NFL rosters are trimming to 53 players.
With three rounds of preseason games in the books, teams are analyzing which players are worth keeping, while others look for new homes or join a practice squad.
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WATCH HERESeveral quarterbacks were released, such as Kyle Trask, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, and Nick Mullens, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Former first-round picks on both sides of the ball also couldn't secure their respective spots.
Let's look at the notable names that were released on cut day Sunday:
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QB Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
The Levis days are done in Tennessee. A popular 2023 second-round pick, Levis never fully developed after starting in 2024, where he threw 13 touchdowns and 12 picks in 12 games. Cam Ward's arrival as the No. 1 overall pick in 2025 moved Levis down the ladder, so the 27-year-old QB will look for a new home.
DT Mazi Smith, New York Jets
After being involved in the Dallas Cowboys' trade for Quinnen Williams last season, the Jets are moving on from the 25-year-old Smith. A 2023 first-round pick, Smith broke out in 2024 but ended up not doing enough to convince New York early in his tenure. Time will tell how the decision unfolds.
OT Evan Neal, New York Giants
It's a tough fall for a former first-round pick. The Giants took Neal as the No. 7 overall pick in 2022, but the 6-foot-7 offensive lineman just didn't pan out. He re-signed with the team this spring, but ultimately couldn't make it stick in the Big Apple.
WR Mecole Hardman Jr., Buffalo Bills
Hardman Jr. is having a tough time finding a new home that isn't in Kansas City. This time, it is the Bills that are letting the speedy receiver go. A second-round pick in 2019, Hardman Jr. was a steady contributor for his first four seasons as a Chief, but it just hasn't worked anywhere else.
DT McKinnley Jackson, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are moving on from a once-promising defensive tackle they drafted in the third round in 2024. Jackson played 13 games as a rookie in Cincinnati's rotation, totaling 15 tackles and 2.5 stuffs. But his sophomore season was underwhelming, thus paving the way for this decision.
LB BJ Ojulari, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona is moving on from a second-round pick in 2023. Linebacker/EDGE BJ Ojulari was one of the key cuts, as the 24-year-old hasn't bounced back after suffering an ACL tear in 2024. He had a promising rookie season in 2023, where he logged 40 tackles and four sacks in 17 games.
