The Best Player Who Could Still Be Cut from Every NFL Roster In 2025 Offseason

Now that the early stages of free agency and the 2025 NFL draft are over, the process of trimming rosters will begin. Teams can carry up to 90 players through training camp but must trim rosters to 53 players by August 27.

For many teams, cut-down day will offer more opportunities to add talent ahead of the regular season. Over the next three months, several quality players will find themselves on the roster bubble and, inevitably, cut.

Contracts, cap space, and the influx of younger, cheaper rookie talent can all lead to former starters or notable role players ending up on the cut pile at the end of the offseason. However, these players often reemerge with new teams rather quickly.

Last season, for example, Noah Brown was released in late August but ended up appearing in 11 games for the Washington Commanders.

With all of this in mind, let's take a division-by-division look at the best player who could still be cut from each team this offseason and why.

AFC East

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Bills WR Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills: WR Curtis Samuel

Last offseason, the Buffalo Bills signed wide receiver Curtis Samuel to a three-year, $24 million contract. While Buffalo would only save $430,000 by releasing the 28-year-old, doing so could make sense.

Samuel failed to make a significant impact last season, finishing with just 253 receiving yards and one touchdown. The Bills are chasing a championship and could decide that an extra roster spot is more valuable than Samuel's price hit. After adding Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore and rookie Kaden Prather this offseason, Buffalo could view Samuel as expendable.

Miami Dolphins: RB Alexander Mattison

The Miami Dolphins added running back Alexander Mattison this offseason, but that was before they drafted Ollie Gordon II and signed Nate Noel as an undrafted free agent.

With De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright topping Miami's depth chart, Mattison could be expendable. While Mattison has 89 games and over 3,800 scrimmage yards on his NFL resume and would provide no cap relief if cut, Miami could simply want younger, faster backs on its 2025 roster.

New England Patriots: Edge K'Lavon Chaisson

While 2020 first-round pick K'Lavon Chaisson never played up to his draft status early in his career, he had a solid five-sack season for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. This prompted the New England Patriots to take a one-year, $3 million flier on Chaisson.

That doesn't mean, however, that Chaisson will stick with the final 53-player roster. New England also signed Harold Landry III, drafted  Bradyn Swinson and could save $2.4 million by releasing Chaisson before Week 1.

New York Jets: OT Chukwuma Okorafor

The New York Jets took a flier on offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor this offseason, even after he essentially walked away from the rival Patriots early in the 2024 season.

Okorafor did start 59 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers before landing in New England last year. However, he may never get a chance to start in New York after the Jets used their first-round pick on Armand Membou. If Okorafor is adamant about finding a starting role, he could find himself out of New York nearly a year after he forced his way out of New England.

AFC South

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Titans WR Treylon Burks

Houston Texans: WR Christian Kirk

While the Houston Texans traded for wideout Christian Kirk this offseason, there's no guarantee he'll make the roster. The 28-year-old is coming off of a season-ending collarbone injury and entering a contract year.

The Texans, who drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively, could save $2 million by releasing Kirk.

Indianapolis Colts: DE Samson Ebukam

The Indianapolis Colts signed defensive end Samson Ebukam as a free agent in 2023, and the 30-year-old is entering the final year of that deal. Though Ebukam had 9.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2023, he missed all of last season with a torn Achilles.

Ebukam is eyeing a 2025 return.

However, Indy used a 2024 first-round pick on Laiatu Latu and a 2025 second-round pick on JT Tuimoloau. It could also save $7.5 million in 2025 cap space by releasing Ebukam.

Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Travis Etienne Jr.

The Jacksonville Jaguars would save no money by releasing running back Travis Etienne Jr., who is set to play on the fully-guaranteed fifth-year option. However, new head coach Liam Coen may simply not want Etienne in his offense.

"I've talked to multiple people in the league who believe the new regime is not so high on Travis Etienne Jr.," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote on May 7.

The Jags drafted both Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., so there's a very real chance they look to move on from Etienne—though, they'd almost certainly try trading him first.

Tennessee Titans: WR Treylon Burks

While Etienne hasn't quite played up to expectations as a former first-round pick, he hasn't been a total disappointment. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks, on the other hand, has.

Through three seasons, Burks has just 699 receiving yards and one touchdown. He had a mere four catches last year and could be pushed further down the depth chart this year by newcomers Van Jefferson, Tyler Lockett, Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor.

Unlike quarterback Will Levis—who is largely expendable after Tennessee drafted Cam Ward at No. 1 overall—Burks does not carry substantial trade value.

AFC North

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Browns QB Joe Flacco

Baltimore Ravens: OT Joe Noteboom

The Baltimore Ravens can't save any cap space by releasing free-agent addition Joe Noteboom, but they could free up a roster spot for a younger player. Baltimore's starting spots are set with Roger Rosengarten and Ronnie Stanley. The Ravens added  Emery Jones Jr. and Carson Vinson to their depth chart over draft weekend.

While Noteboom has 29 starts on his resume, he'll turn 30 next month and was limited to four games by injuries last season. He has value as a swing tackle, but if a younger lineman emerges, he could still be out.

Cincinnati Bengals: RB Zack Moss

It may actually be a bit surprising if running back Zack Moss isn't released before the start of the season. Though the 27-year-old has 61 games and over 3,000 scrimmage yards on his resume, he's also coming off of a season-ending neck injury.

The Cincinnati Bengals have a starter in Chase Brown and added Samaje Perine in free agency before drafting Tahj Brooks. They could also save $2.7 million by releasing Moss.

Cleveland Browns: QB Joe Flacco

The Cleveland Browns brought back Joe Flacco as their veteran insurance quarterback for the 2025 season. However, there's a chance that he could be the odd signal-caller out by late August.

The Browns won't have Deshaun Watson in 2025, after he suffered two consecutive Achilles tears. However, they traded for Kenny Pickett before drafting both  Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The Browns probably won't carry four quarterbacks into the regular season, and the 40-year-old Flacco simply doesn't carry long-term value.

Pittsburgh Steelers: DL DeMarvin Leal

2022 third-round pick DeMarvin Leal has shown flashes for the Steelers, but he's never emerged as a starter and missed most of last season with a neck injury.

After Pittsburgh re-signed Isaiahh Loudermilk and used a first-round pick on Derrick Harmon, it may consider dumping Leal and the final year of his rookie contract. Doing so would save $1.4 million in 2025 cap space.

AFC West

AP Photo/Peter Aiken

Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt

Denver Broncos: CB Ja'Quan McMillian

The Denver Broncos tendered exclusive-rights free agent Ja'Quan McMillian this offseason but could still move off of last year's nine-game starter.

McMillian has been a fairly solid role player in Denver. However, the Broncos did just use a first-round pick on Jahdae Barron, who could push McMillian out of the slot role. Parting with McMillian could save just over $1 million in cap space.

Kansas City Chiefs: RB Kareem Hunt

After he led the team in rushing last season, the Kansas City Chiefs opted to bring back Kareem Hunt on a one-year, $1.5 million deal. However, Kansas City also signed Elijah Mitchell before drafting former SMU running back Brashard Smith—who has intrigued the front office.

"When he has the ball in his hands, he can do some silly things in what he can setup," Chiefs director of player personnel Ryne Nutt said of Smith, per Charles Goldman of A toZ Sports.

Assuming Isiah Pacheco is back to pre-injury form, Hunt could be the odd man out. Releasing him would save Kansas City $632,353 in cap space.

Las Vegas Raiders: RB Zamir White

The Raiders looked like they may have a future starter in 2022 fourth-round pick Zamir White late in the 2023 season. In four starts to end that year, he tallied 397 combined rushing yards.

However, White struggled last season before landing on injured reserve with a quad injury. With rookie first-round pick Ashton Jeanty set to handle an every-down role—and free-agent addition Raheem Mostert behind him—White could be on the way out.

Los Angeles Chargers: WR Mike Williams

The Los Angeles Chargers brought back wide receiver Mike Williams this offseason, though, that doesn't mean they'll keep the 30-year-old.

While Williams has over 5,100 receiving yards on his resume, head coach Jim Harbaugh was willing to part with him last offseason. Bringing him back did add depth, but L.A. has since drafted Tre Harris, Keandre Lambert-Smith, which could again make Williams expendable.

NFC East

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Giants RB Devin Singletary

Dallas Cowboys: RB Javonte Williams

The Dallas Cowboys signed running back Javonte Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal this offseason but could easily move on if he doesn't outperform Miles Sanders, Deuce Vaughn and/or rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in training camp.

Cutting Williams, who averaged just 3.7 yards per carry with the Broncos last season, would save Dallas $2 million in cap space.

New York Giants: RB Devin Singletary

Dallas might not be the only NFC East team looking to move off of a veteran running back this offseason.

A year ago, the New York Giants signed Devin Singletary to a three-year, $16.5 million contract, hoping that he could adequately replace Saquon Barkley. However, rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. proved to be New York's best back, and the Giants added Cam Skattebo in this year's draft.

Releasing Singletary would save $1.5 million in 2025 cap space while erasing his $5 million 2026 salary from the books.

Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Bryce Huff

The Philadelphia Eagles made several brilliant moves last offseason, but they may have whiffed on pass-rusher Bryce Huff. A year after tallying 10 sacks for the Jets, he logged just 2.5 for the Eagles.

This offseason, Philly added Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari before drafting Antwaun Powell-Ryland. Cutting Huff would cost the Eagles $29.3 million in dead cap but could open up reps for players who may contribute on a more consistent basis.

If Howie Roseman can't find a trade partner to take Huff, he could be cut.

Washington Commanders: WR K.J. Osborn

Wide receiver K.J. Osborn had three very strong campaigns (1,845 combined receiving yards) with the Minnesota Vikings before he joined the Patriots last offseason. However, he failed to make much of a mark in New England and was waived by the Patriots, then claimed by the Washington Commanders.

Osborn re-signed with Washington this offseason but is no lock to make the final 53. The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel, drafted Jaylin Lane and could save $740,000 by cutting Osborn before Week 1.

NFC South

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons: QB Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons appear unlikely to simply release Kirk Cousins, even though they're rolling with Michael Penix Jr. as their starter. The Falcons would undoubtedly prefer to trade him, since cutting him would cost the team an additional $10 million in 2025 cap space. Atlanta is reportedly willing to pay Cousins to ride the bench if it comes to that.

"At this point, the Falcons maintain that they're comfortable with Cousins as a $27.5 million backup," ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote on May 14.

However, Cousins' contract includes a no-trade clause. If he refuses to waive it, there could come a point where he becomes too much of a distraction for Atlanta to justify keeping behind Penix. Cousins could also consider restructuring his contract to save the Falcons money and facilitate his release rather than waiving his no-trade clause and costing his next team draft capital.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported back in early April that Cousins preferred to be released rather than traded.

Carolina Panthers: Edge D.J. Wonnum

In the wake of drafting edge-defenders  Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, the Carolina Panthers have already released Jadeveon Clowney. D.J. Wonnum, who is entering the final year of his contract, could be next.

Wonnum was solid last season, notching four sacks in eight games following an offseason of quad surgeries. However, the Panthers added Scourton, Umanmielen and free agent Patrick Jones II (7.0 sacks in 2024) to the edge rotation this offseason. Cutting Wonnum would save $7 million in cap space.

New Orleans Saints: OT Trevor Penning

The New Orleans Saints used a 2022 first-round pick on offensive tackle Trevor Penning, but they haven't seen the Northern Iowa product emerge as a reliable starter. Roughly three years later, it could be time to pull the plug on the Penning experiment.

Penning came into the league with intriguing upside—he was the 29th-ranked prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final draft board—but he's made just 12 starts in three seasons. After using first-round picks on Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. in consecutive years, New Orleans may simply want to move on from Penning.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Sterling Shepard

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a chance on Sterling Shepard last offseason, reuniting him with college quarterback Baker Mayfield. While the 32-year-old largely served as a tertiary target, he did have an impact on Tampa's playoff campaign.

Shepard caught 32 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown in 14 games.

While Tampa re-signed Shepard this offseason, they also used a first-round pick on Emeka Egbuka and drafted Tez Johnson in Round 7. If Chris Godwin is fully recovered from last year's season-ending ankle injury, Shepard could be expendable. Tampa would save $1.7 million by releasing him.

NFC North

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Lions WR Kalif Raymond

Chicago Bears: TE Durham Smythe

Durham Smythe had a solid season for the Dolphins in 2023, finishing with 35 catches and 366 yards. However, he took a back seat to Jonnu Smith last season and looked for a new opportunity with the Chicago Bears this offseason.

Unfortunately for Smythe, the Bears already employ Cole Kmet and just used a top-10 pick on  Colston Loveland. Smythe now finds himself as TE3 on Chicago's depth chart, at best, and the Bears could save $1 million by releasing him.

Detroit Lions: WR Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions wideout Kalif Raymond might not get a lot of attention from non-Lions fans, but he's been a solid contributor over the past four years. He topped 480 yards in three straight seasons before last year's 215-yard campaign.

Tim Patrick emerged as Detroit's third wideout behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams last season, and the Lions re-signed Patrick before drafting Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett.

Raymond's punt-return ability might be enough to save his roster spot in 2025, but if another returner emerges, Detroit could save $3.6 million in cap space by cutting the 30-year-old.

Green Bay Packers: WR Romeo Doubs

The Green Bay Packers are highly likely to part with one of their young veteran receivers after using two of their first three draft selections on Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, who are both entering a contract year, are the two most logical candidates.

And while one could argue that Doubs has been the more reliable of the two, he's also set to carry the bigger 2025 cap hit. Watson is coming off a torn ACL and could spend the season on injured reserve anyway, and Green Bay could save $3.4 million in cap space by cutting Doubs.

Minnesota Vikings: G Blake Brandel

Guard Blake Brandel was a 17-game starter for Minnesota last season after spending his first year on the practice squad and three as a depth player. However, his time as a starter may already be over.

The Vikings acquired Will Fries in free agency before drafting Donovan Jackson in Round 1. This likely pushes Brandel back into a depth role, and the Vikings could save $1.6 million by releasing him.

NFC West

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Seahawks TE Noah Fant

Arizona Cardinals: DL Justin Jones

Last offseason, the Arizona Cardinals signed defensive lineman Justin Jones to a three-year, $31.2 million contract. However, he appeared in only four games before suffering a triceps injury. While Arizona would save just $95,000 in cap space by releasing Jones, it may want to free up a spot at defensive end.

The Cardinals brought back Calais Campbell this offseason before using a first-round pick on Walter Nolen. With 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson also in the end rotation, the Cards may give Jones a chance to latch on elsewhere. After tallying 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2023, he should draw interest.

Los Angeles Rams: TE Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee was a regular contributor in the offseason before missing most of last season following a 2023 torn ACL.

Higbee, who had 495 receiving yards two seasons ago, is now 32 and entering a contract year. L.A. just used a second-round pick on tight end Terrance Ferguson, and it would have both Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen for depth if Higbee was released.

San Francisco 49ers: Edge Yetur Gross-Matos

The San Francisco 49ers signed edge-defender Yetur Gross-Matos to a two-year, $18 million contract last offseason. While he logged a respectable four sacks and six tackles for loss last season, he'll be bumped down the depth chart by rookie first-round pick Mykel Williams.

San Francisco, which has already parted with several pricey veterans this offseason, could save $4.8 million by releasing Gross-Matos.

Seattle Seahawks: TE Noah Fant

Like the Rams, the Seattle Seahawks dipped into this year's talented rookie tight end pool. They snagged Miami's  Elijah Arroyo in the second round, which could ultimately make former starter Noah Fant expendable.

Fant has started 42 games across four seasons for the Seahawks but is now entering a contract year. Seattle used a 2024 fourth-round pick on tight end A.J. Barner and could save $8.9 million by releasing Fant.

*Contract information via Spotrac.