2025 NFL Roster Cuts Complete: Key Moves, Trade Rumors, and Potential Team Reunions Ahead of Season Kickoff
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all 32 teams finalized their 53-man rosters by the NFL’s cutdown deadline on August 26, 2025. This slate of roster cuts and trades not only narrowed teams to their final active rosters but also set the stage for potential player reunions, intriguing trade rumors, and a flurry of activity in free agency and waiver claims.
Finalized Cuts and Notable Player Releases
Each team was tasked with trimming their rosters from offseason highs of up to 90 players down to 53, resulting in hundreds of players being waived or released. Some of the noteworthy moves across the league included:
- Dallas Cowboys cut several familiar names including OL La’el Collins, OG Nick Broeker, and CB Christian Matthew.
- Las Vegas Raiders</strong notably released a large group including receivers Marquez Callaway and Phillip Dorsett, plus starting linebacker Jaylon Smith and multiple defensive linemen.
- Kansas City Chiefs</strong parted ways with QB Bailey Zappe, a former New England Patriots backup.
- The Detroit Lions made a notable quarterback cut by releasing Hendon Hooker.
- The Philadelphia Eagles</strong released a mix of players including QB Kyle McCord and OL Kenyon Green.
These cuts reflect both a shift toward younger talent and teams moving on from veterans who no longer fit roster plans or salary cap structures[4][5].
High-Profile Trades and Quarterback Moves
One of the most notable early moves was the Cleveland Browns’ trade of QB Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. This trade was part of the Browns’ effort to clear the way for rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders to back up Joe Flacco this season. For Pickett, the trade offers a clearer path to the No. 2 quarterback role in Las Vegas after being squeezed out in Cleveland’s crowded QB room[2].
Additionally, several veteran quarterbacks were released or cut loose across the league, including John Wolford (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Bailey Zappe (Kansas City Chiefs). These QBs now represent some of the top available options for teams looking to add depth at the position ahead of Week 1[2][3].
Rumored Reunions and Potential Signings
The final roster cutdowns often lead to unexpected player reunions as teams look to add veteran experience or fill sudden roster gaps. Among the most intriguing rumors circulating:
- Minnesota Vikings have reportedly expressed interest in bringing back veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen as an experienced last-minute wideout when finalizing their depth chart.
- New York Jets may consider adding QB Mike White, who was released by the Buffalo Bills after competing for a backup quarterback spot. White spent four prior seasons with the Jets and has familiarity with the system, which could prove valuable given Tyrod Taylor’s injury concerns and advancing age[1].
- Houston Texans</strong are rumored to be targeting running back Cam Akers, who was cut during roster trimming. His familiarity with the Texans system could make for a smooth transition[1].
Such reunions combine the teams’ need for reliable, known commodities with player familiarity and nostalgia, which can drive faster chemistry during the critical early weeks of the season[1].
What’s Next for Released Players?
While many hopefuls’ journeys end at cutdown day, several players will continue to chase NFL careers on practice squads or via new team signings. Teams will scour the waiver wire and free agent market in the coming days to address injuries or weaknesses discovered during preseason.
As of August 26 evening, over 1,000 NFL players have been waived or released, marking this as one of the most significant roster transaction days of the year. It signals a critical juncture as teams pivot toward the rigors of the regular season with their finalized squads firmly in place[3][4][5].
Looking Ahead
The 2025 NFL season opener is now just weeks away, with teams making last adjustments to their rosters and depth charts. Fans can expect some last-minute pickups from the pool of released players and follow the progress of rumored reunions such as the Vikings with Thielen or Jets with White. The regular season promises to be shaped not just by headline signings but by the strategic roster moves made in these final weeks.