Here’s why 1,184 NFL players were suddenly let go in one weekend, explained in an easy way
Almost 1,200 players were cut by the NFL’s 32 teams over the weekend as they finalize their 2026 rosters. NFL pre-season teams can have up to 90 players, but by this Sunday deadline — the first since 2004 held on a Sunday — every team must trim down to just 53 players.
A total of 1,184 players were cut and now face uncertainty about their NFL future. For many, this might be the end of the road. But for over 500 others, there’s still hope. They could be picked up off the waiver wire or join one of the 32 practice squads being formed soon, giving them another shot with their current team or a new one.
CBS Sports explained, “Now that the cuts are done, teams still have chances to adjust their rosters. The first big step is the waiver wire this week. Players with less than four years of NFL experience who were cut will go through the waiver wire process, where other teams can claim them.”
This happens on Monday, followed by the creation of practice squads with room for 16 players plus one international player, giving them a chance to show what they’ve got and earn a new NFL deal.
Players with more than four years of experience become free agents right after being cut. They don’t go on the waiver wire and can sign with any team starting Monday, so expect a lot of new signings soon, CBS Sports added.
One player likely to get attention is quarterback Will Levis, cut Sunday by the Tennessee Titans. Drafted in 2023, he was behind Cam Ward and Mitch Trubisky but played 21 games before shoulder surgery ended his 2025 season early. The injury might worry some teams, but Levis is confident he can still become a starting QB in the NFL.
“I think you have to believe in yourself no matter your position,” said the 27-year-old after his last pre-season game with the Titans. “I read a quote, maybe from someone famous, saying ‘Everyone in the league here is a starter.’ You have to think like that. You could be called on at any moment and need to be ready. I’ve gained a lot of confidence during my time off, and I’m going to keep that mindset for my whole career.”
Other notable players waived include former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers cornerback Trevon Diggs, cut by the Seattle Seahawks, and veteran quarterback Josh Johnson.