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: August 30 - 5:00 p.m. Central
- Roster limit: 53
Iowa Hawkeyes who have been cut
Updated frequently before and after the deadline
- Tyler Goodson, running back (Atlanta Falcons)
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette, wide receiver (Arizona Cardinals)
- Aaron Graves (R), defensive lineman (Baltimore Ravens)
- Geno Stone, safety (Buffalo Bills)
- Charlie Jones, wide receiver (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Kristian Welch, linebacker (Green Bay packers)
- Kaevon Merriweather, safety (Houston Texans)
- Ethan Hurkett (R), defensive lineman (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Mark Gronowski (R), quarterback (Miami Dolphins)
- TJ Hall (R), defensive back (New Orleans Saints)
- Jack Heflin, defensive lineman (New York Jets)
- Brandon Smith, wide receiver (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Sebastian Castro, safety (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Former Hawkeye rookies who made 53-man rosters
Updated after the cutdown deadline
- Karson Sharar, linebacker (Arizona Cardinals)
- Hayden Large, tight end (Chicago Bears)
- Logan Jones, center (Chicago Bears)
- Xavier Nwankpa, safety (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Max Llewellyn, defensive lineman (Miami Dolphins)
- Gennings Dunker, offensive lineman (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Kaden Wetjen, wide receiver (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Beau Stephens, offensive lineman (Seattle Seahawks)
- Drew Stevens, placekicker (Washington Commanders)
Analysis of the monstrous cutdown day for multiple former Hawkeyes
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 re-signed 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 he now has a good chance to rejoin 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.
A few of the surprising players to make a 53-man roster are undrafted free agents Hayden Large and Xavier Nwankpa. Nwankpa has been showing out for KC all summer, but making the 53-man as an undrafted free agent is extremely hard. He definitely played his way onto the roster, and the Chiefs are definitely getting a solid player. Large is the biggest surprise after signing with the Bears as an undrafted free agent. The Bears have two exceptional tight ends in Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, and after drafting Sam Roush, the top three tight end spots were all but spoken for.
Large showcased his versatility throughout the summer and forced his way onto the Bears' 53-man roster as the fourth tight end.
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