The final week before the 2024 NFL season begins is proving dramatic, with teams making pivotal roster adjustments to comply with league mandates. Transitioning from their 90-player training camp rosters to the final 53, teams have engaged in a series of trades, waivers, and releases, signaling strategic moves to bolster their squads.
Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs Make a Notable Trade
In a transaction that adds depth to Kansas City’s tight end lineup, the Dallas Cowboys traded Peyton Hendershot to the Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is poised to compete for a backup role behind the stalwart Travis Kelce, offering the Chiefs a potentially valuable asset for their offensive schemes.
Arizona Cardinals Reshuffle Their Linebacker Corps
The Arizona Cardinals were particularly active, executing two separate deals surrounding their linebacker corps. Firstly, linebacker Cameron Thomas was sent to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Originally drafted in the third round in 2022, Thomas is expected to strengthen the Chiefs' defensive front.
In a significant move to reshape their linebacker unit, the Cardinals also traded Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The trade package saw the Rams include a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. As a starting inside linebacker and team captain, Jones has been instrumental on the field and his departure heralds a sizable shift for the Cardinals’ defense.
Packers Gain Depth at Quarterback
The Green Bay Packers made headlines by acquiring quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans in a trade that encompassed a seventh-round pick. Willis is slated to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, adding a layer of insurance and competition to the Packers’ quarterback room. Concurrently, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, streamlining their roster just before the season kickoff.
Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks Deal
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks orchestrated a trade that sent defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes as Seattle addresses the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who is sidelined with a sprained MCL.
Cleveland Browns to Bolster Chicago Bears Defense
In a tactical move, the Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. The deal included a seventh-round pick for the Bears, while the Browns received a sixth-round pick in return. Williams, who spent the previous season on the practice squad, now aims to contribute significantly to the Bears' defensive lineup.
Additional Moves Add Final Touches
The Seattle Seahawks continued their roster adjustments by trading Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This transaction underscores the Bears' intent to enhance their pass rush capabilities heading into the new season.
Another notable transaction saw the New York Jets trade defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. The Jets secured a swap of late-round picks in 2026 in exchange for Codrington, ensuring that both teams fine-tune their special teams and defensive backfield units adequately.
As the dust settles on these roster adjustments, teams are now focused on integrating these new assets into their game plans, aiming to hit the ground running as the 2024 NFL season promises its usual share of excitement and fierce competition.