Massive NFL Roster Shake-Up as Teams Trim Down
The NFL is experiencing a significant shake-up as nearly 1,200 players face unemployment with teams forced to cut their rosters from 90 players down to 53. The deadline for these roster cuts is set at 4 p.m. ET, marking a critical moment for many aspiring athletes.
Among the most surprising releases are Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. These moves have left fans and analysts alike questioning the strategic direction of their respective teams.
Notable Releases Across the League
The day has seen a slew of other notable releases including quarterbacks Will Grier from the Eagles and Ben DiNucci from the Bills. Running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings) have also been shown the door. Key wide receiver cuts include Allen Robinson from the Giants, while defensive back releases feature CB C.J. Henderson (Texans), CB Tre Flowers (Jaguars), S Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars), S Kareem Jackson (Bills), and kicker Matthew Wright from the Steelers.
For those keen on real-time updates, a live CUTS TRACKER and blog are available to monitor all the ongoing changes.
Trade Deals and Speculation
The Packers and Titans have made a notable trade, sending quarterback Malik Willis to Tennessee in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Similarly, the Chiefs moved linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculation continues to swirl around other potential moves. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are both rumored as possible candidates for trade or release. Meanwhile, Texans running back Dameon Pierce is suggested to be a potential target for the Browns, and Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore could find a new home with the Commanders.
Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is also on the Cowboys' radar, as the team looks to bolster their secondary.
Big Money Moves
In Dallas, the Cowboys have secured wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with a massive four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus. This deal, had it been completed earlier in the offseason, could have saved the Cowboys nearly $10 million.
With Lamb's contract settled, the Cowboys are shifting focus to negotiations for extending deals with quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons.
Coaching Under the Microscope
Jets coach Robert Saleh finds himself under scrutiny, carrying an 18-33 record over three seasons. As analyst Jordan Dajani points out, "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."
Bills coach Sean McDermott isn’t spared from pressure either. Despite having superstar quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills have reached the AFC Championship only once under his tenure. "We view McDermott's Buffalo Bills as perennial contenders due to the talented Josh Allen," says Dajani, "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."
Injury Reports and Off-field Highlights
Several players are sidelined due to injuries as the season approaches. T.J. Hockenson, on the PUP list, will miss at least the first four games. Additionally, Uchenna Nwosu faces a two to six-week hiatus due to a knee injury.
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have inked a lucrative deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast, continuing their influence beyond the gridiron.
Looking forward, NFL owners are set to vote in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership, a move that could reshape the financial landscape of the league.
Meanwhile, the Commanders have rebranded their stadium, now known as Northwest Stadium, signaling a new chapter for the franchise.
As the NFL season quickly approaches, these cuts, trades, and strategic moves set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season filled with both high-stakes drama and unrelenting competition.