Joe Milton represents an intriguing option for quarterback-needy teams following his surprise release by the Cowboys
Joe Milton represents an intriguing option for quarterback-needy teams following his surprise release by the Cowboys
With the regular season on the horizon, NFL teams were forced to make some difficult decisions ahead of finalizing their rosters, with surprising names becoming free agents around the league
There were some notable cuts as NFL teams finalized their roster for the 2026 season.
Each year, at the end of training camp and the preseason, NFL rosters are confirmed. Each of the 32 teams must trim their rosters down to 53 players, so while the best in the league will feature on Sundays, others have missed out on a spot.
On August 30, the dreams of many aspiring NFL stars are snuffed out as organizations act in their own best interests. While two are plotting their return to college football as a result, over 1,200 players are estimated to have seen their NFL journeys come to an end, and some are more notable and surprising cuts than others.
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Here are some of the most surprising cut decisions made by NFL teams across the league:
1 of 10
Joe Milton, QB (Dallas Cowboys)
Last year, the Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick for Joe Milton — and the quarterback impressed in preseason. He completed 29 of 43 passes (67.4%) for 378 yards and three touchdowns while adding a touchdown on the ground, earning praise from Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer for his showing. But with Sam Howell backing up Dak Prescott, the Cowboys surprisingly decided to move on from the 26-year-old, who boasts exceptional arm strength.
(Image:Getty Images)
5 of 10
Johnny Hekker, P (Minnesota Vikings)
Over his 14-year NFL career, Johnny Hekker established himself as one of the premier punters in the NFL. He is a four-time first-team All-Pro, but the 36-year-old was unable to beat out rookie Brett Thorson in Minnesota. Hekker has averaged 46.8 yards per punt and 42.7 net yards across his career, so he will likely land elsewhere.
(Image:Getty Images)
8 of 10
Ben Brown, OL (New England Patriots)
Having signed for the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Ben Brown impressively became a reliable backup for the AFC East franchise. Brown appeared in 27 games with 14 starts for the Patriots over the last two seasons, and did not allow a sack across 329 snaps played in 2025. He has since re-signed for the Pats’ practice squad.
(Image:Getty Images)