As the deadline for 53-man rosters approached on Aug. 26, teams finalized their squads with many notable roster cuts across the league.
One such cut was former Nittany Lions star K.J. Hamler, who spent time in State College from 2017 to 2019 with 1,658 collegiate career receiving yards over two seasons played, which places himNo. 20 on the all-time blue and white career receiving leaders.
Hard Knocks spoiler alert: Bills released veteran WR KJ Hamler. pic.twitter.com/gFaRwQJjK0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025
The Pontiac, Mich. native displayed outstanding ability when on the field, showing potential when entering the league in the 2020 NFL Draft. This upside propelled the Denver Broncos to select him in the second round.
Since starting his NFL journey, Hamler miss time due to multiple hamstring injuries while with the Broncos. He also had pectoral surgery, a torn ACL, and Pericarditis, a heart condition.
Due to these injuries, Hamler did not see much action. The WR appeared on the Colts' practice squad in 2023 and had a pair of signings with the Bills since. Despite these opportunities, Hamler hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since 2022.
Yet, he showed his ability to bounce back from a significant injury before when he suffered a torn ACL in his freshman season at Penn State, which caused him to miss the entire year.
Now, Hamler will look to once again overcome another setback following his release from the Bills. Here are three possible landing spots for Hamler as he works his way back to the league.
Tennessee Titans
With an older core of Tyler Lockett (32 years), Calvin Ridley (30 years), and Van Jefferson (29 years), the Titans are at a point where a changing of the guard is soon to take place inside the wideout room. Along with the selection of Cam Ward No. 1 overall, he will quickly need some more weapons in the years to come.
Regardless of where Hamler signs, he'll likely be a practice squad addition. The Titans could be the perfect situation for the Penn State product to break through into the first team as aging pass-catchers regress. Tennessee also lacks youth in their wideout room besides the additions of 2025 fourth-round picks Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike.
Pittsburgh Steelers
General manager Omar Khan brought numerous fresh faces to Pittsburgh this offseason on both sides of the ball. Yet, the WR room saw minimal investment with the most significant change being the transition from George Pickens to DK Metcalf.
There is much to be desired from the remaining members in the WR room with few experienced route runners in the Steel City.
Cut day also saw Pittsburgh release veteran Robert Woods, adding to the growing list of question marks for the unit as he was the most experienced rostered WR. The Steelers appear as a team with a heavy TE and RB approach in 2025, meaning Hamler would likely have some fit issues. However, it would be a scenario with an optimal chance to break through.
Cleveland Browns
As the lowest-ranked 2025 WR core by PFF this season, the Browns have a lot of work to do in revamping their passing game.
Cleveland already demonstrated that they are willing to take risks on signings and give players a second chance, such as with Diontae Johnson's stint before his release on cut day and the signing of undrafted free agent Isaiah Bond after his legal controversies were resolved.
Jerry Jeudy headlines the unit, but the Browns' next-highest returning wide receiver from 2024 is Cedric Tillman, who posted 339 yards.
If Cleveland wants to be competitive, it needs to add another receiver to pair with Jeudy. Hamler could flourish into that role if given a chance.
Philadelphia Eagles
While far-fetched, a reunion with Saquon Barkley and Jahan Dotson isn't out of the picture for Hamler as the Eagles already added WR depth this offseason.
With Devonta Smith and AJ Brown dealing with light injuries, Philadelphia's WR room may consider adding depth behind Dotson and newly acquired John Metchie III. Currently behind that pair are undrafted free agent rookies Darius Cooper and Avery Williams.
Hamler going to the Eagles would be a huge opportunity to grow under the great wide receiver coach Aaron Moorehead with a schematic fit that benefits undersized, speedy receivers.