NFL Teams Make Significant Roster Moves Ahead of 2024 Season Opener
As the excitement for the 2024 NFL season reaches a fever pitch, teams across the league are fine-tuning their rosters in the final week before kickoff. This crucial period sees extensive player cuts, trades, and adjustments, as all 32 franchises pare down from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53.
On Tuesday, notable transactions peppered the NFL landscape, as several teams executed significant trades, waiver claims, and releases, each aiming to create the most competitive team possible.
Cowboys and Chiefs Deal Highlights Tight End Movement
The Dallas Cowboys were active in the trade market, sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. The exchange landed the Cowboys a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who is expected to vie for a backup role behind star tight end Travis Kelce, brings additional depth to Kansas City's already potent offense.
Cardinals Part Ways with Linebacker Talent
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals engaged in multiple trades to restructure their linebacker corps. The Chiefs acquired linebacker Cameron Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Additionally, Arizona traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. This deal also involved a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, having served as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, is anticipated to bring leadership and skill to the Titans' defense.
Titans and Packers Shake Up Quarterback Depth Chart
In another quarterback shuffle, the Tennessee Titans traded Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal included a seventh-round pick, and Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. Concurrently, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, clarifying the Packers' depth chart heading into the season.
Defensive Line Changes for Jaguars and Seahawks
Defensive line transitions were also a theme, with the Jacksonville Jaguars trading Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes as the Seahawks contend with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who is recovering from a sprained MCL.
Browns and Bears Swap Defensive Assets
The Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears brokered a trade involving defensive lineman Chris Williams and draft picks. Williams, who spent the previous season on the practice squad, was traded to the Bears alongside a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. This swap adds depth to the Bears' defensive front as both franchises aim to bolster their defensive options.
Seahawks Send Darrell Taylor to Chicago
The Seattle Seahawks continued their roster adjustments by trading edge rusher Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor's move will potentially provide the Bears with another pass-rushing option headed into the new season.
Jets and Bills Exchange Return Specialist
In the realm of special teams, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. This trade underscores the importance of special teams play and the continuous effort to optimize every aspect of the roster.
As teams finalize their rosters and strategies for the upcoming season, each transaction reflects calculated moves aimed at achieving a competitive edge. The trades and roster cuts made during this critical week will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the 2024 NFL season, as franchises strive to field the strongest possible teams when the games commence.