All 32 NFL teams cut their rosters to 53 players by Sunday, August 30 at 6 p.m. ET, closing out the 2026 preseason and setting the stage for the regular season. The deadline fell on a Sunday this year, which is unusual. The shift came because the San Francisco 49ers are scheduled to fly to Melbourne on Wednesday for their September 10 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, according to CBS Sports.
The timing created problems for at least two teams. The Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans both played their final preseason games Saturday evening, leaving their front offices less than 24 hours to finalize their rosters before the deadline passed.
In New England, the Patriots entered the weekend with decisions to make at several positions, including running back. After no clear winner emerged from training camp and the preseason for the third running back spot, the team traded for Corey Kiner. That move led to the release of Haasan Haskins, Lan Larison Jam Miller, and JaMycal Hasty, though Larison and Miller are considered strong candidates for the practice squad, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Patriots kept three quarterbacks: Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, and Behren Morton. Morton is expected to serve as the emergency third option on game days. At wide receiver, the team carried six players after trading Kayshon Boutte earlier in the offseason. Undrafted free agents Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon, and Cameron Dorner all made impressions during the preseason but were cut, and could factor into practice squad decisions.
At tight end, undrafted free agent Tanner Arkin earned a roster spot. After Julian Hill was lost for the season, Arkin stood out as an effective blocker and secured the third tight end position over veterans CJ Dippre and Jack Westover. Westover remains a practice squad candidate and can also play fullback.
The offensive line took a hit when Marcus Bryant was placed on injured reserve to start the season. The team responded by trading for tackle Walter Rouse to add depth alongside Caleb Lomu and Dametrious Crownover. Guard Ben Brown, who had been dealing with a health issue during camp, will not start the season on injured reserve, which the team viewed as a positive sign.
The Patriots are coming off a 14-3 season that ended with a Super Bowl appearance. Their initial 53-man roster reflects another offseason of significant roster construction under the current coaching staff.
Among the more notable cuts across the league, the Arizona Cardinals released linebacker BJ Ojulari and cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Kalen King. The Baltimore Ravens cut quarterback Austin Reed, wide receiver Chris Moore, and linebacker Kaimon Rucker. The Buffalo Bills released running back Frank Gore Jr., punter Mitch Wishnowsky, and safety Geno Stone. Carolina cut quarterback Kyle Trask. Teams now have the opportunity to sign players to practice squads in the days that follow.
