As NFL teams race to trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players by the 4 p.m. ET deadline, approximately 1,200 players will find themselves out of a job by the end of the day. The annual roster cutdown is notoriously brutal, leading to notable releases and surprising trades across the league.
Key Player Releases
The Packers decided to part ways with kicker Anders Carlson, while the Patriots released quarterback Bailey Zappe. Other notable releases include quarterbacks Will Grier from the Eagles and Ben DiNucci from the Bills. Teams also released several running backs, including Matt Breida from the 49ers, Phillip Dorsett from the Broncos, and Myles Gaskin from the Vikings. Wide receiver Allen Robinson was let go by the Giants, while the Texans released cornerback C.J. Henderson. The Jaguars parted ways with cornerback Tre Flowers and safety Terrell Edmunds, and the Bills released safety Kareem Jackson. The Steelers also made a significant cut by releasing kicker Matthew Wright.
A CUTS TRACKER and a live blog are available for fans to follow the full list of cuts in real-time, offering a continuously updated stream of roster changes as they happen.
Trades Shake Up Teams
In terms of trades, the Packers sent quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. The Chiefs traded linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick. These moves indicate strategic adjustments as teams narrow down their rosters and look to the future.
Speculations and Potential Moves
Speculation is rife regarding possible further moves. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are rumored to be candidates for either a trade or release. Additionally, Texans running back Dameon Pierce is suggested to be a target for the Browns, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders. The Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is also suggested to be on the Cowboys' radar.
Contract Extensions and Financial Maneuvering
Not all news is about roster cuts and trades; there are also significant contract extensions taking place. The Dallas Cowboys have secured wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with a four-year, $136 million extension that includes a $38 million signing bonus. With Lamb’s future secured, the Cowboys now shift their focus to finalizing new contracts for Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
Reflecting on this move, it’s noteworthy that the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been completed earlier in the offseason, showcasing the importance of timing in contract negotiations.
Coaching and Management Under Pressure
The coaching landscape also feels the impact of these changes and pressures. Jets coach Robert Saleh holds a challenging 18-33 record over three seasons, raising questions about the significant investment made in acquiring Aaron Rodgers. Jordan Dajani articulated it best, "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."
Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills faces his own set of pressures despite being viewed as a perennial contender due to quarterback Josh Allen's talents. Dajani remarked, "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."
Injury Reports
On the injury front, 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. Additionally, Uchenna Nwosu is projected to be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Lucrative Deals Outside the Field
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a substantial deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast, highlighting the increasing profitability of athlete-driven media ventures.
Future of Ownership
Looking ahead, NFL owners are anticipated to vote in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership, a move that could significantly change the landscape of team investments and ownership structures.
Stadium and Franchise Developments
In franchise news, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, indicating a rebranding effort that may come with broader changes within the organization.
With the deadline looming, teams continue to make critical decisions that will shape their fortunes heading into the new season. As roster changes ripple through the league, fans eagerly follow each announcement, bracing for the impact of these pivotal moves.