The NFL's annual roster squeeze is in full swing, and this year's final cuts have already claimed some notable veteran quarterbacks. As teams trim down to the 53-man limit ahead of the 2026 regular season, three experienced signal-callers found themselves without a job on Sunday morning.
Jake Browning, who spent the last few seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was let go by Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are reportedly moving forward with rookie Jalon Daniels as their backup to Baker Mayfield. Browning's release was confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter, who noted the move on social media.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars parted ways with Nick Mullens, a veteran who has bounced around the league and most recently served as a backup. The timing raised eyebrows—Mullens was cut just one day after the Jaguars traded for quarterback Quinn Ewers. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the news, adding that Mullens could quickly find a new home given the demand for experienced quarterbacks across the league.
The Buffalo Bills also made a change, releasing Shane Buechele, who had been competing for a backup role. Schefter confirmed the move, noting that Buechele's departure opens up a spot in Buffalo's quarterback room.
These cuts are part of the broader roster downsizing that happens every August, as teams finalize their squads for the upcoming season. The moves have sparked reactions from fans, with some questioning the decisions. One fan called the Buccaneers' choice to drop Browning for an undrafted rookie "dumb," while another expressed surprise at Mullens' release, calling him "pretty reliable." Others simply noted the flurry of activity across the league on Sunday.
For the players, the next few days could be crucial. With several teams still looking to solidify their backup quarterback situations, Mullens, Browning, and Buechele might not be out of work for long. As Garafolo pointed out, "lots of QB spots around the league to be filled," so these veterans could land elsewhere quickly.
The roster cuts come just two weeks before the NFL regular season kicks off. Teams are also dealing with the rising cost of watching games at home, as Sunday Ticket prices have hit $480 for 2026, prompting some fans to hit cancel. But on the field, the focus remains on building the best possible roster.
As the preseason wraps up, coaches are making tough decisions, and sometimes that means parting ways with proven players. The quarterback position, in particular, is always under the microscope, and these three veterans will be hoping to catch on with a new team before Week 1. The NFL's global expansion could also create more opportunities, with commissioner Roger Goodell confirming international teams are inevitable. But for now, these players are focused on finding a roster spot.
It's a tough time of year for players, but it's also a reminder of how competitive the NFL truly is. The final rosters will be set soon, and the 2026 season is just around the corner.
