As the clock ticks closer to the 4 p.m. ET deadline, nearly 1,200 NFL players brace themselves for the inevitable roster cuts that will trim teams from 90 players to just 53. This annual ritual forces teams to make tough decisions, jettisoning talent to fit within the league’s roster constraints.
Notable Releases
This year, some significant names are surfacing among the cuts. The Packers have opted to part ways with kicker Anders Carlson, while the Patriots have waived quarterback Bailey Zappe. The decision-making reaches far beyond these two, however. The Eagles have released quarterback Will Grier, and the Bills have let go of quarterback Ben DiNucci. In the running back department, Matt Breida finds himself without a spot on the 49ers, Phillip Dorsett on the Broncos, and Myles Gaskin on the Vikings. Additionally, wide receiver Allen Robinson has been released by the Giants, and defensive backs C.J. Henderson and Tre Flowers by the Texans and Jaguars, respectively.
Trades Shake Up Rosters
A flurry of trade activities is also reshaping rosters. The Packers have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Chiefs have sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a similar pick. Speculation continues to swirl around other potential moves, including Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine, who are both candidates for either a trade or a release.
Rumored Acquisitions
Teams are not done yet, as trade rumors continue to churn. Texans running back Dameon Pierce has been suggested as a potential target for the Browns, and Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders. Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is reportedly on the Cowboys' radar as well.
Major Contract Extensions
Amidst the chaos of cuts and trades, significant contract news has emerged. The Dallas Cowboys have made a big splash by extending wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a four-year, $136 million deal that includes a $38 million signing bonus. This extension now shifts the Cowboys' focus to securing new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons, as the team aims to build a solid foundation for future seasons.
Coaching Under Pressure
Coaching staff are also feeling the heat as the season approaches. Jets head coach Robert Saleh, with an 18-33 record over three seasons, faces scrutiny despite having built one of the best defenses in the league. "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," states analyst Jordan Dajani.
Meanwhile, Bills head coach Sean McDermott is under immense pressure as well. "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," Dajani adds.
Injury Updates
The NFL injury report has its share of concerning updates. Vikings' T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off-the-Field Moves
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a landmark deal, obtaining at least $100 million for the full rights to their "New Heights" podcast. There's also an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on the horizon regarding the potential inclusion of private equity in team ownership, a move that could alter the financial landscape of the league.
Stadium News
The Washington Commanders have renamed their stadium to Northwest Stadium, signaling a new chapter in the franchise's history.
As the deadline approaches and the dust settles from roster cuts, trades, and contract negotiations, the NFL landscape continues to shift. The anticipation for the season builds, with every team fine-tuning their roster in hopes of a successful campaign.