As the NFL offseason comes to a close, teams across the league have faced the challenging task of trimming their rosters from 90 players down to the mandatory 53. This rigorous paring down process is integral to the roster-building strategy as franchises gear up for Week 1 of the regular season. While this time of year brings excitement and anticipation for fans, it often results in heartache for many players who find themselves on the outside looking in.
One of the notable moves this offseason came from the Arizona Cardinals, who acquired quarterback Desmond Ridder in a player-for-player exchange involving wide receiver Rondale Moore. Ridder, who had previously started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons last season with a 6-7 record, was in contention for the backup quarterback position behind Kyler Murray. However, he ultimately lost out to Clayton Tune, leaving his future with the Cardinals uncertain.
In Los Angeles, the Rams have solidified their quarterback positions with Matthew Stafford entrenched as their starter. The team made a splash during the offseason by signing Jimmy Garoppolo to fill the backup role. However, Garoppolo will miss the first two games due to suspension, and rookie Stetson Bennett will step in to handle backup duties during Garoppolo's absence.
Elsewhere in the league, Zappe, a fourth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, made headlines by starting eight games, including the final six of the 2023 campaign. He concluded his starts with a balanced 4-4 record, showing promise for a more significant role in the upcoming season. In a stark contrast, Easton Stick, with an 85.6 passer rating, went 0-4 in his four starts last year, raising questions about his future potential as a starting quarterback.
The Kansas City Chiefs made a noteworthy addition to their receiving corps last season by trading for wide receiver Kadarius Toney in October 2022. Toney now boasts two Super Bowl rings, solidifying his place as a valuable asset to the Chiefs' high-octane offense. The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, bolstered their ranks by acquiring Jahan Dotson from the Washington Commanders. In addition, Brown had standout performances in 2023, notably catching all six targets for 153 yards and a touchdown in Week 9, followed by a seven-catch, 172-yard game the subsequent week, showcasing his potential as a top target.
Running back Samaje Perine has also proven his worth, pulling in 50 of his 56 targets for 455 yards last season. His reliable hands and ability to make key plays have made him an integral part of the offense. Meanwhile, Caleb Farley has faced a string of injuries, including two ACL tears during his collegiate career and missing the entire 2023 season due to a back injury. The Tennessee Titans sought to strengthen their defense by adding L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie during the offseason, aiming to curtail the vulnerability that plagued them last year.
Lewis Cine, the Minnesota Vikings' first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, faced a major setback with a compound fracture in his left leg, which limited him to only seven games last season. The Vikings are hopeful that Cine will be able to return to form and fulfill the promise he showed coming out of college. The Carolina Panthers’ second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Terrace Marshall, also looks to bounce back and build upon his 28 receptions for 490 yards and a touchdown in 2022.
The Los Angeles Chargers' fourth-round draft pick in 2022, Isaiah Spiller, played in 15 games with 55 rushes for 137 yards. He also caught all nine of his targets for 47 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Across the league, Tom Telesco, the general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders, continues to navigate the complex waters of managing a competitive NFL roster.
Patrick has had productive seasons in 2020 and 2021, recording at least 50 catches for 700 yards and five touchdowns each season, making him a reliable target for his team. In Pittsburgh, George Pickens is leading the receiving corps for the Steelers, poised to make a significant impact with his dynamic playmaking abilities.
As the NFL regular season approaches, teams are making final adjustments to their rosters, hoping that their strategic decisions during the offseason will pay dividends on the field. With new faces in key positions and emerging talent eager to make their mark, the stage is set for another thrilling NFL season.