Looking back at initial 53-man rosters is a stark reminder of how much things have changed in only a couple years.
2025 initial 53-man roster: https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/raiders/2025/08/26/raiders-initial-53-man-roster-after-cutdowns/85840478007/
2024 initial 53-man roster: https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/raiders/2024/08/27/las-vegas-raiders-initian-53-man-roster-after-roster-cuts/74971998007/
Yes, the links lead offsite, but I couldn’t find a clear and concise article on s&bp outlining the initial 53-man roster. Best leave that topic alone…
A couple things to take away besides the obvious roster turnover, is the amount of players each position included. Those teams were operated by different coaching staffs and front offices, yet have similar numbers of spots designated to each position. Expect the 2026 initial 53-man roster that come out a month from now to be similar. (2024/2025)
QB: 2/3
RB: 4/4
WR: 6/5
TE: 3/3
OT: 4/4
IOL: 5/6
DE: 4/4
DT: 5/6
LB: 7/6
CB: 6/5
S: 4/4
K/P/LS: 3/3
Even with the base Defense changing to a 3-4, expect very similar numbers this year. There may be more LB’s and less DE’s due to different positional designations, but the total of the two together will be about the same (10 or 11). Positional versatility will be valuable for the roster bubble DE/DT’s and DE/OLB’s.
There will be some tough cuts this year due to much improved roster depth.
Hallelujah.