Who were the notable NFL cuts for the 2021 preseason?
For several NFL players, Tuesday marked the end of the line. Here’s a list of notable NFL players who were released as the cutdown deadline came.
The league's annual cutdown day forced teams to whittle down their rosters from 80 players to 53 in preparation for the 2021 regular season. There were plenty of other notable team moves on Tuesday in the NFL, headlined by Cam Newton’s release.
Here are some of the notable players who were let go throughout the league:
New England Patriots QB Cam Newton
Newton's release has probably been the most surprising move. Head coach Bill Belichick had previously said that Newton was "definitely moving in the right direction," when asked about his training camp. After a strong preseason, Mac Jones now becomes Belichick's first rookie to start at quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1993.
Tennessee Titans WR Dez Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick is leaving the Titans four months after he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL draft. He struggled to make his mark on the receiving corps in training camp and preseason.
Philadelphia Eagles WR Travis Fulgham
Fulgham finished as the Eagles' leading receiver last year. But with first-round pick DeVonta Smith coming aboard and Quez Watkins breakout in preseason, The Eagles decided to cut Fulgham.
Las Vegas Raiders WR John Brown
Brown requested his release and received it. “Smokey” signed a one-year deal with the Raiders in March after catching 33 passes for 458 yards in eight games last season for the Bills.
Houston Texans WR Keke Coutee
Coutee is out of the Texans despite catching 33 passes for 400 yards last season.
Cincinnati Bengals DT Mike Daniels
He started 11 games for Cincinnati, but the former Packers player was cut after the Bengals acquired B.J. Hill from the Giants.
Los Angeles Chargers K Michael Badgley
Badgley’s field goal percentage tumbled from 93.8% in 2019 to 72.7% last year. Tristan Vizcaino is now poised to take over kicking duties for the Chargers.
New Orleans Saints QB Trevor Siemian
The Saints released Siemian temporarily, as the New Orleans Saints plan to re-sign him once rosters settle after cutdown day, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. He would serve as the primary backup to starter Jameis Winston.
New York Jets QB Josh Johnson
The Jets cut Johnson less than a month after he was signed.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Collin Johnson
Johnson, who was a fifth-round pick in 2020, had 18 catches as a rookie. He could be an option for the team's practice squad if he goes unclaimed.
Chicago Bears WR Riley Ridley
The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons standout Calvin Ridley was released by the Chicago Bears. Ridley, a fourth-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2019, caught just 10 passes in the last two seasons.
Green Bay Packers WR Equanimeous St. Brown
The elder of the St. Brown brothers, who caught seven passes in 12 games last year, was cut by the Packers on Tuesday.
Washington Football Team RB Peyton Barber
Barber tallied four touchdowns last season, but he has been leapfrogged by undrafted free agent Jaret Patterson, who was one of the preseason's biggest standouts.
Detroit Lions LB Jahlani Tavai
Tavai started 10 games for Detroit last year and received a positive review from linebackers coach Mark DeLeone. However, Tavai couldn't latch on to the new regime of first-year general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell.
Miami Dolphins C Matt Skura
Despite the Dolphins signing the veteran blocker to a one-year deal in March, they decided to release him as they reshuffle their offensive line. The Dolphins also parted with linebacker Benardrick McKinney.
Dallas Cowboys QBs Garrett Gilbert, Ben DiNucci
The Cowboys decided to keep Cooper Rush and cut Gilbert and DiNucci, who each started a game last year when Dak Prescott was injured.
New Orleans Saints RB Devonta Freeman
The former Atlanta Falcons standout didn't make the cut in New Orleans after signing with the Saints earlier in August.