1 Player Each NFL Team Should Cut Before the 2026 Season

We're two weeks away from a rough stretch in the NFL offseason. Teams must cut down rosters to 53 players by August 30, which will alter careers.

Most of the top positions on the depth chart are set, though players on the roster bubble can make strong cases to earn a spot. 

Several battles for third- and fourth-string roles will come down to special teams contributions, but there will also be surprise cuts.

Based on offseason moves and recent reports out of training camp, here are potential cuts, one for each team. Some of these mentions are notable names, and others are long shots to make it through the cutdown deadline.

ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SEA | SF | TB | TEN | WAS

Arizona Cardinals: RB Trey Benson

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson

The Arizona Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier and selected Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. With those two additions, the Cardinals' running back room is too crowded to retain all the noteworthy names at the position.

James Conner should be safe from cuts after the team restructured his deal, though he could draw trade interest. 

Trey Benson struggled to carve out a role before the team's offseason additions. Moreover, he's missed time at training camp. Head coach Mike LaFleur told reporters that Benson had a "flare-up" in his surgically repaired knee.

With Love, Allgeier and Conner in the top three spots, the Cardinals keep Bam Knight over Benson as their fourth running back.

Atlanta Falcons: LB JD Bertrand

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Atlanta Falcons linebacker JD Bertrand

The Atlanta Falcons have turned over much of their inside linebacker group from the previous season. They added several players at the position, including Christian Harris, Channing Tindall and rookies Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. Recently, Atlanta released Troy Andersen.

JD Bertrand may not survive the Falcons' changes at inside linebacker. He's only recorded 58 tackles (two for loss) and two pass breakups in 27 games (two starts) through two seasons. With Divine Deablo and Harris in lead spots on the depth chart, Atlanta could focus on developing Daniels and Perkins, who can take on backup roles.

That said, Bertrand has been a core special teamer, which may spare him during final cuts. He'll need to fend off Tindall and a couple of rookies who could replace him in that role.

Baltimore Ravens: RB Rasheen Ali

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali

At 32, Derrick Henry has shown little sign of decline. He has logged at least 280 carries in four consecutive seasons as Baltimore's featured runner. With that in mind, the Ravens do not need a committee in the backfield, but they should develop a young player capable of spelling Henry.

Justice Hill is a reliable third-down running back who's entering his age-29 season. He'll likely play out the final year of his contract. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has his fingerprints all over the Ravens' fifth-round pick, Adam Randall. The former receiver could be a versatile playmaker in the years to come.

Baltimore may only have room for three tailbacks. If so, Ali probably loses his spot on the back end of the depth chart.

In 2025, Ali saw an increase in snaps with the special teams unit, though he's been unable to carve out a role in the backfield, logging just 26 touches for 123 yards and a touchdown in 21 games. 

Buffalo Bills: C Lloyd Cushenberry

AP Photo/John Raoux

Buffalo Bills center Lloyd Cushenberry

The Buffalo Bills bolstered the interior of their offensive line by signing Austin Corbett, Lloyd Cushenberry and selecting Ar'maj Reed-Adams in the seventh round of the draft.

Buffalo will probably keep the rookie on the practice squad, though a few notable veterans may be in a battle for a roster spot.

Corbett is a more valuable asset than Cushenberry because of his versatility. Corbett has experience at center and both guard positions, and Cushenberry has only taken snaps at the pivot. 

If Corbett wins the competition at left guard, Alec Anderson could remain as a backup because of his ability to play every position across the offensive line.

With Connor McGovern locked into the starting center position on a new contract, Cushenberry's limitations may jeopardize his status in Buffalo.

Carolina Panthers: WR Jimmy Horn Jr.

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.

The Carolina Panthers lost rookie third-rounder Chris Brazzell II for the season due to injury, but they still have a competitive wide receiver room.

Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are the top three receivers. Brycen Tremayne is a key special teamer. If the Panthers keep John Metchie III, it could cost Jimmy Horn Jr. a roster spot.

When healthy, Metchie has played a notable number of snaps out of the slot, where Horn primarily lined up in the previous season. 

Listed at 5'8", 174 pounds on the team's official website, Horn doesn't have the size to move outside, but Metchie can also make plays on the perimeter.

Still only 26, Metchie has some upside and started to show his potential in the second half of the previous season with the New York Jets. He could surpass Horn for the backup slot receiver position, which is notable given Coker's recent injury history.

Chicago Bears: OT Kiran Amegadjie

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Chicago Bears offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie

Typically, NFL teams allow third-round picks more than two years to develop, especially at premium positions, but Kiran Amegadjie may be running out of time with the Chicago Bears.

Amegadjie is buried behind more experienced tackles on the Bears' depth chart. After suiting up for six games in his rookie year, he missed the entire 2025 campaign because of an elbow injury. 

Last season, Theo Benedet started in eight out of 16 contests at left tackle. This offseason, the Bears signed Jedrick Wills Jr., who hasn't played up to his first-round pedigree but has 57 starts on his resume.

General manager Ryan Poles expects promising second-year offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo to be out for most of the season while on the mend from a ruptured patellar tendon. So, Braxton Jones will likely start, and Wills can provide veteran insurance. If Benedet is the primary swing tackle option, Amegadjie's roster outlook is shaky at best.

Cincinnati Bengals: TE Tanner Hudson

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson

Tanner Hudson could be on the outs within a healthy Cincinnati Bengals tight end room.

In 2024, Erick All Jr. tore his ACL and missed the entire 2025 campaign. Mike Gesicki missed four games last year. They're both at full strength. By the way, Cincinnati selected Jack Endries in the seventh round of this year's draft.

Given that Gesicki is a proven pass-catcher, and the Bengals used a fourth-round pick on All two years ago, they're near locks to make the roster. Drew Sample is the team's best blocking tight end.

Hudson doesn't stand out in any particular way in the Bengals' tight end room. Moreover, he'll turn 32 in November. Cincinnati may want to tap into the upside of younger players at the position in the upcoming term.

Cleveland Browns: QB Dillon Gabriel

AP Photo/Steven Senne

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are in competition for the starting quarterback job, and the loser of that battle could open the season as the primary backup. 

Dillon Gabriel is clearly the No. 3 quarterback. On the depth chart, he has little chance of surpassing Watson with his $41 million cap number, or Sanders, who took over for him in the second half of the previous season.

The Browns selected Taylen Green in the sixth round of this year's draft. At 6'6", 230 pounds with 4.36 speed, he has a unique skill set in the quarterback room. Cleveland may see him as a developmental player to keep on the active roster.

Gabriel threw for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions with a 59.5 percent completion rate last season. Teams may be willing to trade a late-round draft pick for him, but if not, he should be a prime cut candidate.

Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Marist Liufau

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Marist Liufau

The Dallas Cowboys have layers of depth at outside linebacker. 

Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston and Sam Williams are holdovers from the previous season. The Cowboys re-signed Williams. They also acquired edge-rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers and selected Malachi Lawrence in the first round of the draft. 

Gary, Lawrence, Ezeiruaku and Williams should be roster locks. Houston and Marist Liufau could be in competition for a spot, and it's an easy decision. 

In a transition from inside linebacker to edge-rusher, Liufau is in a tough predicament. Last season, Houston finished with the second-most sacks on the team (5.5) and 19 pressures. The four-year pro has shown flashes in a rotational role. As a rookie with the Detroit Lions, he recorded eight sacks.

Marist may not be a fit in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's scheme. Barring an impressive showing through the preseason, he'll need a change of scenery at a new position.

Denver Broncos: RB Jaleel McLaughlin

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin

The Denver Broncos re-signed running back J.K. Dobbins and selected Jonah Coleman in the fourth round of the draft. Dobbins, Coleman and RJ Harvey, a second-round pick from the previous year, should be a solid trio in the backfield.

Last offseason, Denver kept four running backs after final roster cuts. If that number holds this year, Jaleel McLaughlin will battle Tyler Badie for the last spot. 

Badie may have an edge over McLaughlin because of his role on special teams. In 2025, he played 59 percent of the snaps with that unit, while McLaughlin only saw seven percent of the snaps on kick and punt coverage. 

Most players on the back end of the depth chart must be key contributors on special teams to make the roster. Badie checks that box and should be a keeper over McLaughlin.

Detroit Lions: CB Roger McCreary

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary

A second-rounder from the 2022 draft, Roger McCreary earned a starting role early in his career with the Tennessee Titans, but he fell into a backup role by his third year. The Titans traded him to the Los Angeles Rams, but he only saw the field for 38 defensive snaps.

McCreary's fall from a starting boundary cornerback and nickelback may continue as he battles for a spot on the Detroit Lions roster.

According to Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman, head coach Dan Campbell said McCreary has had an "up and down" camp so far.

Detroit signed McCreary to a one-year, $1.4 million deal. So, the Lions can cut him without much dead cap penalty. Although he has a clear pathway to the Lions' lead slot cornerback position, his mediocre performances at practice could cost him a roster spot. 

Green Bay Packers: CB Carrington Valentine

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine

The Green Bay Packers sought additional competition for Carrington Valentine at cornerback. They signed Benjamin St-Juste and selected Brandon Cisse in the second round of this year's draft.

A seventh-round pick from the 2023 draft, Valentine has started in 30 out of 49 contests. He performed well in his rookie campaign, allowing an 84.8 passer rating and just one touchdown in coverage. But the 24-year-old struggled last season, giving up seven touchdowns and a 121.2 passer rating.

Valentine is unlikely to retain a starting job on the boundary. On top of that, he's missed time during training camp because of a hamstring injury.

St-Juste could be a placeholder starter until Cisse is ready for a full-time role. Valentine can provide depth, but after his struggles in the previous term, the Packers may move on from him.

Houston Texans: TE Cade Stover

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover

The Houston Texans made notable moves to bolster their tight end group, signing Foster Moreau and selecting Marlin Klein in the second round of the 2026 draft.

With Dalton Schultz in the primary role, Moreau and Klein are the probable backups, which would bump Cade Stover to the fourth spot in the pecking order.

In 2025, Stover played the second-most snaps among Texans tight ends. He caught 12 passes for 76 yards and logged four carries for three yards over 263 snaps. 

Although Stover is still in the prime of his career at 26, Houston's new additions at tight end diminish his chances of surviving final cuts. He could land on the practice squad if no team claims him off waivers.

Indianapolis Colts: CB Jaylon Jones

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones

As a seventh-round pick out of Texas A&M, Jaylon Jones earned a starting role. In his first two years, he exceeded expectations, logging 144 tackles (four for loss), 17 pass breakups and two interceptions.

Despite early flashes, Jones fell out of favor under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who took over for Gus Bradley last year. He also battled a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for several weeks.

The Colts also revamped their cornerback depth chart last offseason. They signed Charvarius Ward and Mekhi Blackmon.

This year, Indianapolis signed Cam Taylor-Britt, who played under Anarumo for three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He is expected to be available in Week 2 after serving a one-game NFL suspension under the league's personal conduct policy.

Jones should see the writing on the wall. His tenure with the Colts will likely end this summer. If he's healthy after needing medical attention during Thursday's preseason game, the 24-year-old should look forward to a change of scenery.

Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Hunter Long

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Hunter Long

Last offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Hunter Long to a two-year, $3 million deal. He's primarily an inline tight end who's only caught 20 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns in five seasons.

Based on Long's multiyear deal, the Jaguars had decent plans for him in their offense. Keep in mind that he played 41 percent of the offensive snaps last season, but Jacksonville will change up roles among its backup tight ends behind Brenton Strange.

Jacksonville selected Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol in the second and fifth rounds, respectively, in this year's draft. While the former is a lock to make the roster because of his draft status, the latter could be the No. 3 tight end.

If the rookie tight ends show they're capable of handling backup roles, Long will be expendable.

Kansas City Chiefs: CB Kristian Fulton

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton

The Kansas City Chiefs will field a new-look secondary with rookie first-rounder Mansoor Delane in one of the starting cornerback spots. Kristian Fulton, Nohl Williams, a 2025 third-rounder, and L'Jarius Sneed will battle for the other lead role.

In his first year with the Chiefs, Fulton started only two of eight games in an injury-marred season. Returning to Kansas City, Sneed knows defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system well after four successful seasons in it. He should be the front-runner for the opening on the boundary, though Williams also offers some upside.

At best, Fulton may be the No. 3 cornerback on the depth chart. As an experienced veteran, he can provide quality depth, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Chiefs released him to save $5 million in cap space.

Las Vegas Raiders: IOL Jordan Meredith

AP Photo/David Becker

Las Vegas Raiders interior offensive lineman Jordan Meredith

The Las Vegas Raiders have experimented with different personnel groupings along their offensive line, though it's come at Jordan Meredith's expense.

According to The Athletic's Sam Warren, Meredith has taken reps with the third-team offense behind rookie third-rounder Trey Zuhn III and third-year pro Will Putnam.

"Meredith had been mixing in with Zuhn at center with the second team to start camp. Zuhn bumping outside on Sunday should have allowed the veteran to claim all of the rookie's snaps, but Meredith was instead relegated to the threes, and Will Putnam served as the second-team center." 

In 2024, Meredith emerged as the Raiders' starter at right guard and then shifted to left guard. He played well in both spots, but last season, the team hired a new coaching staff that moved him to center, where he struggled mightily before losing the starting job.

Although Meredith is versatile and has quality experience at guard, he may be expendable with a youth movement underway in Las Vegas. Second-year pro Caleb Rogers and Zuhn may be primary backups at Meredith's best position.

Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Bud Dupree

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Bud Dupree

Entering his age-33 season, Bud Dupree is at the tail end of his playing career. Over the last three years, he's seen a sharp decline in his production and snap count. 

In 2023, Dupree started in 16 games with the Atlanta Falcons, logging 39 tackles (eight for loss), 6.5 sacks and 24 pressures. In the following term, he posted similar numbers in a rotational role with the Los Angeles Chargers, but last season, the 11-year veteran only played 41 percent of the defensive snaps and made minimal impact on the edge.

The Chargers selected Akheem Mesidor in the first round of this year's draft, which may be an indication that they're ready to move on from Dupree as their third pass-rusher.

As a 25-year-old rookie, Mesidor should be mature enough to contribute right away. If that's the case, Dupree wouldn't have much of a role behind Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. 

Coming off a two-sack campaign, Dupree may lose his roster spot in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Rams: TE Colby Parkinson

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson

Colby Parkinson would be a shocker among roster cuts because of his production last season. He led the Los Angeles Rams tight ends across multiple receiving categories. 

However, some teams make cuts for salary-cap reasons.

Parkinson is in the final year of his contract, and the Rams have a trio of young tight ends behind him and Tyler Higbee, who signed a two-year extension.

Los Angeles selected Max Klare and Terrance Ferguson in the second round of the previous two drafts. Head coach Sean McVay told reporters that Davis Allen will be a "big part" of what the team does this year.

Unless the Rams keep five tight ends, someone in that room has to go before Week 1. Parkinson could be a salary-cap casualty. 

Miami Dolphins: LB Willie Gay Jr.

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Miami Dolphins linebacker Willie Gay Jr.

The Miami Dolphins drafted linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis in the second and fourth rounds, respectively. They also signed All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks to a three-year, $51.3 million extension. All three are roster locks.

In 2025, Tyrel Dodson had his most productive pro season, recording 129 tackles (10 for loss), five sacks, 10 pressures, three pass breakups and an interception. He should be a starter alongside Brooks, unless new defensive-minded head coach Jeff Hafley sees him as a poor fit for his system. 

Miami signed hybrid linebacker-safety Ronnie Harrison Jr., who was a core special teamer with the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts over the last two years. Because of his recent contributions on special teams, he may have an edge over Willie Gay Jr. for a roster spot.

Last season with the Dolphins, Gay only played 12 percent of the defensive snaps and 29 percent on special teams. He's three years removed from being a full-time starting linebacker with the Kansas City Chiefs and hasn't been able to find his way in a backup role. The 28-year-old will probably need to look for work elsewhere after final cuts.

Minnesota Vikings: LB Ivan Pace Jr.

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.

Ivan Pace Jr.'s snap count is trending in the wrong direction. In his 2023 rookie season, he played 62 percent of the defensive snaps. Last year, he saw the field for 30 percent of the snaps.

Pace has a two-down linebacker skill set, but opposing quarterbacks have targeted him while he's in limited coverage duties. In 2024, he allowed two touchdowns and a 101.1 passer rating.

Last season, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores benched Pace for Eric Wilson. Assuming that sticks, the latter will line up alongside Blake Cashman in the middle of the defense.

This offseason, Minnesota selected Jake Golday in the second round of the draft and signed Jamal Adams, who converted from safety to linebacker with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. 

After losing a starting job, Pace should be on high alert with the addition of Golday and Adams to the linebacker room.

New England Patriots: WR Efton Chism III

AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis

New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III

Even if the New England Patriots trade Kayshon Boutte ahead of final roster cuts, Efton Chism III will probably be on the outside looking in at five wide receivers ahead of him on the depth chart.

This offseason, New England signed Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract and acquired A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. Including a one-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, wideout Mack Hollins is going into his third year playing in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' offense. Clearly, McDaniels trusts him in his system.

DeMario Douglas saw a significant drop-off in snap count from 62 to 26 percent between 2024 and 2025, but he's been a productive slot receiver for three seasons. The 25-year-old has caught 146 passes for 1,629 yards and six touchdowns in 48 games.

As a rookie last season, Kyle Williams hauled in 10 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns. For a third-round pick, those are modest numbers, but head coach Mike Vrabel believes the second-year wideout will play a "larger role moving forward" (h/t  Boston.com's Conor Ryan).

As an offseason standout last year, Chism made the Patriots' 53-man roster. He'll come up short this year and probably land on the practice squad.

New Orleans Saints: RB Kendre Miller

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller

Over the last three campaigns, Kendre Miller has had opportunities to carve out a role as the No. 2 running back behind Alvin Kamara, but he's been unable to shake the injury bug. The 24-year-old has suited up for just 21 games since the New Orleans Saints selected him in the third round of the 2023 draft.

The Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million deal, which bumps Kamara into the No. 2 role and leaves Miller competing with Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Ty Chandler and undrafted rookie CJ Donaldson for leftover touches out of the backfield.

Remember, the Saints' current coaching staff inherited Miller from the previous regime. Last year, New Orleans drafted Neal in the sixth round. So, it wouldn't be a surprise if he beats out Miller for the No. 3 running back spot.

New York Giants: WR Jalin Hyatt

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt

The New York Giants selected Jalin Hyatt in the third round of the 2023 draft. Coming out of Tennessee, he garnered buzz because of his speed and big-play ability, averaging 16.4 yards per reception in college, but his skill set hasn't consistently translated on the pro level.

Hyatt caught 23 passes for 373 yards in his rookie year, but he saw his snap count drop in the following two campaigns. After playing 51 percent of the offensive snaps in his first term, the 24-year-old has been on the field for fewer than 34 percent of the snaps over the last two seasons. 

Now, under a new coaching regime, the Giants may be ready to move on from Hyatt.

Recovering from a torn ACL, wideout Malik Nabers might be ready to play in Week 1. The Giants re-signed Darius Slayton and inked Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III to deals in free agency and then drafted Malachi Fields in the third round of the draft. Assuming they all make the roster, Hyatt would be buried on the depth chart.

It's also worth noting that Odell Beckham Jr. has stacked solid performances at training camp in his second stint with the team. He could provide veteran leadership in the receiver room.

Hyatt lacks a clear path to a meaningful role in New York and may need a fresh start elsewhere.

New York Jets: DT Mazi Smith

AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes

New York Jets defensive tackle Mazi Smith

A first-round pick from the 2023 draft, Mazi Smith hasn't come close to meeting expectations as one of the top prospects from his class. The Dallas Cowboys traded him to the New York Jets midway through the 2025 season, and he barely saw the field after the move.

Last year, Smith appeared in just three games with the Jets and didn't log a tackle in 54 defensive snaps. He's unlikely to make up for a slow start in New York because of the team's acquisitions.

The Jets bulked up the interior of their defensive line, acquiring nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat from the Tennessee Titans and taking Darrell Jackson Jr. in the fourth round of the draft. Keep in mind that Harrison Phillips is entrenched in a starting role and hasn't missed a game since 2021.

As a third-stringer on the depth chart, Smith may be looking to play for a third team in three years.

Philadelphia Eagles: CB Jakorian Bennett

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett

Last offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles traded defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV to the Las Vegas Raiders for Jakorian Bennett. The Eagles needed competition at the No. 2 cornerback spot, but Bennett didn't make an impact on defense. He only played 98 defensive snaps in 11 games.

This offseason, Philadelphia signed Riq Woolen to bolster its cornerback room. He'll likely start opposite Quinyon Mitchell with Cooper DeJean in the slot. Philadelphia also brought in Jonathan Jones, who has experience on the boundary and in the nickel spot.

In a much-improved group, Bennett may not have a chance to carve out a role, and he has little experience on special teams. Kelee Ringo is also at the bottom of the cornerback depth chart, but he's logged at least 69 percent of the snaps on special teams in three years with the team.

Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Malik Harrison

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50)

Linebacker Payton Wilson is slated to take on a full-time starting role alongside Patrick Queen after logging a team-leading 126 tackles (six for loss), two pass breakups and an interception last season.

Cole Holcomb has been a solid two-down linebacker in run support. As a rookie in the previous season, Carson Bruener suited up for all 17 games as a key special teamer. 

Elandon Roberts will return to Pittsburgh for his second stint with the team and reunite with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who coached him in Las Vegas last season.

In six seasons, Malik Harrison has started in 43 out of 87 games. He contributed on special teams last year, but he also played 40 percent of the defensive snaps in 11 contests (nine starts).

With Wilson, Holcomb and Roberts in a rotation at linebacker and Bruener on special teams, Harrison could be the odd man out. He may prefer a shot to play a bigger defensive role elsewhere.

San Francisco 49ers: WR Jacob Cowing

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing

The San Francisco 49ers added three veteran wide receivers who can take on key roles in the passing game. Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel Sr. and Christian Kirk could be the starting trio in three-receiver sets. 

Rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling has emerged as a star at training camp and could see an increase in snaps as the year goes on. Demarcus Robinson has had a strong showing at training camp practices.

After a quiet rookie campaign with four catches for 80 yards, Jacob Cowing missed the entire 2025 season because of a hamstring injury. With new faces in the 49ers' receiver room, he's likely in competition with Jordan Watkins for a back-end roster spot.

After an impressive outing in Thursday's preseason opener with six catches for 59 yards, Watkins should have an edge over Cowing if it comes down to them for the last wide receiver position.

Seattle Seahawks: LB Chris Paul Jr.

AP Photo

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr.

The Seattle Seahawks signed Chris Paul Jr. after the Los Angeles Rams waived him before last year's final cuts. He went through the previous season on the Seahawks' practice squad.

Paul may go through a similar process this summer in Seattle. The Seahawks have a strong trio of linebackers with Ernest Jones IV, Drake Thomas and Tyrice Knight atop the depth chart. Patrick O'Connell and Chazz Surratt have been key contributors on special teams. 

Without a regular-season snap on his pro resume, Paul will have an uphill climb to claim a roster spot. He's a likely cut candidate who could be back on the Seahawks' practice squad.

Paul seems like an obvious cut candidate, but it's surprising that the 2025 fifth-rounder hasn't been able to claim a roster spot.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Payne Durham

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed tight end Cade Otton to a three-year, $30 million extension, which solidifies his spot atop the depth chart. The team could shake up the pecking order behind him.

Payne Durham hasn't contributed much to the passing game, but he's a solid pass-blocker who has been on the field for at least 31 percent of the snaps in the last two seasons.

The Buccaneers have stocked up on young tight ends over the past few years. They selected Devin Culp in the seventh round of the 2024 draft and added Bauer Sharp in the sixth round of this year's draft. 

Fifth-year pro Ko Kieft is one of the team's top special teamers. If Culp and Bauer impress the coaching staff in the preseason, Durham could be expendable. 

Tennessee Titans: QB Will Levis

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis

Typically, backup quarterbacks have trade value, especially recent early-round draft picks. 

The Tennessee Titans moved up in the second round of the 2023 draft for Will Levis, but that was under a previous regime led by former general manager Ran Carthon. 

Furthermore, Levis hasn't played a snap since the 2024 season. He suffered an AC joint injury and underwent season-ending surgery during the 2025 offseason. 

While healthy, Levis struggled with turnovers. In 21 games, he's thrown for 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions and has fumbled 17 times. Although the 27-year-old believes he's a starting-caliber quarterback, teams may not be willing to trade draft capital for a high-turnover signal-caller coming off a lost season.

In the Titans' Week 1 preseason win over the San Francisco 49ers, Levis completed three out of eight pass attempts for 42 yards and ran for 22 yards.

The Titans have starting quarterback Cam Ward and two backups in Mitchell Trubisky and Hendon Hooker. They can cut Levis and let him pursue a starting job elsewhere.

Washington Commanders: RB Jerome Ford

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Washington Commanders running back Jerome Ford

When the Washington Commanders signed Jerome Ford, it didn't make much sense. He has a skill set similar to that of fellow free-agent addition Rachaad White. They're both three-down running backs who can catch out of the backfield, though White has been more productive.

Also, White has a history with quarterback Jayden Daniels. They were college teammates at Arizona State between 2020 and 2021. In the latter year, with Daniels as his starting quarterback, White caught 43 passes for 456 yards and a touchdown.

Because of his rapport with Daniels, White will likely take on a prominent role out of the backfield on all three downs as a complement to Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Rookie sixth-rounder Kaytron Allen is a physical downhill ball-carrier who could be the Commanders' short-yardage tailback. 

Jeremy McNichols isn't a key special teamer, but he has more experience in that area than Ford, which may be the deciding factor between the two for the fourth running back spot.

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