2026 NFL 53-man roster deadline: Cut candidates, trade targets
NFL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- NFL teams must reduce rosters from 90 to 53 players by Sunday, resulting in about 1,184 players losing their spots, though some may join practice squads or be re-signed later.
- Notable players likely to be cut or traded include Bills edge rusher Michael Danna, WR Mecole Hardman, and safety Geno Stone due to performance and depth chart considerations.
- The Bengals may release DT McKinnley Jackson or Kris Jenkins amid defensive depth, while Browns WR Cedric Tillman faces a tough roster spot due to new additions and injury.
- Quarterbacks Sam Howell and J.J. McCarthy face uncertain futures, with Howell possibly ending up on a practice squad and McCarthy potentially being traded by the Vikings.
- Several veterans such as Odell Beckham Jr., Malik Harrison, and Christian Kirk are at risk of being cut due to performance, injuries, or roster depth, with some possibly rejoining teams later from practice squads.
