The NFL cutdown deadline hit the Buffalo Bills hard, with 35 players released! Ever wonder what happens next for these athletes? We’ve tracked where every single player landed, from practice squad hopefuls to seasoned veterans exploring free agency. The twists and turns of roster building never cease to amaze, but did any of your favorites find a new home?
The arduous process of finalizing an NFL roster culminates in a flurry of difficult decisions, and the Buffalo Bills recently navigated this challenging period by paring down their squad to the mandated 53-man limit. Following their final preseason game and preceding the August 26 deadline, the Bills made significant personnel adjustments, releasing 35 players as they shaped their team for the upcoming season. These crucial roster moves set the stage for both immediate impact and future strategic planning for the Buffalo franchise.
In the immediate aftermath of these initial cuts, a substantial portion of the released talent found new temporary homes within the organization. Fifteen former Bills players were successfully re-signed to the practice squad, demonstrating the team’s commitment to retaining familiar faces and nurturing developing talent. This strategic maneuver ensures a deeper pool of players ready to step in should injuries occur or performance needs arise, providing essential depth that is critical over a demanding NFL season.
Among those who initially secured a spot on the practice squad was cornerback Daequan Hardy, a promising sixth-round draft pick from 2024. However, the fluid nature of NFL rosters quickly became apparent as Hardy was later released from the practice squad to accommodate the signing of an outside addition, highlighting the constant evaluation and competitive environment players face, even after securing a temporary role.
The Bills’ practice squad now stands at its full complement, bolstered by recent acquisitions. Defensive end Andre Jones Jr. and cornerback Jalen Kimber were signed on Thursday, solidifying key defensive positions. Furthermore, the inclusion of offensive tackle Travis Clayton marks a unique situation, as his NFL International Pathway status allows for a 17th member, providing an additional layer of development potential within the team’s infrastructure.
A notable aspect of this year’s roster cutdown for Buffalo was the lack of external interest in their released players. Of the 35 individuals cut, twenty-five were subjected to the waiver wire, yet every single player went unclaimed by other NFL teams. This marks the second consecutive year that no Bills’ cuts were claimed, a trend that could reflect either the team’s accurate assessment of talent or a league-wide perception of the available players.
Beyond the practice squad, some familiar faces from previous seasons did not rejoin the organization, presenting minor surprises. Neither tight end Zach Davidson nor wide receiver KJ Hamler, both of whom held practice squad roles in 2024, returned to Orchard Park. Their absence from the revamped practice squad signifies a shift in the team’s developmental priorities or the emergence of new talent deemed more suitable for the current scheme. Other former Buffalo practice squad players, offensive linemen Mike Edwards and Richard Gouraige, currently remain available on the open market, seeking their next opportunity in the league.
Meanwhile, veteran players like quarterback Mike White and wide receiver Laviska Shenault, who were also part of the recent roster reductions, currently remain free agents. Despite not immediately landing with the Bills or another team, these seasoned professionals are expected to generate considerable interest in the coming weeks as teams across the league continue to assess their needs and make further adjustments. Their eventual landing spots will be closely watched as the NFL season progresses.
