[Latest NFL News | Team-Specific NFL Updates | Live Coverage of NFL Roster Reductions]
The deadline imposed by the National Football League for teams to reduce their rosters to 53 players has officially passed. Presented below are some prominent players who were released.
Cameron Akers, Saints Running Back
After sustaining two Achilles tendon injuries over the course of his professional career — notably including one suffered prior to the commencement of training camp in 2021, before an expedited return later the same year to contribute to the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl victory — Akers was ultimately not included on the Saints’ finalized roster. It remains possible that another team may see potential in the 26-year-old’s capabilities.
Trent Brown, Texans Offensive Tackle
Having previously secured a Super Bowl title with the New England Patriots and subsequently becoming the highest-compensated offensive lineman in the league, Brown, now 32 years of age, presents a compelling option for teams in need of offensive line reinforcement via the waiver process.
[Participate in or Initiate a Yahoo Fantasy Football League for the 2025 NFL Season]
Thomas DeVito, Giants Quarterback
Although recognized by some as a figure of Italian cultural identity, DeVito’s performance while filling in as the starting quarterback — whether due to injuries or performance-related issues — was not entirely deficient, evidenced by a 3-5 record with 1,358 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Gregory Dulcich, Giants Tight End
Despite indications of developing a connection with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, Dulcich did not secure a spot among the four tight ends who made the Giants’ roster. At just 25 years of age, he is likely to find a place within a tight end unit during the upcoming season.
Audric Estimé, Broncos Running Back
Viewed by certain analysts as a potential sleeper pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Estimé suffered an injury during his rookie season, preventing him from establishing himself in Denver, which proceeded to draft running back R.J. Harvey in the second round this past April. It’s anticipated that another team will take a chance on Estimé, who will turn 22 in September.
Clelin Ferrell, Commanders Defensive End
The fourth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft will be seeking his fourth team affiliation following his release from the Washington Commanders. While it is improbable that he will fully realize the potential indicated by his draft position, he could still contribute as part of an edge rusher rotation for a team within the league.
Kenyon Green, Eagles Guard
Green, acquired by the Eagles in the C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade earlier in the offseason, was unable to secure a roster spot. He may be claimed through waivers or spend time on the practice squad under the tutelage of esteemed Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, both being favorable potential outcomes.
Jacob Haener, Saints Quarterback
Haener was the odd man out in the Saints’ quarterback competition, with Spencer Rattler securing the starting role and rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough named as the backup. Haener, 26, possesses experience from eight games, including one start.
Mecole Hardman, Packers Wide Receiver
The three-time Super Bowl champion, who notably caught the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII, has encountered difficulties in finding consistent success outside of Kansas City. A potential reunion might be considered.
Hendon Hooker, Lions Quarterback
Hooker, viewed as a developmental prospect from the outset, was drafted by the Lions in the third round in 2023 while recovering from a torn ACL sustained during his college career. He now has the possibility of a fresh start. It’s conceivable that Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, his former passing game coordinator, may be interested in continuing their collaboration.
Dustin Hopkins, Browns Kicker
When Andre Szmyt successfully kicked the game-winning field goal during the Browns’ preseason finale, it potentially signaled the conclusion for Hopkins, who had performed exceptionally well for Cleveland in 2023 but faced challenges last season after signing a three-year contract extension.
Diontae Johnson, Browns Wide Receiver
Johnson is currently seeking to join the sixth team of his career. Andrew Siciliano observed during Wednesday’s Inside Coverage program that Johnson exhibited good movement during Browns training camp, suggesting that another team might take a chance on the 29-year-old.
Hunter Renfrow, Panthers Wide Receiver
After a year away from the NFL in 2024, Renfrow is aiming to join another team. While it won’t be the Panthers, Renfrow will not turn 30 until December and has accumulated 269 receptions for 2,884 yards and 17 touchdowns throughout his career.
Desmond Ridder, Bengals Quarterback
Ridder, who will turn 26 on Sunday, has started in 18 NFL games, accumulating 4,002 passing yards and 16 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. While he may not develop into an elite starter, he could be a valuable depth addition.
Shilo Sanders, Buccaneers Safety
Despite receiving less attention than his brother, Sanders is also seeking to establish himself in the NFL. He is older for a rookie (25), and his tenure with the Buccaneers did not conclude positively, but another team may be willing to offer him an opportunity.
Isaiah Simmons, Packers Linebacker
Is Simmons a linebacker or a defensive back? A third NFL team has not yet definitively determined his optimal position. However, some franchises prioritize versatility, and the 27-year-old former first-round pick could still attract interest from other teams in the league.
Cole Strange, Patriots Offensive Lineman
You may recall Bill Belichick’s selection of Strange late in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, despite projections placing him as a Day 2 pick at best. Strange’s career was hampered by a torn patellar tendon late in the 2023 season, but teams are consistently seeking offensive line support. If Belichick previously held a favorable opinion of him, others may also see potential.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Seahawks Wide Receiver
Valdes-Scantling, who will turn 31 this season, has demonstrated the capacity to establish a role within two successful systems (Kansas City, Green Bay). Although the Bills released him last season, another well-regarded team may extend an offer.
Robert Woods, Steelers Wide Receiver
Woods is likely limited to a WR3 or WR4 role at this stage of his career, but he possesses 12 years of experience, a Super Bowl ring, and two 1,000-yard seasons. Another team will likely give strong consideration to adding him.
Interested in identifying other players who were released or determining which players your team released? A comprehensive list of all roster cuts is available.
Top NFL Storylines
-
Dillon Gabriel Secures Browns’ QB2 Position Ahead of Shedeur Sanders: Dillon Gabriel has been named the backup quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, according to an announcement made by head coach Kevin Stefanski on Tuesday. Shedeur Sanders will function as the team’s emergency third quarterback, officially securing a place on the initial 53-man roster. This decision followed the Browns’ trade of veteran Kenny Pickett to the Raiders on Monday, which cleared the path for Gabriel to assume the QB2 role.
-
Spencer Rattler Wins Saints’ Quarterback Competition Against Tyler Shough: The New Orleans Saints have designated Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback, announced on Tuesday. First-year head coach Kellen Moore has selected his preferred player, at least for the time being. The unforeseen retirement of four-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr in May placed Moore in a challenging situation, requiring him to select a QB1 from a group of unproven players, including rookie Tyler Shough, second-year signal-caller Rattler, and three-year veteran Jake Haener.
-
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Announce Engagement: This announcement coincides with Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated debut on the “New Heights” podcast, co-hosted by Travis Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. During her appearance, she also revealed the title of her 12th album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” Swift and Kelce had been dating for approximately two years prior to the proposal. Swift’s Instagram post was captioned, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” followed by a dynamite emoji.
NFL Team Information
AFC East: Buffalo Bills | Miami Dolphins | New England Patriots | New York Jets
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens | Cincinnati Bengals | Cleveland Browns | Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South: Houston Texans | Indianapolis Colts | Jacksonville Jaguars | Tennessee Titans
AFC West: Denver Broncos | Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders | Los Angeles Chargers
NFC East: Dallas Cowboys | New York Giants | Philadelphia Eagles | Washington Commanders
NFC North: Chicago Bears | Detroit Lions | Green Bay Packers | Minnesota Vikings
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons | Carolina Panthers | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Rams | San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks
