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The NFL preseason reaches its final weekend with plenty of veterans facing uncertainty. Teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by August 30. That deadline will force difficult decisions across the league. Young players usually dominate the cutdown lists. However, several recognizable veterans could also lose their roster spots. Some have struggled during camp, while others face crowded position groups. A few veterans could still land elsewhere after their release. Others could return through practice squads or new contracts. Here are several veterans who could miss the final cut.
Odell Beckham Jr. Faces an Uphill Battle
Odell Beckham Jr. remains one of the biggest names on the roster bubble. The Giants brought him back in June for another opportunity. However, his preseason production has not stood out. Beckham has caught four passes for 23 yards across two games. The veteran receiver still shows flashes of his old ability. Yet, his recent injury history creates another concern. Beckham has not played a full season since 2019. He also missed the entire 2022 season after tearing his ACL. Now 33, Beckham needs a strong final push. The Giants also lost Calvin Austin III to a serious knee injury. That injury could improve Beckham’s chances of making the team. Still, his roster spot remains far from secure.
Mecole Hardman Could Lose His Buffalo Job
Mecole Hardman faces another difficult roster decision in Buffalo. The veteran receiver has not separated himself during preseason action. Hardman has also struggled with several drops. That creates a major problem for his roster chances. His return ability could provide his strongest argument. However, the Bills have tested Ray Davis as another punt return option. If Davis can handle those duties, Hardman’s value drops. Buffalo could then use his roster spot elsewhere. The Bills also have several younger receivers pushing for opportunities. Consequently, Hardman needs a strong final preseason performance. His experience still gives him value around the league. Therefore, another team could show interest if Buffalo moves on.
Michael Danna Could Become a Surprise Cut
Michael Danna faces a numbers problem with the Bills. Buffalo has significant depth along its edge-rushing group. Danna played 15 games for Kansas City last season. However, he recorded only one sack during that campaign. That production makes his roster position less secure. Buffalo could prefer younger players with greater upside. Danna still brings valuable NFL experience. He also understands the demands of playing rotational defensive snaps. However, roster construction often comes down to difficult choices. Danna could become one of those difficult choices. If Buffalo releases him, another team could quickly call. Pass rushers always attract interest when injuries strike.
Geno Stone Needs a Strong Finish
Geno Stone also finds himself fighting for a Buffalo roster spot. The safety struggled during training camp, according to NFL.com. Damar Hamlin reportedly outplayed Stone during Buffalo’s preseason game. That development could significantly affect the safety competition. Stone has previous starting experience in the NFL. That experience gives him an advantage over some younger competitors. Still, teams cannot keep everyone. Buffalo must decide which safeties provide the best overall value. Special teams could also influence the final decision. Coaches often use those roles when evaluating reserve defensive backs. Stone could survive the cut with a strong final performance. Otherwise, his roster status could become one of Buffalo’s surprises.
Sam Howell Could Lose His Dallas Roster Spot
Sam Howell faces another difficult situation in Dallas. Joe Milton III has reportedly established himself as Dak Prescott’s backup. That development could leave Howell fighting for the third quarterback role. Dallas must decide whether that roster spot provides enough value. NFL.com believes Howell could become a practice squad candidate. The Cowboys could instead use that roster spot elsewhere. Howell still owns NFL starting experience. That experience could attract another team if Dallas releases him. Quarterback injuries can also change roster decisions quickly. Therefore, Dallas might prefer keeping additional insurance. Still, the current depth chart puts Howell in a difficult position. He needs the final preseason game to change the conversation.
Christian Kirk Could Be in Trouble
Christian Kirk’s situation in San Francisco deserves attention. The veteran receiver has dealt with a lingering calf issue. That inactivity has hurt his chances during a crowded competition. The 49ers also added Deebo Samuel and saw strong play from rookie De’Zhaun Stribling. Kirk now faces a difficult path to the 53-man roster. His injury also limits his opportunity to make a final impression. San Francisco could release Kirk and potentially bring him back later. The practice squad could provide another route if he clears the process. Kirk’s previous production still gives him plenty of value. However, health and roster depth now work against him.
Aidan O’Connell Could Leave Las Vegas
Aidan O’Connell could become another veteran quarterback on the move. The Raiders added Kirk Cousins and drafted Fernando Mendoza first overall. That leaves O’Connell without an obvious path to playing time. NFL.com views him more as a trade candidate than a likely cut. O’Connell has already shown he can start NFL games. That makes him attractive to teams needing quarterback depth. Las Vegas could trade him instead of releasing him. A quarterback-needy team could offer an asset before the deadline. If no trade develops, the Raiders face another difficult decision. Keeping three quarterbacks could limit their flexibility elsewhere. His experience gives him a better chance elsewhere than many roster casualties.
Broderick Jones Has a Lot to Prove
Broderick Jones represents one of the most surprising names on this list. The Steelers selected him 14th overall in 2023. However, his preseason struggles have created serious questions. Jones underwent spinal fusion surgery after a neck injury ended his 2025 season. He returned for training camp after receiving clearance. Unfortunately, his preseason performance has not matched expectations. NFL.com noted five quarterback pressures and two sacks allowed against the Jets. That performance could affect Pittsburgh’s final decision. Still, offensive tackles carry enormous value around the league. Pittsburgh could also hesitate before moving on from a former first-round pick. His final preseason performance could prove extremely important.
The Cutdown Deadline Changes Everything
The NFL’s final roster deadline creates pressure for every team. Clubs must reduce their rosters to 53 players by August 30. That means roughly 1,184 players could lose their roster spots. Many will eventually find another opportunity through practice squads. Veterans face a different process from younger players in some situations. Players with four accrued seasons can become immediately available after release. That rule could benefit veterans who miss the final cut. They can negotiate directly with other teams instead of waiting through waivers. Therefore, a roster cut does not always end a player’s season.
It can instead create a new opportunity. Beckham, Hardman, Danna, Stone, Howell, Kirk, O’Connell, and Jones all face uncertainty. Each veteran brings a different skill set and career history. Ultimately, teams must prioritize current production over reputation. That reality makes final roster cuts so difficult. The next few days could produce several surprising moves. More importantly, some familiar NFL names could soon begin looking for new homes.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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