The NFL preseason is complete, and all 32 teams have submitted their initial 53-man rosters for the 2026 regular season. Teams were required to reduce their offseason rosters by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 30. The 2026 NFL roster cuts deadline produced hundreds of releases alongside trades, injury designations, quarterback changes and difficult decisions involving former starters, veterans and recent draft picks.
The word “initial” remains important. Waiver claims, practice-squad signings, trades and injured-reserve transactions will continue changing these rosters before Week 1.
The biggest developments included Tennessee waiving Will Levis, the Los Angeles Rams reportedly bringing Aaron Donald out of retirement, Pittsburgh trading Broderick Jones to Dallas and several contenders releasing experienced defensive players.
Roster construction also provides another opportunity to compare the league’s internal decisions with expectations in the betting market. FanDuel Sportsbook listed the Rams as the Super Bowl LXI favorite at +500 on August 28. Buffalo followed at +1000, with Seattle, Baltimore, Detroit, the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston, Kansas City, San Francisco and Philadelphia forming the next group of leading contenders.
At the other end of the market, BetMGM set the Las Vegas Raiders’ regular-season win total at 5.5. That contrast helps explain why cutdown day means something different to each organization. The Rams are refining a championship contender, while the Raiders are still searching for young players who could become part of their next competitive roster.
2026 NFL Roster Cuts Major Announcements
Tennessee Titans Waive Will Levis
The most recognizable quarterback released during the 2026 NFL roster cuts deadline was Will Levis. NFL Network reported that Tennessee waived the former second-round pick after three seasons with the organization. Levis entered the league as the No. 33 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft and received multiple opportunities to establish himself as the Titans’ long-term starter.
The move completes another stage of Tennessee’s transition away from the roster created by its previous leadership. Levis possesses regular-season starting experience and one of the strongest arms among the quarterbacks entering the market after roster cuts.
That does not guarantee him another starting opportunity, but it could make him an option for teams uncomfortable with their current backup situation.
The Titans also released running back D’Ernest Johnson, guard Cordell Volson, defensive back Sanoussi Kane and injured linebacker Dominique Hampton, according to NFL.com’s roster tracker.
Aaron Donald Reportedly Returning to the Rams
The most consequential development surrounding the Los Angeles Rams was not an NFL roster cut or release. NFL Network and ESPN reported that Aaron Donald agreed to return to the Rams on a one-year, $20 million contract. The move should continue to be described as reported until it is formally announced by the organization.
Donald retired following the 2023 season after earning three Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight first-team All-Pro selections and 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections.
His return would immediately strengthen a Los Angeles defense attached to the shortest championship odds in football. Donald has not played in an NFL game since January 2024, creating questions about conditioning and workload, but the Rams would not need him to duplicate his previous production to benefit from his presence.
FanDuel listed Los Angeles at +500 to win Super Bowl LXI before reports of Donald’s return surfaced. The sportsbook also set the Rams’ regular-season win total at 11.5, tied for the highest number in the league.
Pittsburgh Trades Broderick Jones to Dallas
Although not an NFL roster cut, Pittsburgh agreed to trade offensive tackle Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network.
The Steelers selected Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but his development in Pittsburgh never produced the stability expected from a premium offensive-line prospect.
Dallas receives a player with starting experience and considerable physical ability. Pittsburgh avoids releasing Jones outright and receives compensation for a player it no longer viewed as part of its preferred offensive-line combination.
The Cowboys’ willingness to make the trade also shows how roster deadline weekend extends beyond releases. Teams are comparing their weaknesses with the players becoming available across the league and moving before the waiver process begins.
Raiders Trade Jordan Meredith to the Jets
Another non NFL roster cut, the Las Vegas Raiders traded center Jordan Meredith to the New York Jets. Reuters reported that New York received Meredith and a 2029 seventh-round selection. Las Vegas received the Jets’ sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Meredith appeared in 45 games and made 20 starts during four seasons with the Raiders. The move gives New York an experienced interior offensive lineman while allowing Las Vegas to collect future draft capital.
The Raiders also hold the first position in the waiver order. That gives them the first opportunity to claim eligible players released by the other 31 teams.
BetMGM set the Raiders’ win total at 5.5, with the over priced at -125 and the under at +105 when the sportsbook published its preseason analysis. FanDuel listed Las Vegas at +15000 to win Super Bowl LXI.
The Raiders are not expected to contend for a championship this season, but their waiver position could help them add players who remain with the organization beyond 2026.
Every NFL Team’s Notable 2026 Roster Cuts
The following team-by-team roundup focuses on the most recognizable veterans, recent draft selections, former starters and significant positional decisions listed in NFL.com’s roster tracker. It does not include every undrafted rookie or developmental camp player released across the league.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo released quarterback Shane Buechele, wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Dante Pettis, tight end Shane Zylstra, linebacker Otis Reese and punter Mitch Wishnowsky.
Hardman provides return ability and postseason experience, while Wishnowsky offers an established veteran option for teams evaluating their punting situation.
Miami Dolphins
Miami released quarterbacks Mark Gronowski and Cam Miller, running back Donovan Edwards, wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., guard Jamaree Salyer, linebacker Tyrel Dodson and cornerbacks Alex Austin and Marco Wilson.
The Dolphins also traded quarterback Quinn Ewers to Jacksonville and acquired Kyle McCord from Green Bay as part of their backup-quarterback restructuring.
New England Patriots
New England’s cuts included running backs Hassan Haskins and JaMycal Hasty, offensive tackle James Hudson III, defensive tackle Eric Gregory, linebackers Chad Muma and Bradyn Swinson, cornerback Kindle Vildor and punter Matt Haack.
The volume of New England’s releases reflects extensive competition for reserve positions behind a roster coming off an AFC championship.
New York Jets
The Jets released quarterback Bailey Zappe, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, linebacker Kobe King, defensive back Jordan Clark and kicker Cade York.
New York also acquired Jordan Meredith from Las Vegas to improve its interior offensive-line depth.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore released defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny, linebacker Reid Williford and cornerback Robert Longerbeam among the moves listed by NFL.com.
The Ravens entered the season among the primary Super Bowl contenders, with FanDuel listing Baltimore at +1300.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati released quarterbacks Sean Clifford and Josh Johnson, return specialist Charlie Jones, defensive end Isaiah Foskey, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, safety Daijahn Anthony and safety Russ Yeast.
Jones averaged 25.8 yards across 42 kickoff returns during the 2025 season and scored on a 98-yard return. His special-teams experience could attract interest elsewhere.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland released wide receiver Cedric Tillman, tight end Jack Stoll, offensive tackle Tyre Phillips, defensive tackle Elijah Chatman, linebacker Nathaniel Watson and cornerbacks Myles Bryant, Tre Avery and Tyler Hall.
Tillman is one of the more notable receivers entering the post-deadline market after previously receiving regular-season opportunities with Cleveland.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers released running back Travis Homer, defensive lineman Dean Lowry and linebackers Jamin Davis, Malik Harrison and Elandon Roberts.
Pittsburgh also traded Broderick Jones to Dallas and sent running back Kaleb Johnson to Green Bay.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Houston released running back Joshua Pitsenberger, wide receivers Jha’Quan Jackson and Juwann Winfree, offensive lineman James Neal III and linebacker Marte Mapu in the transactions listed by NFL.com.
FanDuel listed Houston at +1700 to win Super Bowl LXI, placing the Texans among the primary AFC contenders.
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis released running back Ulysses Bentley IV, tight end Pharaoh Brown, center Jimmy Morrissey, defensive tackle Colby Wooden, cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and kicker Blake Grupe.
Wooden joined Indianapolis in a March trade after appearing in 47 games and making 17 starts during three seasons with Green Bay.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville released quarterbacks Joey Aguilar, Carter Bradley and Nick Mullens, running back DeeJay Dallas, offensive linemen Chuma Edoga and Geron Christian Sr., linebacker Baylon Spector and cornerback Corey Ballentine.
The Jaguars also acquired Quinn Ewers from Miami to serve as another quarterback option behind Trevor Lawrence.
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee waived quarterback Will Levis and released running back D’Ernest Johnson, guard Cordell Volson, defensive back Sanoussi Kane and injured linebacker Dominique Hampton.
Levis is the biggest name in Tennessee’s group and one of the most notable players released anywhere in the league.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Denver released wide receivers Hakeem Butler and Kyre Duplessis alongside veteran safety Taylor Rapp.
Rapp’s starting experience makes him a potential option for teams seeking secondary depth.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City released wide receiver Jeff Caldwell, tight end Tre Watson, offensive tackle Kellen Diesch, defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and cornerback Kaiir Elam.
Ogbah brings significant experience as an edge defender, while Elam entered the league as a first-round pick in 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas released wide receiver Noah Brown, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam, center Will Putnam, defensive end Cian Slone and linebacker Cameron McGrone.
The Raiders also traded Jordan Meredith to the Jets and will have the first opportunity to submit waiver claims.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers released wide receiver Luke Grimm, linebacker Junior Colson and safety Tony Jefferson.
Colson’s departure is particularly notable because he played for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan before the Chargers selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
FanDuel listed the Chargers at +1700 to win Super Bowl LXI. BetMGM placed their win total at 10.5, while an earlier FanDuel market posted the team at 9.5.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas released running backs Jaydon Blue and Israel Abanikanda, wide receivers Denzel Mims, Tyler Johnson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, center Nick Leverett and several developmental players.
The Cowboys also acquired Broderick Jones from Pittsburgh to add another experienced option at offensive tackle.
New York Giants
The Giants released quarterbacks Brandon Allen and Jake Haener, running back Eric Gray, wide receivers Braxton Berrios, Xavier Gipson and Jalin Hyatt, offensive linemen Evan Neal and Lucas Patrick and cornerback Ugo Amadi.
Odell Beckham Jr. earned a place on New York’s initial roster, completing his return to the organization that selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia released running backs Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele, wide receivers Britain Covey and Quez Watkins, tight end Stone Smartt, guard Michael Jordan, linebacker Chance Campbell and cornerback Ambry Thomas.
FanDuel listed Philadelphia at +1800 to win Super Bowl LXI, keeping the Eagles within the championship market’s second tier.
Washington Commanders
Washington released quarterback Sam Hartman, running back Craig Reynolds, wide receiver Van Jefferson, offensive linemen Nicholas Petit-Frere and Daniel Brunskill, defensive tackles Maurice Hurst II and Shy Tuttle and cornerback Fabian Moreau.
Washington’s initial roster remains subject to change through waiver claims and injury-related moves.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Chicago released quarterback Miller Moss, wide receiver Scotty Miller, offensive linemen Jedrick Wills and Kiran Amegadjie, defensive lineman Marcus Davenport, linebacker Jack Sanborn and defensive back Beanie Bishop.
FanDuel listed Chicago at +330 to win the NFC North as the Bears attempt to defend their division title.
Detroit Lions
Detroit released running backs Raheem Blackshear and Kye Robichaux and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson in the initial group listed by NFL.com.
FanDuel placed Detroit at +1600 to win Super Bowl LXI, making the Lions one of the leading NFC contenders.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay released running backs Pierre Strong Jr. and Damien Martinez, offensive lineman Darian Kinnard, linebacker Kristian Welch, cornerback Domani Jackson and several receivers and tight ends competing for reserve roles.
The Packers also acquired running back Kaleb Johnson from Pittsburgh after the NFL placed Josh Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota released running back Zavier Scott, offensive lineman Delby Lemieux, cornerback Tre Hawkins III, safety Tavierre Thomas and veteran punter Johnny Hekker.
The Vikings retained quarterback J.J. McCarthy after speculation that the former first-round pick could be traded or released.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta released offensive lineman Wanya Morris, tight end Joshua Simon, defensive tackles Eric Johnson and Devonnsha Maxwell, linebacker Channing Tindall and defensive back Keidron Smith.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina released quarterback Kyle Trask, running back Miles Davis, wide receivers Elijah Cooks and Roc Taylor, defensive tackle Kyon Barrs and linebacker Jeremiah Moon.
Trask becomes another experienced quarterback available following the deadline.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans released running back Zamir White, wide receivers Ronnie Bell, Bub Means and Trey Palmer, defensive lineman Khalen Saunders, cornerbacks Michael Davis and Isaac Yiadom and safety Terrell Burgess.
White and Saunders are among the more recognizable names in a comparatively large group of Saints cuts.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay released quarterback Jake Browning, running back Kadarius Calloway, wide receiver Dennis Houston and linebacker Chris Braswell.
Browning’s regular-season experience could make him an option for teams reviewing their backup-quarterback rooms.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona released quarterback Kedon Slovis, wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, offensive linemen Matt Pryor and Oli Udoh, linebacker BJ Ojulari, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting and safety Isaiah Oliver.
Arizona entered the season near the bottom of the futures market and should remain active as higher-priority waiver claims are processed.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams released wide receiver Tyler Scott, linebackers Monty Rice and Tomon Fox, defensive back Steven Gilmore and several developmental prospects.
The larger story is the reported return of Aaron Donald. If the agreement becomes official, Los Angeles will add an accomplished interior defender to a roster FanDuel already considered the Super Bowl favorite.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco released running backs Khalil Herbert and Sincere McCormick, wide receivers KhaDarel Hodge and Trenton Irwin, defensive lineman Ogbo Okoronkwo, linebacker Deion Jones, cornerback Eli Apple and safety Ashtyn Davis.
The 49ers may attempt to bring some vested veterans back after completing other roster transactions.
FanDuel listed San Francisco at +1800 to win Super Bowl LXI and +330 to win the NFC West.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle released running back Anthony Hankerson, offensive tackle Derrick Graham, linebacker Joseph Vaughn, injured linebacker Chris Paul Jr. and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles in the initial group listed by NFL.com.
The reigning Super Bowl champions hold the final waiver priority. FanDuel listed Seattle at +1100 to repeat, trailing only the Rams and Bills on its August 28 futures board.
What Happens After NFL Roster Cuts?
Players with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons are generally subject to waivers. Teams can submit claims, with priority initially determined by the previous season’s standings and draft order.
Las Vegas holds the first waiver position, while Seattle holds the last.
When a team claims a player, it assumes the player’s existing contract and must create space on its active roster. That can trigger another release and begin a new round of transactions.
Vested veterans with four or more accrued seasons become unrestricted free agents when released before the trade deadline. They can negotiate with any team immediately.
Teams can also begin building their practice squads after the waiver process. Some players listed above will return to the organizations that released them, while others will receive opportunities elsewhere.
That is why these should be described as initial 53-man rosters rather than final rosters.
Betting Takeaways From the 2026 NFL Roster Deadline
Aaron Donald’s reported return is the most significant championship development from the deadline.
The Rams were already FanDuel’s Super Bowl favorite at +500. If Donald’s agreement becomes official and he can contribute consistently, Los Angeles will add one of the most accomplished defensive players in league history.
That does not automatically make the Rams a strong bet at the current price. Donald’s age, extended absence and expected workload must still be considered.
The Raiders’ activity is more relevant to their regular-season win total. BetMGM set Las Vegas at 5.5 wins, and the team’s first waiver position should help it add at least one player who improves its depth.
San Francisco remains a contender, but the team’s demanding travel schedule and NFC West competition create additional risk. The release of several experienced reserves makes the health of the 49ers’ starting lineup especially important.
The Chargers remain one of the more intriguing AFC teams. Their high-end talent supports legitimate playoff expectations, but linebacker and secondary depth should be monitored following the releases of Colson and Jefferson.
Sportsbook odds can change at any time. Injuries, suspensions, trades, waiver claims and reported transactions becoming official can all move NFL futures before Week 1.
For more updates on the NFL roster cuts and future trades, signings, and more, subscribe to the official RespectMyRegion.com newsletter.
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