Massive Roster Shakeups as NFL Teams Trim to 53 Players
The NFL’s annual roster cut deadline is upon us, with nearly 1,200 players finding themselves out of a job by the end of the day. Teams are frantically trimming their rosters from 90 to the final 53-player limit, ahead of the 4 p.m. ET deadline. Some high-profile names and surprise cuts are making headlines as teams finalize their lineups for the season.
Among the notable releases, Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson and New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe have both been waived. Standout veterans like Will Grier of the Eagles and Ben DiNucci of the Bills are also looking for new homes. The running back position has seen substantial turnover as well, with the 49ers letting go of Matt Breida, and the Broncos releasing Phillip Dorsett. Myles Gaskin of the Vikings and Allen Robinson of the Giants have also been cut, along with cornerbacks C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars), and safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills). Steelers kicker Matthew Wright is another recognizably axed player.
In the midst of these roster moves, trades have also been struck. The Packers sent quarterback Malik Willis to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Chiefs traded linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a similar seventh-round pick in 2025. These moves offer players a new opportunity, albeit later in the game.
Speculation and Trade Rumors: High Stakes for Some
Rumors are swirling around several players who might find themselves either released or traded. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick, along with running back Samaje Perine, are at the center of much speculation. Meanwhile, the Texans’ running back Dameon Pierce is rumored to be a target for the Cleveland Browns, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore has been linked with the Washington Commanders. The Patriots’ defensive back Jonathan Jones is also speculated to be on the Dallas Cowboys' radar.
Cowboys Secure CeeDee Lamb but Face Future Contract Decisions
In a significant move, the Dallas Cowboys have extended wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s contract, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $136 million deal that includes a $38 million signing bonus. This considerable investment ensures one of their key offensive weapons remains in Dallas for the foreseeable future. Attention now shifts towards locking in new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive standout Micah Parsons. Financially, the Cowboys missed out on potential savings of nearly $10 million by finalizing Lamb's deal later in the offseason.
Challenges and Investments: Pressure Mounts for Coaches and Teams
The New York Jets, who have made a significant financial commitment to Aaron Rodgers, are under the microscope. Head coach Robert Saleh holds an 18-33 record over three seasons. While Saleh has built one of the best defenses in the league, his handling of the offensive side has been critiqued sharply. Jordan Dajani remarks, "Imagine if this Aaron Rodgers investment does not work out. Saleh is 18-33 as head coach of the New York Jets in his three seasons, and while he's built one of the best defenses in the entire NFL, he's handled the offensive side of things poorly." It remains to be seen how this season will unfold for the Jets.
In Buffalo, head coach Sean McDermott is facing his own pressures. Despite being considered perennial contenders thanks to the talents of Josh Allen, the Bills have reached the AFC Championship only once. They have shed a substantial amount of talent from last year's roster, and concerns are mounting about how competitive they will be in a fiercely contested AFC East. According to Dajani, "We view McDermott's Buffalo Bills as perennial contenders due to the talented Josh Allen, but they've made the AFC Championship just once, and have now ditched a ton of their talent from last year. What if the Bills disappoint this year in what could be a very, very competitive AFC East? It feels like they could take a step backwards. McDermott is under pressure in 2024."
Injuries and Business Moves
Injury updates underscore the physical toll the sport takes on its athletes. Tight end T.J. Hockenson has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is facing a recovery period of two to six weeks for a knee injury.
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have struck a lucrative deal, securing at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. Additionally, a pending vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis could introduce the potential of private equity in team ownership, signaling a substantial shift in the way franchises are financed.
In another notable change, the Washington Commanders’ stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting broader rebranding and business strategies.
As these developments continue to unfold, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these roster adjustments and strategic decisions impact the teams’ performances in the upcoming season.