The Dallas Cowboys just hit their 53-player regular-season roster limit, and the path to get there involved cutting a whopping 35 players. It was a tough day for a lot of guys, but two names really jump out as surprising moves: Navajo guard Shiyazh Pete and tailback Jaydon Blue.
Who Got the Axe and Who Could Stick Around?
Blue’s cut is a head-scratcher, especially after he scored the first touchdown of a game back on January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford. That’s a playmaker you usually want to keep around! Pete, who was just at training camp in Oxnard on July 29, 2026, also found himself on the outside looking in, despite being a prominent name for the team. This kind of roster churn is brutal, and these guys are now immediate free agents, meaning any team in the league can swoop in and add them to their 53-player roster or sign them to their practice squads.
The Cowboys made some other big decisions across the board too. Running backs Israel Abanikanda, Phil Mafah, and Jashaun Corbin are out. At wide receiver, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Anthony Smith, Denzel Mims, Jordan Hudson, Tyler Johnson, Jaden Smith, and Traeshon Holden were cut. Tight ends Michael Trigg, Zack Kuntz, and Mitch Van Vooren are gone. The offensive line saw Ajani Cornelius, Trevor Keegan, Marcellus Johnson, Chris Glaser, Nick Leverett, DJ Wingfield, and Sebastian Gutierrez also get cut alongside Pete.
On defense, edge rushers Adedayo Odeleye, Tyrus Wheat, Isaiah Land, and Jay Toia are out. The interior defensive line cut Tommy Dunn, DJ Withers, and Kelvin Gilliam, plus Toia again. Linebackers Justin Barron and Langston Patterson are gone. Cornerbacks Reddy Steward, Josh Butler, Trikweze Bridges, Caelen Carson, Derion Kendrick, and Zion Childress got the news. Nickel back Ameer Speed and safeties Markquese Bell and Alijah Clark also found themselves without a spot.
What Happens Next For These Guys?
The good news is that not all hope is lost for many of these players. Starting Monday, August 31, at 11 a.m. MT/noon CT, the Cowboys can sign 16 of these guys to their practice squad. Every team can keep 16 practice squad players, plus a 17th from the international pathway program, though Dallas didn’t have one from their 90-player camp roster. That still leaves a lot of opportunity.
Some of the top candidates for a practice squad return include running back Phil Mafah, wide receivers Anthony Smith and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and tight end Michael Trigg. On the offensive line, Ajani Cornelius, Trevor Keegan, Marcellus Johnson, and Shiyazh Pete are all in the mix. Edge rushers Adedayo Odeleye, Tyrus Wheat, and Isaiah Land could be back, along with defensive linemen Tommy Dunn, DJ Withers, and Jay Toia. Linebacker Justin Barron, cornerbacks Trikweze Bridges and Caelen Carson, safeties Markquese Bell and Alijah Clark, and nickel back Ameer Speed are also strong possibilities.
It’s a crazy time in the NFL, with player movement happening fast. Keep an eye out starting tomorrow to see who lands where. These guys are fighting for their careers, and some team is gonna get a steal.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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