By Jayna Bardahl, Saad Yousuf and Chad Graff
Another domino of the NFL’s roster cutdown process fell Wednesday afternoon, when all of the eligible players released at Tuesday’s deadline went through the waiver wire. In total, teams claimed 29 players, with the Tennessee Titans — who had first priority — leading the way by claiming four. The New York Jets were next with three additions, including two from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Former New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito was the only quarterback claimed from the waiver wire, as the New England Patriots added him for insurance behind Drake Maye. A former undrafted free agent, DeVito became a fan favorite in 2023 when he rose from the practice squad to the active roster and led the Giants to three consecutive wins. The Giants released the 27-year-old on Tuesday, a move that was expected as the team turns to 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson as a starter, with veteran Jameis Winston and rookie Jaxson Dart in the wings.
While not a waiver-wire development, the Baltimore Ravens added Tyler Huntley to their practice squad, according to a team source. Huntley played for the Ravens from 2020 to 2023 and started nine regular-season games, plus one playoff game. He made the Pro Bowl, initially as an alternate, for Baltimore in 2022 when he started four games (and their playoff loss). The Cleveland browns recently released him, and he will now provide insurance behind Lamar Jackson and Cooper Rush.
The San Francisco 49ers also moved to bolster a wide receiver corps that featured only two healthy players on the initial 53-man roster by signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling, whom the Seattle Seahawks released the day prior. They might not be done adding to the position with Kendrick Bourne, a one-time 49er, now available after his release Wednesday by the Patriots.
As for waiver wire offerings, the Los Angeles Rams had the most players claimed at four, while the Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts and Ravens all lost three players. Here’s a look at some of the notable players claimed off waivers, along with the full list of waiver-wire moves.
QB Tommy DeVito, New England Patriots
After a great preseason performance against the Patriots, New England scooped up DeVito off waivers to add quarterback depth behind Drake Maye and presumed backup Joshua Dobbs. The goal, of course, is for Maye to play all 17 games this season, but with a struggling offensive line and after Maye missed most of a game last season due to a concussion, the Pats are beefing up their depth.
DeVito completed 17 of 20 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns in the preseason finale against the Patriots. It’s unclear at this point whether they’d use Dobbs or DeVito at quarterback if Maye has to miss a game. Coach Mike Vrabel said DeVito’s addition is “just strengthening the roster at a premium position.”
CB Jaylon Jones, Chicago Bears
It’s a reunion between Jones and the Bears. Jones began his career in Chicago as an undrafted free agent in 2022. After three seasons in Chicago as a core special teamer and reserve cornerback, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals in March. Jones started four games for the Bears as a rookie and played in all 17 games for them in 2023 before playing just eight games for Chicago last season.
CB Julius Brents, Miami Dolphins
The Indianapolis Colts waived Brents, a 2023 second-round pick, after an injury-altered two seasons. Brents played in 11 games for his hometown team. He has the size to be a lockdown corner, but his injury history has slowed his development.
Waiver claims
Carolina Panthers
WR Dalevon Campbell (Los Angeles Chargers)
DB Damarri Mathis (Denver Broncos)
Chicago Bears
LB D’Marco Jackson (New Orleans Saints)
DB Jaylon Jones (Arizona Cardinals)
Cleveland Browns
DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (New York Jets)
RB Raheim Sanders (Los Angeles Chargers)
Dallas Cowboys
DB Trikweze Bridges (Los Angeles Chargers)
DB Reddy Steward (Minnesota Vikings)
Detroit Lions
DT Tyler Lacy (Jacksonville Jaguars)
DE Tyrus Wheat (Dallas Cowboys)
Indianapolis Colts
LB Chad Muma (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Las Vegas Raiders
LB Brennan Jackson (Los Angeles Rams)
Miami Dolphins
DB Julius Brents (Indianapolis Colts)
New England Patriots
QB Tommy DeVito (New York Giants)
DB Charles Woods (Los Angeles Rams)
New Orleans Saints
WR Trey Palmer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
G Xavier Truss (Denver Broncos)
New York Giants
DB Beau Brade (Baltimore Ravens)
DB Rico Payton (New Orleans Saints)
New York Jets
LB Cam Jones (Kansas City Chiefs)
OT Esa Pole (Kansas City Chiefs)
TE Jelani Woods (Indianapolis Colts)
Philadelphia Eagles
C Willie Lampkin (Los Angeles Rams)
San Francisco 49ers
DT Jordan Jefferson (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Seattle Seahawks
DB Derion Kendrick (Los Angeles Rams)
Tennessee Titans
DB Jalyn Armour-Davis (Baltimore Ravens)
LB Dorian Mausi (Minnesota Vikings)
DE C.J. Ravenell (Baltimore Ravens)
DB Samuel Womack (Indianapolis Colts)
(Photo of Tommy DeVito: Mark Smith / Imagn Images)
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