The NFL Cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen “53-man” deadline is the most ruthless day in professional sports, and for Montana’s favorite sons, the 2025-2026 cycle has been a whirlwind of high-stakes transitions. While both athletes face the harsh reality of the waiver wire, their journey highlights the steep climb for FCS stars in a league that demands immediate results.
Key Takeaways
- Tommy Mellott’s Transition: After being drafted as a quarterback by the Raiders, Mellott’s move to wide receiver led to his release and a subsequent practice squad stint with the New Orleans Saints.
- Junior Bergen’s Status: Despite being waived by the 49ers during final cuts, Bergen signed a reserve/futures contract in January 2026, keeping his NFL dreams alive in San Francisco.
- FCS to NFL Gap: Both players face “developmental” tags, illustrating the difficulty of transitioning from Big Sky dominance to specialized NFL roles.
Why were Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen cut?
If you’ve been following Big Sky football, the talent of these two isn’t in question. However, our analysis suggests that “positional fluidity” is a double-edged sword. NFL Cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen, the legendary Montana State dual-threat, was drafted 213th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. According to official Raiders transactions, the team attempted to convert the Walter Payton Award winner into a wide receiver.
Industry insiders noted that while Mellott’s athleticism is elite, the nuances of NFL Cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen route-running proved too steep for a single preseason. After being waived by Las Vegas, he briefly joined the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad but was released in October 2025, as reported by RotoWire.
2025-2026 Professional Timeline
| Player | Draft Position | Initial Team | Status as of March 2026 |
| Tommy Mellott | 6th Round (#213) | Las Vegas Raiders | Free Agent (formerly Saints PS) |
| Junior Bergen | 7th Round (#252) | SF 49ers | Signed Reserve/Futures Contract |
What does this mean for Junior Bergen’s future?
Unlike Mellott, Junior Bergen’s path has remained tethered to the team that drafted him. Although he was part of the 49ers’ final roster cuts in August 2025, Kyle Shanahan’s staff clearly saw enough value in his record-setting return ability to keep him in the building.
We found that Bergen’s persistence paid off. On January 20, 2026, the 49ers officially signed him to a reserve/futures contract. NFL Cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen This allows him to compete in the 2026 offseason program and training camp. His elite pro-day numbers—including 17 bench press reps and a 4.22-second shuttle—remain his best leverage for a permanent spot on the 53-man roster.
How can FCS players survive the NFL “numbers game”?
The leap from the Big Sky to the NFL is about more than just speed. It is about finding a “niche” that makes a player indispensable on special teams.
- Master the Return Game: Bergen’s eight collegiate punt return touchdowns are the reason he is still in San Francisco.
- Positional Patience: Mellott’s attempt to replicate the “Taysom Hill” model is difficult; it often requires 2-3 years of practice squad development.
- Clear the Waivers: Being cut isn’t the end. As seen on Reddit’s Raiders community, fans and scouts often watch for these “small school” gems to clear waivers so they can be stashed and coached.
Our team observed that while the headline “NFL Cuts Tommy Mellott Junior Bergen” sounds final, it is often just the beginning of a multi-year chess match for athletes like Mellott and Bergen.
For More Latest Updates Atholton News