NFL Team Roster Cuts and Major Moves Highlight Preseason Finale
In a flurry of activity leading up to the 4 p.m. ET deadline, NFL teams have made significant cuts to trim their rosters from 90 players down to the 53-player limit. This annual event sees nearly 1,200 NFL players out of a job by day's end, a harsh reminder of the competitive nature of professional football.
Among those released were notable names such as Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. Other significant releases included quarterbacks Will Grier (Eagles) and Ben DiNucci (Bills), running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings), wide receiver Allen Robinson (Giants), cornerbacks C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars), safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills), and kicker Matthew Wright (Steelers). Fans can follow a comprehensive CUTS TRACKER and live blog to stay updated on the full list of cuts in real-time.
Team transactions didn't stop at mere releases. The Packers traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Chiefs sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a similar 2025 seventh-round pick. These trades reflect strategic moves as teams look to bolster specific areas or gather future assets.
Another layer of intrigue surrounds the potential trades and releases of certain players. Broncos' wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are speculated candidates for moves, as well as Texans running back Dameon Pierce, eyed by the Browns. Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders, and Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is on the Cowboys' radar.
In a significant move to secure talent, the Dallas Cowboys have extended wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus. The decision to secure Lamb indicates the Cowboys' commitment to their offensive strategy. Their focus now shifts to securing new contracts for key players Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
The Cowboys' extension with Lamb also raises questions about financial timing. Completing Lamb's deal earlier in the offseason could have saved the team nearly $10 million, highlighting the importance of strategic contract negotiations in managing salary cap space.
Coaching records and team investments further underscore the intensity of the NFL's pre-season landscape. Jets coach Robert Saleh faces scrutiny with an 18-33 record over three seasons, even as the team has made a significant investment in quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Reflecting on Saleh's performance, Jordan Dajani noted, "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 is under pressure despite the team being viewed as perennial contenders, due largely to the talent of quarterback Josh Allen. Dajani comments, "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 backwards. McDermott is under pressure in 2024."
Injury updates also play a crucial role in shaping teams' prospects. T.J. Hockenson, on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, will miss at least the first four games of the season, and Uchenna Nwosu is expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury. These absences will test team depth and agility in filling crucial roles.
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a lucrative deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast, showcasing the expanding commercial opportunities available to NFL players.
Amidst all these developments, there's anticipation of a vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership, a move that could fundamentally alter the financial landscape of the league.
Finally, the Washington Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, a branding shift that aligns with the team's rebranding efforts and new leadership under owner Tanya Snyder.
The culmination of these events paints a vivid picture of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the NFL, where player movements, coaching decisions, and off-field developments constantly reshape the competitive landscape.