Former Syracuse football players learned their fate on Tuesday afternoon as NFL teams had to disclose their 53-man rosters ahead of the upcoming season. While those who were let go could catch on elsewhere or head to an NFL team's practice squad, some former Orange guys witnessed good news on Tuesday, while others unfortunately did not.
The most thrilling news, to me, is that former 'Cuse All-American placekicker Andre Szmyt won the starting job with the Cleveland Browns. Szmyt happens! In 2018, he became the first Syracuse football player to win the Lou Groza Award as the top kicker in college football.
Cleveland now will head into the season with Andre Szmyt as its kicker. https://t.co/klMegi6EfH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025
I'm also delighted that former Orange linebacker Marlowe Wax Jr. made the Los Angeles Chargers' 53-player roster. The Baltimore native (my hometown as well) went full beast mode in the preseason. His Chargers teammate is former Syracuse football All-American tight end Oronde Gadsden II. So cool!
THANK YOU GOD
— Marlowe Wax Jr (@MarloweWax) August 26, 2025
Let's look at what happened with other former Syracuse football players.
Here are some other Orange alums who appear to have made their NFL team's 53-man roster:
Sean Tucker, running back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Riley Dixon, punter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Both Tucker and Dixon played well for Tampa Bay in the preseason. This is the third NFL team for Dixon.
Isaiah Johnson, cornerback, Miami Dolphins
Kingsley Jonathan, defensive end, New York Jets
LeQuint Allen Jr., running back, Jacksonville Jaguars
As I noted in a recent column, Allen appears to have carved out a nice initial role with Jacksonville as a third-down back, given his proficiency in rushing, pass-catching and blocking.
LeQuint Allen Jr. 🎯 https://t.co/iNrJBMAgPZ
— InsideTheLoudHouse (@LoudHouseFS) August 26, 2025
Among the former Syracuse football players who were waived by their NFL teams:
Kyle McCord, quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
When the Eagles traded for former North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell on Sunday, that didn't bode well for McCord to make Philadelphia's regular-season roster as its No. 3 signal-caller.
One of the most interesting names to watch on waivers: QB Kyle McCord, the #Eagles’ sixth-round pick who was informed of his release Monday.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2025
The former Ohio State and Syracuse QB had a lot of fans in the pre-draft process and could have a new home Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/LI7kOmK7Cy
Justin Barron, linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
Alijah Clark, defensive back, Dallas Cowboys
Barron, in particular, was impressive during the preseason, but neither he nor Clark survived cut day in Dallas on Tuesday.
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer started his post game press conference after last nights preseason win by complementing how well Syracuse standouts Justin Barron and Alijah Clark played, these guys are making a name for themselves and I really hope they make this team. pic.twitter.com/4PUsBlcT40
— Austin (@AustinDiver2) August 23, 2025
Jackson Meeks, wide receiver, Detroit Lions
The All-ACC performer for Syracuse football last year was great for Detroit during the preseason, and I have to admit, I was a little surprised he got waived. He should catch on somewhere, though.
Fadil Diggs, defensive end, New Orleans Saints
This also surprised me a tad, given that New Orleans picked him in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Clarence Lewis, defensive back, Tennessee Titans
Tommy DeVito, quarterback, New York Giants
More veteran players who safely made their NFL rosters on Tuesday and played for Syracuse football in college include Indianapolis linebacker Zaire Franklin, Miami defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu, New York Jets defensive back Andre Cisco, Arizona defensive back Garrett Williams and Atlanta offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron, among others.