As the NFL’s roster cut deadline loomed at 4 p.m. ET, teams around the league have made their final decisions, trimming their rosters from 90 players down to the mandatory 53. Nearly 1,200 NFL players face unemployment by the end of the day, marking one of the most tumultuous times in the annual football calendar.
Notable Releases and Trades
Among the notable cuts, standout names include Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. Also hitting the waiver wires are Eagles QB Will Grier, Bills QB Ben DiNucci, 49ers RB Matt Breida, Broncos RB Phillip Dorsett, Vikings RB Myles Gaskin, Giants WR Allen Robinson, Texans CB C.J. Henderson, Jaguars CB Tre Flowers, Jaguars S Terrell Edmunds, Bills S Kareem Jackson, and Steelers K Matthew Wright.
In the trade arena, the Packers have sent QB Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Additionally, the Chiefs traded LB Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a future seventh-round pick in 2025.
Contract Extensions and Speculations
The Dallas Cowboys made a splash by extending WR CeeDee Lamb's contract. The four-year, $136 million extension includes a hefty $38 million signing bonus. This deal could have been more financially advantageous had it been completed earlier in the offseason, potentially saving the team almost $10 million. The Cowboys now turn their attention to securing new deals for key players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
Speculations continue to swirl around potential trades or releases. Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine are currently under the microscope as candidates. The Texans’ RB Dameon Pierce is suggested to be a target for the Browns, and Chiefs WR Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders. There's also buzz around Patriots DB Jonathan Jones being on the Cowboys' radar.
Coaching and Management Under the Spotlight
NFL coaches and management are facing scrutiny as the new season approaches. Jets coach Robert Saleh, with his 18-33 record over three seasons, holds one of the league's most promising defenses but has struggled with offensive consistency. "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," said Jordan Dajani.
Meanwhile, Bills coach Sean McDermott's reign is also under a microscope. Despite having a team led by the talented Josh Allen and considered perennial contenders, the Bills have only reached the AFC Championship once. "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," noted Dajani.
Injuries and Other Developments
The injury report also holds significant updates. T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Uchenna Nwosu faces a similar setback, sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
A significant off-field development involves the Kelce brothers, who have secured a deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. Additionally, there is an upcoming vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on potentially allowing private equity in team ownership, a move that could reshape the financial landscape of the league.
On the infrastructural front, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting a new chapter for the franchise.
As teams finalize their rosters and new deals unfold, the NFL landscape continues to shift, melding strategic decisions with the ever-present drama of America’s most beloved sport.