NFL roster cutdown day is less than two weeks away. On August 26, many training camp and preseason stars will unfortunately get released from their teams and begin their search for a new home. The Baltimore Ravens are one team that will face numerous tough decisions.
The Ravens brought in an uber-talented rookie class, including a strong group of undrafted signings. They also managed to bring in several under-the-radar players who have been flashing their potential this offseason. Many of these players will get cut, and most of those will be claimed by other teams. These three players are unlikely to make the 53-man roster and will likely start a new career elsewhere.
3 players who will get cut and sign elsewhere
Dayton Wade
Second-year wide receiver Dayton Wade survived the waiver wire last season and was an easy choice for Baltimore to retain on the practice squad. This year, he is once again impressing, and it is looking less likely that he will be re-signed to the practice squad.
Through two weeks of preseason, the 24-year-old is proving to be an electrifying weapon, catching four passes for 45 yards—all in the Ravens’ Week 2 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The numbers seem average, but it’s important to consider the team’s struggling quarterback play.
In camp, he has continued to be a spark for quarterback Lamar Jackson, making big plays whenever he touches the football. Wade is just looking for an opportunity, but it does not look like that will come in Baltimore.
Keyon Martin
Cornerback Keyon Martin is another impressive player who will fall victim to the roster cuts due to a stacked competition at his position. His name has been all over the news in training camp, and those reps have translated into action in the preseason.
The undrafted rookie has quickly become a fan favorite after strong play against the Indianapolis Colts and the Cowboys. However, there is not enough room for him at this moment. If a couple of players land on injured reserve to start the year, there could be an opportunity ahead for Martin, but it is going to be an uphill battle with less than two weeks to go.
The 24-year-old is one of those guys Harbaugh would love to have back on the practice squad. He combines his high-level play with infectious energy he brings to a lively secondary. It will likely come down to him, Reuben Lowery, and second-year safeties Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, and Martin looks like the odd man out. There is likely too much potential there that other teams see in him, and Baltimore may not have the chance to bring him back on the practice squad.
C.J. Okoye
Nose tackle C.J. Okoye has a bright future ahead of him. He joined the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 as a part of the NFL International Player Pathway Program. He is still new to the game and is proving every day that the sky is the limit. Unfortunately, Baltimore has added to its defensive line depth in recent months, leaving Okoye in tough competition.
The 23-year-old is stringing together strong days of camp and preseason games, exciting Harbaugh every day with his potential. However, fellow nose tackle John Jenkins and Brent Urban may block his path to a roster spot. Those players are proven defensive linemen, and for a team with its eyes on the Super Bowl, they might not wait for Okoye’s development and opt to keep the veterans.
Okoye will absolutely draw interest from other teams. If the Ravens do not have room for him, other teams will pounce on the potential that Okoye could bring to their side.