NFL ‘cut day’ 2023: how many players are cut in training camp?

It’s here! ‘Cut day’ is when dreams are realised... or nightmares come true. And this year it is slightly different for the teams and players involved.

The NFL approved several new rules, bylaws, and resolutions in March this year. More than a dozen proposals were given the green light, including that on changing to just one cut-down deadline. Let’s take a closer look at what that means.

NFL change to single ‘cut day’

One of the resolutions proposed this year aimed to change the process of reducing each team’s roster from the initial 90 players during training camp to the regular-season limit of 53. That means that one and only one cut-down day during training camp for rosters is reduced from 90 players to 53.

This proposal received widespread support, with 25 different teams, including the Buccaneers, backing the change, making its passage a certainty.

More insight: Waiving, cutting and releasing: know your options

In the past, the league required teams to trim their rosters on three separate cut dates, which was later reduced to two in recent years. However, the new resolution brings a significant change by consolidating all roster cuts into one, taking place on the Tuesday following the last week of preseason games. This year, the final roster cut deadline falls on August 29.

Allowing teams to maintain rosters of up to 90 players throughout the preseason offers several advantages: it grants greater flexibility during the latter stages of the preseason, as teams often rest established veterans to minimize the risk of injuries. Additionally, it provides more time for player development, which has gained importance due to the expansion of practice squads and the introduction of new rules allowing game day elevations of those practice squad players.

Good luck to everyone on the line!