Which former Michigan State football players made 2023 NFL rosters?

Today is roster cut day in the NFL and a number of former Michigan State football players have made 53-man rosters.

Folks, it’s officially cut day and NFL teams had to trim their rosters down to 53 players. That meant that some former Michigan State football stars would be on both sides of the line.

A number of Spartans were cut on Tuesday while others made 53-man rosters.

Let’s start with the guys who made rosters.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings

This one is obvious. Kirk Cousins has been a staple of the Vikings’ offense for years and he was even labeled as one of the most underrated players in the NFL recently. He’ll be the starter for 2023.

Jalen Nailor, WR, Vikings

Injured throughout a chunk of the preseason, Jalen Nailor had to fight for a spot. He won one of six spots in the end and looks to be a major part of the Vikings’ offense.

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks

No one should be surprised by this one either. As long as Kenneth Walker III is healthy, he should be Seattle’s starting running back ahead of former Michigan standout turned UCLA star Zach Charbonnet.

Bryce Baringer, P, Patriots

The writing was on the wall here on Monday when the Patriots released Bryce Baringer’s main competition for the punter spot. He’s going to have a long career in the NFL.

Ameer Speed, CB/ST, Patriots

Bill Belichick drafted Ameer Speed not solely because of his cornerback skills and his size, but because he could be a special teams ace. And he made the roster on Tuesday.

Jayden Reed, WR, Packers

A fan favorite in East Lansing, a lot of Michigan State faithful are going to have a tough time rooting for him on the Packers in the NFL because, well, the Lions exist. But he can do well every week that Detroit isn’t playing Green Bay. He is going to have a special NFL career.

Connor Heyward, TE/FB, Steelers

This was never really in doubt. Connor Heyward has been a revelation with the Steelers and he’s carrying over the momentum he built in his senior year with Michigan State football. Fans love this dude in Pittsburgh.

Joe Bachie, LB, Bengals

I’ll admit when Joe Bachie went undrafted, I thought that was going to be the last we heard of him in regard to professional football. I’m glad I was wrong because he was a beast at Michigan State and the Bengals love him, too.

Brian Allen, OC, Rams

Brian Allen has been in the center of that Rams offensive line for the past few years and he’s made a name for himself. He just signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Rams last year.

Brian Hoyer, QB, Raiders

Honestly, I don’t think Brian Hoyer will ever retire at this point. He’ll be the Raiders’ backup for 2023 but with New England cutting Bailey Zappe, maybe he’ll get dealt back to the Patriots again.

Jack Conklin, OT, Browns

Not a surprise here as Cleveland likes what it has at tackle with Jack Conklin who has carved out a nice career for himself. As long as he can stay healthy, he should be on a roster for a while.

Taybor Pepper, LS, 49ers

Taybor Pepper was an elite long-snapper for Michigan State for years and now he’s one of the better ones in the NFL. He signed a three-year deal with the 49ers in February.

Will Gholston, DE, Buccaneers

A true NFL veteran, Will Gholston has found a home in Tampa and will stay there for at least another year. He made the cut on Tuesday afternoon.

Naquan Jones, DT, Titans

As a former undrafted free agent, Naquan Jones has carved out a nice little NFL career and he’s made the Titans’ roster for another season.

Still awaiting word…

These guys have yet to be cut or make the 53-man roster, but we’ll update this as soon as the news comes out.

• Andrew Dowell, LB, Saints (out for year with injury)

Who got cut?

These former Michigan State football players did not make rosters on Tuesday.

• Ben VanSumeren, LB, Eagles
• Matt Sokol, TE, Patriots
• Kendell Brooks, DB, Cardinals
• Kevin Jarvis, OG, Bills
• Raequan Williams, DL, Eagles
• Jacob Slade, DT, Cardinals
• Cody White, WR, Steelers
• Josh Butler, CB, Cowboys