NFL Roster Cuts Shake Up Teams Ahead of the Season
As the NFL faces the tough annual ritual of roster cuts, nearly 1,200 players find themselves without a job as teams trim their rosters from 90 players down to 53 by the 4 p.m. ET deadline. This year's cuts have already seen some surprising names released and notable trades executed, highlighting the ever-changing landscape of the league.
Among the significant releases, Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe were let go, adding to a growing list of talent suddenly available. Other notable releases include 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.
Trades have also made headlines with the Packers sending QB Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have traded LB Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for another 2025 seventh-round pick. These moves are part of teams’ strategic adjustments as they aim to balance their rosters with key talents fitting their game plans.
Contract Extensions and Team Strategies
While some players face uncertain futures, others have secured lucrative deals. The Dallas Cowboys, for instance, have extended WR CeeDee Lamb's contract with a substantial four-year, $136 million extension which includes a $38 million signing bonus. This move shifts the Cowboys' focus to locking in new contracts for key players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, securing their core talents for competitive futures.
However, there's been speculation surrounding Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine as potential candidates for trade or release, adding another layer of intrigue to upcoming decisions by the team. Meanwhile, Texans RB Dameon Pierce has been linked to potential interest from the Browns, and Chiefs WR Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders, suggesting a potential shake-up in team compositions.
Coaching Under Pressure
The pressure isn't just on players, but coaches too. Jets coach Robert Saleh sits on a record of 18-33 over three seasons. The team has invested heavily in Aaron Rodgers, fueling high expectations. Jordan Dajani points out, "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."
Similarly, Bills coach Sean McDermott faces scrutiny despite his team being perennial contenders, largely due to the exceptional talent of Josh Allen. The Bills have only reached the AFC Championship once under McDermott's tenure. “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 backward. McDermott is under pressure in 2024,” Dajani adds.
Injuries and Impact
Injuries are another variable impacting team strategies with key players sidelined. T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season, while Uchenna Nwosu is expected to be out for two to six weeks due to a knee injury. These absences will require teams to make tactical adjustments as they enter the new season.
Off-the-Field Moves
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have managed to secure a deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast, showcasing the expanding avenues through which NFL personalities are growing their brands.
The NFL landscape also faces potential changes in ownership structures, with an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on allowing private equity in team ownership, which could reshape the financial frameworks within the league. Additionally, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, marking a new chapter for the team's identity.
As teams finalize their rosters and navigate through these developments, the NFL season promises to deliver more drama, strategic shifts, and intense competition both on and off the field.