2025 NFL Roster Cuts Complete: All 32 Teams Finalize Initial 53-Man Rosters
The NFL’s annual roster cut deadline passed on Tuesday, August 26, with all 32 teams trimming their rosters from 90 players down to the league-mandated 53 players by the 4 p.m. ET deadline. This roster reduction, which plays a critical role in shaping teams for the upcoming 2025 season, led to the release or waiver of approximately 1,182 players across the league.
Each team was required to cut 37 players from their expanded training camp rosters. While the final 53-man rosters mark the official active rosters for each team, many released players may still find roles on practice squads. NFL teams can maintain up to 16 players on their practice squad, with a potential 17th spot if employing an International Pathway Program player.
Player Movements and Notable Cuts
The 2025 roster cut deadline brought several surprising moves and notable player releases. Quarterbacks such as Kyle Trask (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Clayton Tune (Arizona Cardinals), Tommy DeVito (New York Giants), Jake Haener (New Orleans Saints), and Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati Bengals) were among the notable quarterbacks cut from their teams’ rosters. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was released by the Cleveland Browns, while linebacker Isaiah Simmons was cut by the Green Bay Packers.
Other significant casualties of the cutdown included offensive lineman Kenyon Green (Philadelphia Eagles), cornerback Mike Hilton (Miami Dolphins), safety Mike Edwards (Kansas City Chiefs), and punter Cameron Johnston (Pittsburgh Steelers). These moves reflect the difficult decisions teams faced to finalize their active rosters ahead of the season start in less than two weeks.
Waiver Process and Free Agency
Players with less than four accrued NFL seasons—defined as six or more games on the active roster, injured reserve, or physically unable to perform list—must pass through the waiver process before becoming free agents. Teams had until noon ET on Wednesday, August 27, to place claims on waived players. In contrast, players with four or more accrued seasons immediately attain unrestricted free agent status upon release and can sign with any team at any time.
Practice Squads and Future Opportunities
Although players were released from the 53-man rosters, many will likely return as practice squad members or sign elsewhere in the league. Teams can add up to 16 players to their practice squads, which serve as developmental rosters. The International Pathway Program allows a team to add one additional player beyond that limit.
Teams are continuing to negotiate roster spots and contracts as they finalize the composition of their squads. The cut day also saw the Cincinnati Bengals restructure a contract with defensive end Trey Hendrickson to maintain salary cap flexibility while locking in key personnel.
Summary of Key Roster Cut Facts
- Each NFL team reduced its roster from 90 to 53 players by the 4 p.m. ET deadline on August 26, 2025.
- Approximately 1,182 players were waived or released league-wide.
- Released players with less than four accrued seasons entered the waiver system, with claims accepted through noon ET, August 27.
- Teams may carry up to 16 practice squad players plus one additional player via the International Pathway Program.
- Many high-profile veterans and younger players were affected, resulting in surprising cuts across all teams.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, teams will continue to tweak their rosters via trades, signings, and practice squad promotions. This most important roster finalization step sets the foundation for a highly anticipated NFL season kickoff.