As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the final week before kickoff is a time of intense activity and strategic maneuvers for teams, with rosters being trimmed from 90 to the mandated 53 players. The latest round of trades, waivers, and releases has brought significant changes to several teams across the league.
Major Trades and Moves
One of the most notable trades involves the Dallas Cowboys sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, a promising young talent, will compete for a backup role behind perennial All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. The Chiefs are likely seeking depth at the position to ensure they have reliable options behind their star player.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals were also active in the trade market. They dealt linebacker Cameron Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, to the Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. This move indicates a strategic shift for the Cardinals as they continue to retool their roster.
The Cardinals did not stop there. Linebacker Ernest Jones was traded to the Tennessee Titans. The deal saw the Rams, where Jones had been a key figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, include a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones' leadership and experience will be a valuable addition to the Titans' defense.
In another quarterback shuffle, the Tennessee Titans traded Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. This deal, which includes a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup to Jordan Love. Consequently, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford. This move underscores the Packers' commitment to solidifying their quarterback depth as they prepare for the season.
Other Notable Trades
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a defensive adjustment by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes at a critical time as the Seahawks are dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who is out with a sprained MCL.
The Cleveland Browns also made headlines by sending defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. The trade package included Williams and a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, will look to make an impact with the Bears.
The Seahawks were not done reshaping their roster. They traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This exchange further enhances the Bears' defensive line depth as they aim to fortify their unit for the upcoming season.
Additionally, the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills engaged in a trade involving defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington. The Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026 in exchange for Codrington, who will bring his versatility to the Bills' special teams.
Impact and Implications
These roster changes reflect the dynamic nature of the NFL, where teams are continually assessing their needs and making moves to bolster their lineups. The trades and releases in this final week showcase the strategic calculations teams are making to enter the season in the best possible shape.
The trades involving Peyton Hendershot, Cameron Thomas, and Ernest Jones highlight how even established players can be moved to better align with team strategies and needs. For the Cowboys, Chiefs, Cardinals, and Titans, these player movements are calculated risks aimed at enhancing specific positions.
Malik Willis' transition to the Packers is particularly intriguing, as it signals the team's faith in his potential as a reliable backup to Jordan Love. By releasing Sean Clifford, the Packers have made a decisive move to focus their quarterback depth chart.
On the defensive front, the Jaguars, Seahawks, and Bears have all made moves to address their rosters' vulnerabilities and strengthen their defensive lines. The absence of Uchenna Nwosu necessitated the Seahawks' acquisition of Trevis Gipson, while the Bears' multiple trades indicate their determination to build a robust defensive unit.
Special teams also saw adjustments with Brandon Codrington's move to the Bills, emphasizing the importance of versatility and depth in all areas of the game.
As teams finalize their rosters, the excitement and anticipation for the 2024 NFL season are palpable. The final week before kickoff is a testament to the ever-evolving strategies and decisions that shape the league, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead.