Massive NFL Roster Shakeup as Deadline Approaches
As the NFL preseason comes to a close, nearly 1,200 players will find themselves without a team by the end of the day. Teams are trimming their rosters from 90 players down to the regular season limit of 53, with the deadline set for 4 p.m. ET today. Among those released are several notable names, underscoring the harsh realities of professional football.
High-profile cuts include Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. Quarterbacks Will Grier and Ben DiNucci have also been released from the Eagles and Bills, respectively. Running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), Myles Gaskin (Vikings), have likewise not made the cut. The list of wide receivers and defensive backs released includes Allen Robinson (Giants), C.J. Henderson (Texans), Tre Flowers (Jaguars), Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars), Kareem Jackson (Bills), and kicker Matthew Wright (Steelers).
Adding to the roster adjustments, there have been two notable trades. The Packers have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Similarly, the Chiefs sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculation is rife about the future of several other players. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are being mentioned as possible trade or release candidates. Texans running back Dameon Pierce appears to be on the Browns' radar, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore could potentially find a new home with the Commanders. The Patriots' defensive back Jonathan Jones is suggested as a target for the Cowboys.
Key Contract Extensions and Financial Moves
In a significant move, the Dallas Cowboys have extended wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a four-year, $136 million deal that includes a $38 million signing bonus. This extension comes as part of the Cowboys' broader strategy to tie down their core players for the future. Their focus now shifts to securing new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons.
However, it’s worth noting that the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million had Lamb's deal been completed earlier in the offseason.
Elsewhere, the Jets have heavily invested in acquiring veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This substantial commitment underscores the immense pressure on head coach Robert Saleh, who holds an 18-33 record over three seasons. As Jordan Dajani points out, "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."
Injury Updates and Team Investments
NFL teams also have other crucial decisions to make as they navigate injuries and player availability. T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Meanwhile, Uchenna Nwosu will be sidelined for a period ranging from two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have made a significant business move by securing a deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. In another noteworthy development, NFL owners are set to vote in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership, paving the way for new financial avenues for the league.
Finally, the Commanders' stadium has undergone a rebranding and will now be called Northwest Stadium.
Coaching Under Pressure
In a competitive environment where every decision is scrutinized, the pressure is palpable for several head coaches. As per Jordan Dajani, "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."
The high stakes and immense scrutiny make the upcoming NFL season a compelling narrative of strategic decisions, player performances, and the ever-present quest for championship glory.