The 2026 NFL preseason is over, and the regular-season opener is only days away. The season begins with a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, although the game will be played on a Wednesday instead of the traditional Thursday.
The schedule change comes because Thursday features the first regular-season NFL game hosted in Australia. Although that matchup will kick off locally on Friday, the significant time-zone difference means it will air on Thursday night in the United States.
Surprise NFL roster cuts for the 2026 season
Over the weekend, all 32 NFL franchises finalized their initial 53-player rosters, reducing their summer rosters from a limit of 90 players. More than 1,000 players were released, waived, or placed on injury designations, leaving veterans and former draft picks searching for opportunities elsewhere.
Some of those players will return to the league through practice squads, but many face an uncertain future. Several high-profile names surprised analysts by becoming available:
Will Levis, quarterback
Selected 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Levis started 21 games and posted a 5-16 record. After missing the entire 2025 season because of a shoulder injury, the Titans parted ways with the quarterback. He ended his Tennessee tenure with 3,899 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and an 82.7 passer rating.
Evan Neal, offensive lineman
Neal was drafted seventh overall in 2022 and started 27 games, all at right tackle. After missing the entire 2025 season because of an injury, his release became one of the most surprising roster moves of the preseason given his high draft status.
Jaydon Blue, running back
A fifth-round selection by the Cowboys in 2025, Blue finished his initial stint with five appearances. He recorded 38 carries for 129 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and scored one touchdown. He also had one reception for five yards and three kick returns for 72 yards.
Dameon Pierce, running back
A fourth-round pick by Houston in 2022, Pierce also spent time with the Chiefs. Across 43 career games, he has totaled 419 carries for 1,684 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, with eight touchdowns. He has since joined the Eagles’ practice squad.
Mecole Hardman, wide receiver
Drafted 56th overall in 2019, Hardman is a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs but has struggled to establish a stable role outside Kansas City. In 82 career games, he has recorded 178 receptions for 2,302 yards, averaging 12.9 yards per catch, and 16 touchdowns. He was also named to the 2019 Pro Bowl as a return specialist.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, wide receiver
Valdes-Scantling, a veteran former fifth-round pick of the Packers, has also played for the Chiefs, Bills, Saints, 49ers, and Steelers. He won two Super Bowls with Kansas City before most recently being released by the Cowboys. In 116 career appearances, he has made 219 receptions for 3,686 yards, averaging 16.8 yards per catch, and 21 touchdowns.
Source: www.marca.com
