As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all 32 teams are engaged in the painstaking task of finalizing their rosters, making excruciating decisions on last-minute cuts and trades. This year's cutdown period has seen a surprising number of notable quarterbacks being released, reshaping the backup landscape across the league.
Quarterback Carousel: High-Profile Releases
In a move that shocked many, the Detroit Lions parted ways with a former Indiana standout, whose towering presence at 6-6 and 230 pounds had been expected to secure him a place on the roster. Despite his ties with recognized coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan—gained during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers—his limited game action, just 14 passes over six seasons, spelled the end of his journey with the Lions. Now, Hendon Hooker steps up as the primary backup to Jared Goff.
The Chicago Bears also made headlines by releasing Brett Rypien, despite his impressive preseason showing. Rypien demonstrated solid downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson, but it wasn't enough to secure his spot. Tyson Bagent ultimately won the backup role behind Caleb Williams, sending Rypien, who began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, to the waiver wire. Rypien had compiled a 2-1 record as a starter with Denver, showing glimpses of potential that teams in need of quarterback depth might now look to capitalize on.
Arizona and New England's Surprising Cuts
Over in Arizona, Desmond Ridder found himself released, a surprising move given that he was acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason. Ridder, initially a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, couldn't secure his spot as the backup to Kyler Murray, with Clayton Tune stepping up instead. Ridder’s release could see him landing another opportunity if a team is willing to take a chance on his untapped potential.
In an equally unexpected move, the New England Patriots waived Bailey Zappe. Selected in the fourth round in 2022, Zappe had posted an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years. The Patriots seem to be banking on their current quarterback trio of Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III, making Zappe's services available to other franchises in need.
Jacksonville's Injury Woes and Trade Dynamics
CJ Beathard's tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars ended with an injury settlement. Originally drafted in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard provided a reliable presence, throwing six touchdowns with zero interceptions during a fill-in role in the 2022 season. However, the Jaguars' acquisition of Mac Jones via trade, along with Beathard making only one start in his three years with Jacksonville, sealed his fate.
These recent waves of quarterback cuts and trades underscore the ever-changing dynamics of the NFL. As teams navigate the critical juncture between offseason evaluations and the start of the regular season, roster decisions become not just about immediate performance but also long-term strategic planning. The players released during this period serve as reminders of just how competitive the landscape is, and in many cases, they embody potential assets ready to be seized by other franchises.
With these changes taking place, the focus now shifts to how these teams will perform once the season commences. Will the gamble on younger backups pay off, or will veteran experience prevail as the key to navigating the grueling NFL season? Only time will tell, but for now, players like Brett Rypien, Desmond Ridder, Bailey Zappe, and CJ Beathard await their next call, hoping for a chance to prove their worth elsewhere.