Roster Cuts Hit the League
Sunday marked the league‑wide deadline for teams to shrink their preseason rosters to the regular‑season limit of 53 players. The move set off a flurry of releases, signings and practice‑squad assignments as clubs shaped their final depth charts. For many aspiring athletes, the cut represented both a setback and a chance to latch on elsewhere.
Among the names that cleared waivers were three former Alabama standouts who had been pursued as undrafted free agents. Each had spent time on practice squads or in preseason action, but only one managed to carve out a modest role on the field before the final cuts.
Former Crimson Tide Faces
Nikhai Hill‑Green, a linebacker who transferred from Colorado to Alabama, had been a regular contributor on special teams and defensive snaps, logging 60 tackles and five tackles for loss during his college stint. After signing with the Los Angeles Rams, he recorded nine tackles and a pass breakup across three preseason games, but the team ultimately decided to move on.
Jaeden Roberts, an offensive lineman who started 25 games over his final three collegiate seasons, signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. He was waived after the Philadelphia Eagles claimed his rights, ending his brief NFL audition.
Wide receiver Kobe Prentice, who amassed 780 receiving yards and five touchdowns during his Alabama career, also found himself on the chopping block. After a stint with the New York Giants, he was released alongside his former teammates, closing a chapter that included 36 appearances for the Crimson Tide before he transferred to Baylor for his senior year.
What’s Next for the Alumni?
While the releases underscore the unforgiving nature of NFL roster management, each player still has avenues to continue their professional aspirations. Hill‑Green may catch on with another practice squad, Roberts could receive a future opportunity if injuries thin the offensive line, and Prentice might latch onto a practice roster or explore opportunities in other football leagues. Their college performances, particularly Prentice’s 60 catches for 780 yards, remain highlights that could attract attention when the next round of roster moves unfolds.