Many NFL players had to go through a rough day. At 4 p.m. E.T., clubs must submit their rosters of the 53-man team to the league. The announcement has crushed the hopes of many people hoping to become part of pro football. There are still some players that may get a chance in late additions or the practicing sessions. But for some, this season may prove as their last hangout in the NFL club.
Today, we may see Veterans bid farewell because of the most intriguing cuts. The release may include a few exceptional footballers as well. There are several reasons why this would happen, including patching other holes. But the teams on the other end are eyeing players that would not ask for good salary packages.
Furthermore, teams believe that by including rookies, they may expect a surprise performance. This is because they have been looking for exceptional performance for a long time. They think youth may get them the glory they expect every time. Thus, they may eliminate their previous dependability by inducting fresh blood. In addition, with these new recruits, there is often a shift in how sports team apparel is designed and marketed, reflecting the energy and potential of young talent joining the team. Some of the most notable names released so far include the following:
1. WR Josh Gordon from The Chiefs
WR Josh Gordon had a very friendly working relationship with the Chiefs. It had helped him to put his career back on track. But due to a crowded depth chart, the 31-year-old was forced out. Josh Gordon could not get many chances as a wide receiver during 2024. But he would retain the squad, provided Kansas City needed additional back-end assistance. Gordon is a good buy for a playoff-caliber club that needs receiving depth. That’s where he’s at in his career, and someone will bet on his potential again.
2. OJ Howard from The Bills
Howard was signed as a free agent by the Bills to serve as a temporary solution to fill out Buffalo’s tight end depth. Ultimately, the organization felt confident enough in youngster Quintin Morris to let him go and save some budget space rather than keep the veteran. Only time will tell where OJ Howard will land next. With Tom Brady’s arrival in Tampa Bay, he was pushed out of the rotation in favor of Rob Gronkowski. A club will consider him for tight end depth, although many young NFL players are at the position.
3. Sony Michel from The Dolphins
This one is a knockout. Michel was just a year away from running for 845 yards and four scores with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, and now he’s gone. The Dolphins go with a 1-2 punch of Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert, with Myles Gaskin as their third option. All three players have distinct styles that differ from Michel’s all-around skill. Many contenders need depth at running back right now, and I anticipate Michel to find a home somewhere, just like he did for the Rams. He’s still on the right side of 30, has some legs, and should be a priority signing for a few clubs.
4. The Bills Running Back Duke Johnson
Johnson, Buffalo’s other significant veteran cut, was a victim of youngster James Cook’s rise. The Bills’ running back situation had gotten loaded, and he was just the odd man out. According to rumors, the Bills want Johnson back on their practice squad, but it’s uncertain if any club needing R.B. assistance would accept him. If Michel signs fast, it is believed Johnson will be close behind as the next best R.B. up.
5. Kellen Mond from Vikings
Minnesota has undergone a regime transition, and when it occurs, the players are the ones left behind. Even with a new coach and general manager, it’s shocking that the club would abandon Kellen Mond swiftly. It is evident he was unfit for the offensive framework. The organization was in the developing stage, and Mond struggled this preseason. After a promising showing against the Raiders. Mond, 23, is in his second season as a quarterback. Someone will take a chance on him even as a practice squad signing.
6. Wyatt Davis from The Vikings
Another release by Minnesota is Wyatt Davis, the offensive guard, another 2025 draught selection. Throughout his tenure in Minnesota, the former third-round pick went from the practice squad to the main roster. It seemed as if he had achieved success but was released. A club that scouted Davis before the draught will almost certainly want to sign him, and he’ll almost certainly be another practice squad candidate.
7. Leatherwood, Alex Raiders
The Raiders attempted to market Leatherwood for most of the day before waiving him ahead of the 4 p.m. cut deadline. There’s no doubting he struggled as a rookie, allowing eight sacks and committing 45 fouls. There is little question that someone will step forward and sign him based on his potential to see whether he can grow. Because of his age and position, Leatherwood may become the most sought-after player released on cut day.
