The countdown to the 2024 NFL season has begun, and with just a week to go, teams are making significant roster adjustments. The final stretch sees rosters trimmed from a bustling 90 players down to the mandated 53, leading to a flurry of trades, waivers, and releases.
Strategic Moves and Key Trades
The Dallas Cowboys made a noteworthy move by trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to compete for a backup role behind the Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce, adding depth to their tight end group.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals were also active, trading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, will aim to make a significant impact on the Chiefs' defense.
In another move, the Cardinals sent linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The deal included the Rams’ 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones has been a crucial figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain for the Cardinals, and his leadership will be welcomed by the Titans.
The Tennessee Titans were not done yet. They traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers, receiving a seventh-round pick in return. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. In a corresponding move, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford.
Defensive Adjustments Across Teams
The Jacksonville Jaguars strengthened their defensive line by trading Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The move seems particularly timely as the Seahawks are currently dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who is sidelined with a sprained MCL.
In another defensive trade, the Cleveland Browns sent defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, along with a seventh-round pick, was exchanged for a sixth-round pick. Williams spent last season on the practice squad but will look to make a mark with the Bears.
The Seahawks were busy on the trade front as well, sending Darrell Taylor to the Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Both teams are clearly seeking to bolster their defensive units for the imminent season.
Special Teams and Roster Swaps
Special teams received attention as 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 return. Codrington’s ability in special teams will be an asset for the Bills, who are looking to strengthen their return game.
These pre-season adjustments demonstrate the strategic shuffling teams undertake to refine their rosters and solidify their game plans. As the 2024 NFL season looms on the horizon, teams are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of assembling the most competitive squads. The countdown to kickoff is officially on, and fans can expect an exhilarating season ahead with these revamped rosters.