Final cuts on NFL rosters are official, as all 32 teams have set their 53-man roster for the start of the 2026-27 season. There were plenty of former Syracuse football players in the NFL last season, and there will be even more in 2026-27. Hopefully, there will be a few players who can find a home on a practice squad, but as we look ahead to the upcoming NFL season, here are the former Syracuse players we’ll be tracking.
Riley Dixon, Buccaneers
Everybody’s favorite punter is back in Tampa. Dixon is entering the second year of the two-year deal he signed with the Bucs last offseason. He’ll be punting for the Bucs in what will be his 11th year in the NFL.
Sean Tucker, Buccaneers
Tucker is also back with the Bucs this season, signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract. However, with Tampa signing Kenneth Gainwell during the offseason and already having Bucky Irving, Tucker is looking like the team’s third-string running back yet again.
Zaire Franklin, Packers
After eight years with the Colts, Franklin was traded to the Packers during the offseason. He’ll be Green Bay’s starting middle linebacker this year.
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers
After a promising rookie season, Gadsden will try to avoid a sophomore slump in 2026. Despite the Chargers adding Charlie Kolar and David Njoku during the offseason, Gadsden is well-positioned to be the team’s starting tight end, building upon the 49 catches for 664 yards he had last year.
Marlowe Wax, Chargers
Wax spent most of 2025 on the practice squad with the Chargers. But he got a chance to play late in the season and impressed. Wax continued to show out during training camp and the preseason this year, earning him a spot on the 53-man roster.
Kevin Jobity, Steelers
One of the biggest surprises among former Syracuse players was Jobity making Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster. After going undrafted, the Buffalo native impressed the Steelers enough during the preseason to make the roster. His role for the season remains to be seen, but it’s a huge accomplishment for Jobity and a nice feather in the cap for Fran Brown and the Syracuse program.
Awesome story on the Steelers (and probably the biggest roster surprise): former Syracuse DL Kevin Jobity Jr.
— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) August 31, 2026
High school soccer player that got the chance to play football in 2021 because COVID pushed the season to the spring https://t.co/67Ihb7M6wk
LeQuint Allen, Jaguars
Allen may have been one of the best third-down backs in the NFL last season. His blocking and pass-catching abilities, not to mention contributions on special teams, made him invaluable for the Jags. Jacksonville signed Chris Rodriguez to replace Travis Etienne during the offseason, meaning Allen will reprise his role as the third-string back for the Jags.
Matthew Bergeron, Falcons
In case you missed it, Bergeron got a four-year, $96 million extension from the Falcons during the offseason. The former Orange offensive lineman will continue to be a key part of Atlanta’s offense in 2026 and beyond.
Andre Szmyt, Browns
Szmyt became one of Cleveland’s bright spots last season, earning him a job kicking for the Browns again in 2026. Of course, time will only tell how many PATs Szmyt will have a chance to convert this year.
Garrett Williams, Cardinals
Unfortunately, Williams had an injury-plagued 2025 season, suffering a knee injury early, before tearing his Achilles late in the campaign. However, he’s been activated off the PUP list and is penciled in as Arizona’s starting nickelback heading into the 2026 season. With any luck, he’ll be able to stay healthy and have a good season before becoming a free agent after the 2026 season.
Kyle McCord, Dolphins
McCord was so impressive with Green Bay during the preseason that the Dolphins traded for him, with the expectation that he’ll be their backup quarterback this year. It’s a pretty big step for McCord, who was on the Eagles’ practice squad last year. Malik Willis signed with the Dolphins to be Miami’s starter this season. But with just six career starts, if he doesn’t pan out, there’s a chance the Dolphins give McCord a chance at some point.
Alijah Clark, Cowboys
Clark got some headlines last year with a spectacular play on special teams. He made the 53-man roster in Dallas again this season. However, Clark is a little buried on the depth chart, so his contributions will likely be on special teams again.
Andre Cisco, Jets
After spending 2025 with the Jets, Cisco re-signed with the team for $2.5 million this year. He’s now about to enter his sixth season in the NFL, although he’s listed as a backup safety on the team’s depth chart.
Jackson Meeks, Lions
Meeks spent the offseason putting on weight so he could make the change from wide receiver to tight end. The decision to change positions paid off, as Meeks made Detroit’s roster. He’ll start out as the third-string tight end, but his willingness to block, combined with his natural pass-catching skills, could make Meeks a unique tool for the Detroit offense.
Tommy DeVito, Patriots
We can’t forget about our old friend, Tommy. Back in March, the Patriots gave him a two-year, $7.4 million extension, elevating him from third-string to backup. He’ll serve as the backup to Drake Maye in New England, which made the Super Bowl last season.
Missed the cut
Unfortunately, not every former Syracuse player we followed during the preseason made the cut. Justin Barron just missed the cut in Dallas. Ifeatu Melifonwu didn’t make the roster in Tampa, while Dan Villari was a surprise cut with the Rams. Devin Grant also made a strong push with the Chargers but was left off the 53-man roster. Those are among the former Syracuse players we expect to be on a practice squad this season, keeping their NFL dream alive.
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