The Best Player Who Could Still Be Cut from Every NFL Roster In 2026 Offseason

As NFL teams kick off OTAs, so does competition for roster spots. 

About half the league's players will be released by the late-summer deadline for teams to cut rosters down to 53 on the depth chart. 

Until then, general managers will add and subtract talent to field the best group for Week 1 of the 2026 campaign.

Here's a look at the best player on every team who could be released this offseason. 

These selections were made based on a player's contract situation (cap savings if cut), competition at their position, recent snap counts and production.

AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West

AFC East

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas

Buffalo Bills: IOL Lloyd Cushenberry

The Buffalo Bills signed Lloyd Cushenberry to a one-year deal in free agency. They have four entrenched starters across their offensive line, and a competition at left guard following David Edwards' departure to the New Orleans Saints in free agency.

As a starting center for all 80 of his career games, Cushenberry won't compete for that open spot. If Austin Corbett doesn't win the job at left guard, he's more valuable depth on the interior than Cushenberry because of his experience at center and both guard positions, which makes the latter expendable.

Miami Dolphins: WR Jalen Tolbert 

The Miami Dolphins selected three receivers between Rounds 3 and 5 of this year's draft. If third-rounders Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas impress during the offseason, they could work their way into starting roles. 

Bell is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in November. Yet, according to his agent, Erik Burkhardt, and Dr. Dan Cooper, who performed the surgery, he's ahead of schedule and could take part in the Dolphins' offseason program. His progress over the summer could significantly impact Jalen Tolbert's chances of making the roster.

Tolbert, who's on a one-year deal, following three inconsistent seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, has played sparingly on special teams over the last two years. If he doesn't start, the Dolphins would likely release him.

New England Patriots: WR DeMario Douglas

DeMario Douglas led the New England Patriots with 561 receiving yards in 2023. In the following season, he tied tight end Hunter Henry for a team-leading 66 receptions.

However, in his first season in Josh McDaniels' offense, Douglas saw fewer snaps out of the slot compared to the two previous years. The Patriots featured Stefon Diggs and Henry in that spot. New England signed Romeo Doubs, who, like Diggs, can line up inside. 

In a contract year, Douglas could be the odd man out of the Patriots' receiver rotation, especially if the club acquires A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.

New York Jets: DT Mazi Smith

Just a few years ago, the Dallas Cowboys selected Mazi Smith with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Before the 2025 trade deadline, they sent him to the New York Jets in the Quinnen Williams deal.

After the trade, Smith only played 54 defensive snaps in three games. The Jets signed David Onyemata, traded for T'Vondre Sweat and drafted Darrell Jackson Jr. in the fourth round, pushing the former Cowboy further to the back of the depth chart.

AFC North

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph

Baltimore Ravens: DT Broderick Washington Jr. 

Broderick Washington Jr. has been a solid rotational player across the Baltimore Ravens defensive line for six seasons. He's played at least 44 percent of the defensive snaps in three of the last four years, but his time with the team could come to an end this summer.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Nnamdi Madubuike could play in the upcoming season after undergoing neck surgery. The Ravens signed Calais Campbell. If both are expected to play a significant number of snaps, Washington may be a cut candidate after missing most of the previous season.

Cincinnati Bengals: TE Tanner Hudson 

In recent years, Tanner Hudson filled in gaps for injured Cincinnati Bengals tight ends Mike Gesicki and Erick All Jr. Yet he's seen a decline in his offensive snap counts since 2023.

If Gesicki and All are healthy entering the regular season, Hudson will likely battle rookie seventh-rounder Jack Endries for a roster spot.

Cleveland Browns: WR Cedric Tillman 

The Cleveland Browns selected KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the first two rounds of this year's draft. They could feature the pair of rookies along with established veteran Jerry Jeudy in three-receiver sets.

As an inside-outside pass-catching threat, undrafted wideout Isaiah Bond flashed his big-play ability, averaging 18.8 yards per catch.

Entering a contract year, Cedric Tillman hasn't produced enough to surpass Jeudy on the depth chart or show that he has the upside comparable to Bond and two top-40 draft picks. On top of that, he's battled injuries in all three of his pro seasons.

Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Mason Rudolph 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Aaron Rodgers agreed to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a result, Mason Rudolph could be expendable if the Steelers prefer a developmental signal-caller in the primary backup role.

Last year, Pittsburgh selected sixth-rounder Will Howard, who developed a rapport with Rodgers. The club selected Drew Allar in the third round of this year's draft.

Rudolph is an established veteran, but if the Steelers have little concern about Rodgers' durability, even at his age, Howard and Allar could be his young understudies.

AFC South

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91)

Houston Texans: C Jake Andrews

The Houston Texans sent a clear message to Jake Andrews, who started in 16 games last season. They did it with the addition of veteran interior offensive lineman Evan Brown, rookie first-rounder Keylan Rutledge and rookie fourth-rounder Febechi Nwaiwu. 

Clearly, Houston wanted to find a potential upgrade at center. Brown, Rutledge and Nwaiwu can compete for snaps at that position, which puts Andrews at risk of losing the starting job and perhaps a roster spot.

Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson Sr.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Anthony Richardson Sr. and the Indianapolis Colts mutually agreed to explore a trade.

Richardson has struggled with his passing efficiency (50.6 percent completion rate) and availability (15 starts in three years) through most of his three seasons, which is why teams may not offer much for him in trade proposals. 

As was the case with cornerback Kenny Moore II, the Colts may outright release Richardson if he has a weak or non-existent trade market.

Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Arik Armstead

It seems like a matter of when, not if, the Jacksonville Jaguars cut Arik Armstead. The club bolstered the interior defensive line group by acquiring Ruke Orhorhoro from the Atlanta Falcons and drafting Albert Regis in the third round.

Entering his age-33 campaign, Armstead is in a contract year. The Jaguars can save $14.5 million if they release him after June 1. With his declining production in the second half of the previous season, he doesn't fit in the Jaguars' revamped defensive tackle group.

Tennessee Titans: LB Cody Barton

Despite Cody Barton's solid first year with the Tennessee Titans, logging 81 tackles (four for loss), 11 pass breakups and three interceptions, he may not be a fit within defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh's system.

Saleh will call plays in Tennessee, and he usually fields athletic linebackers in the middle of his defenses (see Fred Warner in San Francisco and C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams with the New York Jets). The Titans drafted Anthony Hill Jr. in the second round, and he could push Barton for the starting spot alongside Cedric Gray.

Keep in mind that Barton will be 30 in November.

AFC West

AP Photo/David Becker

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell

Denver Broncos: TE Nate Adkins 

Nate Adkins isn't a name you see in headlines, though he's had a decent role in head coach Sean Payton's offense. In back-to-back years, the veteran tight end played at least 33 percent of the offensive snaps and scored three touchdowns in 2024. 

However, the Broncos selected Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley in the fifth and seventh rounds of this year's draft. With increased competition for snaps behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman, who signed a three-year extension, Adkins' roster spot isn't secure.

Kansas City Chiefs: CB Kristian Fulton 

Following an injury-riddled year with eight regular-season appearances, Kristian Fulton must compete for a starting job in the second term of his two-year deal.

The Chiefs' cornerback room is in transition after the club traded Trent McDuffie and allowed Jaylen Watson to walk in free agency. Fulton will likely battle 2025 third-rounder Nohl Williams for a spot on the boundary opposite rookie first-rounder Mansoor Delane. If the former loses, he could be cut before his age-28 campaign.

Las Vegas Raiders: QB Aidan O'Connell

Rarely do you see a third-string quarterback as the best player who could lose his roster spot, but Aidan O'Connell is in a unique situation.

The Las Vegas Raiders signed Kirk Cousins and selected Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Cousins will likely start in regular-season games.

O'Connell is clearly the odd man out at quarterback, but he may not have much trade value despite throwing for 3,922 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 21 games, which included 17 starts. O'Connell has athletic limitations at an evolving position and an expiring contract. Teams may wait for 2027 free agency rather than trade for him. 

Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Bud Dupree

Bud Dupree made 99 career starts before he took on a rotational role with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. In his first year with the team, he recorded six sacks, but the 33-year-old only logged two last season.

The Chargers selected Akheem Mesidor in the first round of this year's draft. He'll have an opportunity to beat out Dupree for the designated pass-rushing role behind Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. The 12th-year veteran should be on notice.

NFC East

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw

Dallas Cowboys: S Markquese Bell

The Dallas Cowboys invested in their safety group at a premium, signing Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal and drafting Caleb Downs with the No. 11 overall pick. Both will likely start Week 1. According to Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports, the Cowboys revised the final year of Malik Hooker's deal. That's an indicator he'll remain on the roster.

In 2025, Markquese Bell logged 41 tackles (one for loss), three pass breakups and an interception while on the field for 32 percent of the defensive snaps, but he may be fourth among safeties on the depth chart. The 27-year-old is also facing felony and misdemeanor drug charges from an April arrest.

New York Giants: CB Deonte Banks

New York Giants fans will quibble with using the adjective best in connection with Deonte Banks, who has allowed 14 touchdowns in coverage through three seasons.

Nonetheless, Banks is 25 with some upside. He may need a change of scenery after losing a starting job on the perimeter last offseason. Because of his struggles, the Giants are unlikely to receive premium draft capital if they trade him. Under a new coaching staff, Big Blue is more likely to release Banks in the summer. 

Philadelphia Eagles: TE Grant Calcaterra 

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Grant Calcaterra to a one-year extension. Yet he doesn't have a secure roster spot after the club selected Eli Stowers in the second round of the draft.

Dallas Goedert tops the Eagles' tight end depth chart. Assuming Stowers emerges as the primary backup, Calcaterra would be the third-stringer. In that position, at 27 years old, the latter is in jeopardy of losing his roster spot on a new deal.

Washington Commanders: DT Javon Kinlaw

Last offseason, the Washington Commanders signed Javon Kinlaw to a three-year, $45 million deal. Based on his production in 2025, he's one of the league's most overpaid players.

Kinlaw finished the previous campaign without a sack, logging 43 tackles (five for loss). Earning $15 million annually, the 28-year-old needs more pass-rushing production. He may not get another chance to play up to his contract with free-agent acquisition Charles Omenihu in the mix for snaps on the defensive line.

NFC North

AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn

Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson

Chicago Bears: RB Roschon Johnson

As a rookie last season, Kyle Monangai worked his way into a sizable role as the No. 2 running back as a complement to D'Andre Swift. Meanwhile, Roschon Johnson faded into a special teams role.

Entering a contract year, Johnson isn't going to see much action on offense in the No. 3 spot. Don't be surprised if the Bears cut him, giving the 25-year-old tailback a chance to catch on elsewhere.

Detroit Lions: DT Levi Onwuzurike

In five years, Levi Onwuzurike has missed two full seasons because of significant back and knee injuries. Last offseason, he re-signed with the Detroit Lions on a one-year deal but sat out the 2025 campaign because of a torn ACL.

This offseason, the Lions signed sixth-year veteran Jay Tufele, who could be the third defensive tackle in a rotation with Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeil. While on the mend, Onwuzurike is likely on the roster bubble.

Green Bay Packers: CB Carrington Valentine 

In 2025, Carrington Valentine saw an uptick in defensive snaps compared to his first two years, lining up for 70 percent of the plays. He recorded 31 tackles and four pass breakups, but that isn't enough to secure a lead role.

Under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, rookie second-rounder Brandon Cisse, sixth-year veteran Benjamin St-Juste and rookie sixth-rounder Domani Jackson could compete for snaps on the boundary of the secondary, leading to questions about Valentine's short-term future.

Minnesota Vikings: S Theo Jackson

Last season, Theo Jackson moved up on the Minnesota Vikings' safety depth chart, playing 60 percent of the team's defensive snaps.

After a step forward in his development, Jackson may be less productive as the Vikings' No. 3 safety. He could lose his roster spot if rookie third-rounder Jakobe Thomas shows promising signs in the next phases of the Vikings' offseason program.

NFC South

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes

Atlanta Falcons: CB Mike Hughes

The Atlanta Falcons could head into the season with A.J. Terrell Jr. and his brother Avieon Terrell as the starting boundary cornerbacks. This isn't just a feel-good story; the latter is a feisty cover defender who logged 21 pass breakups, nine tackles for loss, four sacks and eight forced fumbles over the last two years at Clemson.

Meanwhile, Mike Hughes' pass coverage is on the decline. In 2024, he allowed a passer rating of 105.8 (out of a possible 158.3). Last season, he gave up five touchdowns. Although the Falcons signed him to a three-year deal last offseason, his roster spot could be in jeopardy because of subpar play.

Carolina Panthers: OLB Patrick Jones II 

The Carolina Panthers signed a top-tier free agent in Jaelan Phillips. He'll likely start opposite Nic Scourton on the edge. As a third-rounder from the 2025 draft, Princely Umanmielen could see more time on the field in his second year.

With an established pass-rusher and two high-upside outside linebackers on the depth chart, Patrick Jones II may be in a battle for a limited role after he missed 13 games with a back injury last season. Don't be surprised if Carolina cuts him and saves $4.75 million in cap space.

New Orleans Saints: CB Isaac Yiadom

Isaac Yiadom had a solid 2023 showing with the New Orleans Saints, logging 14 pass breakups and an interception, while allowing an 83.9 passer rating.

Yiadom returned to New Orleans after a year with the San Francisco 49ers, but he struggled mightily in coverage, permitting a 133.1 passer rating. His future with the Saints is in doubt after the club signed Martin Emerson Jr. and drafted TJ Hall in the seventh round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB SirVocea Dennis

This offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reconstructed their linebacker group. They signed Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom and then selected Josiah Trotter in the second round of the draft.

In 2025, SirVocea Dennis started in 16 games alongside Lavonte David, who retired, and recorded 101 tackles (10 for loss), three sacks, five pass breakups and an interception, but he allowed a 122 passer rating and three touchdowns in coverage.

Dennis is an effective two-down defender, but he may be the worst coverage linebacker on the roster competing for a significant role if Trotter flashes on passing downs.

NFC West

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson

Arizona Cardinals: OG Isaiah Adams

Isaiah Adams may have already fumbled his best chance to be the Arizona Cardinals' starting right guard. In 2025, he started in 11 games, but the club brought in competition for his spot.

The Cardinals signed eighth-year veteran Matt Pryor, who has extensive experience at right guard. They also added Chase Bisontis, a rookie second-rounder who played mostly right tackle and left guard at Texas A&M. If he's impressive at right guard, Adams could be on the roster bubble this summer.

Los Angeles Rams: TE Colby Parkinson

Colby Parkinson is a surprise cut candidate. He hauled in 43 passes for 408 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

However, the Los Angeles Rams have been hoarding tight ends in recent years. They selected Terrence Ferguson and Max Klare in the second round of the previous two drafts and signed Tyler Higbee to an extension.

If the Rams keep four tight ends at the roster cutdown deadline, like they did last year, Parkinson could be on the outs because of his contract. Los Angeles can save $7 million by cutting him.

San Francisco 49ers: WR Demarcus Robinson 

This offseason, the San Francisco 49ers signed six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans, inside-outside wideout Christian Kirk and selected De'Zhaun Stribling in the second round of the draft. 

Though Kirk isn't a lock to make the roster with his production on the decline, he can replace Jauan Jennings in the slot when Christian McCaffrey or George Kittle aren't lined up there. 

As primarily an outside wideout, Demarcus Robinson has little chance to make the roster with Evans and Stribling joining the receiver room.

Seattle Seahawks: DT Jarran Reed

The NFL is mostly a young man's game. Jarran Reed enters his age-34 term, and the Seattle Seahawks can save $3.9 million if they release him after June 1.

Reed is a Seahawks fan favorite, so this move would cut deep among the 12s. Keep in mind that Seattle drafted seventh-rounder Deven Eastern, whom general manager John Schneider called a "monster." He could be Reed's replacement.

Player contract details are provided by Overthecap.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.