The NFL’s annual cutdown day always brings its share of drama, heartbreak, and opportunity, and the 2025 edition was no exception. As teams across the league trimmed their rosters from 90 to 53 players ahead of the September 4th season kickoff, a whopping 1,184 players found themselves on the outside looking in. Yet for many, the end of one chapter simply marks the beginning of another. Nowhere is this more evident than in the flurry of waiver claims, practice squad signings, and strategic roster shuffling that’s unfolded in the immediate aftermath.
Perhaps the most intriguing subplot centers on the Washington Commanders, who find themselves at a crossroads with several key positions in flux. With offensive lineman Sam Cosmi sidelined for at least the first four games due to a torn ACL, Washington’s O-line depth has become a focal point. While the starting five remains solid on paper, the backups—George Fant and Trent Scott—may not inspire overwhelming confidence, especially with Andrew Wylie expected to slide inside to right guard in Cosmi’s absence. That’s why the possibility of bringing in veteran tackle Trent Brown, recently released by the Houston Texans, has gained traction. Brown’s experience could be invaluable if he can stay healthy, and he fits the archetype of the seasoned, versatile lineman that GM Adam Peters has targeted in his second recruitment cycle at the helm.
But the Commanders’ potential moves don’t stop there. The team’s lack of a true backup center behind Tyler Biadasz is an open concern, particularly after Biadasz missed time last season. Enter Cole Strange, the versatile lineman cut by the New England Patriots. Strange’s ability to play both guard and center makes him a logical contingency plan for Washington, offering the kind of positional flexibility that’s always in demand on NFL depth charts. As one league observer noted, “Strange could immediately fill the void behind Biadasz. The Commanders must be ready in case something goes wrong during the campaign.”
Meanwhile, the wide receiver room could see a shakeup following the release of Malachi Corley by the New York Jets. Corley, a Western Kentucky product who only recently turned 24, never quite found his footing in New York, managing just three receptions from six targets. Former Jets GM Joe Douglas had tried to move up for Corley on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, but the fit proved elusive under the new coaching regime. Now, with Corley hitting the open market, Washington is rumored to be eyeing him as a possible addition. “Perhaps a change of scenery might be enough for Corley to reach new heights,” one analyst mused, noting that his skill set could mesh better with the Commanders’ offensive scheme.
On the defensive side, cornerback depth remains a pressing issue. The Commanders have five corners on the roster, but as anyone who’s watched an NFL season unfold knows, it only takes one injury to expose a lack of depth. Jalyn Armour-Davis, who was recently released by the Baltimore Ravens after battling injuries last season, is a name to watch. Armour-Davis flashed in the 2025 preseason with an interception and three pass breakups, and he’s reportedly healthy again. While Tennessee swooped in and claimed him off waivers—thanks to their top spot in the waiver order—Washington’s ongoing search for explosive, long-term upside at cornerback is unlikely to end soon.
Elsewhere, the league’s annual roster churn has created a domino effect of signings and claims. The Kansas City Chiefs welcomed back running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who rejoined the team’s practice squad after a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints. Edwards-Helaire, a former first-round pick and two-time Super Bowl champion with Kansas City, brings 2,610 total yards and 19 touchdowns of experience back to the fold. The Panthers, meanwhile, added 14 players to their practice squad, including linebacker Krys Barnes and cornerback Shemar Bartholomew, reinforcing their depth as the season approaches.
Quarterback movement was another headline theme. The Bengals added Brett Rypien after his release from Minnesota, bolstering a QB room that already features Joe Burrow and Jake Browning. The New England Patriots claimed Tommy DeVito, formerly of the Giants, and Charles Woods, a cornerback from the Rams. Tyler Huntley, after being cut by the Browns, found his way back to the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad—a return to familiar territory for the former Pro Bowler.
For some, the cutdown day was a springboard to new opportunities. The Browns, with the second priority on the waiver wire, claimed cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse from the Jets and running back Raheim Sanders from the Chargers. The Titans, holding the top spot, were the most active, claiming four players including Jalyn Armour-Davis and DE C.J. Ravenell. The Vikings, facing early-season suspensions and injuries at receiver, orchestrated a trade to bring Adam Thielen back to Minnesota, hoping the veteran can steady a shorthanded group while Jordan Addison serves a suspension and Justin Jefferson works his way back from a hamstring injury.
Not everyone landed on their feet so quickly. Malachi Corley, who was labeled a “loser” of cutdown day by CBS Sports, now faces an uncertain future after his abrupt exit from New York. Yet with his youth and raw talent, it’s not hard to imagine a team like Washington taking a chance on him in the coming days. The waiver process, which prioritizes teams based on the 2025 NFL Draft order, gives struggling franchises a chance to add young talent at minimal cost—but also means players like Corley may have to wait and see where they land.
As for the Commanders, the coming days could bring a flurry of moves as Adam Peters looks to shore up depth and address lingering question marks. The offensive line remains a priority, especially with Sam Cosmi’s injury and the need for a reliable backup center. The secondary could see reinforcements if the right opportunity arises, and the wide receiver group may well have a new face if the team brings in Corley or another recently released pass-catcher.
It’s a period of high anxiety for players and front offices alike, but also one of hope and renewal. As the dust settles from cutdown day and teams finalize their 53-man rosters and practice squads, the NFL’s relentless cycle of competition and opportunity rolls on. For the Washington Commanders and the rest of the league, the next week will be about fine-tuning, staying healthy, and making those last-minute additions that can make all the difference when the season kicks off.
With the waiver claim deadline looming and the season opener just around the corner, all eyes are on the final roster moves—because in the NFL, every spot counts and every decision could shape the road to the playoffs.
