The 2021 NFL season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 9, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play host to the Dallas Cowboys (8:20 p.m., NBC). Teams have been in training camp since late July, with three preseason games to help inform decisions about which undrafted free agents might be worth keeping, which veterans are on the decline and which positions need the most reinforcements.
With the regular season approaching fast, teams have to make roster decisions and cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. With that in mind, ESPN’s NFL Nation projects what those rosters will look like below. We’ll update this page after each of the final preseason games this weekend, and all 32 roster projections will be live Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals
Most of the 53-man roster wasn’t difficult to piece together, but there will be questions at running back (three or four?) and cornerback (does versatile linebacker Isaiah Simmons allow Arizona to keep five cornerbacks instead of six?). But the biggest question is this: Will pass-rusher Chandler Jones be on the roster for Week 1?
Carolina Panthers
It might seem like kicker is the biggest issue with the Panthers from all the midweek activity with Joey Slye in a slump, but that’s the least of their problems. There is still uncertainty about whether Sam Darnold can rebound from three bad years in New York and Cameron Erving can finally solve the revolving door at left tackle. And then there is the overall lack of depth on defense.
Detroit Lions
There are not a ton of household names on the roster, but the new regime, led by first-year coach Dan Campbell, is looking to establish a hard-nosed identity with the organization in a complete rebuild. These new-look Lions have brought in players with a chip on their shoulder, and have seemingly nothing to lose since no one is expecting much out of this team.
Indianapolis Colts
This was one of the least competitive training camps the Colts have had in recent years when it comes to roster spots. The kicking competition didn’t have much flair, as Rodrigo Blankenship beat out Eddy Pineiro. Receiver could end up being the deepest position on the team.
Kansas City Chiefs
The most interesting decisions are on the offensive line, where the Chiefs added eight strong roster candidates who weren’t with the team last year. So they might keep extras there or look to deal one or more of the backups.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings will keep three quarterbacks, but don’t be surprised to see a new face backing up Kirk Cousins once Minnesota gets a look at other veterans who become available next week. Neither Jake Browning nor Kellen Mond did enough in preseason games to earn the QB2 role, and one of them finds himself off the roster on Tuesday.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints will have at least 10 new starters in Week 1, thanks to Drew Brees’ retirement, an offseason salary-cap purge and a handful of untimely injuries and suspensions. They will look to add depth at cornerback, defensive tackle, tight end and kicker from players cut around the league. And there is some intrigue about whether they will keep veteran skill-position players like Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman and Chris Hogan.
New York Jets
With the No. 2 waiver priority and many holes to fill, the Jets will be in a roster-churning mode over the next few days. They also will be looking to trade for an edge rusher, perhaps using one of their receivers as a bargaining chip. Jamison Crowder has the most trade value and could attract teams. Also, don’t rule out a veteran backup at quarterback.
Philadelphia Eagles
The receiver group is a question mark for a couple of reasons. For one, it’s super young and inexperienced, and needs one or two unproven players to emerge. There are some tough personnel decisions looming.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Some of the hottest battles of the Steelers’ training camp were for backup jobs. While Mason Rudolph appears to have won the No. 2 QB job, the Steelers seem poised to keep Dwayne Haskins on the roster to develop this season. Quiet camps from running backs Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels might have cost them jobs as the Steelers look to give the secondary and linebackers more depth.
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