DES MOINES, Iowa — NFL roster cutdown day delivered a mixed bag for players with Iowa ties, with some former Hawkeyes securing spots while others faced an uncertain next step.
Sunday’s deadline marked an important point, but it was not the final word for everyone. The 53-man rosters announced by teams are considered initial rosters, meaning Monday’s waiver process and practice-squad decisions could quickly change the outlook for players who were released.
For Iowa fans, the biggest development involved Kaleb Johnson, the former Hawkeye running back whose NFL journey took another turn.
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Johnson was being traded to the Green Bay Packers for a sixth-round selection in the 2028 NFL Draft, with the deal pending a physical. The move adds another chapter to his career.
Johnson entered the league with attention from his Iowa career. His time in Iowa City established him as a notable recent Hawkeye, and his third-round selection gave him a chance to begin with Pittsburgh.
Now, instead of continuing that journey in Pittsburgh, Johnson will have a chance to compete in Green Bay.
The timing made the situation intriguing. With teams working to finalize their initial rosters, every transaction carried added significance. For players on the bubble, one decision can determine whether they stay, move elsewhere or continue on a practice squad.
That is why Monday could be just as important as Sunday for several players connected to Iowa.
Once the waiver process is completed, teams will begin assembling their practice squads. Players who were released can potentially be claimed by another organization, giving them a new opportunity. Others could clear waivers and potentially return to their former team in a different role.
For Hawkeye supporters following former Iowa players around the league, the next few days deserve close attention.
Johnson’s move is especially significant because it gives him a fresh start before the regular season gets underway. A change in organization can create a different path for a young player, particularly when there is an opportunity to learn a new offensive system and compete for a role.
The Packers now become the next stage of Johnson’s development. His challenge will be to make the most of the opportunity, establish himself within the running back room and show that the talent that made him a third-round selection can translate into consistent NFL production.
Other former Hawkeyes will also be waiting on waiver and practice-squad decisions.
Roster cutdown day can be an emotional moment because being released does not necessarily mean an NFL dream has ended. The league’s roster rules create avenues for players to remain in football.
That uncertainty makes this stage compelling.
Iowa’s attention now shifts to what comes next. Former Hawkeyes still have opportunities to earn roster spots, practice-squad positions or chances with new teams, while Johnson prepares to begin the next chapter of his career in Green Bay.
The Steelers’ decision shows how quickly circumstances can change. Johnson went from being a Pittsburgh draft pick to joining another franchise before the regular season, demonstrating how unpredictable roster-building can be.
For Hawkeye fans, the story does not end with Sunday’s cuts.
Monday’s waiver results could bring more movement. Players on the outside can suddenly receive another opportunity, and those opportunities can become the foundation for a longer NFL career.
Johnson, meanwhile, has a clear new destination.
His move to Green Bay gives him a chance to reset, compete and prove himself again. After Pittsburgh selected him in 2025, the former Hawkeye begins another phase of his NFL journey.
As teams settle into regular-season preparations, Iowa supporters will be watching closely to see which former Hawkeyes make the final cut, which players land on practice squads and who finds a new opportunity after roster decisions.
Sunday may have closed one door for some players, but across the NFL, Monday is already opening others.
That makes every roster decision especially important for Iowa players now.
