Kyle Dugger and 9 NFL veterans who could be released on cutdown day

A handful of veterans and rookies have already been told they won't make the 53-man rosters of the teams where they spent the summer of 2025. More will follow.

The NFL's cut-down date is Tuesday, August 26 at 4 p.m. ET. That's when teams will make the almost-final touches on their Week 1 rosters, barring any late additions.

The 2025 offseason has already seen a handful of recognizable, if underwhelming, names hit the waiver wire. Former first round pick Lewis Cine's quest for redemption won't happen in Philadelphia. Jamin Davis was unable to play his way into a role with the New York Jets. Mike Hilton couldn't find a spot in the Miami Dolphins' secondary. They'll be left waiting to hear if an active roster spot opens up somewhere before likely heading to a practice squad if it doesn't.

Here are nine notable veterans who could join them in the unemployment line, brief though their stays may be.

S Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots

Duggar played like a foundational piece for a rebuilding team after being drafted out of Division II Lenoir-Rhyne. He had nine interceptions, 16 tackles for loss and 279 tackles as a rangy strong safety through the end of the Bill Belichick era and was rewarded with a four-year, $58 million contract in 2024.

However, he struggled in 2024 -- his passer rating allowed spiked to 124.8 and his expected points added (EPA) as the nearest defender dropped from a career best -17 in his breakout 2021 to 11.7 last fall. Those struggles carried over to the preseason, where new head coach Mike Vrabel has demoted him to third string behind defensive backs like Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson. Releasing him would save only about $1 million this season, but $26 million over the next two years.

EDGE David Ojabo, Baltimore Ravens

Ojabo had first round hype going into Michigan's 2022 Pro Day, where he tore his Achilles. The Ravens drafted him as a developmental play in the second round that spring and managed to get him on the field for 21 snaps -- and a sack -- that fall.

Unfortunately, he's been unable to maximize his potential from there. He's played only 16 games the last two seasons with one sack. His 8.9 percent pressure rate was soundly below average for an edge rusher despite six quarterback hits last fall. Adisa Isaac's elbow injury may have given him a reprieve on cut-down day, but without a significant improvement Ojabo's run as a Raven may be over.

WR Malachi Corley, New York Jets

Corley was supposed to boost Aaron Rodgers' return to the lineup as a 2024 third round pick. Instead, the 65th overall pick had three receptions as a rookie and has slid down an unintimidating depth chart under new head coach Aaron Glenn. His inability to outplay Arian Smith, Brandon Smith or Allen Lazard may have sealed his fate in New York.

CB Beanie Bishop, Pittsburgh Steelers

Bishop was found money in 2024. The undrafted rookie emerged as one of the team's most reliable defenders in the slot, giving up just a 79.7 passer rating in coverage in year one. But he may not get a year two thanks to the arrival of Jalen Ramsey, who absorbed his starting role and shunted him to afterthought. If the Steelers don't think he has the versatility to hold down multiple spots in the defensive backfield, he could wind up a priority addition for slot-needy teams after cutdown day.

OL Kiran Amegadjie, Chicago Bears

The 2024 third round pick was always going to be a project coming out of Yale. Injuries only made that learning curve steeper, and while he settled in for one start last fall he failed to showcase the raw talent that made him an intriguing prospect. With new head coach Ben Johnson overseeing a rebuilt offensive line, Amegadjie could be demoted to the practice squad despite his potential to play at either guard or tackle.

QB Hendon Hooker, Detroit Lions

Detroit drafted Hooker as a lottery ticket -- a big-armed college quarterback who'd miss most of his rookie season while recovering from a torn ACL. Opportunities for regular season snaps have been limited behind Jared Goff, but he was bumped down the depth chart by a newly signed Teddy Bridgewater last winter and veteran Kyle Allen this preseason. The Lions will hope he passes through to the practice squad in hopes of continuing his development.

RBs Clyde Edwards-Helaire, New Orleans Saints

The Saints' menagerie of misfit veterans already said goodbye to Cam Akers, who will probably latch on with the Minnesota Vikings for a stretch of competent football this winter. Edwards-Helaire could follow him after a disappointing 2024 tryout with the team (two games, 3.5 yards per carry) and similarly uninspiring preseason.

RB Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers

Wilson returned to the Bay Area after spending the last 2.5 seasons as a Miami Dolphin. While he remains a viable blocker and veteran presence, his yards per carry dropped to a mediocre 3.6 last fall. After adding Brian Robinson Jr. this preseason, there may not be a spot for the soon-to-be 30-year-old.

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle's revamped wideout room gave Valdes-Scantling an opportunity to stick with his fifth NFL team. However, the rangy deep threat has lost ground to fifth round rookie Tory Holton and could be on the cut line if the Seahawks can't find a potential trade partner for him. MVS averaged more than 21 yards per catch last season, but turns 31 in October.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kyle Dugger and 9 NFL veterans who could be released on cutdown day