2021 NFL roster cuts tracker: Who’s in and who’s out for all 32 teams
NFL teams have to cut their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. What was the biggest move…
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Teams in the NFL are required to cut their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Cuts come earlier this season as teams had three preseason games — not four — to accommodate the 17-game regular season schedule.
The biggest names let go are New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton and New Orleans Saints running back Devonta Freeman. Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari and Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore will start the season on the the physically unable to perform list.
A week after former first-round pick Josh Rosen signed with the Falcons, the quarterback ended up making the team’s initial 53-man roster.
Here’s a look at the biggest move by each team and all the cuts:
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Biggest move: Not much surprise here for a team that returns 21 starters and a former starter — 2020 opt-out DT Star Lotulelei. The decision to release QB Jake Fromm one year after drafting him in the fifth round stands out, but it’s likely the team tries to bring him back to its practice squad. Jacob Hollister (TE) and Reid Ferguson (LS) will likely return as vested veterans. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Traded: DE Darryl Johnson Jr.
Waived/released: QB Jake Fromm, QB Davis Webb, RB Antonio Williams, WR Tanner Gentry, WR Isaiah Hodgins, WR Steven Sims, TE Nate Becker, TE Jacob Hollister, TE Quintin Morris, LS Reid Ferguson, CB Olaijah Griffin, CB Cam Lewis, CB Nick McCloud, CB Rachad Wildgoose, S Josh Thomas, DE Mike Love, OL Jack Anderson, OL Jordan Devey, OL Jamil Douglas, OL Bobby Hart, LB Joe Giles-Harris, LB Marquel Lee
Biggest move: The Dolphins cutting Benardrick McKinney is a surprise after trading for the former Houston Texans linebacker this offseason; that deal is officially a wash for both sides as Houston traded former Dolphins defensive end Shaq Lawson the day before McKinney was cut. Matt Skura‘s release would come as a surprise a few months ago, but his fate was essentially sealed when Miami traded for Greg Mancz. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Waived/released: LB Josh Harvey-Clemons, CB Cre’Von LeBlanc, LB Benardrick McKinney, OT Adam Pankey, OL Matt Skura, OL Cameron Tom, CB Javaris Davis, RB Gerrid Doaks, CB Tino Ellis, LB Shaquem Griffin, S Nate Holley, LB Kylan Johnson, DT Benito Jones, RB Patrick Laird, DE Jonathan Ledbetter, WR Kai Locksley, WR Khalil McClain, WR Kirk Merritt, LB Calvin Munson, TE Chris Myarick, WR Malcolm Perry, OG Durval Queiroz Neto, DE Tyshun Render, RB Jordan Scarlett, QB Reid Sinnett, DE Jason Strowbridge, FB Carl Tucker
Reserve/suspended: CB Jaytlin Askew, OT Larnel Coleman
Biggest move: The Mac Jones Era begins, perhaps sooner than coach Bill Belichick might have anticipated when selecting him No. 15 overall this year. With Jones’ rise to the top spot, it led to the team releasing veteran Cam Newton. That clears a path for Jones to grow into the role without the former NFL MVP looming over his shoulder. — Mike Reiss
Waived/released: OLB Tashawn Bower, DB Myles Bryant, OT Korey Cunningham, CB Michael Jackson, DT Bill Murray, WR Tre Nixon, CB D’Angelo Ross, OL Will Sherman, DT Nick Thurman (injured), WR Kristian Wilkerson, WR Isaiah Zuber, DT Montravius Adams, S Adrian Colbert, C James Ferentz, K Nick Folk, QB Brian Hoyer, TE Matt LaCosse, QB Cam Newton, G Alex Redmond, DT Akeem Spence, CB Dee Virgin
Reserve/suspended: S Joshuah Bledsoe (non-football injury), DT Byron Cowart (physically unable to perform), CB Stephon Gilmore (PUP), LB Terez Hall (PUP), LB Anfernee Jennings (injured reserve, ending his season), LB Cameron McGrone (NFI), QB Jarrett Stidham (PUP)
Biggest move: The Jets dismantled their tight end position, trading former starter Chris Herndon to the Minnesota Vikings and cutting Ryan Griffin, Daniel Brown and Kenny Yeboah. It leaves only two on the roster, Tyler Kroft and TE/FB Trevon Wesco. It fuels speculation about a potential trade, perhaps for the Eagles’ Zach Ertz, whom general manager Joe Douglas knows from his days in Philadelphia. The Jets did well to get a fourth-rounder for Herndon, also sending a sixth-rounder to Minnesota. He teased with his potential after a promising rookie season in 2018, but never progressed. New York’s coaching staff didn’t see him as a fit. Kroft, the new TE1, was all over the map in the preseason, from drops to touchdowns. The biggest non-move was the decision to not upgrade at QB2, which is a huge risk. Backing up rookie Zach Wilson is Mike White, who hasn’t taken a snap in the regular season. The Jets are the first team in eight years to go into a season with no regular-season experience at the position. — Rich Cimini
Traded: TE Chris Herndon
Waived/released: QB Josh Johnson, QB James Morgan, WR Vyncint Smith, WR D.J. Montgomery, WR Lawrence Cager, RB Josh Adams, TE Ryan Griffin, TE Daniel Brown, TE Kenny Yeboah, G Jimmy Murray, G David Moore, OT Grant Hermanns, C Corey Levin, OT Isaiah Williams, DE Aaron Adeoye, DE Ronnie Blair, S Elijah Campbell, LB Noah Dawkins, LB Camilo Eifler, S J.T. Hassell, CB Lamar Jackson, S Sharrod Neasman, LB Del’Shawn Phillips, DE Hamilcar Rashed Jr., DT Tanzel Smart, DE Jeremiah Valoaga
Reserve/PUP: DE Kyle Phillips
AFC NORTH
Biggest move: The Ravens cut Trace McSorley, which means Baltimore will go with two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster for the first time in Lamar Jackson‘s four seasons. Last season, the Ravens were forced to use four quarterbacks because of injury and a COVID-19 outbreak. This year, Baltimore is going with Tyler Huntley as the only quarterback behind Jackson. The Ravens are hoping McSorley clears waivers and can get signed to the practice squad. Baltimore also released veterans Pernell McPhee and Anthony Levine, but both are expected to get re-signed after wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Miles Boykin get placed on short-term injured reserve. — Jamison Hensley
Traded: CB Shaun Wade, C Greg Mancz, OL Ben Bredeson
Waived/released: QB Trace McSorley, DT Justin Ellis, DB/LB Anthony Levine, OLB Pernell McPhee, OLB Chris Smith, TE Eric Tomlinson, WR Devin Gray, WR Siaosi Mariner, OL Michael Schofield, OT Adrian Ealy, FB/TE Ben Mason, RB Nate McCrary, WR Jaylon Moore, TE Tony Poljan, OT Foster Sarell, DT Jovan Swann, K Jake Verity, WR Binjimen Victor, DB Nigel Warrior
Injured reserve: RB J.K. Dobbins
Injury-waived: ILB Otaro Alaka, WR Deon Cain, DT Aaron Crawford
Non-Football Injury: OT Ja’Wuan James
Biggest move: Cincinnati showed some aggressiveness when it came to trimming their offensive line in the preseason. On Monday, the Bengals traded 2018 first-round pick Billy Price to the New York Giants in exchange for DT B.J. Hill. Then on Tuesday, the team waived 2019 fourth-round pick Mike Jordan, who started 19 games over the past two seasons with the club. — Ben Baby
Traded: C Billy Price
Waived/released: DT Mike Daniels, TE Mason Schreck, DE Noah Spence, WR Trent Taylor, LB Joe Bachie, DE Amani Bledsoe, CB Tony Brown, P Drue Chrisman, S Trayvon Henderson, LB Keandre Jones, G Michael Jordan, DT Kahlil McKenzie, TE Thaddeus Moss, RB Jacques Patrick, CB Antonio Phillips, CB Winston Rose, K Austin Seibert, QB Kyle Shurmur, OL Keaton Sutherland, OT Gunnar Vogel, WR Scotty Washington, RB Pooka Williams, RB Trayveon Williams, DT Renell Wren
Reserve/Non-Football Injury: OT Hakeem Adeniji, DE Wyatt Hubert, DE Joseph Ossai
Biggest move: The Browns had several potential special teams stalwarts fighting for the last spots on the 53-man roster, including WR KhaDarel Hodge, LB Elijah Lee and WR JoJo Natson. But in the end, Cleveland elected to keep four running backs instead, including D’Ernest Johnson, who along with rookie RB Demetric Felton, now figures to play a big role in the return game. — Jake Trotter
Waived/released: S Elijah Benton, WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, TE Jordan Franks, OL Colby Gossett, DE Porter Gustin, LB Willie Harvey Jr, WR KhaDarel Hodge, DE Joe Jackson, RB John Kelly, QB Kyle Lauletta, DE Cameron Malveaux, TE Kyle Markway, S Jovante Moffatt, OL Javon Patterson, S Sheldrick Redwine, CB Emmanuel Rugamba, LB Tegray Scales, FB Johnny Stanton IV, OL Alex Taylor, DE Curtis Weaver, DT Marvin Wilson, CB Brian Allen, DT Sheldon Day, LB Elijah Lee, WR JoJo Natson
Reserve/suspended: OG Drew Forbes, OT Greg Senat, WR Davion Davis
Biggest move: As it became clear throughout training camp, QB Dwayne Haskins played his way onto Pittsburgh’s roster. Haskins rounds out the quarterback group headlined by Ben Roethlisberger and featuring Mason Rudolph as the primary backup. Josh Dobbs, who was vying for the third spot, landed on IR with a season-ending injury sustained in the final preseason game. Beyond the quarterback battle, the Steelers made unexpected cuts on the interior offensive line, keeping just two guards in Kevin Dotson and Trai Turner. The team released B.J. Finney and Rashaad Coward, who each had a compelling case to make the team as a versatile backup. Coward filled in with the first team while Dotson recovered from an early camp ankle injury, and Finney was capable of playing either guard spot, along with center. For now, the offensive line has just eight members: tackles Chukwuma Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr., Zach Banner and Joe Haeg; centers Kendrick Green and J.C. Hassenauer; and guards Dotson and Turner. — Brooke Pryor
Waived/released: WR Rico Bussey, WR Cody White, RB Trey Edmunds, RB Jaylen Samuels, OL Rashaad Coward, OL BJ Finney, OL Chaz Green, OL John Leglue, TE Kevin Rader, LB Cassius Marsh, LB Quincy Roche, LB Jamar Watson, DB Mark Gilbert, DB Arthur Maulet, DB Donovan Stiner, P Jordan Berry, LS Kameron Canaday
Reserve/suspended: QB Josh Dobbs
AFC SOUTH
Biggest move: Keeping QB Deshaun Watson on the roster. No, this isn’t a roster cut, but by keeping the quarterback on its roster, the Texans are using a spot on their 53-man roster on a player they don’t expect to play for them this season. Watson faces 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. After cutting Jeff Driskel, Houston is now carrying three quarterbacks: Tyrod Taylor, rookie Davis Mills and Watson. — Sarah Barshop
Traded: DE Shaq Lawson
Waived/released: TE Antony Auclair, DB Shyheim Carter, WR Keke Coutee, DB Rasul Douglas, QB Jeff Driskel, WR Alex Erickson, G Hjalte Froholdt, T Carson Green, DB Ka’dar Hollman, RB Buddy Howell, G Danny Isidora, TE Ryan Izzo, DT Jaleel Johnson, C Ryan McCollum, WR Chris Moore, LB Hardy Nickerson, DB Jonathan Owens, TE Paul Quessenberry, DE Derek Rivers, T Jordan Steckler, G Lane Taylor, LB Joe Thomas, C Cole Toner, WR Jordan Veasy
Reserve/suspended: CB Bradley Roby
Waived/injured: CB Cornell Armstrong, LB Tae Davis
Biggest move: The Colts didn’t make any surprise cuts to get their roster down to 53 players. There wasn’t much competition outside of who would be the team’s backup quarterback — or potential starter — during camp. Jacob Eason was the frontrunner for most of training camp over Sam Ehlinger. He officially locked up the position when Ehlinger went down with a knee injury that will keep him out several weeks. Ehlinger’s injury leaves the Colts with just two quarterbacks (Eason and Carson Wentz ) on the roster. It wouldn’t be surprising if they added another one until Ehlinger returns. One intriguing thing the Colts did do is show their premium on having pass-rushers, as they kept six defensive ends on the roster. — Mike Wells
Waived/released: WR Tarik Black, LB Curtis Bolton, DT Andrew Brown, CB Anthony Chesley, DT Kameron Cline, S Shawn Davis, OL Jake Eldrenkamp, TE Farrod Green, WR DeMichael Harris, CB Holton Hill, RB, Deon Jackson, LB Malik Jefferson, Isaiah Kaufusi, RB Benny LeMay, OL Carter O’Donnell, WR Tyler Vaughns, TE Kahale Warring, S Ibraheim Campbell, S Sean Davis, OL Will Holden, QB Brett Hundley, OL Joey Hunt
Reserve/suspended/waived/injured: TE Jordan Thomas, TE Andrew Vollert, DE Dayo Odeyingbo
Biggest move: This was a critical camp for DT Taven Bryan heading into the final year of his rookie contract, and he survived to make the initial roster despite missing time on the non-football injury list and the reserve/COVID-19 list at the beginning of training camp. The team’s 2018 first-round pick has been disappointing and lost his starting job last season to undrafted rookie Doug Costin (who didn’t make the roster this season), but defensive coordinator Joe Cullen raved about Bryan’s strength last week and said he needs to work on finishing plays. — Mike DiRocco
Traded: QB Gardner Minshew II, CB Sidney Jones IV
Waived/released: CB Lorenzo Burns, WR Jalen Camp, DT Doug Costin, WR Jeff Cotton Jr., RB Nathan Cottrell, TE Tyler Davis, TE Ben Ellefson, WR Josh Hammond, WR Collin Johnson, WR Tevin Jones, QB Jake Luton, OL KC McDermott, RB Devine Ozigbo, OL Austen Pleasants, DB Brandon Rusnak, OL Badara Traore, OL Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms and LB Quincy Williams
Released: WR Pharoh Cooper, WR Phillip Dorsett II, OL Jermaine Eluemunor, WR Devin Smith, WR Laquon Treadwell, S Jarrod Wilson
Reserve/injured: S Josh Jones
Reserve/non-football injury: LB Dylan Moses
Biggest move: Releasing fourth-rounder Dez Fitzpatrick is a surprising move. The Titans traded fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round picks to the Panthers to move up and select Fitzpatrick with the 109th pick this year. Fitzpatrick struggled early in camp. Earlier this month, coach Mike Vrabel said the rookie had to do “a lot” to earn more significant reps. Fitzpatrick seemed to settle in once the Titans went to Tampa for joint practices with the Buccaneers, highlighted by a 23-yard touchdown reception in their preseason matchup. But his late push wasn’t enough even though the Titans kept seven receivers on their 53-man roster. — Turron Davenport
Waived/released: OL Cole Banwart, DB Briean Boddy-Calhoun, WR Fred Brown, S Jamal Carter, FB Tory Carter, OL Christian DiLauro, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, TE Miller Forristall, OL Derwin Gray, DL Woodrow Hamilton, RB Javian Hawkins, LB Jan Johnson, DL Naquan Jones, WR Mason Kinsey, TE Jared Pinkney, OLB Wyatt Ray, OL Jordan Roos
Reserve/COVID-19 list: QB Ryan Tannehill, TE Geoff Swaim, C Ben Jones, RG Nate Davis, RB Jeremy McNichols, WR Racey McMath, LB Justin March-Lillard, LB Harold Landry III, LB Nick Dzubnar
AFC WEST
Biggest move: The Broncos didn’t have the high-profile, how-did-that-happen cut. And it won’t move the needle much outside of personnel meetings, but in-house it was a tough call for the Broncos to waive quarterback Brett Rypien. Rypien, who started a Broncos win over the New York Jets last season and is a developmental prospect the Broncos think has a future, got caught in the squeeze. A squeeze caused, at least in part, by a lean toward defense in George Paton’s first year as general manager (the Broncos kept 27 players on defense on the initial roster as compared to 23 on offense) and the emergence of youth, as eight of the team’s 10 draft picks made it. The roster also includes an undrafted rookie, and 28 of the players on it are in their first, second or third season in league. — Jeff Legwold
Traded: WR Trinity Benson
Waived/released: T Quinn Bailey, TE Shaun Beyer, WR Tyrie Cleveland, RB Damarea Crockett, T Cameron Fleming, TE Austin Fort, CB Nate Hairston, T Drew Himmelman, WR Kendall Hinton, DT Isaiah Mack, S Trey Marshall, CB Mac McCain III, CB Parnell Motley, WR De’Mornay Pierson-El, FB Adam Prentice, LB Curtis Robinson, QB Brett Rypien, G Austin Schlottmann, CB Savion Smith, RB Stevie Scott III, DE Marquiss Spencer, DT Shamar Stephen, OLB Derrek Tuszka, LB Barrington Wade, DE/DT DeShawn Williams, WR Seth Williams
Reserve/PUP: CB Essang Bassey, CB Duke Dawson Jr.
Biggest move: The Chiefs, mindful of last year’s Super Bowl disaster, kept 10 offensive linemen and an 11th, Kyle Long, on the physically unable to perform list. Included are eight players who weren’t with the team last year. That should fortify them against the string of line injuries that wound up ruining the end of their 2020 season. — Adam Teicher
Traded: OL Yasir Durant
Waived/released: S Zayne Anderson, CB Dicaprio Bootle, QB Shane Buechele, CB Marlon Character, DT Tyler Clark, DB Rodney Clemons, LB Omari Cobb, WR Gehrig Dieter, DT Austin Edwards, WR Maurice Ffrench, RB Derrick Gore, DE Demone Harris, WR Marcus Kemp, S Devon Key, CB BoPete Keyes, OT Wyatt Miller, WR Cornell Powell, WR Dalton Schoen, WR Darrius Shepherd, LB Emmanuel Smith, RB Darwin Thompson, OT Prince Tega Wanogho, DE Tim Ward, OL Darryl Williams
Reserve/suspended: DL Malik Herring, OL Kyle Long
Biggest move: Call it a tie between veteran safety Karl Joseph — a first-round pick of the team in 2016 who re-signed after a year away and was expected to be a guiding light for youngsters Johnathan Abram, Tre’von Moehrig and Tyree Gillespie — and speedy vet receiver John Brown, who got a $1.75 million signing bonus and had his $1.49 million salary for 2021 guaranteed. The Raiders are going with a five-man WR corps on their initial 53-man roster with Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards, Hunter Renfrow, Zay Jones and Willie Snead IV. — Paul Gutierrez
Waived/released: TE Matt Bushman, G Lester Cotton Sr., DT Matt Dickerson, WR Keelan Doss, RB BJ Emmons, DE Gerri Green, RB Garrett Groshek, OT Devery Hamilton, CB Isaiah Johnson, OL Jaryd Jones-Smith, S Dallin Leavitt, C Jimmy Morrissey, OL Jeremiah Poutasi, RB Trey Ragas, LB Max Richardson, DT Niles Scott, WR Dillon Stoner, WR DJ Turner, DL Kendal Vickers, WR John Brown, TE Derek Carrier, S Karl Joseph, OL Patrick Omameh, CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson
Waived/Injured: LB Asmar Bilal, TE Alex Ellis
Reserve/suspended: CB Nevin Lawson
Biggest move: One of the biggest mysteries in camp is who would win the kicker battle between Michael Badgley and Tristan Vizcaino, and now we know the Money Badger is no more. Vizcaino made three field goals last year for the 49ers and has been fairly consistent this training camp. Badgley made 24-of-33 last year and was booed by fans at preseason games. And so, it was decided by coach Brandon Staley on cutdown day Tuesday. Vizcaino gets the nod. He doesn’t have the experience of Badgley but is said to have the stronger leg. — Shelley Smith
Waived/released: K Michael Badgley, WR Michael Bandy, OLB Davin Bellamy, RB Darius Bradwell. CB John Brannon III, DL Cortez Broughton. LB Cole Christiansen, DB Ben DeLuca, LB Nate Evans. OLB Emeke Egbule, DL Breiden Fehoko, OLB Joe Gaziano, G Nate Gilliam, WR Darius Harper. G Ryan Hunter, WR John Hurst, WR Tyron Johnson, TE Hunter Kampmoyer, OLB Jessie Lemonier, WR Jason Moore Jr. WR Joe Reed, CB KJ Sails, TE Matt Sokol, CB Donte Vaughn, DL Willie Yarbary.
NFC EAST
Biggest move: There shouldn’t be an immediate shock that the Cowboys’ 53-man roster does not have a long-snapper with Jake McQuaide‘s release, but let’s explain. With six players needing to be on the roster for a day before heading to injured reserve, the Cowboys had to get creative. Dallas has five COVID-19 exemptions for CeeDee Lamb, Connor Williams, Damontae Kazee, Carlos Watkins and Noah Brown. McQuaide, who does not go through waivers because he is a veteran, makes up the last spot, will be re-signed in a day or two and will get his spot back. — Todd Archer
Waived/released: QB Garrett Gilbert, S Darian Thompson, CB Deante Burton, LS Jake McQuaide, OT Eric Smith, TE Jeremy Sprinkle, DT Justin Hamilton, WR Johnnie Dixon, QB Ben DiNucci, WR Osirus Mitchell, WR Reggie Davis, WR Aaron Parker, S Steven Parker, RB Brenden Knox, RB JaQuan Hardy, S Tyler Coyle, fb Nick Ralston, TE Nick Eubanks, TE Artayvious Lynn, DE Austin Faoliu, OL Isaac Alarcon, OL Braylon Jones, WR Brandon Smith, DE Ron’Dell Carter
Reserve/physically unable to perform: DT Trysten Hill
Reserve/non-football injury: WR T.J. Vasher
Reserve/COVID-19: WR CeeDee Lamb, S Damontae Kazee, DT Carlos Watkins, OL Connor Williams, WR Noah Brown
Biggest move: The Giants traded for two interior linemen (Billy Price from the Bengals and Ben Bredeson from the Ravens) in the past two days. They needed to upgrade the line. It was also somewhat surprising they cut outside linebacker Ifeadi Odenigbo after paying him $1 million to sign this offseason and kept two fullbacks. Granted, Cullen Gillaspia is more of a special teamer, and Eli Penny doubles as a tailback. Expect more moves to come. New York did leave itself incredibly thin at tight end with Evan Engram (calf) and Kyle Rudolph (foot) questionable for Week 1.— Jordan Raanan
Waived/released: QB Brian Lewerke, RB Corey Clement, RB Sandro Platzgummer, TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart, TE Jake Hausmann, WR Matt Cole, WR David Sills V, WR Damion Willis, OL Chad Slade, OT Jackson Barton, OL Brett Heggie, C Jonotthan Harrison, G Kenny Wiggins, OL Jake Burton, DL David Moa, DL Willie Henry, DL Elijah Qualls, ILB Devante Downs, OLB Ifeadi Odenigbo, OLB Niko Lalos, CB Madre Harper, DB Jordyn Peters, DB Chris Johnson, OLB Ryan Anderson, LS Casey Kreiter
Injured reserve: OL Ted Larsen, WR Alex Bachman, WR Austin Mack
Physically unable to perform: CB Aaron Robinson
Biggest move: The Eagles waived wide receiver Travis Fulgham, who led the team in receiving yards last season with 539. He was one of the most productive wideouts in football over a five-game stretch, catching 29 balls for 435 yards with four touchdowns between Weeks 4-8, but cooled considerably down the stretch. He followed that with an inconsistent training camp. Fulgham has now been waived by three different teams since entering the league with the Detroit Lions in 2019. — Tim McManus
Traded: OL Matt Pryor
Waived/released: S Andrew Adams, T Le’Raven Clark, RB Jordan Howard, DT Hassan Ridgeway, TE Richard Rodgers, CB Kevon Seymour, S Grayland Arnold, OL Kayode Awosika, WR Travis Fulgham, WR John Hightower, RB Jason Huntley, CB Michael Jacquet, CB Craig James, DE Matt Leo, G Sua Opeta, WR Andre Patton, OL Ross Pierschbacher, S Elijah Riley, LB JaCoby Stevens, DT Raequan Williams
Reserve/suspended: S Blake Countess (reserve/injured), DT T.Y. McGill (reserve/COVID-19).
Biggest move: Cutting running back Peyton Barber, because it signals a thought process. Two weeks ago he was a lock. And Barber might return, but Washington wanted to keep youth elsewhere – including undrafted back Jaret Patterson, who impressed during those two weeks. It’s not that Barber is great, but he fit a specific role for them as a short-yardage runner and replacement for Antonio Gibson. But the team remains in a building phase and therefore didn’t make moves designed to win now. It was evident with other players, including tight end Sammis Reyes and defensive end Shaka Toney. Both factor much bigger down the road than now. — John Keim
Waived/released: WR Isaiah Wright, WR Tony Brown, RB Jonathan Williams, OL Jon Toth, DB Linden Stephens, DB Cole Luke, LB Joe Walker, DT Devaroe Lawrence, TE Caleb Wilson, QB Steven Montez, OL David Steinmetz, DE Will Bradley-King, CB Jimmy Moreland, CB Danny Johnson, S Jeremy Reaves, LB Jordan Kunaszyk, OT David Sharpe, DE Bunmi Rotimi, RB Peyton Barber, OL Wes Martin, WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, DE Daniel Wise, DT Gabe Wright, OL Keith Ismael, OL Beau Benzschawel, LB David Mayo, LB Jared Norris
NFC NORTH
Biggest move: The release of cornerback Desmond Trufant was largely expected after the veteran left the team for 18 days following the death of his father. The move, however, further calls into question the Bears’ plan at cornerback following the offseason release of former Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller. Besides Trufant, the Bears also let go of veteran corner Artie Burns and rookie sixth-round pick Thomas Graham Jr., whom Chicago is likely to want back on the practice squad. Look for the Bears to be active on the waiver wire in an attempt to fill holes in their secondary. — Jeff Dickerson
Waived/released: WR Isaiah Coulter, OG Dieter Eiselen, OG Arlington Hambright, WR Jon’Vea Johnson, LB Sam Kamara, DT LaCale London, OLB Charles Snowden, S Teez Tabor, OLB James Vaughters, OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr., CB Artie Burns, S Marqui Christian, CB Desmond Trufant, WR Dazz Newsome, RB Ryan Nall, WR Riley Ridley, K Brian Johnson, CB Thomas Graham Jr., RB Artavis Pierce, TE Scooter Harrington, DB Dionte Ruffin, OL Adam Redmond, DL Daniel Archibong, WR Chris Lacy
Reserve/suspended: RB Tarik Cohen, DL Mario Edwards Jr
Biggest move: Detroit released kickers Randy Bullock and Zane Gonzalez as well as OT Tyrell Crosby, who was a starter on last year’s squad. Another surprise move was letting go of WR Breshad Perriman. However, they did acquire WR Trinity Benson and a 2023 sixth-round draft pick from the Denver Broncos in exchange for two 2022 picks (fifth and seventh round). — Eric Woodyard
Waived/released: WR Breshad Perriman, WR Victor Bolden, NT Miles Brown, CB Mike Ford, G Evan Heim, S Alijah Holder, WR Damion Ratley, T Dan Skipper, T Tyrell Crosby, WR Geronimo Allison, K Randy Bullock, CB Corn Elder, K Zane Gonzalez, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, LB Tavante Beckett, LB Rashod Berry, S Jalen Elliott, DT Bruce Hector, G Tommy Kraemer, TE Alize Mack, WR Javon McKinley, RB Dedrick Mills, T Darrin Paulo, RB Craig Reynolds, WR Sage Surratt, LB Jahlani Tavai, TE Brock Wright.
Reserve/suspended: DE Jashon Cornell
Biggest move: Keeping LT David Bakhtiari on PUP. It means their All-Pro protector of Aaron Rodgers‘ blindside will miss the first six games of the regular season while he continues to rehab from his left ACL repair. Opening day was never realistic, and it turns out neither is anything before Week 7. The only other option was putting him on the 53 and taking it week by week, but they’re clearly not going to rush back one of their most important players. That’s slightly bigger news than their only trade of the day, acquiring a punter (Corey Bojorquez from the Rams). — Rob Demovsky
Waived/released: DL Abdullah Anderson, WR Reggie Begelton, QB Kurt Benkert, G Ben Braden, G/T Jacob Capra, G/T Coy Cronk, CB Stephen Denmark, CB Kabion Ento, CB Rojesterman Farris, S Innis Gaines, LB Tipa Galeai, LB De’Jon Harris, WR Damon Hazelton, TE Bronson Kaufusi, DL Carlo Kemp, K JJ Molson, DL Willington Previlon, LB Delontae Scott, P JK Scott, WR Equanimeous St. Brown, RB Patrick Taylor, S Christian Uphoff, T/G Cole Van Lanen, LB Ray Wilborn, RB Dexter Williams, WR Juwann Winfree
Reserve/PUP: T David Bakhtiari
Reserve/suspended: TE Jace Sternberger
Biggest move: The biggest “surprise” might not be much of a surprise at all when the dust settles. The Vikings waived defensive end Everson Griffen, who they re-signed last week; running back/returner Ameer Abdullah, who got a ton of reps during the final two preseason games; and Andrew DePaola, who was the only long snapper on the roster. Minnesota is dealing with several significant injuries to players it kept on the 53-man roster — like Irv Smith Jr. and Christian Darrisaw — so it’s likely the Vikings will be able to re-sign some of the veterans they released once they put a handful of players on injured reserve and create a few roster spots. — Courtney Cronin
Acquired via trade: TE Chris Herndon
Waived/released: DE Everson Griffen, RB Ameer Abdullah, LS Andrew DePaola, OG Dakota Dozier, CB Tye Smith, OT Zach Bailey, FB Jake Bargas, LB Tuf Borland, QB Jake Browning, TE Zach Davidson, S Myles Dorn, OG Kyle Hinton, DE Hercules Mata’afa, WR Myron Mitchell, CB Parry Nickerson, WR Whop Philyor, RB A.J. Rose, Jr., DE Kenny Willekes, TE Shane Zylstra
Waived/injured: WR Chad Beebe, S Luther Kirk, OG Dru Samia, QB Nate Stanley
NFC SOUTH
Biggest move: Atlanta kept three quarterbacks on its initial 53-man roster — including former first-round pick Josh Rosen — as it tries to sort out the backup to Matt Ryan. It’s entirely possible that shuffles throughout the next few days as players get released, but it’s another chance for Rosen to learn from a top-flight quarterback after being tutored by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Brady the past two years.— Michael Rothstein
Waived/released: RB Caleb Huntley, WR Chris Rowland, S Dwayne Johnson Jr., DL Eli Ankou, DL Zac Dawe, OLB Tuzar Skipper, LB Kobe Jones, OL Willie Beavers, WR Trevor Davis, S JR Pace II, LB Emmanuel Ellerbee, OL Ryan Neuzil, WR Juwan Green, CB Delrick Abrams, RB D’Onta Foreman, OL Sam Jones, WR Antonio Nunn, TE John Raine, OL Joe Sculthorpe, DL Chris Slayton, OL Kion Smith, ILB Erroll Thompson, TE David Wells, CB Chris Williamson
Waived/injured: P Dom Maggio
Physically unable to perform list: OL Matt Gono
COVID-19 reserve: TE Parker Hesse
Biggest move: Releasing 2019 third-round pick Will Grier might seem obvious because he’s a quarterback, but he was the third option. Don’t be surprised if somebody is added behind Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker, at least to the practice squad. But the biggest move was releasing Joey Slye. Carolina was so confident in the kicker coming into camp that no competition was created. His struggles forced a trade with the Giants last week for Ryan Santoso. So the Panthers will enter the season with a kicker who has no attempts in a regular-season game. It’s a risky proposition.– David Newton
Waived/released: PK Joey Slye, QB Will Grier, LB Josh Bynes. WR Omar Bayless, RB Spencer Brown, DL Frank Herron, OL Mike Horton, CB Jalen Julius, WR Keith Kirkwood, OLB Christian Miller, OL Aaron Monteiro, WR C.J. Saunders, TE Stephen Sullivan, OL Sam Tecklenburg, OT Martez Ivey, WR Ishmael Hyman, LB Jonathan Celestin, RB Darius Clark, S Doug Middleton, RB Reggie Bonnafon, S Kenny Robinson, CB Rashaan Melvin, RB Rodney Smith.
Season-ending IR: LS Thomas Fletcher
Reserve/suspended: CB A.J. Bouye
Biggest move: The Saints placed receiver Michael Thomas on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, which means he’ll miss at least six weeks. There was some optimism that Thomas could be back even sooner from his June ankle surgery, but the Saints wanted to give him ample time to recover fully. That will mean big roles early for WRs Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith (who is expected back soon from a hamstring injury). WRs Deonte Harris, Ty Montgomery and Lil’Jordan Humphrey will also have roles after making the initial 53-man roster. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Saints bring back veteran Chris Hogan after initially releasing him. — Mike Triplett
Waived/released: QB Trevor Siemian, RB Devonta Freeman, FB Alex Armah, WR Chris Hogan, WR Kevin White, WR Kawaan Baker, WR Easop Winston Jr., TE Ethan Wolf, G Derrick Kelly II, G J.R. Sweezy, G Caleb Benenoch, OT Jordan Mills, C Christian Montano, DT Albert Huggins, DT Josiah Bronson Jr., DT Damion Square, DT R.J. McIntosh, LB Shaq Smith, LB Wynton McManis, CB Grant Haley, CB Natrell Jamerson, CB KeiVarae Russell, CB Bryan Mills, S Eric Burrell, S Deuce Wallace
Reserve/physically unable to perform: WR Michael Thomas
Reserve/suspended: DT David Onyemata
Biggest move: The Bucs parted ways with TE Tanner Hudson and will carry only three tight ends. Despite O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate both coming off injuries, and Hudson’s prowess as a pass-catcher, coach Bruce Arians felt Hudson’s blocking regressed. Grant Stuard — the 259th overall draft pick, aka “Mr. Irrelevant” — along with fifth-round draft pick K.J. Britt beat out veteran Joe Jones for the fourth and fifth inside linebacker spots, while cornerback Dee Delaney beat out veteran Antonio Hamilton, seventh-round draft pick Chris Wilcox and Herb Miller for the fifth cornerback spot. Chris Cooper, who was signed just before the start of training camp, earned the fourth safety spot over Javon Hagan, who’d been with the team all last year. With four players on the reserve COVID-19 list, the Bucs will have additional moves to make when activating those players. — Jenna Laine
Waived/released: QB Ryan Griffin, TE Tanner Hudson, TE Codey McElroy, TE Jerell Adams, WR Jaydon Mickens, WR Cyril Grayson, WR Travis Jonsen, DL Jeremiah Ledbetter, CB Herb Miller, CB Antonio Hamilton, LB Joe Jones, S Javon Hagan, DL Kobe Smith, CB Chris Wilcox, OL Jake Benzinger, OL Brandon Walton, OLB Elijah Ponder, DL Benning Potoa’e, OLB Ladarius Hamilton, RB C.J. Prosise, G Jonathan Hubbard
PUP list: WR Justin Watson
Reserve/COVID-19 list: K Ryan Succop, OL Nick Leverett, OL Earl Watford, DL Ndamukong Suh
Waived/injured: OT Brad Seaton
NFC WEST
Biggest move: Only one receiver from the trio drafted in 2019 remains following the release of KeeSean Johnson. That’s Andy Isabella. Johnson had a shot to be in the receiver rotation this season, but with the addition of A.J. Green and Rondale Moore, and the emergence of Antoine Wesley, Johnson didn’t show enough during camp both at receiver and on special teams to earn a spot. — Josh Weinfuss
Waived/released: WR Andre Baccellia, S Chris Banjo, WR Greg Dortch, LB Kylie Fitts, OL Sean Harlow, DL Margus Hunt, OL Koda Martin, DL Josh Mauro, TE Bernhard Seikovits, TE Ross Travis, LB Reggie Walker, CB Jace Whittaker, S James Wiggins, S Shawn Williams, CB Daryl Worley, OL Shaq Calhoun, RB Tavien Feaster, WR KeeSean Johnson, OL Michal Menet, DL Cam Murray, CB Picasso Nelson, WR A.J. Richardson, LB Evan Weaver, P Ryan Winslow, LB Bryson Young, TE Ian Bunting, WR Rico Gafford, LB Terrance Smith, OL Branden Bowen, DL David Parry
Reserve/retire: CB Malcolm Butler
Waived/injured: LB Jamell Garcia-Williams
Biggest move: The most intriguing and unexpected position battle of the preseason came down to punting. The Rams retained the NFL’s highest-paid punter in Johnny Hekker, who Rams coach Sean McVay said agreed to re-work his contract, and traded fourth-year pro Corey Bojorquez, along with a 2023 seventh-round pick, to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round selection. — Lindsey Thiry
Traded: P Corey Bojorquez
Waived/released: DB Brontae Harris, OL Jeremiah Kolone, WR Jeremiah Haydel, OL Jordan Meredith, DB Donovan Olumba, DB Troy Warner, WR Landen Akers, RB Otis Anderson, DT Eric Banks, TE Kendall Blanton, OT Chandler Brewer, DE Earnest Brown IV, DT Marquise Copeland, DE John Daka, DB Dont’e Deayon, DB Jake Gervase , DB Tyler Hall, WR Trishton Jackson, LB Micah Kiser, WR J.J. Koski, LB Justin Lawler, DB Kareem Orr, OT Max Pircher, LB Christian Rozeboom
Waived/injured: RB Xavier Jones
Reserve/suspended: RB Cam Akers
Reserve/COVID: OG Coleman Shelton
Biggest move: There weren’t many significant surprises on the 49ers’ cutdown to the initial 53-man roster, though for the first time under coach Kyle Shanahan they kept just two quarterbacks: Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. Third-string signal caller Nate Sudfeld was released, but he’s a strong candidate to come back to the practice squad and remain the third quarterback there for the time being. That decision also allowed the Niners to keep defensive tackle Maurice Hurst on the active roster for this cutdown so that he can land on short-term injured reserve if needed until his high ankle sprain heals. — Nick Wagoner
Traded: LB Jonas Griffith
Waived/released: DE Alex Barrett, WR Travis Benjamin, C Jake Brendel, S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, WR River Cracraft, DT Darrion Daniels, RB Wayne Gallman II, OL Alfredo Gutierrez, LB Justin Hilliard, FB Josh Hokit, CB Dontae Johnson, OL Corbin Kaufusi, OL Senio Kelemete, TE Jordan Matthews, S Jared Mayden, CB Alexander Myres, TE MyCole Pruitt, C Dakoda Shepley, QB Nate Sudfeld, LB Elijah Sullivan, WR Nsimba Webster, DE Eddie Yarbrough
Reserve/suspended: DE Jordan Willis
Reserve/injured: OT Shon Coleman
Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform: DB Tarvarius Moore, RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
Biggest move: We’ll see how big the Seahawks’ trade for Sidney Jones IV ends up being. He’s been limited to 31 games over four seasons, including only one as a rookie after suffering a torn Achilles at his pro day. But he was considered a first-round talent before that injury. He has some experience (14 career starts) and nice ball production over the last two years (four interceptions, 17 passes defensed). The Seahawks like his toughness and instincts, and the price was reasonable. Seattle gave up a 2022 sixth-round pick and will owe Jones $1.5 million in 2021. This summer has only reinforced the widely held belief that cornerback is the Seahawks’ biggest weakness. Their trade for Jones — which is not yet official — doesn’t solve the problem on its own. But there’s enough upside to think it can help. — Brady Henderson
Waived/released: WR Penny Hart, WR Aaron Fuller, WR Cody Thompson, WR Cade Johnson, WR Travis Toivonen, WR Connor Wedington, WR Darece Roberson, RB Josh Johnson, TE Tyler Mabry, TE Ian Bunting, TE Cam Sutton, G Jordan Simmons, G/T Greg Eiland, C Brad Lundblade, G Jared Hocker, G Pier-Olivier Lestage, T Tommy Champion, DT Robert Nkemdiche, DT Myles Adams, DT Jarrod Hewitt, LB Aaron Donkor, LB Lakiem Williams, LB Jon Rhattigan, CB Damarious Randall, CB John Reid, CB Gavin Heslop, CB Will Sunderland, S Joshua Moon, S Aashari Crosswell
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