Nearly 1,200 NFL players will be facing unemployment soon as NFL teams make final roster cuts, reducing their squads from 90 players down to just 53 by the 4 p.m. ET deadline. High-profile releases have already begun, with some notable names making headlines.
Among those let go are Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. The list of notable releases also includes quarterbacks Will Grier of the Eagles and Ben DiNucci of the Bills, running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings), wide receiver Allen Robinson (Giants), cornerbacks C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars), safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills), and kicker Matthew Wright (Steelers). A comprehensive CUTS TRACKER and live blog are available for those wanting to keep up with the cuts in real-time.
Trades and Speculations
Further roster adjustments have seen the Packers trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Meanwhile, the Chiefs sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Speculation surrounds several players, including Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine, who could either be traded or released. Additionally, Texans running back Dameon Pierce has been suggested as a potential target for the Browns.
In other news, Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders, while Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones has reportedly caught the Cowboys' attention.
Contracts and Extensions
As teams finalize their rosters, contract negotiations remain a crucial focus. The Dallas Cowboys, for example, have extended wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a four-year, $136 million extension, which includes a $38 million signing bonus. Despite this significant move, the Cowboys' management is also looking ahead to securing new contracts for pivotal players like quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons. Interestingly, it has been reported that the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been completed earlier in the offseason.
The Jets have made a considerable investment in quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, questions arise about the team's strategy given that coach Robert Saleh holds an 18-33 record over his three seasons. While Saleh has successfully built one of the best defenses in the entire NFL, his handling of the offensive side of things has faced scrutiny. As Jordan Dajani sharply points out, "Imagine if this Aaron Rodgers investment does not work out."
Coaching Challenges
Bills coach Sean McDermott finds himself in a precarious position as well. Despite having one of the NFL's most talented quarterbacks in Josh Allen, McDermott's team has only reached the AFC Championship once. According to Dajani, "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."
Injuries and Notable Absences
Injury updates are also shaping team rosters. T.J. Hockenson will miss at least the first four games of the season as he's on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Uchenna Nwosu is expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off the Field
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a lucrative deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast, a noteworthy achievement in the world of athlete-led media ventures. There is also an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis regarding the potential allowance of private equity in team ownership, marking a significant shift in NFL governance and finance practices.
Lastly, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting a new chapter in the team's branding and regional alignment.
As the NFL season approaches, the flurry of cuts, trades, and contract extensions underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the league. Teams are making strategic decisions that will have long-lasting impacts, setting the stage for an enthralling season ahead.