Surprise moves we didn’t see coming (UPDATED)

On NFL roster cuts day, teams must trim their rosters down to 53 players. 4 p.m. ET is the deadline, meaning by then, your favorite team could be without several familiar faces. 

NFL cut day rarely includes any major surprises, but there are always a few veterans that most of us thought would be included on the 53-man roster. With that in mind, we’ll try and track the biggest, mind-blowing decisions that will make your inner GM crawl.

The NFL Draft is the first offseason event that puts veterans on notice. If a player is drafted highly at your position, that means you need to show out in training camp. Should they fail to do so, then it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re on this list.

NFL roster cuts tracker: Most surprising moves

• Chiefs cut Josh Gordon: Kansas City’s receiving corps is getting younger, and more diverse. A player like Gordon is a nice asset to have, but he’s past his prime.
• Browns cut Josh Rosen: While he’s a former top-15 selection, Rosen hasn’t seen much NFL success. Even without Deshaun Watson, he never had a prayer.
• Vikings cut Kellen Mond: The former mid-round draft pick and Texas A&M product frequently clashed with old Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. Now, he’s out of a job.
• Packers cut Danny Etling: This means Green Bay remains confident in backup QB Jordan Love, who played well this preseason.
• Browns cut Brock Hoffman: Despite injuries at the center position, Hoffman couldn’t make the final roster.
• Bills release Raheem Blackshear: A strong preseason wasn’t enough to make the roster in Buffalo.
• Giants cut Davis Webb: Tyrod Taylor’s health is not in question behind Daniel Jones, so Webb is out of a job.
• Bills cut OJ Howard: The former Bucs first-round pick tight end should have plenty of interest elsewhere.
• Cowboys cut Carlos Watkins: A 2021 starter hit the dust! Dallas released their former starting defensive tackle.