Massive Roster Shakeups as NFL Teams Trim Down to 53 Players
In a dramatic day for the NFL, nearly 1,200 players are set to be without a team by the end of today as franchises compress their rosters from 90 players to the requisite 53 players. The 4 p.m. ET deadline looms large, and the consequences are significant across the league.
Kickers and quarterbacks are among the higher-profile positions seeing notable cuts. The Green Bay Packers have parted ways with kicker Anders Carlson, while the New England Patriots have released quarterback Bailey Zappe. Both players were expected to contribute but now find themselves in uncertain territory.
Across the league, other famous names have also been shown the door. The Eagles have cut quarterback Will Grier, and the Bills have done the same with Ben DiNucci. Running backs are not exempt from this roster culling either, as the 49ers have released Matt Breida, and the Broncos decided to part ways with Phillip Dorsett. Additionally, Myles Gaskin finds himself departing from the Vikings, signaling a potentially transformative period for him.
Wide receiver Allen Robinson and cornerbacks C.J. Henderson and Tre Flowers have likewise faced the ax, leaving the Giants, Texans, and Jaguars respectively. Safeties are not immune either, with Terrell Edmunds and Kareem Jackson cut by the Jaguars and Bills, while kicker Matthew Wright has been released by the Steelers.
Trades have also peppered the landscape with some notable deals. The Packers have brokered a trade that sends quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans. In return, they acquire a 2025 seventh-round pick, a modest haul considering Willis' potential upside. The Chiefs have similarly been active, trading linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculation is rampant over several potential moves. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are under the microscope as possible trade or release candidates. Meanwhile, Texans' running back Dameon Pierce has garnered attention as a target for the Browns, and Chiefs' wide receiver Skyy Moore is rumored to be on the Commanders' radar. Patriots' defensive back Jonathan Jones has also been highlighted as a possible acquisition for the Cowboys.
On a positive note for the Cowboys, they've managed to secure a major contract extension for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus, is a significant move for the franchise. The team's attention now shifts to ensuring new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons.
This comes in the backdrop of other major contractual and leadership decisions across the league. The Jets have made a substantial investment in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but questions linger about the team's future. Historically, head coach Robert Saleh holds an 18-33 record over three seasons. "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," says analyst Jordan Dajani. The stakes have never been higher for the Jets.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is also under pressure despite regular-season success. "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," observes Dajani.
In health news, T.J. Hockenson's placement on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list means he will miss at least the first four games of the season. Uchenna Nwosu will be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury, shaking up their teams' strategies early on.
In the media world, the Kelce brothers have signed a monumental deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their popular New Heights podcast. Their foray into the podcast world signifies an interesting blend of sports and media fund landscapes.
Lastly, team ownership dynamics might shift soon. An NFL owners' vote is expected in Minneapolis regarding the allowance of private equity in team ownership, a potential game-changer for future team finances.
The Washington Commanders are also undergoing a significant rebranding effort, having renamed their stadium to Northwest Stadium.
As the day progresses and the cuts tracker continues to update, the full impact of these moves will soon become clear, shaping the immediate future of the NFL's competitive landscape.