NFL Roster Cuts 2025: Key Moves and Surprises

In-Depth Analysis

NFL teams faced tough decisions as they trimmed their rosters to the required 53 players. Here's a breakdown by conference:

**NFC East:**

• **Dallas Cowboys:** Carried six pass rushers due to Micah Parsons' uncertain status. Traded OL Asim Richards to the Saints.
• **New York Giants:** Cut Tommy DeVito after signing Russell Wilson and drafting Jaxson Dart. Gunner Olszewski chosen over Ihmir Smith-Marsette as returner.
• **Philadelphia Eagles:** Acquired OT Fred Johnson and QB Sam Howell for depth. No. 2 QB Tanner McKee injured his throwing hand.
• **Washington Commanders:** Traded RB Brian Robinson Jr. Kept RG Sam Cosmi on the physically unable to perform list.

**NFC North:**

• **Chicago Bears:** UDFA WR Jahdae Walker made the roster after a strong preseason.
• **Detroit Lions:** Waived rookie DE Ahmed Hassanein and released fan-favorite Dan Skipper.
• **Green Bay Packers:** Receiver-turned-cornerback Bo Melton made the team, while Isaiah Simmons and Mecole Hardman did not.
• **Minnesota Vikings:** Traded QB Sam Howell, acquired QB Carson Wentz, and kept undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

**NFC South:**

• **Atlanta Falcons:** Starting RT Kaleb McGary is out for the season with a leg injury. Acquired tackle Michael Jerrell from the Seahawks.
• **Carolina Panthers:** Released Pro Bowl receiver Hunter Renfrow. Kept four tight ends, indicating uncertainty about Tommy Tremble's health.
• **New Orleans Saints:** Released veteran RBs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers, solidifying Kendre Miller as Alvin Kamara's backup.
• **Tampa Bay Buccaneers:** Cut Kyle Trask, their second-string quarterback. Brought in Teddy Bridgewater.

**NFC West:**

• **Arizona Cardinals:** WR Simi Fehoko was a surprising cut. Walter Nolen III will start the season on PUP.
• **Los Angeles Rams:** Cut inside linebacker Chris Paul Jr., a 2025 fifth-round pick.
• **San Francisco 49ers:** Kept WR Jauan Jennings despite a calf injury and contract issues.
• **Seattle Seahawks:** Released Marquez Valdes-Scantling after failing to find a trade partner.

**AFC East:**

• **Buffalo Bills:** CB Maxwell Hairston is on injured reserve. The Bills have finalized their initial 53-man roster ahead of the start of the 2025 NFL season.
• **Miami Dolphins:** Released Mike Hilton. Rookie Jason Marshall Jr. may start at nickel cornerback.
• **New England Patriots:** Waived outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson, a fifth-round pick.
• **New York Jets:** Traded for DT Harrison Phillips. Waived WR Malachi Corley.

**AFC North:**

• **Baltimore Ravens:** Didn't place TE Isaiah Likely on injured reserve.
• **Cincinnati Bengals:** Kept just eight offensive linemen. Looking to add depth on the waiver wire.
• **Cleveland Browns:** Traded QB Kenny Pickett to the Raiders.
• **Pittsburgh Steelers:** Kept punter Corliss Waitman over veteran Cameron Johnston.

**AFC South:**

• **Houston Texans:** RB Joe Mixon went on the NFI list with an ankle injury.
• **Indianapolis Colts:** Released 2023 second-round pick JuJu Brents.
• **Jacksonville Jaguars:** Cut DTs Jordan Jefferson and Tyler Lacy. Reworked the defensive line.
• **Tennessee Titans:** Released WR Xavier Restrepo.

**AFC West:**

• **Denver Broncos:** Waived CB Damarri Mathis. Moved on from several former draft picks.
• **Kansas City Chiefs:** Kept eight receivers. Rashee Rice may face a shortened suspension.
• **Las Vegas Raiders:** Acquired QB Kenny Pickett from the Browns.
• **Los Angeles Chargers:** Activated RB Najee Harris off the NFI list.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• Roster cuts are a critical part of the NFL preseason, shaping team compositions for the upcoming season.
• Teams often make strategic decisions based on player performance, injuries, and depth considerations.
• Notable cuts and trades can significantly impact team dynamics and future performance.

Discussion

What do you think about these roster moves? Which cuts or trades will have the biggest impact this season? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

Disclaimer

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