Nearly 1,200 NFL players will face a career crossroads today as teams across the league execute one of the most challenging parts of the season—trimming their rosters from 90 players to the final 53 by the 4 p.m. ET deadline. For many, this day marks the end of a summer-long battle for a spot on an NFL team. Notable players who have received their walking papers include Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe and Packers kicker Anders Carlson.
Significant Releases and Trades
Among the more surprising cuts are Will Grier from the Eagles, Ben DiNucci from the Bills, and Matt Breida from the 49ers. Additionally, seasoned veterans like Phillip Dorsett of the Broncos and Allen Robinson of the Giants have been released, signaling notable shifts on many rosters.
The detox continues with a string of anticipated and strategic trades. Malik Willis has been traded from the Packers to the Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Chiefs have sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals under the same terms. Meanwhile, speculation remains rife about other potential trades and releases. Broncos' wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are potential candidates, and Texans running back Dameon Pierce might see a move to the Browns. Chiefs' wide receiver Skyy Moore is linked with a possible transfer to the Commanders, and Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones has caught the attention of the Cowboys.
Major Contract Moves
The Dallas Cowboys have cemented their future offense by extending wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a four-year, $136 million deal, which includes a lucrative $38 million signing bonus. This move, however, does come with financial weight. The Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million had the deal been struck earlier in the offseason.
With Lamb secured, the Cowboys' focus now shifts to hammering out new contracts for key players Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, both central to the team's aspirations. Meanwhile, Jets coach Robert Saleh finds himself under increasing scrutiny. As Jordan Dajani notes, "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."
Strains and Pressures
In Buffalo, Sean McDermott's tenure is subject to mounting pressure. The Bills have showcased the prodigious talent of quarterback Josh Allen, yet have only reached the AFC Championship once. Dajani observes, "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 New Ventures
On the injury front, T.J. Hockenson will miss at least the season's first four games as he remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Uchenna Nwosu will also be sidelined due to a knee injury, expecting his absence to last from two to six weeks.
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a remarkable deal, ensuring that the full rights to their New Heights podcast have fetched a sum upwards of $100 million. In addition, inside sources reveal that NFL owners are to vote in Minneapolis on a significant proposal to allow private equity in team ownership.
Stadium and Infrastructure Developments
Significant changes are also happening in terms of infrastructure. The Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting a broader rebranding effort within the franchise.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, today’s roster cuts, trades, and contract negotiations will undoubtedly shape the upcoming season, putting both players and coaches under the spotlight for the challenges and opportunities ahead.