Nearly 1,200 NFL players will find themselves without a job by the end of the day. As NFL teams finalize their rosters, reducing from 90 to 53 players, the atmosphere is tense. The deadline for these crucial roster cuts is 4 p.m. ET, prompting teams to make tough decisions that will shape their season ahead.
Notable Cuts and Trades
This roster cut deadline has already seen some surprising and significant releases. Among them, Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe have been let go. Other notable exits include QB Will Grier from the Eagles, QB Ben DiNucci from the Bills, RB Matt Breida from the 49ers, RB Phillip Dorsett from the Broncos, RB Myles Gaskin from the Vikings, WR Allen Robinson from the Giants, CB C.J. Henderson from the Texans, CB Tre Flowers from the Jaguars, S Terrell Edmunds from the Jaguars, S Kareem Jackson from the Bills, and K Matthew Wright from the Steelers.
In terms of trades, the Packers have shipped QB Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2025. Similarly, the Chiefs traded LB Cam Thomas to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculations and Potential Moves
The rumor mill is bustling with potential moves. Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine are speculated to be either on the trading block or candidates for release. Additionally, Texans RB Dameon Pierce is rumored to be a target for the Browns, while Chiefs WR Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders. The Patriots' DB Jonathan Jones is another name being linked with the Cowboys, indicating a flurry of activity as teams strategize to strengthen their rosters.
Big Moves by the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have made headlines with a substantial investment in WR CeeDee Lamb, extending his contract with a four-year, $136 million deal, including a hefty $38 million signing bonus. This extension reflects the Cowboys’ confidence in Lamb's abilities to be a pivotal player in their squad. With Lamb’s contract settled, the Cowboys are now focusing on securing new contracts for QB Dak Prescott and DE Micah Parsons, hinting at a strategic approach to solidify their core players.
Interestingly, the Cowboys potentially missed out on saving nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been finalized earlier in the offseason. This financial insight adds another layer of complexity to the team's contract negotiations moving forward.
Team Pressures and Performances
The Jets have made a significant investment in Aaron Rodgers, hoping to turn around a team led by Coach Robert Saleh, who holds an 18-33 record over three seasons. The stakes are high for Saleh, who has developed one of the NFL's best defenses but has struggled offensively. As Jordan Dajani put it, "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."
In Buffalo, Coach Sean McDermott faces his own pressures. Despite having a talent like QB Josh Allen, the Bills have reached the AFC Championship only once under his leadership. Addressing the current situation, Dajani stated, "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 Miscellaneous Updates
On the injury front, TE T.J. Hockenson is confirmed to miss at least the first four games of the season as he remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Meanwhile, Uchenna Nwosu will be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury, impacting his team’s defensive lineup.
A noteworthy off-the-field development involves the Kelce brothers, who have secured a deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their popular 'New Heights' podcast. Such an achievement underscores their influence beyond the football field.
Moreover, NFL owners are anticipated to vote in Minneapolis on a proposal to allow private equity in team ownership, hinting at potential shifts in how teams are financed and managed. Meanwhile, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed Northwest Stadium, marking a new chapter for the franchise.
As the NFL continues to adapt and evolve, today's roster cuts and player moves are just the beginning of an intense and strategic lead-up to the new season. With these developments, teams are positioning themselves in the best possible way to compete for the coveted Super Bowl title.