NFL teams release notable veterans to reach 53-man roster limits

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 2:13 AM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

NFL teams release notable veterans to reach 53-man roster limits
Summary

NFL franchises across the league finalized their active rosters on Sunday, August 30, to meet the 53-player limit for the 2026 season. Teams cut several recognizable veterans and former high draft picks as part of the league-wide transition. Notable quarterback releases include Will Levis from the Titans, Bailey Zappe from the Jets, and Nick Mullens from the Jaguars. Running backs Jaydon Blue and Trey Benson were also among the players released as teams finalized depth charts. These moves occurred less than two weeks before the scheduled kickoff for the first week of the regular season. Free agents are now eligible to sign with other clubs as organizations adjust their rosters for the upcoming campaign.

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Status Watch
  • NFL teams cut rosters to 53 players on Sunday, August 30.
  • Will Levis, Bailey Zappe, and Nick Mullens headline the released quarterbacks.
  • Trey Benson and Jaydon Blue are among the notable running back cuts.
  • Players released are now free to sign with other NFL teams.
  • The 2026 regular season begins in less than two weeks.
Latest Updates
  • 2:13 AMYahoo SportsNotable NFL cuts 2026: Will Levis, Jaydon Blue, Trevon Diggs and other big names from around league
What they're saying
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Here's looking at the most familiar names across positions who were released by NFL teams as part of the final active rosters cuts ahead of the 2026 season.

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