As the 2024 NFL season looms, teams across the league are deep in the process of finalizing their rosters. With the cutdown to 53 players, franchises face tough choices, deciding whom to keep and whom to release. Among the notable casualties in recent days are several quarterbacks who had been highly regarded in previous drafts or had shown flashes of potential in their careers.
Detroit Lions Make Notable Cuts
The Detroit Lions decided to part ways with a former quarterback out of Indiana, a towering figure standing at 6-6 and 230 pounds. This athlete's journey in the NFL saw him learn under astute offensive minds such as Doug Pederson with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kyle Shanahan during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite these promising experiences, his on-field contributions have been minimal, with only 14 passes thrown over the last six seasons. Meanwhile, Hendon Hooker has solidified his position as the backup to Jared Goff, ultimately leading to the former's release.
Chicago Bears Release Brett Rypien
The Chicago Bears have also made a significant move by releasing Brett Rypien. Rypien, who once started his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos, had a solid preseason debut that showcased his downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson. However, the competition in the Bears' quarterback room proved too fierce. Tyson Bagent outshined Rypien, securing the backup spot behind Caleb Williams. Rypien's stint with the Broncos included compiling a 2-1 record as a starter, but it wasn't enough to keep him on the Bears' final roster.
Desmond Ridder Exits Arizona
Desmond Ridder's time with the Arizona Cardinals has come to an abrupt end. Acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason, Ridder was vying for the backup job but ultimately fell short. Clayton Tune has been named the backup to Kyler Murray. Ridder, originally a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, now finds himself hit by the harsh reality of the NFL's competitive nature. His brief stint with the Cardinals did not secure him a spot on the final roster.
Bailey Zappe Waived by New England Patriots
Another notable name to hit the waiver wire is Bailey Zappe. Drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots in 2022, Zappe had shown glimpses of potential with an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter. Over his first two years, he logged 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Despite these efforts, he found himself on the outside looking in as the Patriots moved forward with quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III.
CJ Beathard's Tenure Ends with the Jaguars
CJ Beathard's time with the Jacksonville Jaguars concluded under unfortunate circumstances, as he agreed to an injury settlement with the team. Beathard, a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, had been a steady presence but saw limited action during his stint in Jacksonville. He played a significant role in the 2022 season, filling in by throwing six touchdowns and zero interceptions, yet made only one start over his three years with the Jaguars. The team decided to let him go after acquiring Mac Jones via trade.
As the NFL season approaches, these roster moves reflect the ever-evolving landscape of professional football. Each team must weigh potential against performance, and promise against practicality. The decisions made in these final days will shape the course of the upcoming season, as new opportunities arise for those who remain and the door closes for others, if only temporarily.