Terps in the NFL: Roster cuts

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 28: Stefon Diggs #3 of the Washington Commanders walks on the field before the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 28, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the NFL season rapidly approaching, professional football will boast red and yellow from coast to coast. 23
former Terps are officially set to suit up for the 2026 regular season, which kicks off next week.
From all-time greats to recent graduates, here is where you can find the location of all Maryland
alumni in the NFL this year.

Welcome home, Stefon (and more)

All-time Maryland great Stefon Diggs returns to the DMV. The wide receiver joined the Washington Commanders, the fifth team of his career, on a one-year, $8 million contract.

The 32-year-old enters his 12th NFL season after one year in New England. Diggs tallied 1,013 yards in the regular season and contributed to the Patriots' Super Bowl appearance. He was released in March with two years left on his deal.

Joining Diggs in the national capital is Chig Okonkwo, who had a productive four-year stint with the Titans. He signed with the Commanders in free agency. The 2022 Maryland graduate enters a three-year contract as Washington's top tight end.

Bowie product Nick Cross also signed with Washington in March. He started at safety in every game for Indianapolis over the past two years, recording three interceptions in the 2024 season.

Defensive tackle Byron Cowart made four tackles in a preseason loss to Baltimore. The 2019 graduate was named to the Commanders' practice squad.

The recent graduates

Jalen Huskey was Maryland's sole pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He signed with the Jaguars as a third-round pick and was named to the 53-man roster. The rookie will likely earn limited minutes behind Jacksonville's current veterans at safety.

Huskey graduated from College Park this past spring. The Frederick, Maryland, native transferred to College Park after playing for Bowling Green in his first two collegiate seasons, and he was a second team All-Big Ten selection in his junior season.

Additionally, 2026 alum Alan Herron was selected to New Orleans' practice squad. The Saints signed the undrafted offensive lineman in April, after he was selected as honorable mention all-Big Ten as a senior.

Potential starters

DJ Moore benefited from great quarterback play in his final year with the Chicago Bears and now teams up with an even greater one in Josh Allen in Buffalo. After claiming the NFC North with the Bears, he was traded to the Bills in March. He enters his first year of a four-year, $110 million extension.

Former Terp and 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks continues to shine with the New York Giants. Banks has
made 35 starts across 45 appearances in his first three seasons, and he will compete for a secondary cornerback spot.

Jordan Phillips made 34 tackles on the defensive line during his rookie season in Miami. The Dolphins selected Phillips in the fifth round in 2025, and he played in 16 of 17 games.

Offensive lineman Spencer Anderson enters year four in Pittsburgh. He appeared in every game for the Steelers over the past two seasons, making seven starts in his 2025 campaign.

DJ Glaze has appeared in every game, starting all but three, for the Raiders after being selected in the third round in 2024. Whether it's Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza who gets the nod in Las Vegas, Glaze will be a valuable part of the protection crew.

Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu is set to begin his third season in the Bay Area. Okuayinonu made 15 appearances with the 49ers last season and started in 12 of them, and he has 74 tackles over his young career.

Tarheeb Still battled a minor injury in the summer, but returned to Chargers practice in mid-August. He started 13 games at cornerback last season and will continue battling for an established starting role.

Chad Ryland remains Arizona's kicker in his third year with the team and fourth overall in the league. Ryland was selected by the Patriots in 2023 and has made 69 field goals over three seasons.

Others who made the 53

• Ty Johnson is entering his eighth year in the league, four of which have been spent in Buffalo. He rushed for three touchdowns last year and now enters the second year of a two-year contract.

• Corey Bullock was picked up on waivers by the Panthers and was named to Carolina's roster after being waived on Monday by Baltimore. The versatile offensive lineman appeared in 16 games with the Ravens last season.

• Receiver Tai Felton made three catches across 17 games for the Vikings in his rookie season. He returns to Minneapolis as an athletic third or fourth wide receiver option.

• Jeshaun Jones returned two punts in one appearance with the Vikings last season. The 2024 Maryland graduate and native Floridian enters year two in Minnesota.

• Josh Woods, a 2018 graduate, was added to Atlanta's 53-man roster on Monday. The linebacker signed a one-year contract to stay with the Falcons in July.

• Dante Trader Jr. earned snaps in all 17 games for the Dolphins last season. Entering his sophomore campaign in Miami, he's expected to receive more defensive snaps and compete for a starting role.

• Jakorian Bennett was placed on the injured reserve with a knee injury and will miss at least four games. The cornerback appeared in 11 games in 2025, his first season with the Eagles, having spent his first two years in Las Vegas.

Practice squad additions

• Tackle Gottlieb Ayedze signed with the Dolphins in June and was named to Miami's practice squad. The Germantown native competed in the UFL this spring.

• Former Terps center Josh Kaltenberger enters year two on the Chargers' practice squad. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2025.

Not rostered

• Darnell Savage Jr. appeared in games for four teams across seven years in the NFL. The Steelers picked up the safety in March then decided to release him in early August.

• Ruben Hyppolite II, a 2025 graduate, was selected in the fourth round by Chicago and appeared in seven games. The Bears waived him with an injury designation on Sunday.

The 2026 season is slated to kick off on Sept. 9 in Seattle, as the defending champion Seattle Seahawks play host to the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch. It's an exciting new season for the 23 Maryland alumni who call the NFL their home.