NFL Cut Day: Levis, Hardman Among Biggest Names
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The NFL's annual roster cutdown day arrived on Sunday, with teams forced to pare their squads from 90 to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET. For many, it was a weekend of anxiety and disappointment. Some players will get another chance if claimed on waivers by Monday at 1 p.m. ET or if they land on a practice squad. For others, this marks the end of their NFL careers. Here are the five most significant players released.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis, once seen as a potential steal after falling to the second round of the 2023 draft, was waived. His NFL journey has been rocky: a 5-16 record as a starter, an 82.7 passer rating, and the arrival of 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward made him expendable. The Titans' instability didn't help—they fired Mike Vrabel after 2023, then Brian Callahan after a 4-19 stretch. In preseason, Levis completed 53.8% of passes for 200 yards with no trade interest. Despite the disappointment, Levis expressed gratitude, saying, "Very grateful. Ms. Amy brought me in here and welcomed me with open arms... I grew a lot in my time with the Titans and wouldn't trade the experience for anything."
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mecole Hardman, a Super Bowl hero from Kansas City's overtime win in LVIII, was released. The undersized receiver (5-10, 187 pounds) never built on that moment. In 2024 with the Chiefs, he had 12 catches for 90 yards. With the Bills, he had zero receptions last season and only four for 20 yards in preseason. His release shows that even championship moments don't guarantee job security.
New York Jets defensive tackle Mazi Smith, the 26th overall pick in 2023, hoped to revive his career after a disappointing stint with the Dallas Cowboys. The Jets acquired him in a trade for star Quinnen Williams, but Smith recorded no sacks in three games. After failing to log a sack in his first three NFL seasons, the Jets declined his fifth-year option and traded for T'Vondre Sweat. Preseason production (four tackles, zero sacks) sealed his fate. He was released Saturday.
New York Jets quarterback Bailey Zappe, who once started for the New England Patriots, was released after rookie Cade Klubnik outperformed him in preseason. Klubnik, a 2026 third-round pick, completed 61.8% of passes for 190 yards and one interception, while Zappe managed 60.3% for 135 yards and two picks. The Jets opted for upside over experience, though Zappe could return to the practice squad.
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue, a 2025 fifth-round pick, lost the backup job to Malik Davis after a lackluster preseason. Blue rushed for 94 yards on 23 carries (4.1 average), while Davis averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 12 attempts. Dallas waived Blue on Sunday, but his 4.38 40-yard dash speed could attract another team looking for a scatback.
Article commentary
The NFL's cutdown day is a brutal reminder that no player is immune to the business side of football. The release of Will Levis, a former second-round pick, illustrates how quickly a prospect can fall from grace. Levis entered the league with high expectations, but a combination of poor performance, team instability, and the arrival of a top draft pick made him expendable. His case highlights the importance of organizational fit—the Titans' coaching carousel likely hindered his development. Similarly, Mecole Hardman's release shows that even a Super Bowl moment isn't a lifetime pass. The league's 'what have you done lately' mentality is ruthless. Hardman's physical limitations and declining production made him a logical cut. Mazi Smith's story is one of unfulfilled potential. As a first-round talent, he never developed into the consistent disruptor Dallas hoped for. The Jets took a flier on him but quickly realized the same issues. This underscores the risk of trading for underperforming high draft picks—sometimes the problems are intrinsic. Bailey Zappe's situation reflects the NFL's constant search for upside. A veteran backup with limited ceiling is often sacrificed for a rookie with higher potential, even if the rookie hasn't proven more. The Jets' decision to keep Klubnik over Zappe is a long-term investment, not a reflection of current ability. Finally, Jaydon Blue's release shows that running backs are often judged on efficiency. Blue's average of 4.1 yards per carry in preseason wasn't enough to beat out Davis's 5.7. Speed alone doesn't guarantee a roster spot. The waiver wire will offer a second chance for some, but for many, this is the end. The Titans' decision to waive Levis also signals a new era. With Cam Ward as the franchise quarterback, the team is moving on from the previous regime's mistakes. The failed experiment cost the Titans two draft picks and development time—a cautionary tale for teams reaching for quarterbacks. For Hardman, his release raises questions about the value of specialized role players. He thrived in Kansas City's high-powered offense but couldn't replicate that success elsewhere. The Bills likely expected more from him. The waiver wire will be active Monday, with teams looking to fill holes. Some players might find new homes, but the reality is that most cuts are final. The NFL's roster mechanics are harsh, but they ensure that only the best survive. This cutdown day serves as a stark illustration of the league's unforgiving nature—a place where even stars can be discarded in the pursuit of improvement.