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Buffalo Bills 53-Man Roster Projection

Bills Probable Cuts

With the 2023 preseason in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look at who will most likely be cut before the final 53-man roster deadline on Tuesday, August 29th, at 4:00 p.m. EST. Like all 32 NFL teams, the Buffalo Bills probable cuts are being considered while the team is being whittled down to their final 53-man roster from the current 90 prospects. To predict who makes the team and who gets released, let’s glance at who shined throughout the preseason.

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Preseason Standouts Make Bills Probable Cuts (a Bit) Easier

Several players in pivotal positions stood out during the Bills three exhibition games. Among those who excelled were rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid, rookie guard O’Cyrus Torrence, edge defender Boogie Basham, and cornerback Siran Neal.

Neal and Torrence stood out last week against the Bears along with running back Damien Harris, who missed the first two games resting his knee. Pretty much no one stood out (in a good way) during that penalty-ridden slop fest in Pennsylvania, so let’s roll past that one. Other starters like running back James Cook and rookie linebacker Dorian Williams made their presence known; however, with all three games in the books, it’s time to talk about who gets a jersey and who doesn’t.

Cuts— Subject to Waivers & Free Agency Candidates

Important note: Players with less than four years of experience in the NFL can be placed on waivers, at which point any team can claim them to their active roster, but not until after noon EST on Wednesday. Vested veterans with more than four years of experience who are released are not subject to the waiver process.

General Manager Brandon Beane is well-known for playing a sort of roster aerobics game this time of year. He often juggles between waivers and free agency, using the injured reserve to retain the right guys and sculpt the practice squad. Basically, it would behoove Bills Mafia to refrain from premature frustration in the face of initial cuts.

As of this writing, a total of seven cuts have been made official:

  • WR Isaiah Coulter
  • WR Dezmon Paton
  • TE Jace Sternberger
  • T Garret McGhin
  • DT Cortez Broughton
  • LB DaShaun White
  • S Jared Mayden

This doesn’t mean that all seven players will never suit up as a Bill. While the names on this list don’t seem likely to come back, Beane often cuts players at low risk of being picked up by another team and then places someone from the final roster on IR to re-add one of the cuts. Again, no names jump out here as candidates for this type of move, but it’s essential to keep these tactics in mind, particularly as the list of probable cuts rounds out.

Probable Cuts (Offense)

Quarterback Matt Barkley could just as easily be traded as he could be released and added to the Bills practice squad. The Bills expressed interest in Trey Lance before he was grabbed by the Cowboys last week, so only two quarterbacks are being projected at this time.

Running backs Darrynton Evans, Ty Johnson, and Jordan Mims are the most likely to be cut as the backfield room takes shape. Evans and Johnson could be solid practice squad additions.

Wide receiver is an interesting discussion as there is an apparent battle between Justin Shorter and Andy Isabella. It’s important to note that rookie Shorter would be more likely to remain with the team as Isabella has already journeyed around the league a bit. Isabella is a safer candidate to re-add later, but for now, the most Bills probable cuts at wide receiver are Isabella, Bryan Thompson, Tyrell Shavers, Marcell Ateman, and KeeSean Johnson.

The tight end conversation is short. The next most likely cut here is Joel Wilson. The only point to add here is that Beane could re-add him or Sternberger.

Likely offensive linemen to be cut are Ike Boettger, Richard Garage, Greg Mancz, and Kevin Jarvis. Nick Broeker, Alec Anderson, and David Quessenberry could also be on the chopping block.

Probable Cuts (Defense)

The Bills will likely roster ten defensive linemen. Of the group, defensive ends Kingsley Jonathan and Kameron Cline, along with defensive tackles Eli Ankou, Kendal Vickers, and DJ Dell, are next to be cut. Sean McDermott would probably like to bring at least a couple of those guys back on the practice squad, and this could determine Shaq Lawson’s fate.

Concerning the back seven, the Bills will probably roster six linebackers. Those who don’t get a jersey will most likely be Travin Howard and AJ Klein. Again, here, however, Howard and Klein could easily be among those signed to the practice squad when all is said and done.

Safeties to be cut include Dean Marlowe and Zayne Anderson, and Marlowe could be brought back to the practice squad. As for cornerbacks, the battle is heated, and it feels like the obvious release is Kyron Brown. If the Bills roster six cornerbacks, they’ll likely let go of Alex Austin and Jamarcus Ingram.

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for:

The Projected 2023 Bills 53 Man Roster by Position

Offense:

  • QB: Josh Allen, Kyle Allen
  • RB/FB: James Cook, Damien Harris, Latavius Murray, Reggie Gilliam
  • WR: Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Trent Sherfield, Deonte Harty, Khalil Shakir, Justin Shorter
  • TE: Dawson Knox, Dalton Kincaid, Quintin Morris
  • OL: Mitch Morris, Dion Dawkins, O’Cyrus Torrence, Connor McGovern, Spencer Brown, Ryan Bates, David Edwards, Ryan Van Demark

Defense:

  • DE: Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, Leonard Floyd, AJ Epenesa, Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr.
  • DT: DaQuan Jones, Ed Oliver, Poona Ford, Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips
  • LB: Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Tyrel Dodson, Dorian Williams, Tyler Matakevich, Baylon Spector
  • S: Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Damar Hamlin, Cam Lewis, Taylor Rapp
  • CB: Tre White, Christian Benford, Dane Jackson, Taron Johnson, Siran Neal, Kaiir Elam

Special Teams: Tyler Bass, Sam Martin, Reid Ferguson

Injured Reserve: RB Nyheim Hines, OL Tommy Doyle, S Shane Ray

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Main Photo: Daniel Bartel – USA Today Sports

Liam Thomas

Liam Thomas

William (Liam Thomas) Mullane is a sports writer at Last Word on Sports NFL. He covers multiple NFL teams for a variety of outlets and has been a professional writer for over a decade. Liam has worked as an Editor and Blogger and holds a degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment. Aside from a writer and certified NFL nut, Liam is a father and lifelong musician.

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