The 2024 NFL season is just around the corner, and all 32 teams are busy finalizing their rosters, making challenging decisions on last-minute cuts and trades. In a move that has surprised many, a handful of notable quarterbacks have found themselves without a team as they become cutdown casualties.
Reshuffling Offers New Opportunities
Team rosters remain in a state of constant flux even after the initial cutdown to 53 players. The recent wave of adjustments has seen several quarterbacks, once considered promising talents, now searching for new opportunities.
The Detroit Lions created quite a stir with the release of a former Indiana product. Standing at an imposing 6-6 and weighing 230 pounds, this quarterback had the benefit of studying under esteemed coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Despite these advantages, his on-field opportunities were limited, having thrown just 14 passes over the past six seasons. His exit clears the way for Hendon Hooker, who has secured the backup role to Jared Goff, signaling the end of a journey with the Lions.
Chicago Bears Make Difficult Decision
In Chicago, the Bears made a notable move by releasing Brett Rypien. Rypien had impressed many with a solid preseason debut, showcasing excellent downfield chemistry with wide receiver Collin Johnson. However, it was not enough to secure a spot on the roster as Tyson Bagent outshined him for the backup position behind Caleb Williams. Rypien, who began his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos, boasts a 2-1 record as a starter with the team. Now, he finds himself looking for a new team to call home.
Cardinals and Quarterback Shuffles
The Arizona Cardinals also find themselves part of the quarterback reshuffling with the release of Desmond Ridder. Ridder, who was acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason, lost out on the backup job to Clayton Tune, who will serve as the second-string quarterback behind Kyler Murray. Originally a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Ridder's tenure with the Cardinals has come to a premature end.
Patriots' Surprising Moves
The New England Patriots added to the list of surprising cuts by waiving Bailey Zappe. Drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2022, Zappe had an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, accumulating 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years. The Patriots have a deep roster of quarterbacks, with Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III competing for spots, making it a challenging environment for Zappe to retain his position.
CJ Beathard's Jacksonville Exit
In Jacksonville, CJ Beathard's tenure with the Jaguars ended as he reached an injury settlement with the team. Beathard, originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, had been a reliable backup in Jacksonville. Notably, he threw six touchdowns and zero interceptions while filling in during the 2022 season. Despite this, Beathard made only one start during his three years with the Jaguars, paving the way for the acquisition of Mac Jones via trade.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the 2024 NFL season, these moves underscore the harsh realities and unexpected shifts that accompany the high-stakes environment of professional football. For the released quarterbacks, the quest to find new opportunities begins anew, as they hope to catch the eye of a team in need of their talents.