The NFL landscape is in turmoil as teams make their final roster cuts, trimming down from 90 players to the requisite 53 by the looming 4 p.m. ET deadline. This wave of decisions will see nearly 1,200 players cut from squads, sparking significant movement and speculation throughout the league.
Significant Releases Take Center Stage
The cuts have already begun, and notable names are finding themselves unexpectedly unemployed. Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe were among the early cuts, setting a tone of unpredictability. High-profile releases continued as QB Will Grier (Eagles), QB Ben DiNucci (Bills), and RBs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings) were let go. Additionally, WR Allen Robinson (Giants), CBs C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars), S Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars), S Kareem Jackson (Bills), and K Matthew Wright (Steelers) were also released, marking a significant shuffle in team rosters.
For fans looking to stay updated in real-time, a dedicated CUTS TRACKER and a live blog offer comprehensive coverage of all roster changes.
Trades Shape the New Season
The cutthroat nature of NFL roster decisions is further complicated by trades designed to secure strategic advantages for the upcoming season. The Packers traded QB Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Chiefs sent LB Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a similarly valued 2025 seventh-round pick.
As the roster deadline approaches, speculation abounds regarding potential trades and releases. Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine are considered candidates for such moves, while Texans RB Dameon Pierce has been rumored as a potential target for the Browns. Chiefs WR Skyy Moore is likewise speculated to potentially join the Commanders, and Patriots DB Jonathan Jones is reportedly on the Cowboys' radar.
Contract Extensions and Team Investments
Teams are not only focusing on cuts and trades but also on securing long-term talent through contract extensions. The Dallas Cowboys recently extended WR CeeDee Lamb’s contract with a lucrative four-year, $136 million deal that includes a $38 million signing bonus. However, the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million had the deal been finalized earlier in the offseason. Their attention now shifts to finalizing contracts for Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, ensuring the stability of their core lineup.
Meanwhile, the Jets have made a significant investment in securing veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, a move that carries substantial expectations. This also puts Jets coach Robert Saleh under increased pressure, given his 18-33 record over three seasons. As Jordan Dajani noted, "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, in Buffalo, Bills coach Sean McDermott is feeling the heat despite managing a perennial contender in part due to star QB Josh Allen. Reflecting on these pressures, Dajani observed, "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."
Injuries and Off-Field Business Deals
Player health is also a critical factor as teams finalize their rosters. T.J. Hockenson’s placement on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list means he will miss at least the first four games of the season. Uchenna Nwosu will also be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury, affecting his team's early-season strategies.
Off the field, significant business moves are also shaping the NFL landscape. The Kelce brothers have inked a deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their "New Heights" podcast, showcasing the expanding influence of players beyond the gridiron. Furthermore, an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis could pave the way for private equity investments in team ownership, potentially altering the financial dynamics of the league.
Lastly, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting ongoing changes within the franchise.
As the NFL transitions through this critical period of roster adjustments, trades, and strategic maneuvers, the upcoming season promises a blend of thrilling unpredictability and high-stakes competition.