Notable NFL cuts at 53-man roster deadline: Will Levis, Evan Neal and Uar Bernard

Key Points:

• The NFL moved up the roster cut deadline to 6 p.m. ET Sunday to accommodate the Week 1 game between the 49ers and Rams in Australia, tightening the timeline for finalizing 53-man rosters.
• Notable cuts include DT Uar Bernard (Eagles), a Nigerian player from the International Player Pathway Program, and QB Shane Buechele (Bills), who made his NFL debut last season but was released after brief stints with the Chiefs and Bills.
• WR Mecole Hardman (Bills), a former Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, was cut after limited impact due to injury, while TE Justin Joly (Broncos), a 2026 draft pick, was also released despite a strong preseason performance.
• QB Will Levis (Titans), who struggled with injuries and competition for the backup role, and OL Evan Neal (Giants), a former top-10 pick dealing with production and injury issues, were among the high-profile players cut.
• Other notable cuts include DT Mazi Smith (Jets), once a first-round pick but inconsistent, OT Jedrick Wills (Bears), recovering from injuries and a year off, and QB Bailey Zappe (Jets), who struggled in limited starts despite record-setting college stats.