Players have long characterized the yearly cut deadline as both cruel and illuminating, eerily reminiscent of a rite of passage in which hundreds of people’s dreams are transformed in a matter of hours. The most intense roster turnover day in American sports occurred when NFL teams had to reduce their initial 90 men to 53 by the 4 p.m. deadline for training camps. This reality has been especially apparent in recent days, as once-celebrated celebrities have been left without lockers. However, history demonstrates that these layoffs are rarely the end but rather mark significant turning points that can remarkably effectively reposition careers in unexpected ways.
Tampa Bay’s decision to release Kyle Trask was noteworthy and not surprising. He was drafted as a potential Tom Brady successor, but after injuries and Teddy Bridgewater’s arrival, he ended up buried with fewer opportunities. The Buccaneers made the decision to prioritize immediate security and financial clarity, much like a business that trims a branch that no longer fits its structure. However, Trask, who is only 27 years old, is still a compelling case, much like Geno Smith was before he changed his career.
Hunter Renfrow’s departure from Carolina served as a reminder that strategy rarely triumphs over emotion. Renfrow, who is well-known for his accurate routes and for being Derek Carr’s go-to guy in Las Vegas, continues to exhibit characteristics that are blatantly obvious signs of dependability. But the Panthers are looking to the future with a rebuild led by their young players. His next signing is all but certain, as his release appears to be especially advantageous to playoff-caliber teams that yearn for a third-down guarantee.
NFL Cuts Today 2025 – Notable Player Releases
| Player Name | Position | Former Team | Career Notes / Background | Reason/Context for Cut | Potential Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Trask | QB | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Drafted in 2nd round (2021), groomed behind Brady, limited starts | Released with injury settlement after team signed Teddy Bridgewater | Could seek backup role elsewhere once healthy |
| Hunter Renfrow | WR | Carolina Panthers | Former Pro Bowl WR with Raiders, known for clutch slot receptions | Salary cap move; Panthers focusing on youth in receiving corps | Likely to attract interest from WR-needy teams |
| Hendon Hooker | QB | Detroit Lions | 2023 3rd-round pick, former Tennessee standout | Struggled in preseason, lost backup job to Kyle Allen | Signed to Panthers’ practice squad |
| Tommy DeVito | QB | New York Giants | Briefly fan-favorite in 2023, “Italian Stallion” story captured media attention | Giants stocked QB room with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart | Possible practice squad return or waiver claim |
| Desmond Watson | DT | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Heaviest NFL player ever at 449 lbs, undrafted free agent | Never saw preseason snaps; team wanted significant weight loss | Could be claimed as developmental project |
| Dan Skipper | OT | Detroit Lions | Fan-favorite swing tackle, 6’9 frame, played 7 seasons | Roster squeeze despite solid performance | Chicago Bears connection via coach Ben Johnson |
| Michael Gallup | WR | Washington Commanders | 2018 draft pick, former Cowboys standout, attempted comeback after 2024 retirement | Limited preseason impact (4 catches, 40 yards) | Future uncertain; may pursue practice squad |
| Mike Hilton | CB | Miami Dolphins | Veteran slot corner, known for blitzing and consistency | Squeezed out by rookie Jason Marshall Jr. and signing of Rasul Douglas | Free agent; teams needing slot depth may sign |
| Kenyon Green | G | Philadelphia Eagles | First-round pick (2022), once considered cornerstone OL prospect | Performance issues and injuries derailed progress | Could be reclamation project for rebuilding team |
| Trent Brown | OT | Houston Texans | Veteran tackle, Super Bowl champ, long-time starter | Cap casualty, team shifting OL strategy | Still valuable veteran depth for contender |
The release of Hendon Hooker from Detroit was arguably the most poignant moment. Supporters had hoped that the young quarterback, who was adored at Tennessee for his composure and tenacity, would develop into Jared Goff’s replacement. Rather, his confidence was shaken and his rhythm was poor during the preseason. Detroit’s selection of Kyle Allen suggested pragmatism, but Hooker was swiftly taken by Carolina, indicating that patience might still pay off.
The improbable cult hero of the Giants’ 2023 season, Tommy DeVito, was also lost. Based on interviews from pizza shops and unexpected beginnings, his story is still a folktale about tenacity. However, his role became unnecessary with the arrival of Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson. For supporters, it served as yet another reminder that while football stardom can come and go, DeVito’s marketability and status as a local legend guarantee that he will probably make a comeback, if only as a practice squad insurance policy.
There is something fascinating about Desmond Watson’s story. At 449 pounds, he was heralded as a walking spectacle — the heaviest player ever signed in league history. Tampa Bay hoped conditioning would refine him, but his lack of playing time revealed the risks of waiting. But for another team, Watson is a highly adaptable project: a player with uncommon raw size, a lot of unrealized potential, and a story that could become an inspirational tale if discipline can catch up to talent.
The Lions’ decision to release Dan Skipper was equally moving. He was a 6-foot-9 fan favorite who frequently received cheers when he lined up as an eligible receiver. His dismissal brought to light the harsh fact that, in the chaos of roster calculations, even highly dependable veterans are expendable. Connections do matter, though, as his former coach Ben Johnson of Chicago may be able to revitalize his career in a remarkably familiar offensive scheme.
In Washington, Michael Gallup’s comeback attempt came to a quiet end. Once a dynamic Cowboy, he had battled injuries before walking away from the sport. His four preseason catches suggested flashes, but not enough. Gallup’s story feels like a reminder that athletic primes are unforgivingly short, yet his effort, deeply respected, may lead to one final shot elsewhere.
Miami’s decision to move on from Mike Hilton surprised many. A slot corner who built his name as a blitzer in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, Hilton’s dependable presence was extremely reliable during his prime. Yet the Dolphins’ faith in Jason Marshall Jr., along with Rasul Douglas’ arrival, squeezed him out. His market value, however, ensures he won’t stay unemployed for long.
Perhaps the most emblematic of this cut cycle was Philadelphia’s release of Kenyon Green. His decline is a clear example of how injuries can sabotage potential. He was selected in the first round and was hailed as a franchise guard. However, the NFL has frequently demonstrated that linemen can find new homes quickly after receiving the right rehabilitation, especially as depth becomes crucial during a demanding season.
Lastly, the business side of the sport was best exemplified by Trent Brown’s exit from Houston. Despite being a huge presence and a Super Bowl champion, he was fired primarily due to financial scheming. However, his skill set is still very effective, and his body of work is still incredibly durable. In the same way that Jason Peters once rebranded himself as an elder statesman for rosters headed to the playoffs, it would be shocking if he wasn’t playing for a contender by the middle of the season.
Today’s NFL cuts went beyond simple subtraction when it came to roster construction. Streamlining rosters, releasing cap space, and giving younger players opportunities were all part of the recalibration process. A rookie is promoted, a practice squad is enlarged, and a dream is rekindled for each headline release. General managers influence franchises’ futures through strategic choices, frequently with repercussions that affect how supporters view their teams outside of the locker room.
