With the NFL's cutdown deadline looming this Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, all 32 franchises are making the final, agonizing decisions that will define their 2026 campaigns. By Monday at 1 p.m. ET, waiver claims will have reshuffled the league's depth charts, but for now, the focus is on trimming from 90-man training camp rosters down to the 53 players who will carry the banner into Week 1. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has tracked every move since Aug. 17, and the picture is coming into focus.
Key Cuts and Surprises Across the League
The Dallas Cowboys have parted ways with wide receiver Traeshon Holden and defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam, while the Philadelphia Eagles trimmed notable names like wide receiver Johnny Wilson and offensive tackle Hollin Pierce. The San Francisco 49ers made a splash by releasing running back Khalil Herbert, a veteran who could draw immediate interest on the waiver wire. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs cut defensive end Anthony Dunn and offensive tackle Kellen Diesch, signaling a focus on protecting franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes with proven depth.
AFC Contenders Make Tough Calls
The Buffalo Bills released wide receivers Mecole Hardman Jr. and Dante Pettis, along with punter Mitch Wishnowsky, as they streamline around quarterback Josh Allen. The Miami Dolphins cut running back Coleman Bennett and offensive guard Jamaree Salyer, while the New England Patriots parted with running back Hassan Haskins and kicker Cade York. Even the Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising move by releasing kicker Laith Marjan, leaving their special teams unit in flux.
Roster Battles and Waiver Wire Implications
Several teams are banking on young talent to fill voids. The Chicago Bears cut running back Coleman Bennett (also cut by Miami) and safety Brandon Hill, while the Detroit Lions released running back Raheem Blackshear and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson. The Green Bay Packers made minimal cuts, suggesting confidence in their core. As noted by Vulius Sports, the waiver wire will be critical for teams like the Carolina Panthers, who released guard Joshua Gray and linebacker Channing Tindall, and the Tennessee Titans, who cut safety Sanoussi Kane.
“The final 53 is never set in stone. With waiver claims due Monday, expect a flurry of activity as general managers look to upgrade their rosters before Week 1,” said a league insider to Vulius.
What to Watch as Deadline Approaches
As the clock ticks toward Sunday, teams like the Las Vegas Raiders (releasing wide receiver Noah Brown) and the Los Angeles Chargers (cutting wide receiver Luke Grimm) are still fine-tuning. The Denver Broncos parted with safety Taylor Rapp, a veteran presence, while the Jacksonville Jaguars cut tight end Ethan Conner and defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna. With the season opener just days away, every move carries weight. Stay locked to Vulius for the latest roster analysis and waiver wire predictions.
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