MM 9.7: How former Maryland football alumni fared in final NFL roster cuts

Maryland football had a vast range of former players on NFL rosters this preseason, from sure locks to those fighting for a chance to make their squad.

NFL teams were required to cut their active rosters down to 53 players by Saturday evening ahead of the 2020 season kicking off on Sept. 10. With no preseason, players only had practices and scrimmages during training camp to show coaches they deserve a spot.

Here’s how the former Terps fared.

On initial active rosters:

LB Josh Woods - Bears

WR Stefon Diggs - Bills

DL Quinton Jefferson - Bills

RB Ty Johnson - Lions

WR DJ Moore - Panthers

LB Jermaine Carter - Panthers

RB Anthony McFarland Jr. - Steelers

DB Sean Davis - Steelers

DL Byron Cowart - Patriots

DB J.C. Jackson - Patriots

DB Darnell Savage - Packers

DL Yannick Ngakoue - Vikings

Defensive Back Sean Davis had quite the interesting offseason. He signed a new deal with the Washington Football Team, but then was getting released this week. And soon after, he resigned with the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking the spot of another former Terp.

Running back Anthony McFarland Jr. was the lone newcomer to join an active roster in an extremely unusual season for rookies in 2020, finding a spot as one of four backs with the Steelers.

For many players who signed on as undrafted free agents, the 2020 offseason presented a huge challenge with no preseason game action to impress coaches. Several Terps didn’t make active rosters, but landed on practice squads on Sunday.

Former Terps on initial practice squads:

S Antoine Brooks Jr. - Steelers

RB Trey Edmunds - Steelers

OT Derwin Gray - Steelers

G Michael Dunn - Browns

TE Tyler Mabry - Seahawks

Other notable Terps that were left off both active and practice squads include Javon Leake, Tino Ellis and Keandre Jones who reportedly had workouts with other franchises in hopes of remaining on the radar. Former XFL standout Cavon Walker was also cut from the Steelers despite having a strong campaign with the New York Guardians.

In other news

On the opening weekend of the college football season, Maryland football reminded everyone that they’ve won 10-straight openers.

The streak of season-opening wins has been ongoing since Maryland stuffed Navy on the goal line in 2010 at M&T Bank Stadium.

This weekend also marked the ninth anniversary of the Maryland Pride uniform debut against Miami.

Maryland men’s basketball also took advantage of a fast-rising clip to tease its 2003 upset of No. 1 Florida on the road.

Former Maryland men’s soccer goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made his first professional start for Minnesota United Sunday.

In that match, fellow Maryland teammate Chase Gasper put Minnesota on the board first with his first career goal.

Former Maryland men’s soccer midfielder Eryk Williamson also notched his first career MLS goal Sunday.

Williamson also added a late assist to help lead Portland Timbers to a 2-1 victory.