As anticipation for the 2024 NFL season builds, the final week before kickoff has seen teams making critical roster adjustments. The league mandate requires teams to trim their rosters from as many as 90 players to a lean 53, setting off a flurry of trades, waivers, and releases that can shape the fortunes of franchises in the coming season.
Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs
One of the most notable moves involved the Dallas Cowboys trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick in return for Hendershot, who is expected to compete for a backup role behind star tight end Travis Kelce. This move bolsters an already formidable Chiefs offense, offering an additional layer of depth and versatility.
Arizona Cardinals Make Bold Moves
The Arizona Cardinals were very active in the trade market, sending linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, will likely add a fresh dynamic to the Chiefs' defensive strategy.
In another bold move, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The deal saw the Rams include a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones has been a linchpin as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, making this trade a significant shift for both teams.
Tennessee Titans Reshuffle Quarterback Roster
The Tennessee Titans continued their roster adjustments by trading Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal includes a seventh-round pick, positioning Willis as the backup to Jordan Love, who steps into a starting role after the departure of Aaron Rodgers. In a corresponding move, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, marking a pivotal moment in their quarterback room.
Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks Trade
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks also engaged in noteworthy transactions. The Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes at a critical time as the Seahawks' edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu recovers from a sprained MCL. Gipson’s entry could provide much-needed support to the Seahawks' defensive front.
Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears Exchange
The Cleveland Browns exchanged defensive lineman Chris Williams with the Chicago Bears, alongside a seventh-round pick, for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent the last season on the practice squad, will have an opportunity to prove his worth in Chicago, adding to the Bears' defensive depth.
Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears Deal
In another transaction, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor’s move to Chicago fortifies the Bears' defense, suggesting they are building a roster capable of making a strong postseason push.
New York Jets and Buffalo Bills Swap
Lastly, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In exchange, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026, a minor yet strategic maneuver that could yield future dividends.
The whirlwind of roster changes in the final days before the season not only highlights the intense preparation teams undergo but also sets the stage for thrilling performances and surprising shifts in the dynamics of the league. Each transaction could potentially shape the competitive landscape, making every detail crucial as the 2024 NFL season approaches kickoff.