Former Cal standout linebacker Jackson Sirmon has never made an opening-day NFL roster, and he wasn’t expected to do so this season either.
Until Saturday.
He put up some big numbers in a preseason game this weekend, and that along with some nepotism gives him an outside shot to make New Orleans’ regular-season roster.
He is one of several former Cal players who are nervous about whether they will make 2026 NFL regular-season rosters.
We’re not talking about players like Aaron Rodgers, Cam Bynum, Keenan Allen or Craig Woodson, former Golden Bears who are assured of roster spots and are expected to be starters.
We’re addressing the status of ex-Cal players who have to worry about whether they’ll make their NFL team’s roster. We list rookies and other ex-Cal players on the bubble and include the percentage chance they will make their teams’ regular-season roster.
Hezekiah Masses, Raiders – 98% Chance
A fifth-round pick in this year’s NFL draft, Masses has earned praise from everyone in the Las Vegas camp. The only question is whether he will break into the starting lineup sometime this season. He was a starter in this weekend’s preseason game against the Texans, and he had one solo tackle while playing 41 defensive plays. He’s likely to begin the 2026 season coming off the bench and playing on special teams, but he could become a starter late in the season.
Brent “Paco” Austin, Broncos – 40% Chance
Austin, signed in April as an undrafted free agent, has impressed a lot of people in the Denver organization, and he tied for the team lead in tackles with six (including two solo stops) and was on the field for 43 defensive plays in the Broncos’ preseason game against the Packers. His problem is that Denver is loaded with cornerbacks, and he might be the odd man out. One interesting issue: If he is cut by September 1, will he try to return to college to play a fifth year of college ball this season? He would be eligible to do so.
Jacob De Jesus, Chiefs – 30% Chance
De Jesus is trying to make it as a wide receiver and punt returner after going undrafted. His biggest problem is that the Chiefs have another player – former Cal and Fresno State star Nikko Remigio – who is the same type of player and has 19 games of regular-season NFL experience. De Jesus had one pass thrown to him in Saturday’s game against Tampa Bay and caught it for 4 yards, and he returned one punt for 4 yards. He played 10 snaps on offense and two as a punt returner.
Aidan Keanaaina, Lions – 0% Chance
Keanaaina was put on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury two weeks ago, then was waived with an injury settlement on August 17. Although he went undrafted in April, the Lions signed him to a $300,000 guaranteed contract as a free agent. That suggests the Lions had high hopes for him.
T.J. Bollers, Jaguars – 25% Chance
Signed as an undrafted free agent, Bollers is getting a long look by the Jaguars. He played 46 snaps as an interior defensive lineman on Friday against the Panthers and picked up two tackles. The fact that he has not been released as of August 22 is a good sign, but being listed as a fourth-string defensive tackle is not a good sign.
Marcus Harris, Titans – 85%
Harris started five games at cornerback for the Titans as a rookie last year, and he is listed as Tennessee’s starting nickelback on its current depth chart. It’s a good bet that Harris will be a starter in the Titans’ season opener, which is not bad for a guy who was taken in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Daniel Scott, Colts – 35%
His first two NFL seasons were wiped out completely by injuries, and most of his 2025 season was erased by another injury after making the regular-season roster. He is fighting an uphill battle this year. The Colts took a good look at Scott on Saturday against the Falcons, when he played 38 snaps at safety and 12 on special teams, finishing with two tackles on defense.
Jackson Sirmon, Saints – 40% Chance
Sirmon has played in one regular-season game in his pro career, and that was a midseason game for the winless Jets last season when he played 18 plays, all on special teams. His chance of sticking this year was at about 15% before his big game against the Rams on Saturday. Sirmon piled up a game-high 11 tackles, including five solo stops, from his middle linebacker spot. Pass coverage remains an issue for Sirmon. His father – former Cal defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon – is a linebackers coach for the Saints, so that may help him make the Saints’ roster.
Elijah Hicks, Bears – 75% Chance
Hicks, a fifth-year pro, has been on the PUP (physically Unable to Perform) list since July 28 with a shin injury, but the general feeling is that he will be kept on the roster and will be available at some point.
Ashtyn Davis, 49ers – 60% Chance
Davis is likely to make the 49ers roster at safety based on having played in 84 NFL games, including 34 starts. He was a starter in the 49ers first preseason game and came off the bench for 25 defensive plays and 14 special teams plays in Thursday’s game against the Chargers. It would be a surprise if he is released, but he is unlikely to be a starter.
Patrick McMorris, 49ers – 15% Chance
McMorris played 17 defensive snaps and 14 special-teams snaps in the game against the Chargers, and he recorded one assisted tackle while playing safety. He has some NFL experience, having played six regular-season games for the Dolphins in 2024. But he is listed behind Davis on the 49ers’ depth chart.
Nohl Williams, Chiefs – 100% Chance
The question is not whether this second-year pro will make the team, it’s whether he will be a starter. He started five games for the Chiefs last season, and, as of August 22, the odds are pretty good that he will be a starting cornerback for Kansas City in their opener.
Jake Tonges, 49ers – 85% Chance
This is Tonges’ fifth season in a preseason NFL camp, and this is the first season he doesn’t have to worry about making a regular-season roster. He proved his worth last season, and has been used sparingly in preseason. Tonges is particularly important with George Kittle’s status for the opener uncertain as he recovers from a torn Achilles. (Update: Kittle was activated off the PUP list on Sunday.) Tonges started this weekend’s game against the Rams, but did not have a pass thrown his way.
Cameron Goode, Dolphins – 50% Chance
Goode played just six plays on defense and two on special teams in Saturday’s game against the Giants, and he made one assisted tackle as an edge player on defense. He has made one career start in his three NFL seasons, and it’s unclear whether the Dolphins will keep him for a fourth season.
Jake Curhan, Panthers – 55% Chance
The Panthers re-signed Curhan on August 5, and he has played in 53 NFL games over five pro seasons. He was on the field for 20 plays at offensive guard in Friday’s game against Jacksonville, and his experience is likely earn him a spot on the regular-season roster.
