As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season builds, the final week before kickoff sees teams making critical roster adjustments. This week's roster-trimming has been a whirlwind of activity, with teams cutting down from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of a competitive edge.
High-Profile Trades Reshape Rosters
Tuesday's series of transactions featured prominent trades, waivers, and releases. One notable trade involved the Dallas Cowboys sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, known for his athletic prowess, is expected to vie for a backup role behind the legendary Travis Kelce. The Chiefs, always in search of depth, may have found a gem to bolster their tight end corps.
The Arizona Cardinals were also active, trading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, brings potential pass-rush depth to Steve Spagnuolo's already formidable defense.
In another significant move, the Los Angeles Rams traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. Along with Jones, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, who has been a key figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, now looks to occupy a starting role in Tennessee during the final season of his rookie deal.
Quarterback Moves
Quarterback Malik Willis, once touted as a potential first-round selection, was traded by the Titans to the Green Bay Packers. The deal, which involves a seventh-round pick, offers Willis a fresh start in Green Bay. With this move, the Packers also released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, aiming to find stability and development in his new environment.
Defensive Linemen on the Move
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a strategic decision by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Seahawks, currently grappling with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL, will benefit from Gipson's abilities. Seattle's new coach, Mike Macdonald, has a reputation for maximizing the potential of defensive linemen, making this a promising fit.
The Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears also engaged in a trade involving defensive lineman Chris Williams. Williams, along with a seventh-round pick, was sent to the Bears in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, now has an opportunity to make an impact on Chicago's active roster.
Furthermore, the Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor, another defensive lineman, to the Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Bears, looking to enhance their pass rush, see Taylor as a potential partner to Montez Sweat on the defensive front.
Special Teams Reinforcements
The New York Jets made a strategic move by trading defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In return, they received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington is expected to provide a significant boost to Buffalo's special teams unit with his skill set.
As teams finalize their rosters, these trades reflect strategic planning and the dynamic nature of the NFL. Players are repositioning, each bringing their unique talents to new teams with fresh opportunities ahead. The excitement is palpable as the new season promises intense competition and the unfolding of these carefully crafted roster changes.