Will Levis, Mecole Hardman headline five notable cuts from 53-man roster deadline

"Very grateful. Ms. Amy [Adams-Strunk] brought me in here and welcomed me with open arms, as well as everyone in Nashville with the team," Levis said (h/t ESPN's Turron Davenport). "I grew a lot in my time with the Titans and wouldn't trade the experience for anything." 

Buffalo Bills WR Mecole Hardman 

Not even Super Bowl heroes have staying power in the NFL. Former Kansas City Chief Hardman, who caught a game-winning touchdown pass from QB Patrick Mahomes in a 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, is now looking for a new team after the Bills released him on Saturday.

The undersized WR has struggled to carve out a consistent role since his big moment in the Super Bowl. Hardman (5-foot-10, 187 pounds) had 12 receptions for 90 yards in 12 games for the Chiefs in 2024. He had no receptions for the Bills last season and just four for 20 yards in preseason.  

New York Jets DT Mazi Smith

Smith, pick No. 26 of the 2023 draft, hoped to salvage his career with the Jets after struggling to become a consistent contributor with the Dallas Cowboys, but that didn't happen. After the Jets sent star DT Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys for a package that included Smith this past season, he had no sacks in three games after logging just two in his first three seasons in Dallas.

This offseason, the Jets declined his fifth-year option and traded for former Titans DT T'Vondre Sweat, making it apparent Smith was on the roster bubble. Failing to produce in preseason further decreased his chance of making the team. After logging four tackles and no sacks, the Jets released former Michigan Wolverines star Smith on Saturday. 

New York Jets QB Bailey Zappe 

It looked like Zappe, who once started for the New England Patriots, would back up Geno Smith, but rookie Cade Klubnik's preseason play changed New York's plans. 

Klubnik (pick No. 110 of the 2026 draft) completed 21-of-34 passes (61.8 percent, just below league average) for 190 yards and one interception. Zappe, meanwhile, went 14-of-23 passing (60.3 percent) for 135 yards and two picks. Consequently, New York released him on Saturday. 

Zappe (pick No. 137 of the 2022 draft) is more experienced, but it makes sense for New York to invest in Klubnik, who has more upside. The Jets could still consider re-signing him to their practice squad. 

Dallas Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue

Blue entered the offseason with a solid chance to win the RB2 job behind Javonte Williams, but he lost it to Malik Davis in preseason. The former Texas Longhorn ran for 94 yards on 23 carries (4.1 yards per carry, below average). Davis, meanwhile, ran for 68 yards on 12 carries (5.7 yards per carry, well above average).

Dallas waived Blue (pick No. 149 of the 2025 draft) on Sunday, but it may not be the end for the RB. A team may add him as a scat back thanks to his elite speed. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.