One of the most difficult times for NFL players every year is the 53-man roster cut-down day. As the offseason comes to a close, all NFL organizations have to slim down to 53 players, forcing multiple players to seek new opportunities.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are well-represented in the NFL, with 46 former Hawkeyes currently on NFL rosters, but that could easily change as we approach the deadline. Organizations have until 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, August 30, to finalize their roster decisions, and while being waived doesn't necessarily spell the end, it makes life harder for those players. As we approach the deadline, we have a tracker for all the former Hawkeyes who got squeezed out on cut day.
53-man roster deadline important information
With the cut deadline fast approaching, it's strange that the deadline falls on a Sunday, but that is thanks to a September 10 game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. Both squads are expected to head to Australia later this week to begin preparations for their season opener. While it helps the Rams and Niners, it is extremely inconvenient for the Bears and Titans, who wrapped up their preseason on Saturday night.
- Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Central
- Roster limit: 53
Iowa Hawkeyes who have been cut
Updated frequently before and after the deadline
- Luke Lachey, tight end (Green Bay Packers)
- Geno Stone, safety (Buffalo Bills)
- Mark Gronowski, quarterback (Miami Dolphins)
- Charlie Jones, wide receiver (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Nick Jackson, linebacker (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Kristian Welch, linebacker (Green Bay Packers)
Former Hawkeyes with new teams after the 2026 53-man roster cut down
Updated frequently after the cut-down deadline
- None
Analysis of the former Hawkeyes who are on the outside looking in
A few surprise cuts have come in early for the Hawkeyes, including former quarterback Mark Gronowski and safety Geno Stone. Gronowski was initially cut and then resigned by the Dolphins after their first preseason game. After trading Quinn Ewers and cutting Gronowski and Cam Miller, The Dolphins were left with only Malik Willis at QB. They recently finalized a trade with the Packers that sent quarterback Kyle McCord to Miami, which gives them two quarterbacks on the roster. Gronowski being waived for the second time in a few weeks is surprising, but there is now a good chance he rejoins the Dolphins for a third time as their third-string QB or on their practice squad.
Geno Stone was a former staple of the Baltimore Ravens defense before joining the Cincinnati Bengals on a two-year, $15 million deal in 2024. After becoming a free agent once again after the 2025-2026 season, Stone signed a one-year, $1.4 million with the Buffalo Bills this offseason. He didn't make it to the regular season after being waived by the Bills, putting his NFL future in limbo. Stone brings a ton of starting and veteran experience to whichever organization he signs with, and he could easily be back on the Bills' practice squad if he does not sign with another team.
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