As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all 32 teams are feverishly working to finalize their rosters. The preseason period is crucial, filled with last-minute cuts, trades, and unexpected turns. This year's roster cull has been particularly impactful for several quarterbacks who found themselves without a team. Even as teams prepare for the regular season's kickoff, their rosters remain in a fluid state, constantly adapting to strategic needs and player performances.
Quarterbacks in Flux
The Detroit Lions made headlines by releasing a substantial figure in their quarterback room, a former Indiana product who stands at 6-6 and weighs 230 pounds. His journey through the NFL has seen him learning under esteemed coaches such as Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. Despite his comprehensive experience, his opportunities on the field have been notably sparse; he has thrown only 14 passes over the past six seasons. With Hendon Hooker having secured the backup role behind Jared Goff, this quarterback's stint with the Lions has come to an end.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears decided to part ways with Brett Rypien. Rypien, who showcased impressive chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson during his preseason debut, couldn't secure a spot on the roster. Despite his solid debut, Tyson Bagent outperformed Rypien, clinching the backup position behind Caleb Williams. Rypien's NFL journey began with the Denver Broncos, where he compiled a respectable 2-1 record as a starter.
Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots Make Bold Moves
The Arizona Cardinals also made significant changes, releasing Desmond Ridder. Acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason, Ridder was anticipated to make an impact but ultimately lost the backup job to Clayton Tune, who will serve behind Kyler Murray. Ridder initially entered the league as a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.
In New England, Bailey Zappe faced a similar fate as he was waived by the Patriots. Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, Zappe recorded a mixed performance with an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, tallying 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years. The Patriots, maintaining a robust quarterback roster with Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III, decided to move on from Zappe to accommodate their strategy.
CJ Beathard's Tenure Ends
Down south, the Jacksonville Jaguars have parted ways with CJ Beathard after reaching an injury settlement. Initially a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard's time in Jacksonville was marked by limited opportunities. Despite making just one start during his three-year stint with the Jaguars, he managed to impress when called upon, throwing six touchdowns with no interceptions during the 2022 season. The Jaguars bolstered their quarterback lineup by acquiring Mac Jones via trade, thus ending Beathard’s tenure with the team.
With the roster cutdown deadline behind them, these decisions reflect each team's efforts to fine-tune their lineup in pursuit of a successful season. It's a reminder of the NFL's relentless competitiveness and the constant evolution teams undergo to remain contenders.