NFL teams approach 53-man roster deadline with several players likely to be cut or traded

Teams are preparing to reduce their 90-man rosters to the league-mandated 53 players, meaning roughly 1,184 players could be released before the cut-down deadline. While many will be re-signed to practice squads or placed on injured reserve, a significant number face the end of their 2026 season.

The New England Patriots have already traded wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, and the Arizona Cardinals released running back Trey Benson. Analysts highlight several other players who appear vulnerable. Buffalo’s edge rusher Michael Danna, who recorded one sack in 15 games last season, is considered expendable in a crowded defensive line. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who has struggled with drops in preseason and faces competition from punt returner Ray Davis, may also be on the move.

Safety Geno Stone was outperformed in a recent preseason game and could be among the cuts. In Cincinnati, defensive tackles McKinnley Jackson and Kris Jenkins are both draft picks from 2024, with Jackson viewed as the more likely candidate for release. Wide receiver Cedric Tillman of Cleveland, hampered by an undisclosed injury and a deep receiver group, is expected to seek opportunities elsewhere, possibly with Atlanta.

Quarterback Sam Howell is projected as a practice-squad candidate, while backup quarterback Sam Williams is likely to lose a roster spot after the addition of veteran pass rusher Von Miller. The Dallas Cowboys appear to favor Marist Liufau for special-teams duties.

The Minnesota Vikings may entertain trade offers for third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, as the team reportedly trusts Carson Wentz as the primary backup. Offensive lineman James Hudson of New England and linebacker Chad Muma of the Eagles have both struggled in preseason, putting their roster spots in doubt.

Veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has not distinguished himself in camp and is unlikely to make the initial roster, though he could be retained for depth later in the season. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. of the New York Giants faces competition from newly signed Najee Harris and may be released if he cannot contribute on special teams.

Other players identified as potential cuts include linebacker Malik Harrison of Pittsburgh, running back Kaleb Johnson of the same team, and offensive tackle Broderick Jones, who is recovering from spinal fusion surgery and has struggled in preseason games. Wide receiver Christian Kirk of San Francisco remains on the injured list with a calf issue and could be released before being re-signed from the practice squad once healthy.