Nearly 1,200 NFL players will be out of a job by the end of the day as NFL teams trim their rosters from 90 players down to 53 players. With the deadline for roster cuts looming at 4 p.m. ET, some notable names have already found themselves on the outside looking in.
Among the early releases, Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe have been let go. The list of notable releases also includes QB Will Grier (Eagles), QB Ben DiNucci (Bills), 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).
For those eager to keep up with all the changes, a CUTS TRACKER and a live blog are available to check the full list of cuts as they happen in real-time. However, the day isn't just about cuts; it's also a day of trades, rumors, and strategic decisions shaping the teams' futures.
Trades and Rumored Moves
The Packers have traded QB Malik Willis to the Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Chiefs have sent LB Cam Thomas to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Speculation surrounds several players today, with Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine rumored to be candidates for either a trade or release.
In other trade rumors, Texans RB Dameon Pierce is suggested to be a target for the Browns, while Chiefs WR Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders. Patriots DB Jonathan Jones is another player under speculation, suggested to be on the Cowboys' radar.
Big Moves and Extensions
The Dallas Cowboys have been particularly active, extending WR CeeDee Lamb's contract with a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension that includes a massive $38 million signing bonus, the largest ever granted to a receiver. While securing Lamb, the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million if the deal had been completed earlier in the offseason.
Now, the Cowboys' focus shifts to securing new contracts for key players Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, as they aim to solidify their core for the foreseeable future.
Coaching Under the Microscope
Apart from player movements, several coaches are under scrutiny as the new season approaches. Jets coach Robert Saleh holds an 18-33 record over three seasons. With the significant investment in Aaron Rodgers, the pressure is on Saleh to deliver, especially given the critique: "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," comments Jordan Dajani.
Similarly, the spotlight is on Bills coach Sean McDermott, whose team has reached the AFC Championship only 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," notes Dajani.
Injuries and Absences
In injury news, T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Additionally, Uchenna Nwosu will be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Additional Updates
The Kelce brothers have secured a significant deal, worth at least $100 million, for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. Meanwhile, there's an anticipated vote by NFL owners today in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership, signaling a possible shift in the league's financial landscape.
In other news, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting a new chapter for the team.
As the day unfolds, more trades, releases, and perhaps surprises are expected, shaping the landscape of the NFL as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.