NFL cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen shocked Montana football fans during the league’s recent roster reduction deadline. The Las Vegas Raiders waived Mellott, their sixth-round selection from Montana State, while the San Francisco 49ers released Bergen, whom they had chosen in the seventh round of April’s NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, both promising Montana stars fell victim to the intense competition of NFL cut-down day, when teams must trim their rosters from 90 players to just 53. While Mellott transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver with the Raiders, Bergen was working as both a receiver and kick returner for the 49ers. Additionally, both players had been seeing time on special teams units. However, despite being draft picks, neither player secured a spot on their team’s final roster. In contrast to these cuts, several former Montana State Bobcats and Bozeman native Will Dissly successfully made 53-man rosters, although no former Montana Grizzlies currently appear on any NFL team’s active roster.
Why were Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen cut?
The NFL Cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen stemmed from multiple factors beyond their individual talents. Both rookies faced steep challenges despite being recent draft selections.
Depth chart competition and limited roles
Competition for roster spots proved overwhelming for both Montana stars. Mellott found himself competing against established Raiders receivers who offered more immediate value. Similarly, Bergen encountered a crowded 49ers depth chart where veterans held priority. Furthermore, both players faced limited offensive roles that complicated their path to the final roster:
- Mellott was listed as third-string slot receiver and fourth-string return option
- Bergen’s offensive usage projected as primarily situational
- Teams prioritized players who could contribute immediately
- Roster spots favored veterans with proven production
Limited practice repetitions further hindered their development, as teams focused resources on primary contributors rather than developmental projects.
Position transitions and development timelines
Primarily, Mellott’s transition from college quarterback to NFL wide receiver created a steeper learning curve. His development timeline simply did not align with the Raiders’ immediate roster needs. The position change required mastering new skills including route precision, coverage recognition, and blocking technique adjustments.
Though Mellott displayed athleticism—including a 42-yard kickoff return against the 49ers—his receiving stats were minimal with just one catch for negative yardage against Seattle. Consequently, the Raiders determined his development would require more time than the active roster could accommodate.
Special teams performance as a deciding factor
Special teams value often determines the fate of players on roster bubbles. For Bergen, despite being drafted specifically for return abilities, the competition for dedicated return spots remained fierce. 49ers General Manager John Lynch had noted Bergen’s return capabilities as a key factor in drafting him. Nevertheless, special teams evaluation extends beyond mere statistics.
Throughout preseason, Bergen averaged 20.6 yards per kickoff return and 14 yards per punt return. Yet these numbers ultimately weren’t compelling enough to secure his roster spot. Return specialists face particularly intense scrutiny, as teams carefully evaluate reliability, decision-making, and ball security.
Moreover, NFL teams increasingly prioritize roster flexibility. Players occupying specialized roles must demonstrate versatility or exceptional production. Both Mellott and Bergen showed flashes of potential but lacked the consistent multi-role contributions necessary to justify roster spots during the final cutdown.
How the NFL cut-down process works
The annual NFL roster reduction represents a critical juncture that determined the fate of players like Mellott and Bergen. Understanding the mechanics of this process illuminates why promising talents often find themselves searching for new opportunities.
From 90-man to 53-man rosters
NFL teams begin each preseason with 90 players, creating intense competition as nearly 1,200 athletes nationwide face elimination before regular season kickoff. All 32 teams must trim these bloated rosters to precisely 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on cutdown day. This massive reduction eliminates 37 players per team, affecting both rookies and veterans alike.
Beyond the 53-man active roster, teams can maintain 16 practice squad players (or 17 with an international player). On game days, only 48 of the 53 active roster players can suit up, requiring additional strategic decisions from coaching staffs.
Waivers vs. releases: what’s the difference?
The distinction between being waived or released hinges on NFL experience:
- Waived players: Athletes with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons must pass through the waiver system. Other teams have until noon ET the following day to claim them.
- Released players: Veterans with four-plus accrued seasons become immediate free agents, free to sign anywhere without waiver restrictions.
The NFL defines an “accrued season” as spending at least six games on a team’s 53-man roster, injured reserve, or physically unable to perform list. Since both Mellott and Bergen were rookies, they were subject to waivers after being cut.
Timing and strategy behind final decisions
Teams make calculated decisions based on positional depth, salary cap implications, and special teams value. Indeed, the final 5-10 roster spots often go to special teams contributors, explaining why Mellott and Bergen’s performance in this area proved crucial.
After cuts, the waiver claim order follows the current year’s original draft order through the first three weeks of the season. Teams higher in priority can block lower teams from acquiring desired players. For players clearing waivers, practice squad eligibility offers continued development opportunities, potentially providing a second chance for Montana’s recently cut stars.
What options remain for cut players like Mellott and Bergen?
After being waived during NFL roster cuts, Mellott and Bergen still have several professional football pathways available. Their careers need not end with this setback, as multiple opportunities exist for continued development.
Practice squad contracts and benefits
Practice squad positions offer the most immediate option for cut players. Each NFL team maintains 16 practice squad players, with a possible 17th spot for an international player. These squads provide substantial benefits:
- Weekly salary of $13,000 for players with two years of service or less (approximately $216,000 per season)
- Veterans with two-plus years can earn between $17,500-$22,000 weekly
- Players receive team-structured training and development
- Chance to be elevated to active roster on game days
The “standard elevation addendum” allows teams to temporarily move practice squad players to the active roster without subjecting them to waivers. A player can be elevated for a maximum of three regular season games per season before requiring permanent roster addition. This system provides cut players valuable development time plus potential game experience.
Alternate leagues: CFL, USFL, XFL
For players seeking consistent playing time, alternative professional leagues represent viable paths:
The Canadian Football League (CFL) offers salaries averaging between $60,000-$80,000 CAD annually, making it the highest-paying alternative to the NFL. The league’s nine teams play 18-game seasons.
Meanwhile, the United Football League (UFL)—created through the USFL-XFL merger—provides another spring football option. Previous XFL contracts averaged around $55,000, with $27,000 guaranteed.
Both leagues have established pathways back to the NFL, with strong performances potentially catching scouts’ attention.
Mid-season signings and injury replacements
In-season opportunities regularly emerge as NFL teams face injuries. Teams frequently sign players familiar with their systems first, making practice squad retention valuable.
Players released during final cuts often receive mid-season calls as teams need replacements. Players who cleared waivers, like Mellott and Bergen, remain eligible for such opportunities throughout the season. This explains why maintaining conditioning, participating in tryouts, and staying prepared remains essential after cuts.
Many NFL contributors initially faced rejection but ultimately found roster spots through persistence and readiness when opportunities arose.
What this means for future Montana NFL hopefuls
The experiences of Mellott and Bergen highlight valuable insights for future Montana football players with NFL dreams. Their journey offers a roadmap for others following similar paths.
Lessons for small-school athletes
Montana State University has consistently produced NFL talent, with six players extending their careers with NFL teams in 2025. This represents the highest total among NCAA Division I FCS schools. Undoubtedly, small-school prospects face unique challenges, often beginning their journey with fewer eyes on them. These athletes must dominate lower competition while demonstrating elite, moldable traits to catch scouts’ attention.
Importance of adaptability and mental toughness
Mental toughness emerges as the most significant factor for professional performance. Players with high mental toughness demonstrate superior ability to assess their performance, maintain self-confidence, and handle adversity effectively. Former NFL star Matt Forté emphasizes, “The one thing I would say is it’s important to understand that separating yourself into solitude is never going to help you – you only heal in community”.
How junior programs like Montana State prepare players
Montana State’s football program provides essential preparation through its player-driven and process-driven approach. Former Bobcat Ty Okada, who went from walk-on to Super Bowl participant with the Seattle Seahawks, credits Montana State: “His time at Montana State has a huge part of who he is today”. Essentially, these programs develop crucial adaptability skills, as players like Marcus Wehr note: “I thought playing at Montana State prepared me very well to compete at a high level”.
Conclusion
The NFL Cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen certainly represent significant setbacks for the Montana stars, though certainly not career-ending ones. Despite being recent draft selections, both players faced extraordinary competition during the preseason, additionally struggling with position transitions and development timelines that misaligned with their teams’ immediate needs. Their situation highlights the brutal reality of NFL roster mathematics – nearly 1,200 players nationwide must be eliminated before regular season kickoff.
Nevertheless, multiple paths forward exist for these talented athletes. Practice squad opportunities provide substantial financial compensation while allowing continued skill development within NFL systems. Alternative leagues like the CFL and UFL offer competitive playing environments with established pathways back to the NFL. Furthermore, mid-season injuries regularly create roster openings, making persistence and preparation essential qualities for players recently cut.
These experiences undoubtedly deliver valuable lessons for future Montana NFL hopefuls. Small-school prospects must demonstrate elite, adaptable skills while developing exceptional mental toughness. Montana State University stands as proof that FCS programs can successfully prepare players for professional careers, evidenced by having the highest number of NFL players among NCAA Division I FCS schools in 2025.
Though disappointing, NFL Cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen journey has merely hit a temporary roadblock rather than reached its conclusion. Their developmental stories will likely continue evolving, potentially serving as inspiration for the next generation of Montana football stars who dream of NFL careers. After all, many successful NFL careers began with similar setbacks before finding the right opportunity at the right time.
FAQs
Q1. Why were Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen cut from their respective NFL teams? Mellott and Bergen were cut due to intense roster competition, position transitions, and limited roles. Their development timelines didn’t align with immediate team needs, and their special teams performances weren’t compelling enough to secure roster spots.
Q2. What options are available for players like Mellott and Bergen after being cut? Cut players can pursue practice squad contracts, which offer good pay and development opportunities. They may also consider playing in alternate leagues like the CFL or UFL, or stay prepared for potential mid-season NFL signings as injury replacements.
Q3. How does the NFL roster cut-down process work? NFL teams must reduce their rosters from 90 players to 53 by a specific deadline. Players with less than four years of experience are waived and subject to claims by other teams, while veterans are released and become free agents immediately.
Q4. What lessons can future Montana NFL hopefuls learn from Mellott and Bergen’s experience? Small-school athletes must demonstrate elite, adaptable skills and exceptional mental toughness. They should focus on dominating lower-level competition while developing traits that catch scouts’ attention, and be prepared for the challenges of transitioning to the NFL.
Q5. How do practice squad contracts benefit cut players? Practice squad contracts offer substantial weekly salaries, continued training and development within NFL systems, and the chance to be elevated to the active roster for up to three regular season games. This provides valuable experience and potential pathways back to the main roster.
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