Winners and Losers from Every NFL Team's 2025 Roster Cuts

The NFL's annual cutdown day is a bittersweet point in the league's calendar. It means we're one step closer to the return of real, meaningful football, but it also means that literally hundreds of good football players are now out of work.

While some players will find a soft landing on a practice squad, many won't. And not everyone who made an active roster will be thrilled with how Tuesday's cuts unfolded.

The NFL is a business, and the finals can be just as important on cutdown day as a player's health, performance and upside. This means that winners and losers can't simply be tracked by examining those who did or didn't make an active roster.

Rosters will remain fluid as more players are waived, signed and traded during the buildup to Week 1. Here, though, you'll find an early look at Bleacher Report's biggest winners and losers from every team's roster cuts.

B/R's 2025 cuts tracker can be found here.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon

Winner: HC Jonathan Gannon

The Arizona Cardinals are hoping that with a fully healthy Kyler Murray under center, their offense can make a jump in 2025. They should also be hoping that Jonathan Gannon finally fields the sort of high-end defense he oversaw as the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator before coming to Arizona.

Fortunately, the Cardinals' initial 53-player depth chart is far more impressive, defensively, than it was in either of the past two seasons. With new additions like Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Josh Sweat and Will Johnson set to contribute early in the season, Gannon's defense will have a chance at a hot start.

Loser: Edge Walter Nolen III

While Gannon should enjoy an improved pass rush this season, he won't get early contributions from rookie first-round pick Walter Nolen III.

The Mississippi product, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list just before Tuesday's cuts deadline. He'll now have to miss at least the first four games of the season, which could place him firmly behind Arizona's other edge-rushing additions.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

New Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich

Winner: DC Jeff Ulbrich

Early in the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and replaced him with Jeff Ulbrich. Ulbrich should enjoy a pass-rushing rotation that looks much more formidable than the unit that logged 31 sacks a year ago.

While Atlanta did waive free-agent addition Ronnie Perkins, it has experienced pass-rushers like Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie on its active roster, along with rookie first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Ulbrich should have little trouble providing an improved pass rush this season.

Loser: QB Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons are hoping that they see offensive improvements this season too, thanks to second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Unfortunately, Penix and the offense, as a whole, took a hit last week when starting right tackle Kaleb McGary suffered a major leg injury.

McGary was placed on season-ending injured reserve, meaning he'll be back in 2026 at the earliest.

Complicating matters is the fact that backup swing tackle Storm Norton is expected to miss between six and eight weeks following ankle surgery. Reserve guard/tackle Elijah Wilkinson will likely move up into a starting role for now, but Atlanta should be on the lookout for help to protect Penix's blind side.

Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens LB Jay Higgins

Winner: LB Jay Higgins

The Baltimore Ravens kept multile undrafted free agents on their initial 53-player roster, but linebacker Jay Higgins stands to be the biggest winner. The Iowa product flashed early and often during the preseason and likely secured a rotational role for one of the league's top contenders.

According to Pro Football Focus, Higgins was the highest-graded rookie linebacker in the NFL this preseason.

Higgins isn't going to challenge Roquan Smith or Trenton Simpson for a starting job, but he appears positioned to see defensive snaps as a rookie.

Loser: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis

The Ravens added cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie this offseason, which left players like 2022 fourth-round pick Jalyn Armour-Davis battling for depth roles.

After appearing in only 19 games over three seasons, Armour-Davis is out. He should generate interest from other teams after logging an interception in Baltimore's preseason finale, but he's probably out with the Ravens.

Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Bills WR Tyrell Shavers

Winner: WR Tyrell Shavers

Many NFL receivers would love an opportunity to catch passes from reigning MVP Josh Allen. 2023 undrafted free agent Tyrell Shavers will get that chance in 2025.

The San Diego State product spent most of the last two seasons on the Buffalo Bills' practice squad. He was called up for three games in 2024 and caught one 69-yard touchdown pass from backup Mitchell Trubisky. However, he was far from a lock to make the active roster this year.

Shavers may have secured his spot with an impressive one-handed catch in the preseason finale. As the ongoing makeover of Buffalo's receiving corps continues, the Bills may have found a gem in Shavers.

Loser: WR Laviska Shenault Jr.

Buffalo took a chance on receiver/returner Laviska Shenault Jr. A second-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, Shenault showed promise early in his career—he reached 600 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons—but he was traded in 2022 and hasn't seen extensive time on offense since.

Shenault's return ability—he had a kick-return touchdown for the Seattle Seahawks last season—gave him a legitimate opportunity to make the roster. After being released by his fifth NFL team, though, he'll find an uphill climb back to an offensive role.

Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Panthers QB Bryce Young

Winner: QB Bryce Young

2023 first overall pick Bryce Young was starting to look like a major bust. After a brief period on the bench, however, he finally clicked with Dave Canales' offense and finished the 2024 season on a high note.

Now, Young could be poised for another positive step thanks to an improved supporting cast. Carolina did part with some intriguing offensive pieces but kept new additions like Rico Dowdle, Tetairoa McMillan, Trevor Etienne, Mitchell Evans and  Jimmy Horn Jr.

Adam Thielen is being traded to the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, but Xavier Legette and Chuba Hubbard will be back.

Loser: Edge Boogie Basham

Pass-rusher Boogie Basham was a second-round pick of the Bills in 2021 but never evolved into a quality contributor during his four years with the Bills and New York Giants. Looking for an opportunity he signed a reserves/futures contract in January with the Panthers, who had the league's worst-ranked defense a year ago.

Unfortunately, Basham couldn't stick. Though Carolina parted with pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney this offseason, it also drafted Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. Still, the fact that Basham couldn't find a depth role with a team that logged just 32 sacks in 2024 suggests he'll have a hard time making any active roster.

Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Bears QB Tyson Bagent

Winner: QB Tyson Bagent

Ideally, new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson will help make quarterback Caleb Williams a big winner this season. Right now, though, backup Tyson Bagent should be taking a victory lap.

Not only did Bagent make Chicago's roster and claim the backup spot over Case Keenum, but he also received a two-year, $10 million extension less than a week before cutdown day. Needless to say, the 2023 undrafted free agent out of Shepard is having a pretty good summer.

Loser: WR Tyler Scott

While Bagent will get more opportunities to hone his craft under Johnson, 2023 fourth-round pick Tyler Scott will likely not. The Cincinnati product showed a few glimpses of promise as a rookie but saw just a single target in 11 games last season.

The Bears have added several new pieces to their receiving corps since Scott was drafted, including 2024 first-round pick Rome Odunze and rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III.

Scott could be a practice-squad candidate, but his path back to an active NFL roster is cloudy at best.

Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Bengals edge Trey Hendrickson

Winner: Edge Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher didn't get the lucrative long-term extension he spent the entire offseason trying to obtain. However, he did land a $14 million raise on Monday that will raise his 2025 compensation to $30 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

It's an acceptable compromise for the NFL's reigning sacks leader, who will get a crack at the open market and, possibly, one last, significant payday in the spring. He still faces the risk of injury without long-term security, but he nearly doubled his salary to do so.

Loser: DC Al Golden

New defensive coordinator Al Golden will love having Hendrickson on the field for him this year. However, it's impossible to consider Golden a winner, given the overall state of Cincinnati's defensive roster.

The Bengals ranked 25th in yards allowed and 25th in points allowed last season, yet, they did very little to improve their defensive roster this offseason. They swapped leading tackler Germaine Pratt for Oren Burks and Demetrius Knight Jr. They signed T.J. Slaton and used a first-round pick on pass-rusher Shemar Stewart. Overall, though, the defensive depth chart doesn't look much different than last year's.

That's a problem for Golden, who is trying to replace a well-respected defensive coordinator in Lou Anarumo. There's still time to add defensive help ahead of Week 1, but Cincinnati has done Golden no favors.

Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Browns DC Jim Schwartz

Winner: DC Jim Schwartz

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz could have some fun with a defensive front that now features Myles Garrett, Alex Smith, Maliek Collins, rookie first-round pick  Mason Graham and undrafted rookie Adin Huntington.

Hunting, who flashed his disruptive capability throughout camp, made the final 53 and will give Schwartz a unique piece in the pass-rushing rotation. Though undersized at 6'1" and 281 pounds, Huntington tested with an incredible 9.64 (out of 10) relative athletic score. His play in the preseason (1.5 sacks in the finale) shows that his athleticism can translate to the pro game.

Loser: WR Diontae Johnson

Back in 2021, Diontae Johnson was a 1,100-yard receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a Pro Bowler and an ascending star. Now, he may be running out of chances in the league.

The Browns are essentially the fifth team to give up on the 29-year-old in less than a calendar year. The fact that Johnson couldn't stick in Cleveland—a spot with very questionable receiver depth behind Jerry Jeudy—will do nothing positive for whatever is left of Johnson's NFL stock.

Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs

Winner: CB Trevon Diggs

There's still a chance that the Dallas Cowboys will open the 2025 season without star cornerback Trevon Diggs. However, Diggs, who is recovering from January knee surgery, is healthy enough to open on the active roster instead of the PUP list.

"These things don't happen if he doesn't put in the time and effort," coach Brian Schottenheimer said, per ESPN's Todd Archer.

A successful recovery is a huge win for Diggs, who has suffered season-ending knee injuries in back-to-back years.

Loser: DC Matt Eberflus

While defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will enjoy having Diggs on the field sooner than later, he can't possibly enjoy the current situation involving Micah Parsons.

Dallas' star pass-rusher wants a new contract. Franchise owner Jerry Jones hasn't given him one. This has led to a standoff in which Parsons has stayed away from practice, citing a back issue. According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, Dallas could clear Parsons and then fine or suspend him for conduct detrimental to the team.

The Cowboys have edge-rushers like Marshawn Kneeland, Dante Fowler Jr. and Donovan Ezeiruaku on their active roster. Eberflus would undoubtedly prefer to have his team's best player while preparing for Week 1.

Denver Broncos

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Broncos WR Trent Sherfield Sr.

Winner: Trent Sherfield Sr.

The Denver Broncos continue to shuffle their receiving corps in order to get the most out of quarterback Bo Nix. One of this year's biggest beneficiaries might be wideout Trent Sherfield Sr.

A 2018 undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt, Sherfield bounced around the NFL before signing a two-year, $6 million contract with the Broncos this offseason. A valuable special-teams contributor, Sherfield flashed some legitimate deep-threat ability in Sean Payton's offense this preseason.

After playing for three different teams over the last three years, the 29-year-old may have found a new permanent home.

Loser: RB Audric Estimé

A little over a year ago, the Broncos used a fifth-round pick in Notre Dame running back Audric Estimé. He showed glimpses of being a physical NFL ball-carrier as a rookie, but his role was in jeopardy as soon as Denver signed J.K. Dobbins and drafted RJ Harvey this offseason.

Estimé was waived this week, and while he'll almost certainly generate interest as a free agent or practice-squad claim, he missed out on a prime opportunity to be part of a playoff contender.

The Broncos had one of the least-reliable backfields in the league last season. The fact that Estimé couldn't separate himself or last beyond a year doesn't bode well for his NFL future.

Detroit Lions

AP Photo/David Dermer

Lions WR Dominic Lovett

Winner: WR Dominic Lovett

Detroit Lions fans are expecting big contributions from rookie third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa, who appears poised to replace Tim Patrick as WR3. Rookie seventh-round pick Dominic Lovett hasn't generated as much attention, though he did make the active roster.

Patrick has been traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Lovett showed some impressive glimpses during camp and the preseason, which gave him an edge over other receivers, like highly-regarded undrafted rookie Jackson Meeks. Lovett should now have a chance to push Kalif Raymond for early playing time.

Loser: QB Hendon Hooker

The Lions have their quarterback in Jared Goff, and the 30-year-old will be their starter for the foreseeable future. However, being Goff's backup with one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses is an enviable job for any quarterback looking to earn a starting opportunity elsewhere.

2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker had that opportunity but simply never developed as well as Detroit wanted. He was waived as part of the Lions' final cuts in a move that head coach Dan Campbell foreshadowed.

"How much development do you believe there still is? Sometimes, does the player need a change of scenery?" Campbell told reporters.

Hooker will now look for work as a 27-year-old, third-year player who was just dumped by the team that invested a Day-2 draft pick to get him.

Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Packers DL Nazir Stackhouse

Winner: DL Nazir Stackhouse

Making an NFL roster is hard, especially for undrafted free agents in whom teams have invested little. Sometimes, though, an overlooked player makes too much noise to keep off of an active roster.

This appears to be the case with Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse. The undrafted rookie out of Georgia impressed during camp and the preseason and could carve out an early role as a run-stopping specialist. The mammoth (6'4", 327 lbs) defender was a two-time All-SEC player in college.

Loser: LB Isaiah Simmons

Like several players who can be considered cut-day losers, Isaiah Simmons was a former high draft pick looking to revitalize his career. A 2020 first-round pick of the Cardinals, Simmons has spent time at linebacker and safety in the NFL but has struggled to find a comfortable role.

The 27-year-old had some promising moments in the preseason for the Packers—he logged six tackles in the preseason finale—but after an up-and-down camp, it wasn't enough.

Simmons has enough physical upside to warrant another opportunity, but the shine that comes with being a former first-rounder has officially worn off.

Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Texans RB Nick Chubb

Winner: RB Nick Chubb

The fact that Nick Chubb is getting a legitimate opportunity with the Houston Texans because of Joe Mixon's mysterious injury is unfortunate. However, it's great to see Chubb make the team and possibly earn a starting role after two miserable and injury-hampered years in Cleveland.

Chubb was the face of the Browns until a devastating knee injury cost him most of the 2023 season and part of 2024. He then landed on injured reserve again with a broken foot.

While Chubb may not possess the pre-injury burst he once showcased, fans will enjoy seeing him on the playing field once again.

Loser: OC Nick Caley

Mixon wasn't activated from the non-football injury before Tuesday's deadline, which means Houston won't have its 2024 Pro Bowler for at least the first four games.

The Texans will instead utilize a patchwork rotation that includes Chubb, Dare Ogunbowale and Dameon Pierce. It might be a functional unit. However, offensive coordinator Nick Caley won't have the same flexibility he would have with Mixon, who is a dangerous dual-threat.

Caley will be looking for a fast start in his first season replacing Bobby Slowik. The challenge would be at least a little easier if Mixon were healthy.

Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Winner: QB Riley Leonard

Not every team keeps three quarterbacks on its active roster. The Indianapolis Colts are, which his big for rookie sixth-round pick Riley Leonard.

The Notre Dame product was never really in the mix to start Week 1, as Indy held its battle between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. However, that doesn't mean that Leonard can't have a future in Indianapolis. By benching Richardson again, the Colts have essentially admitted that drafting him was a mistake.

There's a non-zero chance that if Jones stumbles, head coach Shane Steichen decides to see what he has in Leonard. That's an opportunity the rookie simply wouldn't get as the third quarterback of another franchise.

Loser: TE Jelani Woods

Making the Colts roster as a tight end was always going to be more of a challenge with the addition of first-round rookie Tyler Warren. However, Indy has had questionable tight end depth for some time, and roles were up for grabs.

2022 third-round pick Jelani Woods was unable to secure one of them, unfortunately. The Virginia product flashed a high ceiling as a rookie but missed each of the past two years with injuries.

Woods' upside should earn him another opportunity, but no team will be as patient with him, should he deal with more injury issues, than the Colts have been.

Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/John Raoux

Jaguars HC Liam Coen

Winner: HC Liam Coen

Following an impressive season working with Baker Mayfield, head coach Liam Coen was hired to help get more out of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It's looking like Coen will have the pieces needed to do just that.

Free agent Dyami Brown and rookie second overall pick Travis Hunter are the two big additions to Jacksonville's receiving corps, and both were always going to make the roster. What's noteworthy is that the Jags found room to keep four running backs that they like.

Rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. will join holdovers Travis Etienne Jr. and Bigsby in the backfield this season. That's huge because Coen used a strong ground game to support Mayfield last season and can now do the same with Lawrence in Jacksonville.

Loser: LB Chad Muma

It's not uncommon for new coaches to dismiss players picked by former regimes. Still, 2022 third-round pick Chad Muma seemed like a player who might stick in Jacksonville. He appeared in all 17 games in each of the past two seasons, providing defensive depth and playing a prominent special-teams role.

However, Muma was released this week as GM James Gladstone continues his quest to turn over the roster. Muma will have a good shot at getting claimed, but he won't have the job security that typically comes with being a team's early draft pick.

Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

Winner: QB Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs managed to reach Super Bowl LIX despite spending most of last season with issues along the offensive line and questionable depth at wide receiver. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes must be pleased with how much better those two position groups look ahead of Week 1.

Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice are healthy, and Kansas City is comfortable enough with its backups that it was willing to trade Skyy Moore just before cutdown day.

With Kingsley Suamataia looking capable at left guard and rookie Josh Simmons locking down the left tackle spot, Mahomes should enjoy better pass protection this year too.

*Update: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that Rice will be suspended for the first six games of the regular season.

Loser: FB Carson Steele

Fullback Carson Steele got a few offensive opportunities last year as Kansas City navigated Isiah Pacheco's leg injury. However, the 2024 undrafted free agent proved to be an inconsistent rushing option and ended up playing just 18 percent of the offensive snaps.

Steele's experience in Andy Reid's offense gave him a shot at sticking on Kansas City's active roster. If he doesn't land on the Chiefs' practice squad, however, he could have a hard time getting back on a regular-season playing field. He has limited upside as a halfback, and few teams around the league incorporate a dedicated fullback into their offense.

Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

New Raiders WR Amari Cooper

Winner: WR Amari Cooper

After remaining unsigned and generating very little buzz all offseason, Amari Cooper finally found a home. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, which puts him in a terrific situation.

For starters, this will be a homecoming for the five-time Pro Bowler, who was drafted by the Raiders back in 2015. Joining a proven head coach in Pete Carroll, an above-average quarterback in Geno Smith and a creative play-caller in Chip Kelly should give Cooper a chance at a bounce-back season.

Loser: WR Jakobi Meyers

Cooper's arrival is another unfortunate development for fellow receiver Jakobi Meyers. He requested a trade at the end of the preseason, but Las Vegas has no intention of dealing him, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

Instead of finding a new home now, Meyers will be forced to audition for 2026 free agency. He's unlikely to have a career year in an offense that also features Cooper, Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Chargers OC Greg Roman and QB Justin Herbert

Winner: OC Greg Roman

While it hasn't been all good news this offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers' offense—left tackle Rashawn Slater is out for the year with a torn patellar tendon—offensive coordinator Greg Roman has to like his options at the skill positions.

Los Angeles moved free-agent running back Najee Harris to the active roster from the non-football injury list just before the cut deadline. This means that newcomers Harris, Omarion Hampton, Tre Harris, Keandre Lambert-Smith, Oronde Gadsden II and Keenan Allen should all be available for Week 1.

Loser: RB Nyheim Miller-Hines

Running back Nyheim Miller-Hines was a capable change-of-pace player for the Colts for five seasons before suffering a significant knee injury in a 2023 jet ski accident. He attempted a comeback with the Browns last season but was never activated from the reserve/non-football injury list.

This year, it felt like Miller-Hines might have a better opportunity in Jim Harbaugh's run-first offense. He simply couldn't show enough in camp or the preseason, though, and Harris' return from an eye injury probably sealed his fate.

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Matthew Stafford

Winner: Rams Fans

Whenever quarterback Matthew Stafford has been fully healthy, the Los Angeles Rams have been legitimate NFC contenders. When he hasn't, L.A. has looked more like a team in need of a rebuild. In other words, the Rams need Stafford behind center to compete this season.

The bad news is that Stafford is still dealing with a back ailment that kept him sidelined for most of training camp. The good news is that he returned to being a full participant in practices on Monday and won't open the year with an injury designation.

This doesn't mean that Stafford's back injury is behind him or that he'll be at 100 percent when the season opens. It does mean, however, that Stafford should start in Week 1, and fans can dream about a return trip to the Super Bowl.

Loser: LB Chris Paul Jr.

The Rams are expected to contend in 2025, which may be why they opted to keep a veteran like Troy Reeder over rookie fifth-round pick Chris Paul Jr. Los Angeles wants players who can contribute while the window with Stafford is still open.

Of course, Paul spent most of the offseason looking like a player who could immediately contribute. The Mississippi product will almost certainly be claimed by another team, but his fight to make an active roster will begin anew.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Dolphins CBs Kendall Sheffield (14) and Jason Marshall Jr. (33)

Winner: CB Jason Marshall Jr.

Day 3 draft picks aren't guaranteed to make rosters, but Miami Dolphins rookie Jason Marshall Jr. has done more than that. After an impressive camp, the Florida product appears to have worked his way into the starting nickel role.

Miami has done plenty of shuffling at cornerback this offseason. Jalen Ramsey was traded, Mike Hilton was recently waived, and Rasul Douglas was signed on Tuesday. Through it all, Marshall kept climbing the depth chart.

Loser: CB Mike Hilton

Hilton was once one of the league's better nickel corners, and he was a mainstay of the Bengals' defense for the better part of four seasons. However, he started to fall out of favor last year, as Cincinnati tried working in younger defenders. He drew little interest this offseason before landing with Miami in late July.

The fact that Hilton couldn't stick with a team that has a clear need at cornerback is problematic for the 31-year-old. He's a seasoned veteran who should find opportunities in 2025, but his time as a starter may be over.

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Carson Wentz

Winner: QB Carson Wentz

The Minnesota Vikings did some quarterback shuffling shortly after their preseason ended. They traded Sam Howell—who was acquired during April's draft—to the Philadelphia Eagles, then signed free agent Carson Wentz.

It's hard not to consider Wentz a significant winner here. The 2016 second overall pick has started a game in each of the past two seasons but has been in a backup role. He'll be a backup and mentor to J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, but at least he'll be employed.

Being a backup NFL quarterback is good work if you can find it. After going unsigned through late August, it felt like Wentz wouldn't.

Loser: Edge Gabriel Murphy

2024 undrafted free agent Gabriel Murphy spent most of last season either on injured reserve or on Minnesota's practice squad but was called up for two games. He was healthy this preseason and looked like a surefire contributor in the opener, in which he had 1.5 sacks.

It would appear that Minnesota opted to keep undrafted Georgia linebacker Chaz Chambliss over Murphy on its initial 53-player roster. If Murphy manages to clear waivers, he'll almost certainly make the practice squad.

New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Patriots QB Drake Maye

Winner: QB Drake Maye

Drake Maye showed enough promise as a rookie to earn a Pro Bowl nod as an alternate. However, he had one of the worst supporting casts in the NFL, along with an inexperienced head coach in Jerod Mayo.

Maye will have a seasoned head coach in Mike Vrabel this season, and the initial 53-player roster around him is far more impressive than last year's. New additions like wideout Mack Hollins, receiver Stefon Diggs, rookie tackle Will Campbell, rookie guard  Jared Wilson and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson are all set to have significant early roles.

This year, Maye might have the weapons to put up actual Pro Bowl numbers.

Loser: OL Sidy Sow

Some of the players released by New England will find new opportunities, but Sidy Sow's release could have a significant and negative impact on his NFL future. A 2023 fourth-round pick, Sow started 13 games as a rookie before being demoted in 2024 and only appearing in 12 games with one start.

Now, New England had, by most accounts, one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL over the last two years. Therefore, it wasn't a surprise to see new additions like Bradbury, Campbell and Wilson push other players out.

Teams won't be enamored with Sow's upside, though, after watching him go from starter to back to off the roster through three regimes and in just three years.

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Saints QB Spencer Rattler

Winner: QB Spencer Rattler

The New Orleans Saints just used a fifth-round pick on quarterback Spencer Rattler last offseason, so the South Carolina product always had a good shot at making the cut. However, the arrival of second-round rookie Tyler Shough complicated Rattler's future in New Orleans.

On Tuesday, new Saints coach Kellen Moore announced that Rattler would be the Week 1 starter. While that doesn't mean that he'll keep Shough on the bench all season, Rattler will at least get another opportunity to try seizing the job after six 2024 starts.

Rattler should also be a lock to finish the year on the Saints' roster, barring injury.

Loser: QB Jake Haener

2023 fourth-round pick Jake Haener was briefly involved in the New Orleans quarterback competition, though it didn't take long before it was a two-player race between Rattler and Shough. However, Haener, who appeared in eight games with one start last season, seemed like a viable option for QB depth.

The 26-year-old will be a strong practice-squad candidate and could get looks from other teams. However, any chance he had to become a starter in New Orleans is long gone.

New York Giants

AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Giants WR Beaux Collins

Winner: WR Beaux Collins

The New York Giants continue to remake their receiving corps, and it looks like undrafted rookie Beaux Collins will be part of the process. The Notre Dame product turned heads with an explosive 80-yard reception from Russell Wilson during the preseason. He's also impressed during camp with his combination of breakaway ability and physicality.

New York parted with veteran receivers like Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Zach Pascal to make room for Collins.

Loser: QB Tommy DeVito

The New York Giants were never going to keep four quarterbacks, and Tommy DeVito always seemed like the logical cut candidate. He was the lone holdover in a QB room that added Wilson, Jameis Winston and first-round rookie Jaxson Dart this offseason.

There was always a slim chance, though, that the Giants would find a trade partner and move Winston instead.

DeVito should get a chance to make another roster. He's been a fine spot-starter when called upon, and he finished the preseason with an impressive performance. Wherever he lands, though, "Tommy Cutlets" won't be the instant fan favorite he was in New York.

New York Jets

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Jets WR Allen Lazard

Winner: WR Allen Lazard

When Aaron Rodgers split with the New York Jets this offseason, it felt like his former running mate Allen Lazard could soon follow. However, it appears that Lazard will remain employed by the Jets for another season.

The 29-year-old had been dealing with a shoulder injury but is expected to be healthy sooner than later and avoided an injury designation to open the season. While Lazard may or may not form a strong rapport with new quarterback Justin Fields, he'll at least get another chance to show that he can be a capable receiver without Rodgers.

Loser: LB Jamin Davis

The Jets claimed linebacker Jamin Davis off of waivers back in December, and he appeared to have a legitimate chance of making the team this offseason. He flashed a bit in the preseason and got some reps with the starters during training camp.

However, Davis will now be looking for work again and could be running out of NFL opportunities. A 2021 first-round pick of the Washington Commanders, Davis has never developed into a reliable full-time player, and he spent time with three different franchises last season before getting claimed by New York.

Davis looked to be an intriguing reclamation project for new head coach Aaron Glenn, but may now struggle to get back on an active roster.

Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Eagles QB Tanner McKee

Winner: QB Tanner McKee

Though the Eagles traded for Sam Howell, Tanner McKee is likely to remain the primary backup to Jalen Hurts. The 2023 sixth-round pick performed well enough in camp and the preseason to make rookie Kyle McCord and trade acquisition Dorian Thompson-Robinson expendable.

McKee also appears to have avoided a significant injury. The 25-year-old is dealing with a fractured thumb, but he's on the active roster and will be available to back up Hurts as soon as he's healthy enough to do so.

Loser: S Lewis Cine

For a few months, it appeared that Lewis Cine might salvage his NFL career in Philadelphia. A 2022 first-round pick of the Vikings, Cine rarely saw the field in Minnesota, in part, because of a leg fracture he suffered as a rookie. Philly signed him off of Buffalo's practice squad in January, and Cine managed to make a few splash plays this preseason—including an impressive interception against the Jets in the preseason finale.

However, Cine was waived after the preseason with an injury designation. which likely brings an end to his last, best chance to make an active roster. Cine is still only 25 years old, but after playing just 10 defensive snaps in three seasons, he's looking like a bust who won't see many more opportunities.

Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Steelers WR Roman Wilson

Winner: WR Roman Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers used a 2024 third-round pick on former Michigan receiver Roman Wilson, so he always had a strong chance of making the 2025 roster. Of course, Wilson missed most of his rookie season with injuries, and the Steelers are in win-now mode with Aaron Rodgers.

If Pittsburgh didn't believe the Wilson could be a high-end contributor this season, he'd be a cut candidate. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, though, the Steelers' belief in Wilson is a big reason why they haven't pursued more veteran receivers this offseason.

The Steelers even parted ways with veteran Robert Woods this week, which should all but ensure that Wilson gets a fair shot at the No. 2 role opposite DK Metcalf.

Loser: DL DeMarvin Leal

The release of defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal won't surprise Steelers fans. The 2022 third-round pick struggled to get on the field in a meaningful role (432 career snaps) and did little with the opportunities he received (33 career tackles).

The Steelers tried moving Leal to linebacker this offseason but will now go in a different direction. The 25-year-old will be a practice-squad candidate, but his release has earned him the dreaded "bust" label.

San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

New 49ers WR Skyy Moore

Winner: WR Skyy Moore

Getting traded from a perennial Super Bowl contender wouldn't sit well with most players, but Skyy Moore sounds eager for a new opportunity.

"It's a fresh start," Moore said, per Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area.

After playing just 82 offensive snaps across six games before landing on injured reserve last season, Moore should get a chance to reestablish his NFL stock with the San Francisco 49ers. With many of San Francisco's wideouts battling injury—and Demarcus Robinson facing a three-game suspension—Moore will have a chance to see the field early.

Loser: RB Isaac Guerendo

Early in the offseason, the 49ers traded running back Jordan Mason to the Vikings, essentially signaling that San Francisco expected Christian McCaffrey to make a healthy 2025 return. Even with McCaffrey back in the fold, though, Mason's departure created a potential opportunity for 2024 fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo.

Guerendo rushed for 420 yards and 5.0 yards per carry as a rookie and appeared set for a change-of-pace role behind McCaffrey. However, that was before the 49ers added Brian Robinson Jr. in a Friday trade with the Washington Commanders.

For Guerendo, the challenge of establishing himself as a high-end backup and/or future starter just got harder.

Seattle Seahawks

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Seahawks WR Tory Horton

Winner: WR Tory Horton

The Seattle Seahawks made several moves to shake up their receiving corps this offseason. They released Tyler Lockett and traded DK Metcalf before signing Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Rookie fifth-round pick Tory Horton may have been viewed as more of an afterthought, but he's shaping up to be anything but. The Colorado State product impressed during the preseason, made the active roster and will likely see a substantial early role following the release of Valdes-Scantling.

Loser: LB Patrick O'Connell

Linebacker Patrick O'Connell joined the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and managed to stick with the new regime last season. He appeared in five games as a special-teamer in 2024 but appeared to be headed to a bigger role this offseason.

According to ESPN's Brady Henderson, O'Connell saw "a good amount" of first-team defensive reps as linebackers Ernest Jones IV and Tyrice Knight were sidelined.

O'Connell may stick with Seattle's practice squad, but it would appear that he's not a significant piece of Mike Macdonald's long-term defensive plans.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Jason Behnken

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield

Winner: QB Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield, a Pro Bowler in each of the past two seasons, has resurrected his career with the Tampa Buccaneers. However, he's set to start the 2025 season with a new offensive coordinator (again) and without star left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receiver Chris Godwin.

The good news is that Wirfs and Godwin were both activated from the PUP list and will begin the season on the 53-player roster. Had either started on the PUP list, he'd have been forced to miss at least four games before coming off of it.

Mayfield may not have Godwin or Wirfs in Week 1, but he could have both within the first month.

Loser: QB Kyle Trask

Only a couple of offseasons ago, Mayfield was competing with 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask for Tampa's starting job. Mayfield won it, and Trask has spent the past two seasons preparing for the opportunity that might come should Mayfield stumble or suffer an injury.

However, Trask has run out of chances in Tampa. The Bucs signed Teddy Bridgewater in early August, and he'll take over as Mayfield's understudy. Trask was released with an injury designation. While he's free to sign with another club, his shoulder ailment could hinder his chances of latching onto a meaningful role this season.

Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/Stew Milne

Titans head coach Brian Callahan

Winner: HC Brian Callahan

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan was hired after serving as the Bengals' offensive coordinator for five seasons. However, Tennessee couldn't provide him with the sort of offensive cast he had in Cincinnati, and Callahan's Titans offense finished its first year ranked 26th overall and 27th in scoring.

Entering Year 2, Callahan must be thrilled with how much better the initial 53-player depth chart looks. First overall pick and quarterback Cam Ward is the headliner, of course, but the Titans have several other promising new players to complement holdovers like Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard.

Guard Kevin Zeitler, tackle Dan Moore Jr., receiver Tyler Lockett, rookie wideout Elic Ayomanor and rookie tight end Gunnar Helm are among the 2025 additions who should have an early and significant impact. Callahan will have a legitimate chance to implement his offense this season.

Loser: TE Josh Whyle

One offensive player who didn't make the squad is 2023 fifth-round pick Josh Whyle. Though the Cincinnati product appeared in 28 games with seven starts over the past two seasons, he couldn't secure a role as part of Tennessee's new-look offense.

The Titans have a capable starter in Chigoziem Okonkwo, and with the addition of Helm, there weren't many depth spots available at Whyle's position. The 25-year-old should get an opportunity elsewhere but will never get the chance to catch a meaningful pass from Ward.

Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

Winner: QB Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders didn't need to use a roster spot on an extra receiver because they finally reached an agreement with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Agents Buddy Baker and Tony Bonagura told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday that the team and receiver agreed to a three-year, $96 million contract extension, which will end his hold-in.

While the entire Commanders organization benefits by getting McLaurin back in the fold, quarterback Jayden Daniels is the big winner. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year will face higher expectations in his sophomore campaign and can again lean on his top perimeter target.

Loser: WR Michael Gallup

With McLaurin returning to the lineup, the Commanders had no real reason to keep wide receiver Michael Gallup, who may have just seen the end of his playing career.

The former Cowboys standout joined the Raiders last offseason but retired during the summer. He came out of retirement to reunite with Dan Quinn in Washington but couldn't do enough to make the active roster.

Gallup may be a practice-squad candidate, but he'll likely never return to a prominent role. Unfortunately, he was simply never the same playmaker after suffering a torn ACL at the end of the 2021 season.

*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.