Vikings Make Cuts To Reach 53-Man Roster
Most of the Vikings’ roster moves were done ahead of the deadline, but today they did the rest of the work to get down to the 53-man roster. Here are the moves made today to reach the deadline:
Waived:
- OL Alan Adi
- WR Jacob Copeland
- RB Aaron Dykes
- WR Lucky Jackson
- WR Trishton Jackson
- RB DeWayne McBride
- DL Esezi Otomewo
- WR Blake Proehl
- TE Ben Sims
- DL T.J. Smith
- OL Jack Snyder
- WR Thayer Thomas
- OLB Luiji Vilain
- OLB Benton Whitley
- CB Jaylin Williams
Waived/injured:
- LB Abraham Beauplan
Released:
- LB Troy Reeder
- CB Joejuan Williams
A strong preseason performance by backup running back Ty Chandler and the returning prowess of Kene Nwangwu led to the disappointing cut of the seventh-round pick McBride. Besides that, there weren’t many surprises on the offensive side of the ball as the Vikings continually value consistency on the offensive line.
Minnesota needed to work out how to replace the production lost in the departure of pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. The opportunity led to a nice surprise as undrafted rookie Andre Carter II makes the initial 53. Carter is joined on the defensive side by undrafted linebacker Ivan Pace, who got plenty of run in camp as Brian Asamoah recovered from injury. Safety NaJee Thompson is the last undrafted rookie to find his way onto the roster thanks to his contributions on special teams.
Bills To Sign OT Germain Ifedi
The Bills have added some veteran depth to their offensive line. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Bills are expected to sign offensive tackle Germain Ifedi. The organization worked out Ifedi earlier today.
[RELATED: Bills To Release T David Quessenberry, G Ike Boettger]
Ifedi was a first-round pick by the Seahawks in 2016 and proceeded to spend four years in Seattle, starting all 65 of his appearances (regular season and playoffs). He became a free agent in 2020 after the Seahawks declined his fifth-year option.
He caught on with the Bears, where he proceeded to get into 25 games (23 starts) across two seasons with the organization. He joined the Falcons last offseason and got into all 17 games without a start, with the majority of his snaps coming on special teams. He signed with the Lions earlier this offseason but was cut by the organization this week.
While Ifedi barely played on the offensive line in 2022, he graded out as an above-average lineman as recently as 2021, per Pro Football Focus. That season, the site gave him particularly high marks for his pass-blocking ability, a skill that’s been a theme throughout his career.
It seemed inevitable that the Bills would add some offensive line depth. Brandon Shell was placed on the reserve/retired list during training camp, and Tommy Doyle has since suffered a season-ending injury. Then, the organization made the surprising move today when they let go of David Quessenberry, who was the organization’s primary swing tackle last season.
Saints Officially Set 53-Man Roster
The Saints welcomed back some old faces and said goodbye to others on their way towards setting their initial 53-man roster. Here are the moves the team made in their efforts to select the team they will open the season with:
Released:
- LB Ryan Connelly
- TE J.P. Holtz
- TE Jesse James
- T Storm Norton
- CB Bradley Roby
- LB Jaylon Smith
- LB Ty Summers
- RB Darrel Williams
Waived:
- S Johnathan Abram
- LB Nick Anderson
- WR Kawaan Baker
- FB Jake Bargas
- WR Lynn Bowden
- DL Jerron Cage
- WR Shaq Davis
- DT Prince Emili
- OL Mark Evans II
- G Chuck Filiaga
- DB Adrian Frye
- P Blake Gillikin
- DT Jack Heflin
- DB Anthony Johnson
- OL Lewis Kidd
- WR Jontrae Kirklin
- G Tommy Kraemer
- TE Lucas Krull
- DE Niko Lalos
- RB Ellis Merriweather
- S Smoke Monday
- LB Anfernee Orji
- DE Kyle Phillips
- OL Alex Pihlstrom
- DB Troy Pride
- OL Calvin Throckmorton
The veteran tight end James will have to continue his recent tour of the NFL. He, Holtz, and Krull fell victim to the reunion of New Orleans and former All-Pro Jimmy Graham.
On defense, Smith failed to make the roster after starting 11 games for the Giants last year. Roby is another player who was initially expected to contribute, but will have to pack up his locker.
With the emergence of rookie third-round pick Kendre Miller and the eventual return of Alvin Kamara, keeping Williams in the running backs room just wasn’t worth the roster spot.
On special teams, the third-year punter Gillikin lost the punting battle with undrafted rookie signee out of Miami (FL) Lou Hedley. The viral, jacked, tatted-up, Australian, 30-year-old rookie punter makes his first NFL roster as part of the Saints’ new-look special teams group.
Eagles Set 53-Man Roster
The Eagles released linebacker Nicholas Morrow and waived running back Trey Sermon today, and they’ve now cut a number of young players to get down to the 53-man roster limit:
Waived:
- WR Devon Allen
- LB Quinton Bell
- QB Ian Book
- RB Kennedy Brooks
- DT Robert Cooper
- WR Britain Covey
- CB Mekhi Garner
- G Julian Good-Jones
- WR Jadon Haselwood
- DE Tarron Jackson
- TE Tyree Jackson
- LB Kyron Johnson
- WR Johnny King
- LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams
- S Tristin McCollum
- WR Joseph Ngata
- DE Janarius Robinson
- G TyreseRobinson
- TE Brady Russell
- DT Olive Sagapolu
- DT Caleb Sanders
- CB Josiah Scott
- G Josh Sills
- P Arryn Siposs
- WR Freddie Swain
- LB Ben VanSumeren
- S K’Von Wallace
- WR Greg Ward
- DT Marvin Wilson
Released from IR:
Devon Allen is two-time Olympian hurdler, and after having played college football for Oregon between 2013 and 2016, he caught on with the Eagles last offseason. He spent most of the 2022 campaign on Philly’s practice squad, and there’s a chance he’s destined for the same gig again in 2023.
Britain Covey is another subtraction from the WRs room, although the 26-year-old played only 19 snaps on offense for the Eagles in 2022. He had a much larger role on special teams, where he returned 10 kicks for 206 yards and 33 punts for 308 yards.
Bills Reduce Roster To 53 Players
The Bills have been busy today, releasing a pair of offensive linemen, trading defensive end Boogie Basham to the Giants, and shifting Von Miller to the reserve/PUP list. The team eventually finalized their roster, cutting down their squad to 53 players:
Released:
- DT Eli Ankou
- LS Reid Ferguson
- WR Andy Isabella
- RB Ty Johnson
- LB A.J. Klein
- OL Greg Mancz
- S Dean Marlowe
Waived:
- S Zayne Anderson
- WR Marcell Ateman
- CB Alex Austin
- OL Nick Broeker
- CB Kyron Brown
- DE Kameron Cline
- DT DJ Dale
- RB Darrynton Evans
- OL Richard Gouraige
- LB Travin Howard
- CB Ja’Marcus Ingram
- OL Kevin Jarvis
- WR KeeSean Johnson
- RB Jordan Mims
- WR Tyrell Shavers
- WR Bryan Thompson
- DT Kendal Vickers
- TE Joel Wilson
Placed on IR:
- QB Matt Barkley
Dean Marlowe was traded to the Bills last November, and the safety began his second stint with the organization after spending three-plus seasons with the organization between 2017 and 2020. The veteran ended up starting a pair of playoff games for Buffalo, collecting seven tackles and an interception. The 31-year-old re-signed with the Bills back in May.
A.J. Klein was another former Bills player added midway through the 2022 season. It was a whirlwind season for the veteran LB. Klein was released by Buffalo in March, and he ended up spending time with the Giants, Ravens, and Bears before returning to the Bills in November. He collected 11 tackles in six games before putting up zeros in a pair of playoff games.
Cardinals Get Down To 53 Players
The source of some strange, unpredicted preseason trades in the past few weeks, the Cardinals have been busy trying to figure out the 53-man roster they’ll open the season with. While some of their biggest cuts came in the days leading up to the deadline and the team is likely to continue making adjustments leading up to opening day, here are the cuts made to officially set team’s initial 53-man roster:
Waived:
- LB David Anenih
- WR Andre Baccellia
- DL Eric Banks
- OL Jackson Barton
- S Kendell Brooks
- OL Cole Cabral
- S Andre Chachere
- WR Brian Cobbs
- WR Kaden Davis
- TE Joel Honigford
- OL Hayden Howerton
- S JuJu Hughes
- OL Braylon Jones
- DL Rashard Lawrence
- LB Zach McCloud
- CB Bobby Price
- RB Stevie Scott
- TE Bernhard Seikovits
- DL Jacob Slade
- WR Brandon Smith
- OL Lecitus Smith
- LB Kyle Soelle
- TE Noah Togiai
- OL Badara Traore
- CB Quavian White
- RB Ty’Son Williams
Released:
- QB David Blough
- LS Aaron Brewer
- RB Corey Clement
- WR Davion Davis
- QB Jeff Driskel
Placed on IR:
Waived/injured:
Veteran running back Clement and former Ravens standout Williams both fell victim to a resurgent Keaontay Ingram, who surpassed them both on the depth chart after getting healthy. That means a roster spot for undrafted rookie Emari Demercado, who will get to reap the unfortunate benefit of Marlon Mack‘s season-ending injury. He’s joined by undrafted wide receiver Daniel Arias and tight end Blake Whiteheart.
The release of the long-time Cardinals long snapper, Brewer, comes as a bit of a surprise as the only other long snapper on the roster, undrafted rookie Matt Hembrough, is currently on injured reserve. They’ll likely target a free agent who is left available after cut day.
Quarterback Kyler Murray was not moved from the physically unable to perform list, nor was cornerback Garrett Williams moved from the non-football injury list. Both will attempt to make returns shortly after the start of the season. Rookie backup center Gaines’ first NFL season is unfortunately over before it could begin after sustaining a knee injury in the team’s preseason finale.
Patriots Reduce Roster To 53 Players
The Patriots made headlines earlier today when they moved on from both of their backup QBs, leaving Mac Jones as the lone quarterback on the active roster. The organization has continued making moves, reducing their roster to 53 players:
Released:
- OL James Ferentz
- TE Anthony Firkser
- LB Joe Giles-Harris
- RB Ty Montgomery
- LB Calvin Munson
Waived:
- S Joshuah Bledsoe
- RB Kevin Harris
- OL Chasen Hines
- OL Bill Murray
- LB Ronnie Perkins
- DL Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
- WR Thyrick Pitts
- OL Kody Russey
- TE Matt Sokol
- OL Andrew Stueber
- RB J.J. Taylor
- WR Raleigh Webb
Placed on reserve/PUP:
- DB Cody Davis
- DL Trey Flowers
Placed on IR:
- CB Isaiah Bolden
- OL Conor McDermott
James Ferentz is one of the few holdovers from the Tom Brady in New England, with the lineman having been with the Patriots since the 2018 campaign. Over the past five seasons, the veteran has appeared in 39 games (nine starts) for the organization. The Patriots made some additions to their offensive line via trade, perhaps costing Ferentz his roster spot.
Veteran Ty Montgomery got into only a single game for the Patriots last season before suffering a season-ending injury. The wideout/running back hasn’t topped 200 yards from scrimmage since the 2018 season. Meanwhile, Kevin Harris was a sixth-round pick by the organization just last year, with the RB getting 18 touches as a rook.
Trey Flowers rejoined the Patriots this offseason after spending the past few years in Detroit and Miami. The defensive lineman had 21 sacks for New England between 2016 and 2018, but he’s only collected 10.5 sacks in the four seasons since. He won’t be eligible to join the active roster until at least Week 5.
Jets Set 53-Man Roster
The Jets have been in the limelight all offseason, and some of their lesser-known players have earned attention following the team’s participation in HBO’s Hard Knocks. The team had to move on from many of those unheralded players today, as the organization reduced their roster to 53 players:
Released:
- FB Nick Bawden
- QB Tim Boyle
- LB Samuel Eguavoen
- WR Alex Erickson
- DL Bruce Hector
- DL Jalyn Holmes
- S Craig James
- P Thomas Morstead
- OL Adam Pankey
- OL Greg Senat
- DL Tanzel Smart
- DL Pita Taumeopenu
- WR Malik Taylor
- LB Nick Vigil
Waived:
- DL Deslin Alexandre
- LB Claudin Cherelus
- C Trystan Colon
- S Trey Dean
- RB Travis Dye
- OL Chris Glaser
- OL Grant Hermanns
- TE E.J. Jenkins
- LB Caleb Johnson
- WR Jerome Kapp
- RB Zonovan Knight
- TE Zack Kuntz
- OL Brent Laing
- CB Derrick Langford
- WR TJ Luther
- CB Nehemiah Shelton
- DL Marquiss Spencer
- S Marquis Waters
Placed on reserve/PUP:
Placed on IR:
Placed on reserve/suspended:
Zonovan Knight made a name for himself as an UDFA in 2022. The running back was thrust into the Jets starting lineup, and he ultimately started four of his seven appearances. The RB finished the season with 400 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 98 touches. With Dalvin Cook added to a deep RBs depth chart, Knight seemed like a long shot to make the final roster.
Tim Boyle has bounced around the NFL a bit, but his only starting experience came with the Lions in 2021. The quarterback spent the 2022 campaign in Chicago, completing two of his eight pass attempts. It was uncertain if the Jets would keep three QBs on the roster, but the team appears content with just Aaron Rodgers and Zach Wilson at the position.
Titans Trim Roster To 53; RB Hassan Haskins Placed On Commissioner’s Exempt List
The Titans have made a number of moves which have allowed them to set their initial 53-man roster. Here is the full breakdown:
Waived:
- LB Chance Campbell
- DB Shyheim Carter
- DT Michael Dwumfour
- DB Eric Garror
- WR Tre’Shaun Harrison
- DB Steven Jones
- DB Tyreque Jones
- WR Mason Kinsey
- T John Leglue
- DB Armani Marsh
- DE T.K. McLendon
- WR Racey McMath
- TE Thomas Odukoya
- T John Ojukwu
- DE Sam Okuayinonu
- RB Jacques Patrick
- WR Reggie Roberson
- T Andrew Rupcich
- LB Thomas Rush
Released:
- DT Trevon Coley
- DT Jaleel Johnson
- LB Ben Niemann
- DT Kyle Peko
- TE Kevin Rader
- G Jordan Roos
Waived/injured:
Placed on Reserve/PUP list:
- CB Caleb Farley (story)
Placed on Commissioner’s Exempt List:
Haskins had been placed on IR yesterday, meaning he will be sidelined for the season. The 2022 fourth-rounder’s future with the team is now murkier, however, given today’s placement on the Exempt List. Haskins – who was arrested on an aggravated assault charge in June – will need to apply for reinstatement to be eligible to return when healthy.
McMath has logged 14 appearances in Tennessee across his two seasons with the team. The former sixth-rounder will lose out on a roster spot in the Titans revamped receiving corps, which will of course be led by free agent signing DeAndre Hopkins. McMath would represent a prime practice squad candidate if he goes unclaimed, something which, given his lack of offensive playing time and production, can be expected.
Letting go of Coley, Johnson and Peko (at least for now) will leave the Titans thin along the defensive interior. That trio has combined to play 147 games in the NFL, representing plenty of experience the team will be without to start the season. Plenty of Tennessee’s success will be determined by the play of Jeffery Simmons and his fellow D-line starters, but they will be leaned on heavily in the absence of veteran backups.
Cowboys Set 53-Man Roster
The Cowboys were busy today, with the organization announcing 36 roster moves as they reduced their team to 53 players:
Released:
- DE Ben Banogu
- OT Chuma Edoga
- CB C.J. Goodwin
- QB Will Grier
- LB Malik Jefferson
- WR Tyron Johnson
- LS Trent Sieg
Waived:
- DL Isaac Alarcon
- WR Jose Barbon
- DT Quinton Bohanna
- OT Earl Bostick
- CB Myles Brooks
- CB Josh Butler
- LB Jabril Cox
- S Tyler Coyle
- WR Jalen Cropper
- RB Malik Davis
- WR Dontario Drummond
- TE Princeton Fant
- C Matt Farniok
- WR Simi Fehoko
- TE Seth Green
- OL Brock Hoffman
- WR Dennis Houston
- DE Durrell Johnson
- DE Isaiah Land
- C Alec Lindstrom
- CB D’Angelo Mandell
- TE Sean McKeon
- S Sheldrick Redwine
- OT Alex Taylor-Prioleau
- DE Tyrus Wheat
Placed on IR:
- OT Josh Ball
- WR David Durden
- LB DeMarvion Overshown
- TE John Stephens Jr.
According to Nick Harris of the team website, both long snapper Trent Sieg and cornerback C.J. Goodwin are expected to rejoin the active roster once the dust settles from this initial round of cuts.
Quinton Bohanna spent the past two years in Dallas after being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. He got into 27 games (10 starts) over the past two years, collecting 29 tackles while playing both on defense and special teams. The Cowboys added first-round defensive tackle Mazi Smith this offseason, making Bohanna expendable.
