4 NFL players who could be surprise roster cuts

NFL teams are starting to narrow down their roster for when the regular season kicks in, and we have seen trades to help out teams, and players have started to be cut.

Several teams are grappling with difficult choices, and some players who fans might not anticipate being released could find themselves in different uniforms after the cuts. Here are four NFL players who might be let go this weekend.

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RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. | New York GiantsAug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) hands the ball off to running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Giants fans haven’t been thrilled with Tyrone Tracy’s play, and two plays that have John Harbaugh and the coaching staff frustrated are the missed block in Week 1 versus the Minnesota Vikings and, following that week, a fumble in the red zone versus the Miami Dolphins. Tracy is a good running back, don’t get me wrong, but with a new coaching staff, all jobs are on the line.

Harbaugh isn’t afraid to test his players for competition. No player has a locked starting role unless they have proved it, and with Najee Harris joining the room, how many running backs will the Giants keep on their 53-man roster? Tracy has shown some good moments in the preseason, but the missed block and fumble have overshadowed all of his good runs so far. 

QB J.J. McCarthy | Minnesota VikingsAug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

J.J. McCarthy, who could be more of a trade candidate, still could be cut. McCarthy hasn’t been able to help himself, and with Kyler Murray as the starter, can J.J. still compete to be the QB2? Teams may call on J.J. McCarthy to be their backup, but he could be a surprise cut, and teams may be interested in him.

The Falcons could use a QB if Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix don’t play well. Could a trade be in the works that the Vikings could work out, or will McCarthy be released?

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QB Will Levis | Tennessee TitansAug 3, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) goes through drills during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Will Levis was once viewed as the potential future for the Titans, but it is Cam Ward’s turn to try to shift the Titans back into the playoff race. Lots of changes with the team, with a new coaching staff and general manager, and now with the roster being trimmed down, Will Levis may not have a spot on this 53-man roster.

Cam Ward is their starter, and the Titans have probably seen enough of Levis’s game to show that he will not be on this roster, and they will choose the veteran Mitch Trubisky over him.

QB Andy Dalton | Philadelphia EaglesAug 22, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton (14) in the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images

The backup QB room for the Eagles is interesting, and one name that may be cut is the veteran Andy Dalton. The QB battle between Dalton and Tanner McKee favors McKee, who has looked better in the preseason and in practices. Eagles may look to cut Dalton to shorten their roster, and keeping three quarterbacks on their roster doesn’t seem likely.

Jalen Hurts is the starter, and even he has gotten some attention from the fanbase that he needs to play better. Dalton is a veteran, and teams could look into picking him up if the Eagles move on from him. He has jumped around the league and is still a serviceable QB.

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