NFL teams are preparing for significant roster reductions this week, with approximately 1,184 players expected to be cut as teams trim their 90-man rosters to the initial 53-player limit by Sunday’s deadline. This annual process sees many players released, though some may return to practice squads or be re-signed later due to injury reserve placements.
Several notable players are considered candidates for release or trade. For the Buffalo Bills, edge rusher Michael Danna, wide receiver Mecole Hardman, and safety Geno Stone are on the bubble. Danna, who recorded one sack in 15 games in 2025, is reportedly buried in a deep edge group. Hardman’s position is threatened by preseason drops and the Bills testing Ray Davis as a punt returner. Stone has struggled in camp and was reportedly outplayed by Damar Hamlin in a recent preseason game.
In Chicago, running back Roschon Johnson, a former fourth-round pick, has struggled to gain traction this offseason. His limited dual-threat ability makes him a less ideal third-back option behind D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, especially after taking only two carries in seven games last year.
The Cincinnati Bengals face a numbers game on their defensive line, with 2024 Day 2 draft picks McKinnley Jackson or Kris Jenkins likely to be cut. Jackson is seen as the more probable release candidate due to less impact over two seasons compared to Jenkins, particularly with seventh-round rookie Landon Robinson showing promise in the preseason.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman’s future is uncertain following the offseason additions of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, and the signing of Tylan Wallace. An undisclosed training camp injury has also kept Tillman off the field, further complicating his path to the roster.
For the Dallas Cowboys, quarterback Sam Howell and defensive end Sam Williams are potential cuts. Joe Milton III is believed to have secured the backup quarterback role over Howell. The addition of Von Miller pushes one of the incumbent edge rushers off the roster, with James Houston’s pure rush ability likely keeping him on the team over Williams or Marist Liufau.
Other players facing uncertain futures include Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton, who could be a trade target, and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who may be traded given the additions of Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tutu Atwell has been reportedly leapfrogged by rookies after a nondescript camp.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy could be traded, despite public statements from the coaching staff, with Carson Wentz potentially favored as the QB2. New England Patriots offensive lineman James Hudson and linebacker Chad Muma are also struggling, with Hudson incurring penalties and Muma playing deep into preseason games.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham, despite arriving in good form, has not stood out enough to secure a spot, especially without special teams contributions. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s preseason mishaps and the signing of Najee Harris put his job in jeopardy.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton has been reportedly outplayed by Tanner McKee, making him a potential trade or release candidate. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison, running back Kaleb Johnson, and offensive tackle Broderick Jones are also on the roster bubble. Jones, a 2023 first-round pick, has struggled in preseason after spinal fusion surgery, with the progress of rookie Max Iheanachor potentially determining his fate.
Finally, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk’s lingering calf injury and the additions of Deebo Samuel and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling have buried him on the depth chart, making him a candidate for release or practice squad placement.
