NFL locals cuts tracker: BYU’s Corbin Kaufusi, SUU’s James Cowser among Utah ties waived

SALT LAKE CITY — Former BYU and Timpview High defensive end Corbin Kaufusi has seen his time in New Orleans come to an end as a victim of final roster cuts.

Kaufusi was one of eight local ties — and one of three who played high school ball in Utah — waived Friday as NFL teams trim their rosters to 53 active roster players before the league’s Saturday 2 p.m. MDT final cuts deadline.

The rookie Kaufusi signed with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft and had three tackles and two pass deflections in the preseason. His older brother, Bronson, plays for the New York Jets.

Former Davis High and Southern Utah pass rusher James Cowser was also waived by Oakland — he’s spent all his pro time with the Raiders since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Cowser didn’t make final cuts last year, too, though Oakland brought him back later in the year, mostly on the team’s practice squad. He has 32 career tackles in regular-season play.

Three former University of Utah players were waived Friday — Tampa Bay released defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (and East High product) and offensive lineman Salesi Uhatafe, while Philadelphia waived safety Jason Thompson two days after he joined the team.

Former Utah State wide receiver Jalen Greene, a rookie free agent, was released by the Los Angeles Rams after making seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in the preseason, and the Rams released SUU punter Brock Miller. Kerwynn Williams, a veteran running back out of Utah State, was also waived by New Orleans.

The eight local players cut Friday leaves 66 players with Utah ties on active NFL rosters heading into Saturday’s deadline.

Local NFL players cut Friday, Aug. 30