Eagles, Saints, Dolphins Also Placed Claims On Jalyn Armour-Davis
One of the Ravens’ more surprising 53-man roster cuts was the release of 2022 fourth-round pick Jalyn Armour-Davis.
The fourth-year cornerback was quickly claimed off waivers by the Titans, who had the No. 1 priority. They weren’t the only team with interest; the Saints, Dolphins, and Eagles all placed claims as well, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Armour-Davis ended each of his first three seasons on the IR with two stints in 2024. The Ravens were still excited about his potential as a versatile backup in 2025 with defensive coordinator Zach Orr saying that Armour-Davis was the team’s smartest defensive back on multiple occasions.
It seemed that the injury bug may have struck again when Armour-Davis missed a few practices at training camp, but his MRI was clean and he returned to start all three preseason games. He played sparingly in the second, but in the other two, he allowed an 8.8 passer rating when targeted with two pass break-ups and an interception, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
The Saints could stand to add some cornerback depth after the departures of Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo in the last year. Behind a starting trio of Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, and Isaac Yiadom, New Orleans only has veteran Ugo Amadi and fourth-round rookie Quincy Riley as backups.
Armour-Davis’ arrival in Tennessee is a reunion with former Ravens DBs coach and current Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. A successful claim by Miami would have similarly reconnected him with Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, who coached the Ravens’ defensive line during Armour-Davis’ time in Baltimore. Miami’s need at cornerback has been well-documented this offseason, and the soon-to-be 26 year old could have provided immediate depth. The Dolphins were successful in claiming former Colts second-round pick Julius Brents after he was waived.
The Eagles have several young cornerbacks on the 53-man roster – five of their six are 25 years or younger – and sought to add another in Armour-Davis. Philadelphia spent the offseason evaluating their options at the position behind star 2024 draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. They brought in veteran Adoree’ Jackson to compete with former SEC starters Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks. None emerged as a clear third starter, so the Eagles traded for Jakorian Bennett. That would appear to be enough depth, but Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ ever-active general manager, tried to add Armour-Davis for even more competition.
In Tennessee, Armour-Davis will once again play under Wilson in a cornerback room made thin by the absence of L’Jarius Sneed.
Wednesday NFL Transactions: AFC South
Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Colts, Jaguars, Texans and Titans moves are noted below.
Houston Texans
Signed to practice squad:
- CB Damon Arnette, T Trent Brown, TE Harrison Bryant, DB Myles Bryant, DE Solomon Byrd, OL Eli Cox, FB Jakob Johnson, RB Jawhar Jordan, TE Luke Lachey, DT Haggai Ndubuisi, LB K.C. Ossai, DT Junior Tafuna, OL Jaylon Thomas, WR Jared Wayne, LB Jackson Woodard
Indianapolis Colts
Claimed:
- LB Chad Muma (from Jaguars)
Signed to practice squad:
- LB Austin Ajiake, RB Ulysses Bentley IV, RB Khalil Herbert, T Marcellus Johnson, WR Tyler Kahmann, CB Chris Lammons, TE Maximilian Mang, TE Sean McKeon, DE Durell Nchami, WR Coleman Owen, G Josh Sills, DT Josh Tupou, C Mose Vavao, S Trey Washington
Jacksonville Jaguars
Signed to practice squad:
- WR Chandler Brayboy, OL Jerome Carvin, LB Branson Combs, QB Seth Henigan, TE Patrick Herbert,RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, OL Ricky Lee, CB Keni-H Lovely, TE Quintin Morris, DB Jabbar Muhammad, DL Keivie Rose, DB Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, WR Dorian Singer, OL Sal Wormley
Tennessee Titans
Claimed:
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (from Ravens), LB Dorian Mausi (from Vikings), C.J. Ravenell (from Ravens), CB Samuel Womack (from Colts)
Waived:
- DT Timmy Horne, LB Curtis Jacobs, CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally, T John Ojukwu
Released:
Signed to practice squad:
-
DB Kendell Brooks, DL Ali Gaye, DT Cam Horsley, RB Jermar Jefferson, WR Mason Kinsey, RB Jordan Mims, TE Thomas Odukova, CB Amani Oruwariye, WR James Proche, WR Xavier Restrepo, DT Isaiah Raikes, OL Andrew Rupcich, QB Trevor Siemian, DL Carlos Watkins
2025 NFL Waiver Order
Many of the players cut Tuesday were subject to waivers, giving teams a chance to pick them up (along with the rest of their contract). Teams can claim as many players as they want before the next team gets their remaining targets.
It’s also worth noting that relatively few players are claimed off waivers during final roster cuts each year. Waiver claims will be processed at 11am CT in the following order (via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo). In reverse order of the 2024 NFL standings, here is how the waiver priority sits:
- Titans
- Browns
- Giants
- Patriots
- Jaguars
- Raiders
- Jets
- Panthers
- Saints
- Bears
- 49ers
- Cowboys
- Dolphins
- Colts
- Falcons
- Cardinals
- Bengals
- Seahawks
- Buccaneers
- Broncos
- Steelers
- Chargers
- Packers
- Vikings
- Texans
- Rams
- Ravens
- Lions
- Commanders
- Bills
- Chiefs
- Eagles
Titans RB Tyjae Spears Lands On IR As Team Gets To 53
Year 2 under Brian Callahan and Year 1 under Mike Borgonzi can now get underway as the Titans made the following transactions to get their initial roster down to 53 players:
Released:
- C Brenden Jaimes
- LB Blake Lynch
- CB Amani Oruwariye
- WR James Proche
- QB Trevor Siemian
- DE Carlos Watkins
Waived:
- LB Brian Asamoah
- S Kendell Brooks
- TE Drake Dabney
- T Jaelyn Duncan
- OLB Ali Gaye
- DT Cam Horsley
- RB Jermar Jefferson
- WR Mason Kinsey
- RB Jordan Mims
- TE Thomas Odukoya
- DT Isaiah Raikes
- WR Xavier Restrepo
- OL Andrew Rupcich
- TE Josh Whyle
Placed on IR (designated for return):
- RB Tyjae Spears
As expected, the team’s RB2 will open the year on injured reserve. Spears suffered a high ankle sprain two weeks ago, and the injury will now keep him from playing in the first four weeks of the season.
The absence hurts a run offense that would’ve featured Tony Pollard with a good dose of Spears, as well. Rookie quarterbacks often benefit from strong rushing attacks, so Pollard will have a bit more pressure on his shoulders to help the offense succeed. There was some thought that the team may hold on to an extra running back if Spears went on IR, but both Jefferson and Mims head to waivers with hopes of coming back to the practice squad.
With Siemian getting cut, Brandon Allen, once again, is the last man standing as the primary backup to Cam Ward. With only two passers making it on the active roster, Siemien stands a strong chance at landing on the p-squad, per beat writer Paul Kuharsky.
Siemien joins six other vested veterans in becoming free agents. Jaimes, Oruwariye, Proche, and Watkins all signed veteran minimum deals in an effort to make the team but will now head back to free agency. Proche, in particular, was a close cut to make the team. Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Tennessee could try to bring him back on the practice squad, but he’s just as likely to get a contract offer to play elsewhere.
Lastly, Ward’s favorite target last year in Coral Gables, Restrepo, didn’t join him on the initial 53-man roster. Like those mentioned above, Restrepo is another candidate to be retained on the practice squad, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Titans To Sign DL Shy Tuttle
Vested veterans have an advantage over players exposed to waivers today, and Shy Tuttle will be an early beneficiary. The recently cut Panthers defensive lineman has already found a new home.
Tuttle is set to join the Titans, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Tennessee will bring the two-year Carolina starter in on a one-year deal, adding an experienced player to a position group that stood as ray of light during a rough 2024 slate.
The Titans ranked second in total defense but 30th in scoring, owing part of the latter total to a poor quarterback situation. They return Jeffery Simmons, Sebastian Joseph-Day and T’Vondre Sweat up front. Tuttle figures to supply depth, doing so after spending the past four seasons as an NFC South starter. The Titans only kept five D-linemen on their initial 53-man roster; Tuttle will move that to a more logical number to open the season.
A Saints UDFA during Sean Payton‘s time at the helm, Tuttle worked as a backup in 2019 and ’20 before shifting to a starter the following year. Tuttle started 29 games with the Saints from 2021-22, creating a solid free agency market ahead of a three-year, $19MM Panthers deal — a contract Carolina later reduced (in 2025) ahead of today’s release.
Carolina used Tuttle as a full-time starter over the past two seasons, and he saw time at multiple D-tackle spots — including nose. Sweat has that spot locked down in the Titans’ starting lineup, but Tuttle could spell the mammoth interior presence. Tuttle played 56% of Carolina’s defensive snaps — as the Panthers sank to last place defensively in points and yardage — but ranked outside the top 100 (in Pro Football Focus’ view) among D-tackles. The Titans will provide the soon-to-be 30-year-old DT another chance.
Titans Cut 16 Players
The Titans are among the teams to make early decisions on roster cuts. Teams have barely 24 hours to set their initial 53-man rosters. Here are the 16 players Tennessee has parted with on its journey from 90 to 53:
Released:
Waived:
- DB Joshuah Bledsoe
- DT Josiah Bronson
- LB Amari Burney
- DE Desmond Evans
- DB Jermari Harris
- WR Jha’Quan Jackson
- DB Jalen Kimber
- DB Clarence Lewis
- DB Davion Ross
- WR TJ Sheffield
- DT T.J. Smith
- DB Julius Wood
Waived/Injured:
- WR Matt Landers
Mustipher is the most notable name included here, having started 40 games for the Bears as their primary center from 2020-22. He has been unable to commandeer a similar role elsewhere, bouncing around the league since his 2023 Chicago exit. Mustipher started one game for the Chargers last season, joining the Titans for no guaranteed money. Hambright and Gaziano each debuted in 2020; the former played in four Titans games last season.
Titans RB Tyjae Spears Could Begin Season On IR
Tyjae Spears‘ 2025 debut could be delayed by at least one month. The third-year running back is a candidate to begin the season injured reserve, TitansInsider’s Terry McCormick reports. 
The designated for return distinction is still in play after it was introduced for roster cutdowns in 2024. As a result, teams can place as many as two players on injured reserve without the move ending their seasons. Any player given the designation is required to miss at least the first four weeks of the campaign, though.
Spears exited Tennessee’s first preseason game with a high ankle sprain. He has yet to practice since then, so it would come as a surprise if he were to be back at full strength in time for Week 1. The IR-designated for return path would thus be a sensible one to take for the Titans. Tony Pollard is set to handle lead back duties once again this season, and missed time in Spears’ case would add to his workload in September.
Tennessee also has fourth-year reserve Julius Chestnut along with sixth-round rookie Kalel Mullings as depth options in the backfield. Spears moving to IR would obviously help their chances of making the Titans’ 53-man roster. Still, it would deal a blow to Tennessee’s offense. Spears has been a key rotational figure on the ground over his first two seasons, and he has totaled 82 catches in the passing game. The Tulane product’s absence will be felt provided he does wind up missing notable time early on.
Two years remain on Spears’ rookie contract. He missed five contests last season after a full run of availability as a rookie. Adding further to his time on the sidelines will not help the chances of an extension being worked out in the 24-year-old’s case, although that cannot happen until next offseason at the earliest. For now, his immediate future will be determined by how the Titans handle his roster spot over the coming days.
Titans Activate L’Jarius Sneed From PUP List; Latest On CB’s Legal Issue
L’Jarius Sneed‘s Titans tenure has started quite poorly. A quad injury shut him down last season, and a knee surgery kept him out for training camp. A legal issue has also cropped up for the high-priced trade acquisition.
The Titans did activate Sneed from their active/PUP list Wednesday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport notes. Sneed will return to work in a limited capacity, though he voiced an expectation (via Main Street Media’s Terry McCormick) of a Week 1 return.
Suffering the quad injury last season, Sneed underwent surgery after it healed slowly. He landed on the Titans’ active/PUP list because of a May knee procedure, further complicating his on-field return. Sneed had proclaimed himself fully healthy during an appearance at a high school football camp this summer, only to be shelved on the PUP list come camp.
“It wasn’t my decision. It was coach (Brian) Callahan’s,” Sneed said, via McCormick. “He’s taking it slow with me, and Mike (Borgonzi) is taking it slow. They’re all taking it slow to make sure I’m good for the season.”
Acquired in a deal headlined by a 2025 third-round pick, Sneed signed a four-year, $76.4MM extension upon arrival in Tennessee. That deal has yet to pay off, and an ominous prediction from a Titans team reporter — one that pegged anything the CB contributes in 2025 being a bonus — pointed to that contract delivering a disastrous return. Sneed will attempt to bounce back after a five-game 2024 and two ensuing surgeries, though a notable off-field development has also emerged.
Hit with a felony charge for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Sneed will see his case go to a Dallas County, Texas, grand jury September 25, according to veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky. Sneed said he had “no concerns” on the case, which also includes a civil suit. Sneed and former assistant Tekonzae Williams are alleged to have fired shots out of a car at an auto dealership Dec. 6, 2024.
The civil case alleges Sneed and Williams fired shots from a rented Lamborghini Urus into another vehicle, which was parked. Though, Kuharsky adds no reported gunshot wounds emerged. Sneed’s attorney said his client did not fire any shots and did not confirm any were fired from the Urus. Sneed, who started four seasons for the Chiefs before being part of a tag-and-trade transaction, could face NFL discipline regardless of this case’s outcome.
With a grand jury appearance set for September, it is possible a ban comes this year. That would further limit Sneed with the Titans, who will attempt to salvage this investment after cutting fellow 2024 addition Chidobe Awuzie. The Titans did not draft a corner or make a notable free agency addition there, pointing to a belief Sneed — who delivered a standout 2023 season in coverage to help Kansas City to a second straight Super Bowl title — will be ready to return by Week 1.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/19/25
Today’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: WR Grant DuBose
- Waived/injured: DB Te’Cory Couch, WR Kaden Prather
- Placed on IR: RB Darrynton Evans, RB Jarveon Howard
- Released from IR: LB Justin Hollins
Detroit Lions
- Activated from active/PUP: DT Mekhi Wingo
Green Bay Packers
- Reverted to IR: DL Keith Randolph
Houston Texans
- Signed: WR Cornell Powell
- Released: RB J.J. Taylor
- Waived/injured: WR Xavier Johnson
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: OL Jerome Carvin, RB Kevin Harris
- Waived: WR Darius Lassiter, DL Eli Mostaert
- Released from IR: CB Zech McPhearson
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: OL Mike McAllister
- Waived/injured: WR Mario Williams
- Reverted to IR: LB Keir Thomas
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: OL Zack Bailey, RB Xazavian Valladay
- Waived: LB Max Tooley
New England Patriots
- Signed: RB Micah Bernard, DT Philip Blidi
- Waived: CB Tre Avery, DE Jereme Robinson
- Reverted to IR: DE Isaiah Iton
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB Kenny Willekes
- Waived/injured: OT Gareth Warren
- Reverted to IR: LB Devin Harper
San Francisco 49ers
- Released from IR: RB Ameer Abdullah, WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Tennessee Titans
- Released: LB Khaleke Hudson
Ameer Abdullah landed on IR earlier this month with a rib injury, but he’ll now have an opportunity to play in 2025 following his release. The veteran is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2024, when he compiled 572 yards from scrimmage in 16 games (three starts) with the Raiders. The 49ers filled his spot on the roster by signing veteran Jeff Wilson.
Equanimeous St. Brown will also have a chance to play in 2025, as the WR was previously ruled out with a foot injury. The veteran wideout only has five catches over the past two seasons.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/18/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:
Atlanta Falcons
- Waived/injured: QB Emory Jones
- Signed: LB Ronnie Perkins
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: CB Thomas Graham
Carolina Panthers
- Placed on IR: TE Tyler Mabry
Chicago Bears
- Waived from IR with injury settlement: CB Ameer Speed
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: CB Michael Ojemudia
- Waived/injured: CB Bruce Harmon
Detroit Lions
- Activated from active/PUP list: CB Khalil Dorsey
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: DL Devonte O’Malley, DB Jaylin Simpson
- Waived: CB Garnett Hollis Jr.
- Waived/injured: DL Keith Randolph
Houston Texans
- Signed: WR Juwann Winfree
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: LB Jake Chaney, LB Joseph Vaughn
- Placed on IR: OT Blake Freeland, LB Jacob Phillips, S Hunter Wohler
Los Angeles Chargers
- Activated from active/PUP: LB Del’Shawn Phillips
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: OL Mason Brooks
- Placed on IR: OL Yodny Cajuste
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: RB Xazavian Valladay
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Phil Lutz
- Waived/injured: DT Isaiah Iton
New York Jets
- Placed on IR: DB Kris Boyd
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: DB Kam Alexander, OT Julian Pearl
- Released: DL Breiden Fehoko, WR Roc Taylor, LB Devin Harper
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: S Will Brooks
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: DT T.J. Smith
Ojemudia is returning to the NFL after playing for the UFL’s DC Defenders in the spring, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. After starting 11 games for the Broncos as a rookie in 2020, he struggled with injuries and hasn’t played in the regular season since 2022.. The 27-year-old will add depth to a Cowboys cornerback room that isn’t expecting Trevon Diggs or Shavon Revel back until September. Second-year corner Caelen Carson is also dealing with a knee injury, so Ojemudia could get some snaps in Dallas’ last preseason game on Friday. A 53-man roster spot is unlikely given how late he signed with the team, but a strong first week could keep him in contention for the practice squad.
Winfree, a five-year veteran, will land with his fourth NFL team after a workout in Houston. The Texans also worked out former Chiefs wideout Cornell Powell, according to KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Freeland, a 2023 fourth-round pick, started nine games as a rookie and spent 2024 as the Colts’ swing tackle. He will be out for the season with a fractured leg, per Colts.com writer JJ Stankevitz, as will Phillips (bicep), who hasn’t played in the regular season since 2022. Wohler sustained a Lisfranc injury, according to Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. The seventh-round safety will miss his rookie year after appearing to carve out a role in the Colts defense with an impressive preseason.