As the NFL gears up for another thrilling season, teams are making crucial roster decisions. Nearly 1,200 players find themselves cut from the initial 90-man rosters to the final 53, all before the 4 p.m. ET deadline. This annual shake-up sees numerous seasoned players and hopefuls alike parting ways with their teams, paving the way for final team formations ahead of the season opener.
Key Cuts
Among those players released, some notable names have hit the waiver wire. Packers' kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots' quarterback Bailey Zappe were shown the door. Meanwhile, a comprehensive list of well-known releases 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).
While the roster cuts deliver unexpected turns, they also come as no surprise in a league defined by its depth of talent and fierce competition for starting roles.
Trades and Speculations
Trades have also become a dynamic part of the preseason narrative, shaking up team compositions. The Packers traded QB Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2025, while the Chiefs sent LB Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Amid the shifting sands of team strategies, speculation stirs regarding potential trades or releases. Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine have surfaced as names to watch, sparking intrigue among analysts and fans alike. Meanwhile, Texans RB Dameon Pierce has been suggested as a potential target for the Browns, and Chiefs WR Skyy Moore is rumored to find a new home with the Commanders. Patriots DB Jonathan Jones is also speculated to be on the Cowboys' radar.
Contract Extensions and Financial Moves
In another significant move, the Dallas Cowboys extended WR CeeDee Lamb's contract with a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus. This extension, although beneficial, comes with a hint of "what-if." The Cowboys potentially missed savings of nearly $10 million had the deal been finalized earlier in the offseason. With Lamb’s contract secure, the Cowboys’ focus now shifts to extending contracts for key players Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
Elsewhere, strategic financial moves play a critical role in team success and planning. For instance, the Jets have made a substantial investment in securing Aaron Rodgers, adding another layer of pressure to an already high-stakes season.
Coaching and Team Management Pressures
The pressures also extend to the coaching realm. Jets coach Robert Saleh, with an 18-33 record over three seasons, faces immense scrutiny. As Jordan Dajani critically notes, "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."
The Buffalo Bills, often regarded as perennial contenders under head coach Sean McDermott, find themselves at a crossroads. Despite having the talented Josh Allen at quarterback, the team has only reached the AFC Championship once. Dajani observes, "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 Impacting the Season
Injuries, an unavoidable aspect of the sport, also impact team plans. T.J. Hockenson will miss at least the first four games of the season as he resides on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Meanwhile, Uchenna Nwosu will be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off-field Ventures and Potential Ownership Changes
Away from the gridiron, player ventures into other fields have grabbed headlines. The Kelce brothers secured a significant deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast, showcasing the growing trend of professional athletes expanding their brand and influence beyond their playing careers.
In broader NFL developments, an anticipated vote by league owners in Minneapolis could usher in significant changes by potentially allowing private equity in team ownership. Moreover, the Commanders’ stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, marking another chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL.