NFL Teams Cut Veterans, Open Free Agent Market Nationwide

NFL teams completed roster cuts to trim down to 53 players ahead of the 2025 season, leading to several veteran players entering free agency. Notable veterans released include wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Kendrick Bourne, quarterback Desmond Ridder, and a former first-round pick who switched to safety, all seeking new team opportunities. Many of the released players are potential pickups either for depth roles or practice squads, with teams able to claim waived players according to the 2025 NFL waiver priority order based on the previous season's standings. Maryland football alumni saw mixed outcomes in the cuts, with 20 now on active rosters, including promising rookies like linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II and wide receiver Tai Felton making NFL debuts in the upcoming season. Some players who were waived went unclaimed and have been placed on injured reserve or released, while others remain hopeful for practice squad spots or are close to making final rosters. The NFL season is set to begin with the Dallas Cowboys facing the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4 in a Thursday Night Football game.