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Cowboys Waive Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis Emerges

8/31/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cowboys Waive Blue

Dallas Cowboys waived running back Jaydon Blue, a 2025 fifth-round pick, on Aug 30 2026.
Blue posted 94 preseason rushing yards on 23 carries, including 75 yards on 15 carries versus Arizona.
He was the top backup to Javonte Williams, with Malik Davis emerging as the likely replacement.
The Cowboys also cut Phil Mafah and Israel Abanikanda, leaving three backs and prompting analysts to consider signing Kareem Hunt.

Summary

NFL Cuts

The league-wide roster deadline left over 1,000 players temporarily unemployed after teams cut rosters to 53.
The Minnesota Vikings released All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker after he lost the job to rookie Brett Thorson.
The New York Giants cut former No. 7 overall 2022 draft pick Evan Neal before his rookie contract ended.
Recent high draft picks quarterback Will Levis and tight end Justin Joly were also among the surprising cuts.

History

Historical Context

Since the NFL imposed its first hard salary cap of about $34 million for the 1994 season and a 53-man roster limit, teams like the Cowboys, Vikings and Giants were forced to cut veteran depth, famously shedding twelve players and $12 million. The 2026 waivers of rookie Jaydon Blue, punter Johnny Hekker and pick Evan Neal echo that original cap-driven roster purge.

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Cowboys Waive Blue

Dallas Cowboys waived running back Jaydon Blue, a 2025 fifth-round pick, on Aug 30 2026.
Blue posted 94 preseason rushing yards on 23 carries, including 75 yards on 15 carries versus Arizona.
He was the top backup to Javonte Williams, with Malik Davis emerging as the likely replacement.
The Cowboys also cut Phil Mafah and Israel Abanikanda, leaving three backs and prompting analysts to consider signing Kareem Hunt.

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