As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season builds, the final week before kickoff sees teams making critical roster adjustments. Teams are cutting down from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53, leading to a flurry of trades, waivers, and releases that have stirred the league.
Key Trades and Roster Moves
In a noteworthy trade, the Dallas Cowboys sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to compete for a backup role behind Travis Kelce, one of the NFL’s premier tight ends.
The Kansas City Chiefs were also active in acquiring talent on the defensive side. They picked up linebacker Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, will bolster the Chiefs' linebacker corps.
The Cardinals continued to reshuffle their lineup by trading linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. In this deal, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick and received a 2025 fifth-round pick in return. Jones, who has been an essential figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, is expected to bring his leadership to the Titans.
Quarterback Movements
The quarterback carousel was also in motion, with the Tennessee Titans trading Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. This deal included a seventh-round pick and signifies a change of scenery for Willis, who is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. In response, the Packers released Sean Clifford, a fellow 2022 draft pick, to make room for Willis.
Defensive Adjustments
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a strategic move by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade aims to strengthen the Seahawks’ defense, especially since edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is currently sidelined due to a sprained MCL.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns sent defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, was accompanied by a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. This trade provides the Bears with additional depth on the defensive front.
In another transaction, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move indicates the Bears' commitment to enhancing their defensive unit as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Special Teams Enhancement
The New York Jets finalized a deal with the Buffalo Bills, sending defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington in exchange for a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington’s addition to the Bills' special teams unit could provide an immediate impact.
All these moves underscore the strategic depth and foresight of NFL teams as they fine-tune their rosters ahead of what promises to be an exhilarating 2024 season. The trades reflect a mix of short-term needs and long-term planning, as franchises position themselves to not only compete but also build for the future. With the kickoff just around the corner, the final touches on these rosters could be pivotal in shaping each team’s journey through the season.