Massive NFL Roster Shakeup: Key Cuts and Trades
As the clock ticks toward the 4 p.m. ET deadline, nearly 1,200 NFL players will find themselves out of a job as teams trim their rosters from 90 to 53. The annual roster cuts bring both expected and surprising moves, with several notable names and trades dominating today's headlines.
Among the high-profile releases are Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. Additionally, notable players like QB Will Grier (Eagles), QB Ben DiNucci (Bills), RB Matt Breida (49ers), RB Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), RB Myles Gaskin (Vikings), WR Allen Robinson (Giants), CB C.J. Henderson (Texans), CB Tre Flowers (Jaguars), S Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars), S Kareem Jackson (Bills), and K Matthew Wright (Steelers) have been let go.
For fans wanting to keep up with all the moves in real-time, a CUTS TRACKER and live blog provide minute-by-minute updates on the full list of cuts.
Trades Shaping Team Strategies
The Green Bay Packers have traded QB Malik Willis to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. In another trade, the Kansas City Chiefs have sent LB Cam Thomas to the Arizona Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick. These trades reflect strategic decisions as teams try to shore up specific positions while gaining future draft assets.
Speculations Aplenty
With roster cuts in full swing, speculation surrounds several players who might be on the move. Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine are seen as potential candidates for either a trade or release. Additionally, Texans RB Dameon Pierce has emerged as a suggested target for the Cleveland Browns. On the wide receiver front, Chiefs WR Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Washington Commanders, while Patriots DB Jonathan Jones is suggested to be on the Dallas Cowboys' radar.
Contract Extensions and Financial Moves
The Dallas Cowboys are making headlines not just for their roster cuts but also for their significant investment in WR CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys have extended Lamb's contract with a four-year, $136 million extension that includes a $38 million signing bonus. The team now shifts its focus to securing new contracts for key players Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
Interestingly, the Cowboys' financial maneuvers could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been completed earlier in the offseason, showcasing the intricate balance teams must strike between roster decisions and financial management.
Jetting into Uncertainty
The New York Jets have made a significant investment in quarterback Aaron Rodgers amid questions surrounding head coach Robert Saleh's tenure. Saleh holds an 18-33 record over three seasons. As sports analyst Jordan Dajani puts it: "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."
Buffalo Bills: Contenders or Pretenders?
Turning to the Buffalo Bills, head coach Sean McDermott is feeling the heat after a mixed track record. Despite having a talented roster led by star quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills have only reached the AFC Championship once. Dajani highlights the precarious position McDermott finds himself in: "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 Future Implications
Injuries are also playing a significant role in shaping team strategies. T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Additionally, Uchenna Nwosu will be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off the Field
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a lucrative deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast, showcasing how players are increasingly expanding their influence beyond football. Meanwhile, an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership marks another significant development that could reshape the league's financial landscape.
Finally, the Washington Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting the constant evolution of the league's branding and financial strategies.
As teams finalize their rosters and prepare for the upcoming season, the next few hours will undoubtedly be filled with more shocking moves and strategic decisions.