NFL Cut Candidates: One Player from Each Team Likely to Be Released Before Week 1 (2025)

 NFL Cut Candidates: One Player from Each Team Likely to Be Released Before Week 1 (2025)

As rosters shrink from 90 to 53 players, tough decisions loom. Here's a team-by-team look at the most likely cut candidates heading into the 2025 season.

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills – WR Andy Isabella: Speedy but inconsistent, and with the Bills deep at receiver, his $1.2M cap hit and lack of special teams value make him expendable.

• Miami Dolphins – RB Salvon Ahmed: With rookie depth and a crowded backfield, Ahmed’s limited upside and $1M salary put him on the bubble.

• New England Patriots – TE Pharaoh Brown: The Pats added youth at tight end, and Brown’s blocking-first profile doesn’t fit the new offensive scheme.

• New York Jets – LB Chazz Surratt: Buried on the depth chart and offering minimal special teams impact, he’s a likely casualty of roster trimming.

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens – WR James Proche II: Once a promising slot option, he’s been outpaced by younger receivers and lacks return value.

• Cincinnati Bengals – CB Sidney Jones IV: Injury-prone and behind a wave of younger DBs, his $2M cap hit makes him a cut candidate.

• Cleveland Browns – DT Trysten Hill: Depth at defensive tackle and Hill’s inconsistent play make him vulnerable.

• Pittsburgh Steelers – RB Anthony McFarland Jr.: Speedy but hasn’t carved out a role, and the Steelers have younger backs with more upside.

AFC South

• Houston Texans – WR Amari Rodgers: With new additions and a crowded WR room, Rodgers’ lack of production puts him at risk.

• Indianapolis Colts – QB Sam Ehlinger: The Colts are set at QB, and Ehlinger hasn’t shown enough to justify a third-string spot.

• Jacksonville Jaguars – TE Gerrit Prince: Depth at tight end and limited preseason impact make him a likely cut.

• Tennessee Titans – WR Mason Kinsey: A fan favorite, but the Titans have added size and speed at WR, leaving Kinsey on the fringe.

AFC West

• Denver Broncos – WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: With a deep WR room and younger options flashing in camp, he’s likely out.

• Kansas City Chiefs – RB La'Mical Perine: The Chiefs have depth and versatility at RB, and Perine hasn’t stood out.

• Las Vegas Raiders – LB Curtis Bolton: Special teams value isn’t enough to secure a spot amid linebacker competition.

• Los Angeles Chargers – CB Essang Bassey: Depth and youth at cornerback push Bassey out of the rotation.

NFC East

• Dallas Cowboys – WR Jalen Brooks: With new additions and a stacked WR room, Brooks hasn’t shown enough to stick.

• New York Giants – TE Chris Myarick: Giants are shifting toward more athletic tight ends, and Myarick’s blocking-first profile may not fit.

• Philadelphia Eagles – RB Kennedy Brooks: Eagles have depth and versatility at RB, and Brooks hasn’t cracked the rotation.

• Washington Commanders – QB Jake Fromm: With a new regime and younger QBs in camp, Fromm’s time may be up.

NFC North

• Chicago Bears – WR Dante Pettis: Injuries and inconsistency have plagued him, and younger receivers are emerging.

• Detroit Lions – CB Chase Lucas: Depth at corner and Lucas’ limited impact make him a likely cut.

• Green Bay Packers – TE Austin Allen: Packers are loaded at tight end, and Allen hasn’t separated himself.

• Minnesota Vikings – LB Troy Dye: Special teams value may not be enough to keep him amid linebacker competition.

NFC South

• Atlanta Falcons – WR Frank Darby: Falcons have added size and speed at WR, and Darby hasn’t shown enough to stick.

• Carolina Panthers – CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Panthers revamped their secondary, and Thomas-Oliver hasn’t kept pace.

• New Orleans Saints – RB Darrel Williams: Saints have younger backs with more upside, and Williams’ role has diminished.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE David Wells: Depth at tight end and lack of receiving upside make Wells expendable.

NFC West

• Arizona Cardinals – WR Andre Baccellia: Cardinals have added youth and speed, and Baccellia hasn’t stood out.

• Los Angeles Rams – LB Jake Hummel: Rams are deep at linebacker, and Hummel hasn’t shown enough versatility.

• San Francisco 49ers – RB Jordan Mason: Despite flashes, Mason’s role has shrunk with new additions and scheme shifts.

• Seattle Seahawks – QB Holton Ahlers: Seahawks are set at QB, and Ahlers hasn’t shown enough to warrant a spot.

💡 Final Thought: These predictions are based on a blend of cap analytics, depth chart trends, and preseason buzz. Of course, surprises happen—some of these players may shine in the final weeks of camp. But for now, they’re walking the roster tightrope.