As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season builds, the final week before kickoff sees teams making critical roster adjustments that could potentially reshape their campaigns. With teams cutting down from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53, significant trades, waivers, and releases are unfolding rapidly.
Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs Switch Up Tight Ends
In a surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who has shown flashes of potential, is expected to vie for a backup role behind the Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce. This adds depth to Kansas City's tight end position, ensuring they have robust backup options as they aim for another deep postseason run.
Arizona Cardinals Trade Fever
The Arizona Cardinals have been particularly active in the trade market. Linebacker Cameron Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas will be looking to make an impact on the Chiefs' defense, potentially adding a fresh dynamic to their linebacker corps.
Continuing their roster shake-up, the Cardinals also dealt linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. As part of this trade, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick and received a 2025 fifth-round pick in return. Jones, known for his role as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, will bring veteran leadership and stability to Tennessee's defense.
Quarterback Carousel: Malik Willis Moves to Green Bay
The quarterback landscape saw a notable change with the Tennessee Titans trading Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. In addition to Malik Willis, the deal included a seventh-round pick. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, a critical role considering the Packers’ focus on grooming young talent for the future. In a corresponding move, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, indicating their confidence in Willis as a solid backup option.
Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Adjustments
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes as the Seahawks deal with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who is currently sidelined with a sprained MCL. Gipson's addition could provide much-needed depth and pass-rushing capability to Seattle's defensive front.
Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears Swap Defensive Players
The Cleveland Browns made a deal with the Chicago Bears, sending defensive lineman Chris Williams along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams spent last season on the practice squad but will now have the opportunity to prove his worth in Chicago. This trade underscores the Bears’ commitment to bolstering their defensive line ahead of the new season.
Darrell Taylor Moves to Chicago
In another move involving the Bears, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to Chicago for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor's versatility and experience could provide a significant boost to the Bears' defensive schemes as they look to strengthen their roster.
New York Jets and Buffalo Bills Tweak Special Teams
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. Codrington's role as a return specialist could be pivotal for the Bills' special teams, offering them a reliable option in the return game and adding depth to their secondary.
As teams across the NFL finalize their rosters, these moves highlight the strategic planning and tough decisions involved in preparing for a successful season. The upcoming weeks will reveal the impact of these trades and adjustments as the 2024 NFL season gets underway, providing plenty of intrigue and excitement for fans and analysts alike.