Overview

• Jakob Johnson was released by the Houston Texans and, as a veteran with four-plus accrued seasons, bypasses waivers to become an immediate free agent.
• Six other Germans were cut during the move to 53-man rosters: Lenny Krieg (Falcons), Kilian Zierer (Browns), Leander Wiegand (Jets), Lorenz Metz (Buccaneers), Maximilian Mang (Colts) and Julius Welschof (Steelers).
• Those six are subject to the 24-hour waiver period before they can sign freely, with practice-squad spots the most likely near-term outcome.
• The NFL’s expanded International Player Pathway now gives each team a 17th practice-squad slot for an international player, improving retention odds for these prospects.
• Reporting notes potential interest in Johnson, including rumored links to New England, while Houston could also bring him back on the practice squad or active roster.