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NFL 53-man rosters are set — who were the most notable cuts?

Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET marked the deadline for all NFL teams to have their rosters trimmed down to 53 players. Hundreds of players around the league are now looking for new teams. Some will be signed to different 53-man rosters, and others to practice squads. Let’s take a look at the most notable cuts that were made.

New York Giants release QB Tommy DeVito: The New Jersey local made a name for himself when he came out of nowhere in 2023 and led the Giants to three consecutive victories. The writing was on the wall for DeVito when New York revamped its QB room, but the 27-year-old is worthy to be on an NFL roster somewhere. In 12 career games, DeVito has thrown for 1,358 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. DeVito was claimed by the New England Patriots on Wednesday.

Cleveland Browns release WR Diontae Johnson: The last two years have been a whirlwind for Johnson, going from a productive player to not being able to make one of the worst offensive rosters in the league. The Browns were the fifth team that Johnson has been a part of since 2023. He may get another shot elsewhere based off his resume alone, but his chances could be running out.

Patriots waive OL Cole Strange: The Pats have given up on the former first-round draft pick after just three years. Strange has simply failed to develop, and he spent most of the 2024 season sidelined while recovering from a torn patellar tendon. A change of scenery with the Browns could do him good after signing with them on Wednesday.

Green Bay Packers release LB Isaiah Simmons: Selected eighth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Simmons never lived up to that status. However, he’s played well enough throughout his career to warrant being a rotational player, so his release comes as a bit of a surprise. The Packers signed Simmons during the offseason, but perhaps it just wasn’t a great fit. He shouldn’t have much problem finding a new team.

Pittsburgh Steelers release WR Robert Woods: The Steelers hoped that the veteran Woods had something left in the tank when they signed him this past spring, but he struggled to stand out during training camp and preseason. Woods has had a productive, if not underrated career, but the 33-year old could be on his last legs in the NFL.

Buffalo Bills waive RB Frank Gore Jr.: Gore was incredibly productive during the preseason, recording 104 rushing yards and 109 yards receiving. Unfortunately, it was going to be a tall task for him to unseat Ray Davis, who is one of the better backup RBs in the league, or Ty Johnson, who is an excellent receiver and pass blocker. Gore re-signed with Buffalo’s practice squad on Wednesday.

New York Jets waive WR Malachi Corley: New York is moving on from Corley after just one season, despite trading up to No. 65 to select him in last year’s draft. He appeared in only nine games for New York in 2024, catching just three passes. Corley signed with the Browns’ practice squad on Wednesday, but needs to prove that he’s serious about a career in the NFL.

Detroit Lions release QB Hendon Hooker: When the Lions drafted Hooker in 2023, some thought he would eventually take over for Jared Goff as the starting QB. However, Hooker failed to show progress, and Goff has elevated his game to a Pro Bowl level. Hooker is a talented dual threat QB who can still carve out a nice career in the NFL. He signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad on Wednesday.

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