Major NFL Roster Shakeups as Teams Trim Down
As NFL teams face a pivotal deadline, nearly 1,200 players will find themselves without a job by day's end. Clubs must reduce their rosters from 90 to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET, leading to a flurry of cuts and trades that have significant implications across the league.
Among those released are several notable names that have made headlines. Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe are out. Additionally, the Eagles parted ways with QB Will Grier, and the Bills released QB Ben DiNucci. Other significant releases include 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).
With these changes, a real-time CUTS TRACKER and live blog are available to fans eager to keep up with all the last-minute moves. However, it's not just cuts that are shaping team rosters. Trades have also played a crucial role in today's developments.
Trade Highlights: Packers and Chiefs Make Strategic Moves
The Packers traded QB Malik Willis to the Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick, a move that could reshape their future quarterback plans. Meanwhile, the Chiefs sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a 2025 seventh-round pick, further adjusting their defensive lineup.
Speculation abounds as others may also be on the move. Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine are being closely watched as possible candidates for a trade or release. The Texans' RB Dameon Pierce has emerged as a potential target for the Browns, while the Chiefs' WR Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders. Additionally, Patriots DB Jonathan Jones is rumored to be on the Cowboys' radar.
Cowboys Extend Key Player Contract
In a significant move, the Dallas Cowboys have extended WR CeeDee Lamb's contract, solidifying their commitment to the star receiver. The four-year, $136 million extension includes a $38 million signing bonus. While this ensures Lamb's presence on the team for the foreseeable future, the Cowboys now turn their attention to securing new contracts for key players Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons. Interestingly, the team could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been finalized earlier in the offseason.
Coaching Under Pressure: Saleh and McDermott
Coaching remains a focal point, with scrutiny mounting on Jets coach Robert Saleh and Bills coach Sean McDermott. Saleh holds an 18-33 record over three seasons, and his handling of the offensive side of the game has come into question despite building one of the league's top defenses. Reflecting on the Jets' recent moves, Jordan Dajani remarked, "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."
Similarly, McDermott's tenure in Buffalo is under the spotlight. The Bills, often seen as perennial contenders due to the talents of QB Josh Allen, have only reached the AFC Championship once. "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," Dajani observed.
Injuries Shake Up Lineups
Injury updates also play a role in today's developments. T.J. Hockenson will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season as he remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Additionally, Uchenna Nwosu's knee injury will keep him out for two to six weeks.
Off-Field Developments
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have leveraged their popularity to secure a deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. Furthermore, an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis could pave the way for private equity in team ownership—a move that could forever change the financial landscape of the league.
The Commanders have also made headlines by renaming their stadium to Northwest Stadium, reflecting a fresh chapter for the franchise.
This whirlwind of cuts, trades, contract extensions, and off-field developments marks a significant reshaping of the NFL landscape as teams solidify their strategies for the upcoming season.