NFL Cut Dates: When Are Preseason Rosters Trimmed?

A look at key NFL preseason dates for 2025.

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts against the Buffalo Bills in the second half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The 2025 NFL season is rapidly approaching as teams have begun to ramp up for training camp in mid-to-late July. The preseason kicked off on July 31st with the Hall of Fame game, and now teams will begin shaping their rosters for the regular season with the scariest event on the NFL schedule: cut dates.

NFL Cut Dates Have Changed

In the past, the NFL had a series of cut dates, where teams had to trim their rosters week-by-week during the preseason. Teams were allowed to have 90 players on their roster, and would make a cascade of cuts as training camp and preseason games passed. Then there was a final cut day, at which time each team was allowed to have 53 players on its roster. That has all changed now.

Starting in 2023, the NFL got rid of the series of cut dates and now only has one at the end of the preseason. Teams can still start with 90 players, but are not required to make a series of cuts before the final cutdown day. Now, teams are only required to have 53 players at the cutdown deadline. They can conduct their business how they see fit until then.

When Is the NFL's Final Cutdown Date?

For the 2024 season, NFL teams must have their rosters reduced to a maximum of 53 players on the active/inactive list by 4 p.m. ET on August 26. That is the final mass day of roster shuffling before the regular season begins the week of September 4, with the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football to open the season. The game will feature the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles, led by running back Saquon Barkley, facing off against their division rivals, led by quarterback Dak Prescott.

DATE	EVENT
July 15	Franchise Player Contract Deadline
July 16-23	Teams Begin Training Camp
July 31	Hall of Fame Game, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions
August 7-10	First Preseason Weekend
August 15-18	Second Preseason Weekend
August 21-August 23	Third Preseason Weekend
August 26	Final Cut Day
September 5	NFL Opening Night, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Other Key NFL Preseason Dates

Teams and players on the franchise tag have until July 15 to agree to contract extensions. If that deadline passes, those players must play out the 2025 season on the franchise tender and can't sign an extension until the season is over.

The Los Angeles Chargers were the first team to report to training camp on July 16, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers were the final teams to enter camp on July 23.

The first preseason game of 2025 was on July 31, when the Chargers and the Lions faced off at the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The Chargers won 34-7 with Trey Lance starting at quarterback.

On September 5, the 2024 season kicks off.

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