As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season reaches its peak, the final week before kickoff sees a whirlwind of activity, with teams across the league making crucial adjustments to finalize their rosters. With a required downsizing from as many as 90 players to a concise 53, strategic trades, releases, and waivers come into play, shaping what promises to be an exhilarating season.
Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs Make Key Moves
The Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs electrified the trade wire with notable deals. The Cowboys sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who is expected to vie for a backup role behind the formidable Travis Kelce, represents a strategic pick for the Chiefs, reinforcing their depth in the tight end position.
Arizona Cardinals Strengthen and Strategize
The Arizona Cardinals were active participants in Tuesday's roster adjustments. They traded linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Cameron Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, seeks a fresh start with the Chiefs, who look to bolster their defensive line with this addition.
Furthermore, the Cardinals struck another deal, trading linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. Arizona included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, who has been instrumental as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, offers the Titans a seasoned player with leadership skills both on and off the field.
Quarterback Shuffle: Titans and Packers
In the quarterback market, the Tennessee Titans traded Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. As part of the deal, the Titans received a seventh-round pick. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, positioning himself as a key figure in maintaining the Packers' quarterback depth. The shift facilitated the Packers' decision to release fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, allowing them to streamline their roster ahead of the season opener.
Defensive Line Dynamics: Jacksonville and Seattle
The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Seattle Seahawks also joined the roster reshuffling. The Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move is significant for the Seahawks, who are currently coping with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson's addition is expected to provide much-needed support to the Seahawks' defense.
Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears Exchange
The Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears, pairing him with a seventh-round pick to receive a sixth-round pick in return. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, looks to seize this opportunity to make a more substantial impact with the Bears in the upcoming season.
Seahawks and Bears Strategize for Future
In another move involving the Bears, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to Chicago for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade is a strategic effort by both teams to strengthen their rosters and secure valuable assets for future drafts.
Jets and Bills Swap Late-Round Picks
Finally, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. The Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026 in exchange for Codrington, a move that underscores the Bills' aim to enhance their special teams unit with Codrington's skills.
These roster moves highlight the strategic planning that characterizes the NFL, as teams strive to balance talent, potential, and depth. As the countdown to the 2024 NFL season continues, these late-stage adjustments will undoubtedly play critical roles in the unfolding narratives and unforeseen dramas of the upcoming season.