The conclusion of the NFL preseason has, as always, led to a flurry of activity, with teams finalizing their rosters and making critical decisions ahead of the new season. All 32 teams have trimmed their rosters from 90 players down to the in-season maximum of 53, leading to a wave of trades, cuts, and new signings that promise to reshape the landscape of the league.
Quarterback Shuffles
The Atlanta Falcons have decided to retain all three of their quarterbacks, including veteran Kirk Cousins, rookie Michael Penix Jr., and Taylor Heinicke. A notable point was Heinicke's disappointing 45.5% completion rate during the preseason, making this decision somewhat unexpected.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers have seen significant changes under center. After drafting Sean Clifford from Penn State and Michael Pratt from Tulane, both rookie quarterbacks were cut. In a surprising move, the Packers acquired Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans. This trade signifies a potential shift in strategy as Green Bay looks to bolster its options at the quarterback position.
Packers' Special Teams Overhaul
The Packers also saw changes in their special teams unit. Anders Carlson, a sixth-round pick from the 2023 draft, was released. To fill the void, the Packers signed kicker Greg Joseph, signaling a clear intent to improve their reliability in the kicking game.
Titans Strengthen Defense and Offense
The Tennessee Titans have been particularly active. They've revamped their defense by acquiring cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, safeties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams, and linebacker Kenneth Murray. Additionally, the defensive line saw reinforcements with the inclusion of Sebastian Joseph-Day and rookie T'Vondre Sweat.
On the offensive side, the Titans have added running back Tyler Boyd, center Lloyd Cushenberry, and offensive tackle JC Latham. These acquisitions suggest a robust strategy to balance both offensive and defensive strength ahead of the season.
Carolina and Pittsburgh Swap
Carolina Panthers' General Manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales made significant changes as well. Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. was cut, and in a notable trade, the Panthers exchanged cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick with the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round pick. This trade could be beneficial for both teams as they aim to fill key roles with these fresh faces.
The Panthers also invested heavily in the 2024 NFL Draft, using three of their first four picks on offensive playmakers, showcasing their commitment to strengthening their attack.
Chicago and Broncos Make Critical Cuts
Tyson Bagent has secured the backup quarterback position for the Chicago Bears for the second year running. Desmond Ridder, on the other hand, lost his backup role to Clayton Tune.
In an unexpected move, the Denver Broncos cut Tim Patrick, despite his perfect preseason performance, catching all five of his targets. However, Patrick quickly found a new home with the Detroit Lions, who also brought in Hendon Hooker as their new backup quarterback. Hooker’s preseason stats were impressive, completing 29 of 44 passes for 300 yards and rushing for 138 yards.
Bengals and Jaguars Adjust
The Cincinnati Bengals made a significant decision by cutting Jackson Carman, a 2021 second-round pick. They have strengthened their protection unit by securing Trent Brown and Amarius Mims.
In a move set to shake up the AFC, Mac Jones was traded from the New England Patriots to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones displayed strong preseason form, completing 73.1% of his passes for 421 yards and delivering three touchdowns, a performance that likely facilitated the trade.
Texans and Bills Finalize Roster Moves
The Texans have also been busy, releasing wide receiver Noah Brown while confirming that Tank Dell is fully recovered and ready to contribute to the team’s efforts this season.
Elsewhere, the Buffalo Bills made headlines by cutting Frank Gore Jr. Despite rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries during the preseason, Gore Jr. couldn’t secure a spot on the roster. This decision reflects the tough nature of final cuts as teams look to optimize their rosters for the brutal grind of the NFL season.
As the dust settles from these roster moves, it is clear that each team is making calculated decisions in their quest for dominance. With the regular season around the corner, the impact of these changes will soon be evident on the field.