The final week leading up to the 2024 NFL season has witnessed a flurry of activity as teams make crucial roster decisions, cutting down from as many as 90 players to the NFL-mandated 53. Major trades, waivers, and releases marked the week, setting the stage for a riveting kickoff.
Key Roster Moves Before the Season
The Dallas Cowboys made headlines by trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to challenge for a backup role behind star tight end Travis Kelce, adding depth to a position of great significance for the Chiefs.
The Arizona Cardinals were particularly active, trading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round draft pick. Thomas, originally a third-round pick in the 2022 draft, aims to bolster the Chiefs' defensive unit. In another move, the Cardinals sent linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The trade included the Rams' 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for the Titans' 2025 fifth-round pick. Known for his leadership, Jones has been a team captain and a key figure on the field.
The Tennessee Titans weren't done either. They traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers, a deal that also involved a seventh-round pick. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. In a corresponding move, the Packers released Sean Clifford, also a 2022 draft pick, making room for Willis on the roster.
The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed their defensive needs by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes at a crucial time as the Seahawks' edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is currently sidelined with a sprained MCL.
Strengthening Defensive Lines
The Cleveland Browns made their move by trading defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, along with a seventh-round pick, was sent to Chicago in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams spent the previous season on the practice squad but will now look to make an impact on the Bears' defense.
The Seahawks were also involved in another trade, sending Darrell Taylor to the Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade signifies the Bears' commitment to strengthening their defensive line as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Special Teams and Secondary Adjustments
The New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills engaged in a trade featuring defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington. The Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026 in exchange for Codrington, aiming to enhance their special teams and secondary with this strategic move.
As the 2024 NFL season nears, these roster changes highlight the strategies and adjustments teams are making, striving for a balanced and competitive lineup. With key players shifting teams and new prospects emerging, the stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable season.