As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season intensifies, the final week before kickoff is marked by significant roster adjustments as teams strive to pare down from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53. This period, often referred to as cutdown week, is a critical time for front offices as they look to finalize their rosters and gear up for the new season. This year's final week has already seen a flurry of prominent trades, waivers, and releases across the league.
Dallas and Kansas City Make Moves
The Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs were active in the trade market. Dallas sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to Kansas City in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who has shown promise in his professional career, is expected to vie for a backup role behind the Chiefs' superstar tight end, Travis Kelce.
Arizona Cardinals Shake Up their Linebacker Corps
The Arizona Cardinals also made notable moves, trading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, joins a Chiefs squad that has consistently been in contention over the past several seasons. Additionally, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. In a related move, the Los Angeles Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, who has been a key figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, will look to bring his leadership qualities to his new team.
Packers and Titans in Quarterback Trade
The Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers pulled off a quarterback swap, with the Titans sending Malik Willis to Green Bay. The deal involving Willis also includes a seventh-round pick for the Titans. Willis, a dynamic quarterback with a promising future, is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, who is stepping into the starting role following Aaron Rodgers' departure. Following Willis' arrival, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, signifying their confidence in Willis as the backup quarterback.
Jaguars and Seahawks Bolster Defensive Lines
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Seattle has been dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL, and the addition of Gipson will help fortify their defensive front.
Defensive Line Trades Continue
Over in Cleveland, the Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, was sent along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks continued their active trading by sending Darrell Taylor to the Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Jets and Bills Execute Late-Round Swap
In another intriguing move, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. The Jets will receive a swap of late-round picks in 2026 in exchange for Codrington. This trade reflects both teams' strategic approach to bolster their special teams units as they head into the new season.
These roster changes are the culmination of months of analysis and strategic planning. Teams aim to create the optimal blend of veteran leadership and youthful talent to achieve success in what promises to be another thrilling NFL season. With the 2024 season on the horizon, these adjustments could very well be pivotal in shaping the fortunes of these franchises.