The countdown to the final NFL roster cuts 2026 deadline is officially on, and several surprising names could be left off the initial 53-man rosters. NFL teams must reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on August 30, with the waiver-claim period ending August 31.
That means bubble players have only a short window to change their team’s plans. Some veterans are fighting for one final opportunity, while younger players are trying to prove they deserve a roster spot over more experienced competition.
Here are 10 surprising names at risk during NFL roster cuts 2026, along with potential waiver-wire targets fantasy managers and NFL fans should watch.
1. Odell Beckham Jr. — New York Giants
Odell Beckham Jr. remains one of the biggest names connected to the roster bubble. The three-time Pro Bowler has returned to New York, but his path to the 53-man roster is far from guaranteed.
The Giants have questions at wide receiver, especially after Calvin Austin III suffered a serious knee injury. However, Beckham has not consistently separated himself during the preseason and has reportedly not been heavily involved on special teams.
That could become a major issue when coaches make their final roster decisions.
Waiver-wire outlook: High-interest veteran if released.
2. Tyrone Tracy Jr. — New York Giants
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is another unexpected name to watch. His position became more complicated after the Giants added Najee Harris.
Tracy’s preseason mistakes have created additional pressure, while his increased special-teams work suggests the coaching staff is looking for another reason to keep him.
If New York decides the running back room can survive without him, Tracy could become an intriguing target for another team.
Waiver-wire outlook: Potentially strong target for running-back-needy teams.
3. Aidan O’Connell — Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback depth could create one of the more interesting decisions of NFL roster cuts 2026.
Aidan O’Connell has starting experience, but the Raiders now have Kirk Cousins and first-round pick Fernando Mendoza ahead of him in the quarterback competition. NFL.com’s analysis identifies O’Connell more as a potential trade target than a straightforward release candidate.
If Las Vegas moves him, another team looking for experienced quarterback depth could quickly become interested.
Waiver-wire outlook: More likely a trade candidate than a waiver player.
4. Sam Howell — Dallas Cowboys
Sam Howell‘s Cowboys future is another storyline worth monitoring.
Dallas has added competition behind its starting quarterback, and NFL.com’s current analysis suggests Joe Milton III has already done enough to win the backup role. That could leave Howell competing for a QB3 or practice-squad opportunity.
For a former starter, that would be a significant fall.
Waiver-wire outlook: Veteran quarterback worth monitoring after cuts.
5. Sam Williams — Dallas Cowboys
Sam Williams is perhaps one of the more surprising names on this list because of his draft pedigree and previous pass-rush production.
However, Dallas has a crowded edge group, and the addition of veteran Von Miller has increased the competition for defensive-line spots. The Cowboys may ultimately decide that another player offers more versatility or special-teams value.
A release would immediately make Williams one of the more interesting defensive players available.
Waiver-wire outlook: Potentially one of the most valuable defensive targets.
6. Christian Kirk — San Francisco 49ers
Christian Kirk‘s situation is being complicated by injury and a crowded wide receiver room.
Kirk has been dealing with a lingering calf issue, while Deebo Samuel’s arrival and the emergence of rookie De’Zhaun Stribling have changed the competition.
The 49ers could potentially release Kirk and look to bring him back later once he is healthy, making this one of the most complicated roster decisions of the preseason.
Waiver-wire outlook: High upside if healthy.
7. Cedric Tillman — Cleveland Browns
Cedric Tillman has also found himself in a difficult numbers game.
Cleveland has added young wide receiver talent, including KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, while Tylan Wallace adds another competitor. Tillman’s undisclosed training-camp injury has made his position even more difficult.
If the Browns move on, another team could view the former draft pick as a developmental opportunity.
Waiver-wire outlook: Interesting reclamation candidate.
8. Mecole Hardman — Buffalo Bills
Mecole Hardman brings valuable NFL experience, but his roster position is becoming less secure.
NFL.com’s analysis points to preseason drops and Buffalo experimenting with Ray Davis as a punt returner. If the Bills believe they have enough alternatives in the return game, Hardman’s role could disappear.
That makes him a name worth watching closely before the final deadline.
Waiver-wire outlook: Special-teams experience could attract interest.
9. Geno Stone — Buffalo Bills
Geno Stone is another veteran whose roster position has become uncertain.
Stone reportedly struggled during camp and was outplayed by Damar Hamlin in a recent preseason game. With only 53 spots available, Buffalo may prioritize younger players or players offering more special-teams value.
Waiver-wire outlook: Could interest teams searching for safety depth.
10. Roschon Johnson — Chicago Bears
Roschon Johnson faces a difficult numbers game in Chicago.
The former fourth-round pick has struggled to gain traction and could find himself behind D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai in the running-back rotation.
His limited production last season and questions about his role in Ben Johnson’s offense make him one of the more intriguing names to monitor during final cuts.
Waiver-wire outlook: Possible depth option for another team.
Why NFL Roster Cuts 2026 Could Be Different
The 2026 cutdown process is especially intense because teams have a shorter period between the final preseason games and the deadline. Clubs must get from 90 players to 53 by August 30, while the waiver process follows immediately afterward.
The final roster decision is also about more than talent. Coaches must consider special teams, positional versatility, injuries, salary considerations and roster construction.
That is why a recognizable veteran can sometimes lose a roster spot to a younger player who contributes on special teams or fills multiple roles. Recent team analysis around the league has highlighted exactly how important those factors can be.
What Happens After the 53-Man Cuts?
Being cut does not always mean a player’s NFL career is over.
Players with fewer than four accrued seasons are generally waived and can be claimed by another team. Veteran players with the required accrued seasons can be released and may have more immediate freedom to sign elsewhere.
Teams can also build practice squads after the waiver process, with the 2026 rules allowing 17 practice-squad players, including an international player spot.
That creates another opportunity for young bubble players who fail to make the initial 53.
Final Takeaway
The NFL roster cuts 2026 period could produce several major surprises. Odell Beckham Jr., Tyrone Tracy Jr., Sam Williams, Christian Kirk, Aidan O’Connell and the other names above all face different roster pressures.
The most important thing to remember is that a cut is not always the end of the story. Some players could be traded, claimed on waivers, released and re-signed, or placed on a practice squad.
With the final 53-man deadline approaching on August 30, NFL fans should expect plenty of movement before the regular season begins.
