Which notable NFL players were among the biggest surprises of the 2026 roster cuts?
Even if their teams have cut them, these players can still sign with another team now or during the season
The 2026 NFL preseason is over and now we are just days away from the season opener in a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots that this year will take place on a Wednesday instead of the traditional Thursday.
The reason for the shift is that Thursday features the first regular-season game in NFL history hosted in Australia , and due to the significant time zone difference, although the matchup kicks off locally on Friday, it lands on Thursday night back in the United States.
Surprise NFL Roster Cuts for the 2026 Season
Over the weekend, all 32 franchises finalized their initial 53-player rosters for the regular season, trimming down from the summer limit of 90 players. This massive contraction meant over 1,000 players were released , waived, or given injury designations, forcing veterans and former draft picks to look for work elsewhere.
While a fraction of these players will bounce back onto practice squads, many face an uncertain future. Several high-profile names caught analysts off guard by landing on the unemployment line:
Will Levis (QB): Selected 33rd overall in the 2023 draft , Levis started 21 games compiling a 5-16 record . After missing the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, the Titans parted ways with the quarterback, who finishes his tenure in Tennessee with 3,899 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 16 interceptions , and an 82.7 passer rating.
Evan Neal (OL): Drafted 7th overall in 2022 , Neal started 27 games exclusively at right tackle. Having missed the entire 2025 campaign due to injury , his sudden release stands out as one of the most shocking roster moves given his elite draft pedigree.
Jaydon Blue (RB): A fifth-round selection for the Cowboys in 2025, Blue finishes his initial stint having appeared in 5 games with 38 carries for 129 yards (a 3.4 average) and 1 touchdown , alongside 1 reception for 5 yards and 3 kick returns for 72 yards.
Dameon Pierce (RB): A fourth-round pick for Houston in 2022 who spent time with the Chiefs, Pierce has accumulated 419 rushes for 1,684 yards (4.0 average) and 8 touchdowns across 43 career games. He has since re-anchored himself onto the Eagles' practice squad.
Mecole Hardman (WR): Taken 56th overall in 2019 , the three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs has experienced a difficult time finding stable footing outside of Kansas City. Across 82 career games, he has recorded 178 receptions for 2,302 yards (12.9 average) and 16 touchdowns , alongside his 2019 Pro Bowl nod as a return specialist.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR): A veteran former fifth-round pick of the Packers who has since suited up for the Chiefs (winning 2 Super Bowls), Bills, Saints, 49ers, and Steelers, Valdes-Scantling was most recently cut by the Cowboys. Across 116 career appearances, he has hauled in 219 receptions for 3,686 yards (16.8 average) and 21 touchdowns .
