- Former Day 2 quarterbacks could be on the move:Dillon Gabriel and Will Levis face uncertainty with the Browns and Titans, respectively.
- Another franchise could loom for Mazi Smith: The ex-Cowboy might be on the outside looking in as the Jets trim down their roster.
The third and final week of the NFL preseason means real football is getting that much closer. The near arrival of the league’s opener on Sept. 9 carries universal excitement, but it also holds concern for some.
Indeed, with August action wrapping up, it means that a large chunk of NFL players are fighting to stay on rosters — and may only have one organized game left to stake their claim. While work in training camp and other summer practices is still important, performances against other teams in actual game settings are that much more significant.
Ahead of the Aug. 30 53-man roster cutdown deadline, here are 10 players whose statuses are very much up in the air — making them potential cuts or trade bait.
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants
Tracy has operated as New York’s backup running back over the past two seasons, posting at least 740 rushing yards in every campaign with a cumulative 74.0 PFF rushing grade. However, he’s endured a shaky preseason, producing a 40.0 overall PFF grade thanks to allowing a sack (and big hit) on Jaxson Dart as well as fumbling in Week 2.
Before the second preseason contest, the Giants signed Najee Harris as depth behind Cam Skattebo, complicating Tracy’s role in the team’s backfield. While Tracy could still make the roster if John Harbaugh elects to retain four running backs, his spot seems tenuous, especially with Devin Singletary (75.0 PFF receiving grade) also shining in August.
T Broderick Jones, PittsburghSteelers
Jones’ tenure with the Steelers has hardly gone according to plan. The 14th overall pick in 2023 has played to just a 58.1 overall PFF grade through his first three years, and his 22 sacks surrendered are the fourth-most among tackles in that span.
Jones was already put on notice when Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option, then selected Max Iheanachor in the first round of April’s draft. Beyond that, Jones has generally struggled in the preseason, giving up three sacks over two games while playing well into the fourth quarter with the Steelers’ backups.
Offensive line depth is always coveted, which could preserve a roster spot for Jones — especially with Iheanachor hardly practicing due to an injury. Yet it also wouldn’t come as a total shock to see Jones traded or cut by Sunday, as a fresh start seems inevitable for both sides in the next year.
QB Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ quarterback battle and decision has been widely scrutinized, putting Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in the limelight. However, Gabriel and other Cleveland passers have gotten lost in the shuffle, and time may be running out to convince coaches of their status.
Gabriel saw a fair amount of regular-season action after being the 94th overall pick last April, although the results weren’t favorable. Across 217 dropbacks, he posted a 49.6 PFF passing grade with three big-time throws compared to 10 turnover-worthy plays. Gabriel’s 69.2% adjusted completion percentage was also the lowest of the 38 quarterbacks with at least 200 dropbacks in 2025.
With Watson and Sanders duking it out in August, Gabriel has attempted only nine passes through two preseason games. The former Oregon Duck will get the starting nod in the team’s finale in a game that figures to decide between Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green for the Browns’ QB3 job. It remains to be seen how many quarterbacks Todd Monken will keep around, with two up to four all plausible options.
G Evan Neal, New York Giants
The seventh overall pick in 2022, Neal has failed to live up to expectations during his time with the Giants. Neal has compiled a below-average 48.3 overall PFF grade through four pro seasons, including a paltry 41.0 PFF pass-blocking mark. His stock took another tumble in 2025 after appearing on zero offensive snaps, partly due to a hamstring injury.
While the Giants re-signed Neal this offseason, the team drafted Francis Mauigoa in the first round and signed Lucas Patrick. Patrick and veteran Aaron Stinnie have both shined in August, netting at least a 76.8 overall PFF grade. While trading away Josh Ezeudu could open a spot, New York’s veteran depth on the interior may spell the end of Neal’s unceremonious time with the franchise once and for all.
QB Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
As the 33rd overall pick in 2023, Levis entered the NFL with what many believed was starting upside. However, that potential has yet to materialize given Levis’ career 57.6 PFF passing grade, tallying the same number of big-time throws as turnover-worthy plays (31).
After Levis missed all of 2025 with a shoulder injury, the Titans signed Mitchell Trubisky this offseason. On top of that, Levis has underwhelmed in August with a 35.1 passing grade and 53.3% adjusted completion percentage. If new head coach Robert Saleh only elects to retain just two quarterbacks, it’s probable that the 27-year-old Levis will find himself with another franchise, with a trade possible given his college profile.