Surprising NFL Roster Cuts Include Will Levis and Jaydon Blue
As NFL teams finalize their rosters ahead of Week 1, many players have been released, leading to surprising outcomes. Each team must trim their rosters to 53 players, resulting in the end of employment for numerous athletes.
Among the notable cuts is Will Levis, who was the No. 33 overall pick just three years ago and was once viewed as the Titans' potential franchise quarterback. He lost his starting position to Cam Ward and fell behind two other quarterbacks on the depth chart. The Dolphins also made significant changes, releasing quarterbacks Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski after trading Quinn Ewers to the Jaguars.
Other surprising cuts include tight end Justin Joly, who was drafted by the Broncos but struggled during training camp, and running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah from the Cowboys, both of whom were selected in the previous draft. Additionally, the Colts faced criticism for trading Pro Bowler Zaire Franklin for Colby Wooden, who was subsequently cut. The Falcons released Wanya Morris, who they had recently acquired for draft capital, and the Steelers cut Elandon Roberts, a veteran linebacker. Jake Browning, a highly regarded backup quarterback, was also released by the Buccaneers, while the Vikings surprised many by cutting punter Johnny Hekker, opting for rookie Brett Thorson instead.
