P Trenton Gill, CB Art Green, LB Jonas Griffith, CB Kaleb Hayes, DE Matt Henningsen, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, LB Thomas Incoom, T Demontrey Jacobs, G Oliver Jervis, WR Brandon Johnson, TE Hunter Kampmoyer, S Tanner McCalister, NT Jordan Miller, LB Alec Mock, C Sam Mustipher, CB Quinton Newsome, WR Tim Patrick, RB Samaje Perine, G Will Sherman, WR David Sills V, LB Andre Smith, CB Reese Taylor, G Calvin Throckmorton, LB Dondrea Tillman, WR Jalen Virgil, TE Thomas Yassmin

Waived/injured: LB Durell Nchami (hamstring)

Reserve/injured: CB Damarri Mathis (ankle)

Reserve/PUP (physically unable to perform): LB Drew Sanders, S Delarrin Turner-Yell

Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest move: Less than two years after he delivered one of the iconic moments in franchise history, a 65-yard punt return in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII, Kadarius Toney is no longer with the Chiefs. His release wasn't much of a surprise after he failed to get much traction on the depth chart during training camp and the preseason. But it was in the sense that the Chiefs only last year harbored hope he could be their No. 1 wideout. His 2023 season combined with this year's lackluster camp was enough to convince the Chiefs to move on. -- Adam Teicher

Acquired: TE Peyton Hendershot, DE Cam Thomas

Waived/released: RB Emani Bailey, CB Miles Battle, QB Ian Book, CB Ekow Boye-Doe, LB Swayze Bozeman, WR Phillip Brooks, S Deon Bush, DE Owen Carney, LB Cole Christiansen, TE Baylor Cupp, DT Matt Dickerson, DT Neil Farrell, S Tyree Gillespie, OT Chukwuebuka Godrick, DT Alex Gubner, CB Kamal Hadden, RB Keaontay Ingram, LB Curtis Jacobs, DE Truman Jones, CB Kelvin Joseph, DT Fabien Lovett, OL Griffin McDowell, CB D.J. Miller, OT Lucas Niang, QB Chris Oladokun, LS Randen Plattner, WR Cornell Powell, RB Deneric Prince, RB Louis Rees-Zammit, WR Nikko Remigio, WR Justyn Ross, WR Kyle Sheets, TE Irv Smith Jr., TE Geor'Quarius Spivey, CB Keith Taylor Jr., WR Kadarius Toney, OL Nick Torres, WR Montrell Washington

Physically unable to perform : DE Charles Omenihu

Non-football injury: DE B.J. Thompson

Las Vegas Raiders

Biggest move: By cutting ties with quarterbacks Carter Bradley, a UDFA who had been with the team the entirety of the offseason program, and veteran Nathan Peterman, who only joined Las Vegas on Aug. 13, the Raiders' initial 53-man roster has just two QBs on it -- new starter Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, who went 5-5 as a rookie starter last season. Having just a pair of signal-callers gave the Raiders flexibility on their initial roster, but another move would have to be in the cards for Las Vegas. Bradley seems a lock to be signed to the practice squad. -- Paul Gutierrez

Waived/released: DE David Agoha, G Clark Barrington, QB Carter Bradley, G Ben Brown, RB Brittain Brown, DT Matthew Butler, WR Terrell Bynum, OT Andrew Coker, TE Cole Fotheringham, DE TJ Franklin, CB Woo Governor, S Jaydon Grant, WR Tulu Griffin, DT Marquan McCall, RB Sincere McCormick, OT Jalen McKenzie, WR Dax Milne, LB Jackson Mitchell, C Will Putnam, S Phalen Sanford, DT Noah Shannon, TE John Samuel Shenker, CB Ja'Quan Sheppard, DE Charles Snowden, OT Dalton Wagner, CB Sam Webb, LB DaShaun White, CB Rayshad Williams, CB Cornell Armstrong, WR Alex Bachman, TE Zach Gentry, WR Jalen Guyton, QB Nathan Peterman, WR Kristian Wilkerson

Waived/injured: OL Corey Luciano, DE Elerson Smith, DE Ron Stone Jr.

Waived/failed physical: LB Darien Butler

Injured reserve/designated to return: S Trey Taylor

Los Angeles Chargers

Biggest move: The most surprising move for the Chargers was their decision to keep seven receivers. Coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have always won with dominant rushing offenses, and when they arrived, L.A. emphasized the importance of establishing that rushing attack. Keeping seven receivers suggests that the Chargers may pass more than they are leading on. "I knew as we were going through it," Harbaugh said. "I actually looked at that as the likely number." -- Kris Rhim

Waived/Released: TE Donald Parham Jr., LB Shane Lee, OLB Shaquille Quarterman, G Karsen Barnhart, TE Luke Benson, DL Jerrod Clark, S Akeem Dent, RB Elijah Dotson, OLB Andrew Farmer II, TE Tucker Fisk, WR Jaelen Gill, LB Frank Ginda, CB Matt Hankins, S Thomas Harper, TE Zach Heins, DL Christopher Hinton, OLB Savion Jackson, LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, WR Cornelius Johnson, WR Jaylen Johnson, CB Robert Kennedy, C Brent Laing, T Alex Leatherwood, LB Shane Lee, OLB Tre'Mon Morris-Brash, DL CJ Okoye, G Willis Patrick, QB Luis Perez, S Jalyn Phillips, TE Isaac Rex, OLB Ty Shelby, RB Isaiah Spiller, CB Zamari Walton, WR Isaiah Wooden

Reserve/Injured: LB Nick Niemann (Designated to return) OLB Chris Collins, T Tyler McLellan, OLB, Chris Rumph II, C/G Bucky Williams

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