The National Football League’s 2026 roster cut deadline has resulted in a significant wave of player moves, with over 1,000 athletes released as teams finalized their 53-man rosters ahead of the regular season. Among the cuts were several notable names, including former high draft picks, established veterans, and promising rookies.

Quarterback Will Levis was among the more prominent players waived. Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of 2023, Levis posted a 5-16 record over 21 starts and completed 61% of his passes for 3,899 yards with 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. After missing the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, the Titans added veteran Mitchell Trubisky during the offseason, ultimately releasing Levis as they chose to rely on Cam Ward and Trubisky at quarterback.

The Minnesota Vikings released kicker Johnny Hekker, a four-time first-team All-Pro punter with a 14-year NFL career. At 36, Hekker lost the punting job to undrafted rookie Brett Thorson despite his career averages of 46.8 yards per punt and 42.7 net yards. Given his experience and statistics, Hekker is expected to attract interest from teams in need of a punter.

Running back Jaydon Blue did not make the Dallas Cowboys’ final roster, a move some considered surprising after his strong preseason performances and presumed backup role. Blue, a 2025 draft pick, accumulated 129 rushing yards on 38 carries during his rookie season. The Cowboys opted for veteran Malik Davis as the backup. Meanwhile, Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin was also waived after three seasons, during which he amassed 1,093 rushing yards and averaged 4.8 yards per carry. McLaughlin, 26, was squeezed out in a crowded Broncos backfield featuring J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and rookie Jonah Coleman but is expected to find opportunities with other teams.

The New York Jets cut defensive tackle Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-round pick acquired from Dallas in the trade for Quinnen Williams. Smith, 25, appeared in just three games without recording a tackle and has now been released by his third NFL team. Offensive lineman Evan Neal, the seventh overall pick in the 2022 Draft by the New York Giants, was also waived. Neal struggled with injuries and performance issues during his tenure with the Giants, including sitting out all of 2025. Despite being re-signed in free agency, he failed to secure a roster spot.

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman, the receiver of the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl 58 with the Kansas City Chiefs, was released by the Buffalo Bills after appearing in only two games last season. The 28-year-old veteran with return skills may be a candidate for practice squad consideration. Similarly, Denver Broncos tight end Justin Joly, a fifth-round rookie who made a notable 88-yard touchdown catch in the preseason finale, was waived in favor of seventh-round pick Dallen Bentley. The position was notably competitive during the draft, which may help Joly’s prospects on waivers.

Lastly, defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs during his second stint with the franchise. The 32-year-old veteran recorded 48 career sacks and was a full-time starter with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 but was unable to secure a place on the Chiefs' 53-man roster.

These moves highlight the challenging decisions teams face in shaping their final rosters amid a depth of talent and positional competition as the 2026 NFL season approaches.