As the 2024 NFL season looms on the horizon, teams are making crucial decisions to finalize their rosters, shifting from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53. The final week before kickoff is always a whirlwind of activity, and this year is no different, with a series of significant trades, waivers, and releases reshaping the league's landscape.
Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs Make a Deal
The Dallas Cowboys have decided to part ways with tight end Peyton Hendershot, sending him to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, the Cowboys will receive a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to compete for a backup role behind star tight end Travis Kelce, adding depth to the Chiefs' roster and potentially becoming a valuable asset in their high-powered offense.
Arizona Cardinals' Roster Reshuffle
The Arizona Cardinals were particularly active, executing multiple trades. Linebacker Cameron Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, was sent to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Thomas brings talent and youth to the Chiefs' defense, and it will be interesting to see how he integrates into their system.
Additionally, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. In a deal involving draft picks, the Rams receive a 2025 fifth-round pick, while the Cardinals get a 2026 sixth-round pick. Jones, a key figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, will be expected to bolster the Titans' defense significantly.
Quarterback Shuffle: Malik Willis to Green Bay Packers
The Tennessee Titans made a notable move by trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal, which includes a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup quarterback to Jordan Love. This move forced the Packers to release fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, highlighting the cutthroat nature of finalizing rosters as the season approaches.
Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks Transaction
The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to send defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade comes at a crucial time, as the Seahawks' edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is currently sidelined with a sprained MCL. Gipson’s arrival brings much-needed reinforcement to the Seahawks' defense as they look to compensate for Nwosu's absence.
Cleveland Browns' Defensive Adjustments
The Cleveland Browns joined the trade fray by sending defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Along with Williams, the Browns included a seventh-round pick and received a sixth-round pick in return. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, will now have an opportunity to prove his worth on the Bears' defensive line.
Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears Agreement
In another move involving the Chicago Bears, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Bears continue to tweak their defense, hoping that the addition of Taylor enhances their pass rush potential.
New York Jets and Buffalo Bills Trade
The New York Jets opted to send defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In exchange, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington's ability as a return specialist could provide a strategic edge for the Bills in special teams.
As the dust settles from these flurry of moves, teams now hope that their roster adjustments will pay off on the field. Each transaction carries its own set of risks and rewards, with the ultimate goal of crafting a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The countdown to kickoff is nearly over, and football fans everywhere eagerly await to see how these changes influence the season ahead.