The 2024 NFL season is just around the corner, and the excitement is building as all 32 teams finalize their rosters. In the midst of these preparations, several notable quarterback movements have taken place, with some seasoned players finding themselves among the cutdown casualties. Here's a detailed look at these roster changes.
Roster Flux and Quarterback Cuts
As teams whittle down to their crucial 53-player rosters, the NFL landscape remains in constant flux. Even after the initial cutdowns, last-minute decisions on trades and cuts continue to shape rosters, impacting players' careers and teams' dynamics. Among the recent noteworthy movements, several early-round draft quarterbacks have seen their journeys interrupted.
Detroit's Decision
The Detroit Lions made headlines by releasing a former Indiana product, a towering figure at 6-6 and 230 pounds. Despite his impressive stature and the valuable experience gained under the mentorship of esteemed coaches like Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, his tenure with the Lions came to an end. Over the past six seasons, he had thrown just 14 passes.
Stepping into the backup role behind Jared Goff is Hendon Hooker, solidifying his place on the Lions' roster. This decision underscores the team's faith in Goff and their strategic move to develop Hooker as a reliable backup option.
Chicago Bears' Quarterback Shuffle
In Chicago, the Bears released Brett Rypien, a decision that raised some eyebrows given his solid preseason debut. Rypien showcased notable downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson, yet it was not enough to secure his place. Instead, Tyson Bagent emerged as the standout performer, outshining Rypien for the backup spot behind Caleb Williams. Rypien began his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos, where he compiled a commendable 2-1 record as a starter, making his release from the Bears a point of discussion among fans and analysts.
Cardinals Release Ridder
The Arizona Cardinals also made a significant move by releasing Desmond Ridder. Acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason, Ridder's stint with the Cardinals was cut short. Originally a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Ridder found himself edged out as Clayton Tune secured the backup job behind Kyler Murray. Ridder's release marks a quick turnaround from his acquisition and reflects the ever-changing strategies within NFL team management.
Patriots Waive Zappe
The New England Patriots waived Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round draft pick in 2022. Zappe, who had an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, tallied 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years in the league. With Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III already on the Patriots' roster, the competition for quarterback positions was fierce, leading to Zappe's release. This move underscores the Patriots' clear direction and their intent to refine their quarterback lineup moving forward.
CJ Beathard's Departure from Jacksonville
Finally, CJ Beathard's journey with the Jacksonville Jaguars concluded with an injury settlement. Originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard had a notable stint with the Jaguars, particularly during the 2022 season when he threw six touchdowns and zero interceptions. However, having made only one start during his three years in Jacksonville, Beathard's tenure came to an end as the Jaguars acquired Mac Jones via trade. This acquisition indicates the Jaguars' strategic maneuvering to bolster their quarterback depth and performance.
As the preseason transitions into the regular season, these quarterback shifts highlight the dynamic nature of NFL rosters. Teams are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating their strategies to ensure they have the best possible lineup to succeed in the highly competitive league. For the released quarterbacks, these departures mark the beginnings of new chapters, while for the teams, the focus remains steadfast on achieving their season objectives with the refined rosters in place.