Bengals Begin Roster Cutdowns
Teams have until August 27 to bring their rosters down to 53. One day after their final preseason contest, the Bengals have begun the process of releasing players, with 11 being let go on Friday.
Here is the full list of cuts:
- WR Hakeem Butler
- RB Noah Cain
- OL Jackson Carman
- DE Andre Carter
- LB Aaron Casey
- S Michael Dowell
- CB Allan George
- WR Kwamie Lassiter II
- QB Rocky Lombardi
- G Eric Miller
- DT Joshua Pryor
Carman’s inclusion on the list does not come as a surprise. The 2021 second-rounder has not lived up to expectations so far, and he found himself on the roster bubble at the onset of training camp. During each of his first two seasons in the league, Carman lost a competition for a starting spot and was unable to earn the swing tackle role in 2023. Despite having one year left on his rookie contract, the Bengals will move on.
Butler, 28, entered the NFL in 2019, but his only regular season game action to date came one year later. The 6-5, 227-pounder was unable to find a regular role at the NFL level as a receiver or a tight end, but he had a successful spell in the UFL this spring. Butler was the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, fueling an attempt at returning to the NFL. That effort has obviously taken a hit with today’s move.
None of the players who have been let go are vested veterans. As a result, they will be subject to waivers several days before many other teams’ roster cuts go through the same process. Interested parties will be able to make a claim (knowing their own cut decisions are looming), but all players who clear will become free agents. That would leave the door open to a practice squad deal with Cincinnati or any other team once initial 53-man rosters are set.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/7/24
Wednesday’s minor moves:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: DE Andre Carter, DE Joshua Pryor
- Placed on IR: DE Cameron Sample (story)
- Waived: P Austin McNamara, WR Tre Mosley
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: DE Brevin Allen, K Alex Hale
- Waived (with injury designation): CB Don Callis, WR Rory Starkey
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: C Ryan Coll
- Placed on IR: C Wesley French
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: WR Mike Harley Jr.
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: OL Mark Evans II
- Waived: TE Mason Fairchild
New York Jets
- Signed: RB Deon Jackson
- Waived: WR Hamze El-Zayat
Philadelphia Eagles
- Claimed off waivers (from Commanders): TE Armani Rogers
- Waived: WR Shaq Davis
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB Easton Gibbs
- Waived (with injury designation): LB Tyler Murray
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: WR Jontre Kirklin, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
- Waived (with injury designation): WR Terique Owens
- Released: S Erik Harris
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: DT Kyon Barrs
- Reverted to IR: LB Josh Onujiogu
- Waived (with an injury designation): WR Marcus Simms
Washington Commanders
- Signed: T Alex Taylor-Prioleau
The Packers apparently felt it necessary to add another competitor to their position battle at kicker today, signing Hale out of Oklahoma State. The former walk-on from Australia hit on 43 of his 54 field goal attempts as a Cowboy in Stillwater.
Following the retirement of Tarik Cohen, the Jets opted to sign Jackson. The former Colts rusher had some big moments in 2022 while filling in for an injured Jonathan Taylor. He and Vaughn were both participants in a recent workout with the Texans, but Cam Akers walked away from that day with the job.
Lastly, Owens’, son of NFL legend Terrell Owens, time with one of his father’s former teams has come to an end. His pedigree may have assisted in landing an opportunity as an undrafted free agent in San Francisco, but he was unable to stay rostered throughout camp.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/7/24
Here are Tuesday’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Waived (non-football injury): OL Ryan Swoboda
Green Bay Packers
- Reverted to IR: WR Thyrick Pitts
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: WR Jaaron Hayek
- Waived: WR Reggie Brown
Minnesota Vikings
- Waived: WR Daylen Baldwin
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: DL Shakel Brown
Washington Commanders
- Waived: LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle, CB D’Angelo Mandell, DE Joshua Pryor
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/13/23
Today’s minor moves from around the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Designated to return from IR: CB Bobby Price
Buffalo Bills
- Designated to return from IR: WR Justin Shorter
Dallas Cowboys
- Designated to return from IR: DL Viliami Fehoko
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Designated to return from IR: WR Jamal Agnew
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: C Connor Williams (story)
New England Patriots
- Designated to return from IR: T Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed to active roster: WR David Moore
Washington Commanders
- Designated to return from IR: G Saahdiq Charles
- Signed to active roster: DE Joshua Pryor
- Placed on IR: LB Jamin Davis (story)
Agnew has missed the four games required to return from injured reserve, and though he’s not been activated yet, the Jaguars took the first step towards that outcome today in returning him to practice. It was shoulder and rib injuries that led to the return specialist’s placement on IR. During his absence the team had turned to rookie sixth-round receiver Parker Washington to return punts and veteran backup running back D’Ernest Johnson to return kickoffs. Jacksonville still has a few days to determine whether or not they’ll activate him right away for this weekend. If not, the team will have 21 days to activate him before his practice window closes and Agnew is reverted to season-ending IR.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/2/23
Today’s gameday callups and minor moves heading into Sunday:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: WR Dan Chisena
- Elevated: DT Phil Hoskins, CB Divaad Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: LB Milo Eifler, TE Parker Hesse
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: QB Joe Flacco (story), CB A.J. Green
Denver Broncos
- Activated from IR: WR Brandon Johnson
- Elevated: QB Ben DiNucci, TE Lucas Krull
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DT Quinton Bohanna, LB Bruce Irvin
Houston Texans
- Elevated: K Matt Ammendola
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: RB Tyler Goodson, WR D.J. Montgomery
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: RB Deneric Prince
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: WR Alex Erickson
- Elevated: TE Stephen Anderson
- Waived: RB Elijah Dotson
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: TE Tanner Conner
New England Patriots
- Elevated: QB Malik Cunningham
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: WR Marquez Callaway, FB Adam Prentice
New York Jets
- Activated from IR: CB Justin Hardee, G Wes Schweitzer
- Elevated: OL Jake Hanson, DT Perrion Winfrey
- Waived: OL Xavier Newman
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: LB Kyron Johnson
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: WR Chris Conley, S Erik Harris
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: WR Ryan Miller, WR David Moore
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: LB Joe Jones
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DE Joshua Pryor
The Chiefs have ruled out running back Jerick McKinnon for tomorrow’s game against the Packers, necessitating some extra depth at the position. The team will turn to Prince, an undrafted free agent who has spent the entire season on Kansas City’s practice squad. Prince had a breakout season at Tulsa in 2022, finishing with 813 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.
Winfrey, a 2022 fourth-round pick, was cut by the Browns last July after being investigated for pulling a gun on a woman. He joined the Jets practice squad in early November and will finally earn his first promotion of the season. Winfrey got into 13 games for Cleveland last year, collecting 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
At age 36, Irvin will be making his debut for a sixth NFL team. The veteran pass rusher signed with Detroit midway through November and will finally have a chance to extend his streak of regular season appearances to 12 straight years. The only absence on the Lions’ front-seven will be linebacker Alex Anzalone, so Detroit may be looking to stand Irvin up to help the team’s depth at linebacker.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/22/23
Today’s minor transactions and gameday callups heading into Week 12 of the NFL season:
Cleveland Browns
- Designated to return from IR: LB Jordan Kunaszyk
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: S Sheldrick Redwine
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DT Quinton Bohanna, OL Michael Schofield
Las Vegas Raiders
- Waived: LB Jaylon Smith
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: OLB Andrew Farmer
New York Giants
New York Jets
- Waived: T Dennis Kelly
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed to active roster: LB J.J. Russell
- Placed on IR: WR Rakim Jarrett
- Waived: TE David Wells
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DE Joshua Pryor, RB Jonathan Williams
- Placed on IR: LB De’Jon Harris
Smith’s tenure on the Raiders lasted about three weeks after he was signed off of the Saints’ practice squad. The Raiders immediately plugged him in hoping that he would improve a unit struggling to defend the run. After his initial game in Vegas, though, Smith was inactive for the next two games. Whether due to injuries or ineffectiveness, Smith no longer warranted a roster spot with the Raiders.
The Jets signed Kelly in the midst of a litany of offensive line injuries. Kelly is an established veteran with a good amount of starting experience, but even with all the opportunities provided due to injury, Kelly couldn’t quite crack the rotation and now finds himself without a roster spot.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/18/23
This week’s callups and minor moves heading into Sunday:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: WR Andre Baccellia
- Elevated: DT Phil Hoskins, RB Tony Jones Jr.
- Waived: S Qwuantrezz Knight
Carolina Panthers:
- Elevated: WR Mike Strachan
Cleveland Browns
- Activated from IR: G Michael Dunn
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: LB Rashaan Evans
- Placed on IR: DL Viliami Fehoko
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: WR David Sills
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DT Quinton Bohanna, T Connor Galvin
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: S Benny Sapp III
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: K Matt Ammendola, LB Garret Wallow
- Elevated: S Brandon Hill, WR Steven Sims
- Placed on IR: CB Grayland Arnold
Kansas City Chiefs
- Activated from IR: WR Richie James
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: WR DJ Turner
- Elevated: C Hroniss Grasu, T Brandon Parker
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: WR Terrell Bynum, WR Alex Erickson
Los Angeles Rams
- Activated from IR: DT Bobby Brown (story)
New York Giants
- Elevated: K Randy Bullock, TE Tyree Jackson
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: DT Tanzel Smart
- Elevated: OL Jake Hanson, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from PUP: CB Darrell Luter Jr.
- Elevated: OL Corey Luciano
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: S Ty Okada
- Waived: T Jake Curhan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: S Richard LeCounte
Tennessee Titans
- Activated from IR: S Mike Brown
- Signed to active roster: DE TK McLendon
- Elevated: LB Joe Jones, OL Andrew Rupcich
- Waived: S Matt Jackson, RB Jonathan Ward
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: RB Derrick Gore, DE Joshua Pryor
Evans had been called up from the practice squad three times by the Cowboys, meaning he needed to be added to the 53-man roster this week to continue suiting up. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports “several teams” attempted to poach the veteran off the taxi squad, but his decision to remain with Dallas has culminated in today’s move. Evans has logged 74 combined defensive and special teams snaps with the Cowboys so far, recording three tackles.
James was out of the lineup for one game after being designated for return, but he will be eligible to suit up for the upcoming Super Bowl rematch against the Eagles. Mentioned as a trade candidate earlier this year, he will be able to add depth to a WR corps which has underperformed to date, and add to his single catch recorded in his two Kansas City games at the start of the campaign.
Commanders Release 12, Place OL Braeden Daniels On IR
With roster cuts in full swing, the Commanders are among the teams to unveil their latest list of players who will not be on their initial 53-man roster. The team announced the release of the following 12 players:
- WR Zion Bowens
- LB Milo Eifler
- CB DaMarcus Fields
- LB Ferrod Gardner
- S Joshua Kalu
- WR Marcus Kemp
- DT Isaiah Mack
- DT Anthony Montalvo
- T/G Aaron Montiero
- RB Jaret Patterson
- DE Joshua Pryor
- CB DJ Stirgus
Kalu and Kemp have the most NFL experience amongst the group. The former has made 44 appearances since 2020, all with the Titans. After primarily playing on special teams, the 28-year-old saw a signficant jump in playing time last season with a 44% defensive snap share. Kalu signed with the Commanders earlier this month, but he will now have the chance to find another opportunity as a depth option in the secondary.
Kemp, meanwhile, is a veteran of the Chiefs over most of the past five years. He has been used sparingly on offense, but the defending champions relied on him early and often with respect to special teams contributions. The Commanders have a well-established pecking order amongst their pass-catchers on offense, but Kemp would have provided a known commodity in the third phase if retained. He still could do so, of course, if he winds up being retained via the practice squad.
Patterson has played in 20 games in Washington since joining the team as a UDFA. He saw more opportunities as a rookie in 2021 than he did last year, but the Buffalo alum still showcased an ability to contribute on offense and special teams. The 23-year-old operated briefly as a kicker returner in 2022, and with the top of the RB depth chart accounted for in Washington, that may represent a path to playing time moving forward if Patterson is to remain in the nation’s capital.
In addition to the above cuts, the Commanders placed fourth-round rookie Braeden Daniels on IR, meaning he will be sidelined for the entire campaign. Daniels suffered a torn rotator cuff in the team’s preseason finale, reports ESPN’s John Keim.
Commanders Add 12 UDFAs
The Commanders reached agreements with 12 undrafted free agents. Here is the NFC East team’s post-draft class:
- WR Kazmeir Allen (UCLA)
- WR Zion Bowens (Hawaii)
- OL Mason Brooks (Ole Miss)
- QB Tim DeMorat (Fordham)
- S Xavier Henderson (Michigan State)
- DE Joshua Pryor (Bowie State)
- WR Jalen Sample (Minnesota State)
- S Kendall Smith (Illinois)
- CB D.J. Stirgus (Missouri Western)
- WR Mitchell Tinsley (Penn State)
- WR Brycen Tremayne (Stanford)
- CB Nick Whiteside (Saginaw Valley State)
Ron Rivera‘s team hunted for wide receiver help during the post-draft signing period. In addition to the five receivers in this group, the Commanders offered Oklahoma Baptist wideout an $80K guarantee. But he ended up with the Falcons. Washington still authorized some decent UDFA guarantees to receivers.
Tinsley received a $120K guarantee to sign, per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, while KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson adds Tremayne signed for $100K (Twitter links). Tremayne totaled eight touchdown receptions over the past two seasons and caught 38 passes for 490 yards during his senior year. While Tinsley joins Jahan Dotson as an ex-Nittany Lions wide receiver, he was not teammates with the Commanders’ 2022 first-rounder. Tinsley transferred from Western Kentucky in 2022. One of Bailey Zappe‘s targets during his monster Hilltoppers one-off, Tinsley totaled 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns in that pass-crazed system in 2021. In his Big Ten season, Tinsley amassed 577 yards and five scores.
A former Tinsley teammate at Western Kentucky, Brooks was a first-round USFL draft choice last month. He will put that potential option on hold. The 5-foot-9 Allen won the 100-meter dash in one of the toughest states to do so (California) and operated as the Bruins’ kick returner in multiple seasons. Henderson started 40 games for the Spartans, taking advantage of his extra year of eligibility.
The Jets extended DeMorat a rookie-camp invite, Pelissero adds (on Twitter), but he will join a few non-Division I-FBS UDFAs in Washington instead. DeMorat finished his final Fordham season as a Division I-FCS first-team All-American, lighting up scoreboards during a 56-touchdown pass senior season. DeMorat finished last season with 4,891 passing yards. He finished as a three-time first-team All-Patriot League selection and parlayed his record-setting career into a East-West Shrine Bowl invite.
At receiver, Washington has three defined starters — Dotson, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel — and former third-round pick Dyami Brown remains rostered. But this UDFA batch will vie for backup jobs. Although Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett headline Washington’s QB room, the team also has ex-Georgia starter Jake Fromm on its offseason roster. The team did not draft a quarterback.