As the 2024 NFL season rapidly approaches, teams are under immense pressure to finalize their rosters. In this critical final week before kickoff, franchises are making decisive moves, whittling down their squads from as many as 90 players to the NFL-mandated 53. Tuesday witnessed a flurry of activity, featuring significant trades, waivers, and releases that could shape the season ahead.
Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs Make Strategic Moves
In a notable trade, the Dallas Cowboys sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who is expected to compete for a backup role behind the Chiefs’ star tight end Travis Kelce, adds depth to a Kansas City team aiming for another Super Bowl run.
The Chiefs also bolstered their defensive lineup by acquiring linebacker Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round selection in the 2022 draft, will aim to make an immediate impact in Kansas City's defense.
Cardinals Reshape Their Roster
The Arizona Cardinals were active participants in the trade market, also sending linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The trade involved a 2026 sixth-round pick from the Cardinals in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, who has been a crucial inside linebacker and team captain, looks to bring his leadership and skills to Tennessee.
Titans and Packers Shuffle the Quarterback Deck
In another major move, the Tennessee Titans traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers, including a seventh-round pick in the deal. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, adding a new dimension to Green Bay's quarterback depth. As a result, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, signaling their trust in the new backup arrangement.
Jaguars and Seahawks Adjust Defensive Strategies
The Jacksonville Jaguars also made changes to their roster, trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade comes at a crucial time for the Seahawks, who are currently without edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson's addition aims to fill the void and fortify Seattle's defensive front.
Browns and Bears Engage in Defensive Exchange
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, along with a seventh-round pick, was sent to Chicago in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Having spent last season on the practice squad, Williams will now have the opportunity to prove himself on a Bears team looking to enhance their defensive prowess.
Adding to their acquisitions, the Bears also secured defensive player Darrell Taylor from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor's arrival in Chicago is anticipated to strengthen their pass rush, providing much-needed versatility on the defensive end.
Jets and Bills Swap Specialists
The New York Jets finalized a trade with the Buffalo Bills, dealing defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington for a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington's dual capability as a defender and return specialist could provide Buffalo with a tactical advantage in special teams play.
These strategic moves mark only the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying 2024 NFL season. As teams finish shaping their rosters, fans eagerly await to see how these new additions and formations will translate on the gridiron. With each transaction carrying potential implications for the season, the final week of roster cuts has once again proven to be a pivotal chapter in the NFL narrative.