As the NFL approaches its final roster cuts, nearly 1,200 players are facing an uncertain future. By 4 p.m. ET today, teams are required to trim their rosters from 90 players to just 53. This annual ritual leaves many aspiring athletes in search of new opportunities, and this year is no different.
Roster Cuts and Notable Releases
The Green Bay Packers made a surprising move by releasing kicker Anders Carlson, while the New England Patriots let go of quarterback Bailey Zappe. Other notable departures include quarterbacks Will Grier from the Eagles and Ben DiNucci of the Bills. Running backs such as Matt Breida from the 49ers, Phillip Dorsett from the Broncos, and Myles Gaskin from the Vikings also find themselves in free agency. Wide receiver Allen Robinson's stint with the Giants has come to an end, along with cornerbacks C.J. Henderson and Tre Flowers, who were dropped by the Texans and Jaguars respectively. Safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills), as well as Steelers kicker Matthew Wright, also made the list of casualties.
For fans looking to stay updated, a comprehensive CUTS TRACKER and live blog are available to follow the full list in real-time as teams finalize their rosters.
Trades and Speculations
In the midst of the roster trimming, some teams have also engaged in trades. The Packers sent quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Similarly, the Chiefs traded linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
The rumor mill is equally active, with speculation surrounding potential trades or releases. The Broncos' wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are both eyed as candidates for team moves. Texans’ running back Dameon Pierce has been suggested as a potential target for the Browns. Chiefs’ wide receiver Skyy Moore might find himself relocating to the Commanders, and Patriots' defensive back Jonathan Jones appears to be on the Cowboys' radar.
Contract Extensions and Financial Impacts
In Dallas, the Cowboys have secured wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with a four-year, $136 million extension that includes a $38 million signing bonus. This move shifts their focus to renewing contracts with quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons. Financially, it’s noted that the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been completed earlier in the offseason. As the Cowboys reconfigure their financial landscape, these savings could have provided more flexibility in navigating the cap space.
Coaching Pressures and Player Injuries
Jets coach Robert Saleh, with an 18-33 record over three seasons, faces increasing scrutiny, especially with the team’s significant investment in Aaron Rodgers. "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," noted commentator Jordan Dajani.
In Buffalo, Sean McDermott’s tenure is under similar pressure. Despite being seen as perennial contenders with quarterback Josh Allen, the team has only made it to the AFC Championship once. Dajani comments, "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."
Injury updates include T.J. Hockenson being placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. Uchenna Nwosu will also be out for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
New Deals and Future Prospects
In media news, the Kelce brothers have secured a significant deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their "New Heights" podcast. This move marks a notable crossover between sports and media, expanding their influence beyond the field.
Looking ahead to league governance, there is an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership. This decision could reshape the financial structures within the league significantly.
Finally, a venue update as the Commanders' home stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, marking a new era for the franchise.
As the NFL landscape continues to shift with these roster decisions, trades, and contract negotiations, fans and analysts alike are set for an intriguing season ahead.