The NFL offseason has come to a close, and with it, the grueling task for each team to pare down their rosters from 90 players to a lean 53. This ritual, an annual cornerstone of roster building, set the stage for some teams to fine-tune their lineups and others to make significant changes before the regular season kicks off.
Cardinals' Quarterback Shuffle
The Arizona Cardinals were particularly active in this period, acquiring quarterback Ridder in a player-for-player exchange with wide receiver Rondale Moore. Ridder, who had started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons last season and finished with a 6-7 record, found himself vying for the backup position to Kyler Murray. However, his efforts fell short as Clayton Tune secured the spot.
Rams Fortify Their QB Ranks
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams solidified their quarterback lineup by signing Jimmy Garoppolo during the offseason, positioning him as the backup to starter Matthew Stafford. Unfortunately, Garoppolo will miss the first two games due to suspension, prompting Stetson Bennett to step in as the Rams' temporary backup.
Zappe and Stick: Mixed Performances
For the New England Patriots, fourth-round draft pick Zappe proved his mettle last year by stepping in as the starter for eight games, including the final six of the 2023 campaign, ending with a balanced 4-4 record. On the other hand, Easton Stick experienced a challenging season, going 0-4 in his starts and finishing with an 85.6 passer rating.
Kansas City and Philadelphia Bolster Their Roster
The Kansas City Chiefs made headlines by trading for wide receiver Toney in October 2022. Toney's acquisition paid dividends as he now boasts two Super Bowl rings. In another notable move, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired Jahan Dotson from the Washington Commanders, adding depth to their receiving corps.
Standout Wide Receiver Performances
The past season saw several standout performances from wide receivers. Brown recorded consecutive seasons with over 550 receiving yards, and during the 2023 season, he delivered spectacular performances in Week 9 and the following week, totaling 325 yards and two touchdowns over those two games. Perine was another reliable target, catching 50 of his 56 targets for 455 yards last season.
Injury Comebacks and New Additions
Injuries also played a significant role in shaping rosters. Farley, who had faced two ACL tears during his collegiate career, missed the entire 2023 season due to a back injury. The Tennessee Titans took steps to mitigate such setbacks by adding L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie in the offseason. Similarly, the Minnesota Vikings’ 2022 first-round pick, Lewis Cine, had his rookie season cut short by a compound fracture in his left leg, limiting him to just seven games.
Notable Performances by Running Backs and Receivers
The Carolina Panthers’ 2021 second-round selection, Marshall, showed promise with 28 receptions for 490 yards and a touchdown in 2022. The Chargers' Spiller, drafted in the fourth round in 2022, also made contributions, featuring in 15 games and rushing 55 times for 137 yards while catching all nine of his targets for 47 yards.
Raiders and Steelers Strategize
Tom Telesco, the general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders, has been busy overseeing the team's strategy and adjustments. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, George Pickens has emerged as a leading force in the Steelers' receiving corps, looking to build on past successes and drive the team forward.
As teams across the league finalize their rosters, the blend of strategic trades, promising performances, and unfortunate injuries illustrates the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the NFL. With Week 1 approaching, fans eagerly await the unfolding narratives that each of these moves will bring to the gridiron.