As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season builds, the final week before kickoff sees teams across the league making critical roster adjustments. The deadline to pare down rosters from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53 is a frenzied period marked by surprising trades, waivers, and releases.
Dallas Cowboys Adjust Personnel
In a notable move, the Dallas Cowboys sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who had been vying for a significant role in Dallas, is now expected to compete for a backup position behind superstar tight end Travis Kelce in Kansas City.
Arizona Cardinals Shake Up Linebacker Corps
The Arizona Cardinals made headlines with a couple of significant trades. Linebacker Cameron Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, was sent to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Additionally, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick in this deal, receiving a 2025 fifth-round pick in return. Jones, a key figure and team captain, had established himself as a starting inside linebacker, making this move particularly significant for both teams.
Tennessee Titans Shuffle Quarterbacks
Malik Willis, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, was traded to the Green Bay Packers. The deal also saw the inclusion of a seventh-round pick. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love in Green Bay, a move that led to the release of fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford by the Packers. This shuffle in quarterback personnel underscores the ongoing efforts by both teams to solidify their quarterback rooms ahead of the season.
Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks Trade Defense
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes at a time when the Seahawks are dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson’s arrival in Seattle aims to bolster a defensive line hit by injuries as they head into the new season.
Chicago Bears Acquire Defensive Talent
The Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Alongside Williams, a seventh-round pick was also sent to Chicago in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, will look to make an impact on the Bears' active roster. Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick, further strengthening Chicago's defense.
New York Jets and Buffalo Bills Swap Special Teams Talents
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. This trade signifies both teams' efforts to refine their special teams units, a crucial component of any successful NFL team.
As the cuts and trades continue, teams are making strategic moves to finalize their rosters and position themselves for a strong start to the season. With the kickoff just around the corner, every decision made in these final days could be pivotal for the 2024 NFL campaign.