NFL Roster Cuts Hit Former Nittany Lions
The NFL’s preseason roster crunch has turned into a stark reality for a group of former Penn State standouts, with fourteen players seeing their professional dreams put on hold before the 2026 campaign even begins.
Adisa Isaac, once a fixture on the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive line, found himself on the waiver wire after a series of injury‑plagued seasons that never translated into a stable spot on the depth chart. Similarly, Nick Dawkins, listed fourth among the Ravens’ interior linemen, was cut despite the team’s initial optimism about his potential.
The Jacksonville Jaguars opted against retaining Trebor Peña, a Pinstripe Bowl hero, even after he logged 91 yards and a touchdown in preseason action, a decision that underscores how quickly a promising display can be eclipsed by deeper roster considerations. Across the league, Tennessee’s Titans decided to part ways with quarterback Will Levis after three seasons that failed to deliver the consistency the franchise sought, especially in the shadow of veteran quarterbacks Cam Ward and Mitch Trubisky.
Other notable cuts include Dominic DeLuca, whose 12 preseason tackles could not shield him from the Ravens’ final roster decisions, and Curtis Jacobs, who after stints with several teams, including two games with the New England Patriots in 2024, was released by the Washington Commanders. Jesse Luketa’s brief but productive year with the Patriots — marked by three sacks and a forced fumble — also ended with a waiver notice.
The ripple effect extended to the Cincinnati Bengals, where Sean Clifford, a former standout quarterback for the Nittany Lions, missed the initial roster despite the team’s intention to employ a two‑quarterback system with Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco. Jalen Kimber, who had spent time on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, was waived by Cincinnati, while Mitchell Tinsley, who appeared in all 17 games for the Bengals in 2025 and contributed eight receptions and two touchdowns, was cut despite being fully healthy.
Additional releases include Khalil Dinkins, who was let go by the San Francisco 49ers but may still find a path back through the practice squad, and Nolan Rucci, waived by the Indianapolis Colts but expected to remain a depth piece on the offensive line. Tyler Duzansky’s attempt to secure a long‑snapper role with the Las Vegas Raiders fell short, paving the way for veteran Alex Ward to take the position.
The pattern reflects a broader narrative: even accomplished college performers must constantly prove themselves in a league where depth charts shift weekly and roster spots are limited. For many of these former Nittany Lions, the road ahead may involve practice‑squad invitations, opportunities with other clubs, or a return to the field in a capacity yet to be determined.