The Biggest Surprises and Shocks from 2026 NFL Roster Cuts

The NFL is never short on surprises in the hours that lead up to final roster cuts. From the outside looking in, we're often left scratching our heads over moves that few expected to see on deadline day.

This year, one of the biggest shockers was a playoff contender that turned a glaring weakness into a potentially bigger issue with a headline trade. Also, a few teams followed a roster-building blueprint that we haven't seen much in recent years.

Lastly, some clubs may regret cutting backups, both experienced and ascending players who could've provided quality depth.

Here are eight surprises and shocking moves from last Sunday's roster cuts deadline.

Bears Trade DT Gervon Dexter Sr.

AP Photo/Melissa Tamez

Gervon Dexter Sr.

The Chicago Bears kicked off deadline day with arguably the most surprising move given their need for a pass-rusher. 

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Chicago traded Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Atlanta Falcons for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

The Bears finished the 2025 season outside the top 20 in sacks and pressure rate. Dexter ranked second on the team in both categories behind edge-rusher Montez Sweat.

Per Fowler, the Bears have "big plans" for Jordan van den Berg. However, trading Dexter would leave Chicago relying more heavily on the rookie sixth-round pick along its defensive front.

It's also possible Bears general manager Ryan Poles had no intention of giving Dexter an extension during or after this season. The ascending defensive tackle is in the final year of his rookie deal. 

Still, it's a surprise to see the Bears part ways with one of their most productive defensive linemen a year before they had to make a decision on his contract.

Broncos Waive Rookie Tight End Justin Joly

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Justin Joly

The Denver Broncos drafted two tight ends. Seventh-rounder Dallen Bentley made the team, and fifth-rounder Justin Joly missed the cut.

According to 9News' Mike Klis, Joly struggled through training camp, but he had a highlight moment on a long touchdown reception in the Broncos' preseason finale.

Andrew Mason of 104.3 The Fan believes Joly is the earliest draft pick in Broncos history who didn't make the 53-man roster. 

Aside from Evan Engram, who's entering his age-32 campaign, the Broncos don't have a proven pass-catching tight end. 

Joly caught 166 passes for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns in college. He brought a different skill set to Denver's tight end room, but his rough stretches at camp likely cost him a spot within a crowded position group.

Commanders Only Keep 3 Cornerbacks

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Mike Sainristil

The Washington Commanders are concerningly thin in the secondary with only three cornerbacks on the active roster.

Washington placed Trey Amos on injured reserve with a designation to return; he will miss at least four games. The club cut Fabian Moreau, Antonio Hamilton Sr., Darius Rush, Car'lin Vigers and Fred Davis II, which leaves Mike Sainristil and free-agent acquisitions Amik Robertson and Rasul Douglas at the position.

Washington will likely make moves to fill out its cornerback room, but the front office has just under two weeks to address the position before the team's season opener.

If the Commanders aren't active on waiver claims or the trade market for cornerbacks, they will have to bargain-bin shop on the late-offseason free-agent market.

Cowboys Waive Backup RBs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Jaydon Blue

Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah competed with Malik Davis for the No. 2 running back position. The young ball-carriers lost the battle and their roster spots.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler noted that Blue had "character concerns" in his pre-draft evaluation coming out of Texas. The Cowboys waived the 2025 fifth-round pick after one season.

Dallas selected Mafah in the seventh round of the same draft. He recorded two receptions for 11 yards in addition to five rush attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown last season.

According to ESPN's Todd Archer, Dallas also waived Israel Abanikanda. 

The Cowboys will likely add multiple running backs to their practice squad. Still, they need Javonte Williams to stay healthy. Davis has been solid for fill-in duty, but he's logged just 90 carries for 411 yards and three touchdowns in four seasons.

Eagles, Falcons, Steelers and Vikings Keep 4 Quarterbacks

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Mason Rudolph (2), Drew Allar (16), Aaron Rodgers (8) and Will Howard (18)

Four teams kept a quartet of quarterbacks.

The Atlanta Falcons' situation makes sense because Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. have extensive injury histories. It's possible they could start three or four different signal-callers this year. Journeyman Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand could see the field.

You can make a case as to why the Pittsburgh Steelers should keep four quarterbacks. They know 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers will retire after the 2026 season, and Mason Rudolph will be a free agent next year.

Rudolph is veteran insurance for Rodgers this year while the team develops rookie third-rounder Drew Allar and Will Howard, who sat out his rookie year because of a fractured pinkie on his throwing hand. In 2027, Allar and Howard can battle for the starting position.

The Vikings have an unsettled quarterback group. Kyler Murray is on a one-year deal, and he's played through just one full season over the last five years. Carson Wentz is also on a one-year deal. As a rookie last year, Max Brosmer appeared in seven games (made two starts). He threw four interceptions and zero touchdown passes. 

J.J. McCarthy suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 of the preseason, which sidelined him for the team's last exhibition game. Despite being a 2024 first-round pick, his short-term future in Minnesota is uncertain after he lost the starting quarterback battle to Murray this offseason.

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, as relayed by Philly Voice's Jimmy Kempski, the Eagles sought a second-round pick for Tanner McKee in March. Given that McKee has made only two career starts, that valuation may have limited Philadelphia's trade options.

Philadelphia acquired Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers and selected Cole Payton in the fifth round of this year's draft, which crowded the quarterback room.

With Jalen Hurts entering the season healthy, Philadelphia's additions of Dalton and Payton crowded a quarterback room that already included McKee. Still, general manager Howie Roseman has a strong track record of maximizing roster value.

It would be an even bigger surprise if any of these teams kept all four signal-callers for the entire 2026 campaign.

Falcons Release OT Wanya Morris

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Wanya Morris

In June, the Atlanta Falcons traded a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for Wanya Morris and a 2027 seventh-round pick. 

Atlanta didn't give up premium draft capital, but Morris could've provided depth behind Jake Matthews and free-agent acquisition Jawaan Taylor. Rookie seventh-rounder Ethan Onianwa and Michael Jerrell are the only other offensive tackles on the roster before Monday's waiver claims. Jerrell has played just 282 offensive snaps in two seasons.

With pocket passers Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. atop the depth chart, the Falcons could face a major concern in pass protection at tackle if Matthews or Taylor misses time.

Atlanta could be in search of an experienced veteran who's not subject to the waiver wire. 

Panthers Waive ILB Trevin Wallace

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Trevin Wallace

Trevin Wallace battled Claudin Cherelus for the inside linebacker spot alongside free-agent acquisition Devin Lloyd, who's coming off a Pro Bowl year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the end, Carolina went in another direction and signed eighth-year pro Bobby Okereke.

With 95 career starts, Okereke will likely take on a lead position despite his late arrival in Carolina. Yet it's a surprise that the team waived Wallace, who had a solid two-year run, logging 125 tackles, seven for loss, and four pass breakups in 25 games (20 starts).

Moreover, the Panthers selected Wallace in the third round of the 2024 draft, and he's only 23. At worst, the team could've retained him for depth, but Okereke's signing likely came at his expense. 

Steelers Release ILB Elandon Roberts

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Elandon Roberts

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Elandon Roberts, reuniting him with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. They worked together with the Las Vegas Raiders last season, but the linebacker's familiarity with the system didn't work out in his favor.

Former Steeler James Harrison was surprised by this move and also questioned it on X:

"I hope we don't regret this cause I didn't see this coming in a million years. 

"You telling me you brought this man in as a camp body??? Cause that's damn sure not what it sounded like was happening when he got here. 

"We gon find out quick if this was a good decision or not in Week 1 vs Bijan though." 

Roberts projected as a solid locker room addition in his second stint with the club, but the Steelers didn't have enough room for the 10-year pro who's been an above-average run defender.

Backup linebacker Cole Holcomb is in line to rotate with Patrick Queen and first-year full-time starter Payton Wilson.

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