53-Man Roster Predictions For Every Team: AFC

By
Logan Ulrich
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Over the next four-and-a-half weeks, all 32 teams will be analyzing their 91-man rosters in preparation for roster cutdowns on Sunday, August 30th. At that point, every team has to have a final 53-man roster that they will take into the season. 

This felt like a good time to take an initial look at that process, because it’s going to drive a ton of decision-making over the next month, including signings and potential trades. We’ll do this a little differently than some 53-man roster predictions you might see from the reporters covering your favorite team. You don’t need us to tell you that Drake Maye is going to make the team for the Patriots. But figuring out how many receivers they keep is a much more open-ended question. 

Buffalo Bills

Roster spots up for grabs: 7

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Still just 28 years old, Cushenberry has 80 starts under his belt and was a big free agent signing just two years ago. However, his market was quite cool this offseason despite a lot of teams needing help at center. He signed a guaranteed deal with Buffalo but it was for the minimum and he’s the clear backup. Weak demand for a notable veteran like that can sometimes indicate medical concerns. 

Bubble players

First five out

Position to watch: Defensive Line

Receiver is worth monitoring, too. This is a big training camp for Keon Coleman, and he could either get his career back on track or find himself traded out of Buffalo. However, the logjam up front on defense is messier, particularly with the unknown of a new scheme under DC Jim Leonhard. Going off of level of investment, whether draft capital or financially, the Bills have 10 locks at edge rusher and interior defender. Durant was just a fifth-rounder this April, and teams are reluctant to cut those. Solomon has been talked up and his speedy skillset fits the new scheme better than the old. Keeping both would mean going light at other positions, though. 

Miami Dolphins

Roster spots up for grabs: 16

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Miami is all about the youth movement this year, and Dodson doesn’t quite fit into that window as a 28-year-old in the final year of his contract who saw the team draft two (maybe three) players at his position. While the Dolphins theoretically should be able to milk some trade value out of Dodson, it’s possible they end up releasing him to give him a chance to find playing time elsewhere rather than drag things out. 

Bubble players 

First five out 

Position to watch: Cornerback

I can tell you first-round CB Chris Johnson will be one starter and that Jason Marshall, a fifth-rounder last year, has a strong lead to be the starting nickel based on how he’s been talked about this summer. The rest of the room is wide open. There’s a fascinating mix of candidates to take the last starting spot and depth roles, and it’s quite possible this is a spot Miami spends the whole season churning looking for long-term contributors. Another wrench in the dynamic is that Duck and Baker are both currently on the PUP list and it doesn’t seem like they’ll be back until midway through the season. 

New York Jets

Roster spots up for grabs: 5

Biggest potential surprise cut?

A fourth-rounder just last year, Smith was a deep threat in college at Georgia but ended up minimally used as a rookie despite injuries clearing the depth chart ahead of him. He played 38 percent of the snaps and had seven catches for 52 yards. Normally fourth-rounders get a little extra patience but there’s more competition in the receiver room this year. 

Bubble players

First five out

Position to watch: Quarterback

There’s a competition for the backup behind Geno Smith here, with fourth-rounder Cade Klubnik the leader in the clubhouse ahead of Cook and the journeyman Zappe. Cook got a lot of reps last year but showed why he’s likely more of a practice squad option. If Klubnik isn’t ready for the pros, the Jets could go after a more experienced option to give them insurance for Smith and a legitimate alternative if he struggles. 

New England Patriots

Roster spots up for grabs: 7

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Wallace is a former third-round pick who hasn’t panned out as anything more than a reserve so far, so “surprising” might not be the right word. However, the draft capital investment and the relative lack of depth along New England’s front qualify him in this case. 

Bubble players

First five out

  • RB Lan Larison
  • RB Jam Miller
  • RB Myles Montgomery
  • OT Marcus Bryant
  • OLB Quintayvious Hutchins

Position to watch: Running back

There’s set to be a wide-open battle for the No. 3 running back role in camp this year. This player won’t see the ball much on offense if Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson stay healthy, so special teams is the primary consideration. Still, injury rates for backs are high and it pays to have depth. Jennings has the slightest of edges as the incumbent given his experience last year, especially on special teams. Larison is a super-athletic second-year UDFA out of UC Davis who missed his entire rookie year on injured reserve. Miller is a seventh-round draft pick while Montgomery is a dark horse UDFA with some speed. 

Wide receiver is worth mentioning too because of the logjam of quality options the Patriots find themselves with. However, New England has some flexibility to keep all seven candidates if a trade for WR Kayshon Boutte doesn’t develop. Word has been that the Patriots were willing to take a fifth-rounder for Boutte since before the draft, and based on the early reports out of New England’s camp, it’s a missed opportunity for the teams that didn’t take advantage of that.  

Cincinnati Bengals

Roster spots up for grabs: 8

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Ford can play multiple positions and is Cincinnati’s most experienced backup lineman without a lot of clear alternatives. However, he had an opportunity to step into a bigger role last season and the word was the Bengals weren’t happy with how he approached that, falling out of shape. If that happens again, they could explore outside options for depth at tackle and roll the dice on younger, potentially hungrier alternatives. 

Bubble players

First five out

Position to watch: Defensive line

Determined to fix their defense once and for all, the Bengals poured resources into the defensive line this offseason, spending the No. 10 pick and a second-rounder plus $70 million in cash to add three players to a unit that already included two former first-rounders, another two former Day 2 picks and two former notable free agent signings. How it all shakes out for playing time and roster spots remains to be seen. The Bengals might like to keep everyone but practicalities could push them in a different direction. 

Cleveland Browns

Roster spots up for grabs: 10

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Zinter is a former third-round pick who the Browns would have loved to have become a long-term starting option for them at guard. It hasn’t happened yet despite the opportunity and Zinter faces an uphill climb this training camp with all the competition Cleveland added. Once again, surprise might not be the best word, but cutting a former third-rounder before the end of their rookie contract certainly would qualify as notable. 

Bubble players 

First five out 

Position to watch: Offensive skill

Broad strokes naming the position here, because there’s a lot up in the air on offense in Cleveland this year. For starters, they have four quarterbacks on the roster but teams almost never carry that many into the regular season. Gabriel seems to be the odd one out given he was prioritized by former HC Kevin Stefanski and not current HC Todd Monken. The Browns will try like the dickens to trade him and could carry him through cutdowns, but that means exposing someone else to waivers.

At receiver, Tillman has flashed in the past but might not have a home with how the receiving corps is set up currently since he does not play special teams. He’s another trade candidate but teams know the roster calculus here, too.

Finally, Ryan is a bit of a tweener tight end/fullback, and that could be an issue even though he was a draft pick. There’s even a battle at running back for the No. 3 spot, as Sanders doesn’t have that locked up yet even if he’s the frontrunner right now. 

Baltimore Ravens

Roster spots up for grabs: 6

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Vorhees started all 17 games for the Ravens last year. However, the additions of John Simpson and first-rounder Olaivavega Ioane showed how much the Ravens felt like they needed to upgrade their interior. Experienced offensive line depth is valuable; however, Vorhees can only play guard and teams tend to want flexibility from their offensive line backups. That could be something to watch as cutdowns approach. 

Bubble players 

First five out

Position to watch: Defensive Line

Baltimore has been cautiously optimistic about the medical status of DT Nnamdi Madubuike, who missed most of last season with a career-threatening neck injury. Getting him back would be massive. However, it’s still not clear when Madubuike will be back or what the Ravens will get from him if he does return. Baltimore reunited with DL Calais Campbell but he’s turning 40 on September 1 and is just a part-time player. Broderick Washington came up as a potential cap cut this offseason, although he was ultimately retained. This is a spot the Ravens could be active at during camp depending on performance, and that would impact some of the guys on the bubble.  

Pittsburgh Steelers

Roster spots up for grabs: 5

Biggest potential surprise cut?

The Steelers probably have to cut or move a quarterback. Unlike the Browns who also have four notable bidders for a roster spot, Pittsburgh is all in on contending in 2026 and needs the flexibility of that extra slot. It just remains to be seen who gets voted out. Rudolph is probably second in line to starting QB Aaron Rodgers because of his experience and backup quarterback is an important spot. But the team has also really talked up second-year QB Will Howard and just used a third-rounder on Drew Allar.

Teams fluff their guys all the time but the buzz on Howard has been notable and consistent, while third-rounders rarely get cut. It’s also worth pointing out Rudolph doesn’t have to pass through waivers as a vested veteran and at this stage of his career it’s been demonstrated that his value is higher to the Steelers than it is to the other 31 franchises. 

Bubble players

First five out

Position to watch: Running Back

Even though the Steelers drafted Johnson in the third round just last year, he’s already on the ropes after a dismal rookie season. He rushed 28 times for 69 yards and was not able to carve out a role in any other phase of the game to compensate. Pittsburgh signed veteran RB Rico Dowdle to reunite with his former HC Mike McCarthy and team up with starting RB Jaylen Warren, leaving Johnson as a clear No. 3 who doesn’t play special teams or passing downs. That leaves him vulnerable to players like Heidenreich and Homer who are a lot more versatile. 

Indianapolis Colts

Roster spots up for grabs: 9

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Indianapolis has maintained that it won’t outright cut Richardson even as both sides have worked to try and find a trade partner this offseason. So far that market has been cold. The two sides are also a long way away from the goals they had when Richardson was first drafted No. 4 overall — it’s unclear whether Richardson would even have the opportunity to compete with Riley Leonard for the primary backup role. That pushes him to No. 3 and some teams don’t like keeping that many quarterbacks on the roster. It’s understandable that the Colts want to hold out to salvage some semblance of trade value, and cutting Richardson doesn’t save any money either, but at some point both sides could just be ready for the next chapter. 

Bubble players

First five out

Position to watch: Offensive line

The left side of the Colts’ offensive line is rock solid. The right and the depth spots are far more up in the air. Matt Goncalves and Jalen Travis will get the first looks at right guard and right tackle, respectively. Fourth-rounder Jalen Farmer could be a factor at guard and Goncalves can also play tackle in a pinch. Beyond Farmer, the depth jobs are wide open with Freeland, Sills, Tucker, Tenuta and Morrissey competing for the remaining three or four slots. I have Morrissey on the wrong side of the bubble for now but he’s currently the only other true center on the roster, which is a point in his favor. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Roster spots up for grabs: 5

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Jacksonville’s backup quarterback situation sticks out and not in a good way when comparing against the rest of the league. Mullens has some experience and knows the system but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jaguars were prowling for a potential upgrade since Mullens could quite possibly be a practice squad stash. 

Bubble players 

First five out

Position to watch: Edge rusher

By virtue of his draft capital, fourth-rounder Wesley Williams is a lock for the roster and the frontrunner for the first edge rusher off the bench. Behind him, though, is an intense battle for the remaining one or two spots. Green and Striggow were pleasant surprises as rookie free agents last year, while Durfee was one of Jacksonville’s final picks. As another wrinkle, the Jaguars have three players for the “Jack” position (strongside linebacker) who could factor into the depth calculus for edge rusher: Dennis Gardeck, Jalen McLeod and Yasir Abdullah. 

Houston Texans

Roster spots up for grabs: 7

Biggest potential surprise cut?

  • WR Lewis Bond

Houston just drafted Bond in the sixth round and teams are usually reluctant to cut draft picks. He’ll need to make an impact right away, though, considering how deep the Texans are at receiver, especially if Tank Dell makes his return. If he can grab the punt return job, that would go a long way, but he had just six returns in live game action across a 46-game college career. 

Bubble players

First five out 

Position to watch: Linebacker

Veteran LB E.J. Speed tore his quadriceps tendon in the spring, and while the team has yet to place him on injured reserve, it would be challenging for him to play again in 2026. That creates a vacancy for the No. 3 linebacker in base defense and on special teams. Fourth-round LB Wade Woodaz and veteran Jake Hummel were added this offseason and probably will be on the final roster, but they’re less established than Speed, meaning the Texans need insurance. Mapu and Fisher were acquired this offseason, Mapu in a trade and Fisher in the seventh round. That could give them an edge over Hill, a former sixth-round pick going into his third season, but only slightly.

Tennessee Titans

Roster spots up for grabs: 9 

Biggest potential surprise cut?

It was a feel-good story last year when the Titans kept QB Cam Ward together with his favorite target at Miami his final year of college, snagging Restrepo when a 4.8-second 40 time tanked his draft stock. Restrepo quickly became a fan favorite and made an appearance off the practice squad late in the season. However, there’s a brand-new coaching staff and some intense competition at receiver, including players who are more athletic and versatile than Restrepo. 

Bubble players

First five out

Position to watch: Offensive tackle

The depth spots here are major question marks and there are some doubts long-term about both incumbent starters. The swing tackle job is wide open and it’s not out of the question someone not on the team right now ends up claiming it. 

Denver Broncos

Roster spots up for grabs: 5

Biggest potential surprise cut?

It was mildly surprising the Broncos re-signed McLaughlin this offseason given they entered the offseason wanting to improve the running game. Instead, they ran back mostly the same crew. McLaughlin is small but explosive and a success story as a former undrafted free agent. However, he’s a bit of a one-trick pony as he’s not a great third-down back or special teamer. That works against him in this process despite over 1,000 career rushing yards. 

Bubble players 

First five out

Position to watch: Linebacker

Denver enters the 2026 season with one of the most unique linebacker rooms in the NFL. They re-signed Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to start, but behind them it’s going to be an absolute free-for-all with a cadre of lottery ticket players. In addition to Murdock, Reid and Sanders, the competitors include Jordan Turner, Levelle Bailey and Taurean York.

Murdock was the Mr. Irrelevant pick this past April, Reid cracked last year’s roster as an UDFA. That’s enough to give them the slightest handicap, but everyone listed has a viable shot. Turner actually ended up playing the most last year after being promoted from the practice squad, Bailey has been developing for a few years, York was a surprise UDFA this year and Sanders is a former third-round pick who has had a tough run of injury luck. And of course, the Broncos could still go out and sign a couple of veterans and make all of this moot. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Roster spots up for grabs: 5

Biggest potential surprise cut?

It would gall HC Jim Harbaugh to cut a fellow Michigan man, but Colson has done very little since being drafted in the third round in 2024. He played 11 games as a rookie with just one start and 29 total tackles, then missed his entire second season. His draft capital will earn him some extra chances but he’s already burned a dangerous amount of his margin for error. A bad August could cost him. 

Bubble players 

First five out

Position to watch: Interior offensive line

The Chargers remade the interior of their offensive line this offseason to fit new OC Mike McDaniel’s scheme. One starting guard spot is up in the air as well as all of the reserve spots. Los Angeles invested a whopping four draft picks into its front five this offseason in addition to other free agent moves, and odds are not everyone is going to make the team. Of the two sixth-round picks, I like Harkey’s chances a little more than Taylor’s at this juncture. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Roster spots up for grabs: 10

Biggest potential surprise cut?

  • QB Garrett Nussmeier

This would qualify as a surprise on name value, as at this time last year Nussmeier was regarded as a potential future first-round pick. Instead, he nearly slid all the way out of the draft before the Chiefs stopped his fall. As they mull whether to keep a third quarterback on the active roster, the fact that all other 31 teams repeatedly passed on Nussmeier could factor into their thinking. 

Bubble players 

First five out

Position to watch: Cornerback

After losing both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason, the Chiefs put a lot of focus into reloading their cornerback room, trading up to take CB Mansoor Delane and double-dipping later with fourth-rounder Jadon Canady. They join holdovers in Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton, and the Chiefs added another wrinkle into the room with a late-summer reunion with L’Jarius Sneed despite signing Kohou and Elam. The competition for roster spots and jobs will be intense. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Roster spots up for grabs: 6

Biggest potential surprise cut?

Meredith started 19 games for the Raiders over the past two seasons, but his odds of starting another big batch of games aren’t great in 2026 barring an injury. Las Vegas has a new scheme and brought in a lot of new faces on the interior. Another factor working against Meredith is his $3.5 million salary on the restricted free agent tender that doesn’t become guaranteed unless he’s on the roster Week 1. 

Bubble players

First five out

Position to watch: Wide receiver

This looks like the biggest hole remaining on the roster even if the Raiders didn’t completely ignore it. Las Vegas has said so far it wants to give the players on the roster a shot, but I’d expect them to be on the lookout for upgrades for when their No. 1 overall rookie quarterback eventually makes his way into the starting lineup. 

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