The NFL's Roster Carnage: A Closer Look at the Key Cuts and Moves
In a significant but routine annual event, nearly 1,200 NFL players found themselves out of a job by the end of Tuesday, as teams across the league trimmed their rosters from 90 players down to the mandated 53. The deadline for these drastic cuts was 4 p.m. ET, and as expected, many notable names were released, while a few trades added another layer to the day's drama.
Among the key releases were Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe, both of whom will now be seeking new opportunities. Other significant releases included quarterbacks Will Grier from the Eagles and Ben DiNucci from the Bills. The running back carousel also saw moves, with Matt Breida cut from the 49ers and Phillip Dorsett from the Broncos. Myles Gaskin was released by the Vikings, while Allen Robinson, a wide receiver for the Giants, will be looking for a new team as well. Cornerbacks C.J. Henderson and Tre Flowers were let go by the Texans and Jaguars, respectively. Safeties Terrell Edmunds, formerly of the Jaguars, and Kareem Jackson from the Bills, also found themselves on the free agent list, as did Steelers kicker Matthew Wright.
From Cuts to Trades: New Beginnings
Some players found new homes via trade rather than being outright released. The Packers traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Similarly, the Chiefs sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick. These moves, while not earth-shattering, could have long-term implications for the teams involved.
Speculation continues to swirl around several players who may either be traded or released. Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine are key figures in these discussions. Texans running back Dameon Pierce has been identified as a potential target for the Browns, while Chiefs WR Skyy Moore might be on the move to the Commanders. On the defensive end, Patriots DB Jonathan Jones is being linked with the Cowboys, suggesting that more changes could be on the horizon.
Cowboys Securing Their Future
In one of the more significant contract extensions, the Dallas Cowboys have locked down wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with a four-year, $136 million deal, which includes a $38 million signing bonus. This move frees the Cowboys to focus on extending contracts for other key players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons. Interestingly, had the Cowboys finalized Lamb’s deal earlier in the offseason, they could have saved nearly $10 million. This raises questions about the timing of such deals and their financial implications.
The cost of keeping top performers is evident, but it’s a necessary investment if the Cowboys are serious about maintaining their competitive edge in the league. Meanwhile, the Jets continue to pin their hopes on the sizable investment they've made in Aaron Rodgers, much to the scrutiny of analysts.
Pressure Mounting on Coaches
Jets coach Robert Saleh, who holds an 18-33 record over three seasons, faces increasing pressure. With significant investment in Rodgers, the spotlight is on Saleh to deliver results. "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," remarks analyst Jordan Dajani.
Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott is another front office figure under the microscope. Under McDermott, the team has only reached the AFC Championship once. "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 notes.
Injury and Ownership Updates
The player health report also impacts team strategies. T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Uchenna Nwosu will also be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury, which could influence the Seahawks' defensive lineup in the coming weeks.
Off the field, the Kelce brothers' New Heights podcast deal has made headlines, securing a significant deal worth at least $100 million for full rights. In league governance news, there is a scheduled vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership. Such a move could usher in a new era of financial dynamics within the league.
Last but not least, the Commanders' stadium has been rebranded Northwest Stadium, adding another layer of change as the new season looms.
As the dust settles from this flurry of activity, teams will now begin to strategize and prepare for the upcoming season, armed with their final rosters and the anticipation of what lies ahead.