As the clock ticks towards the 4 p.m. ET deadline, NFL teams across the league are making significant roster cuts to trim their squads from 90 players to the mandated 53. This inevitable day leaves nearly 1,200 NFL players jobless, marking it as one of the most anxiety-inducing periods in their careers.
Among those released are some well-known names. Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe were among the early casualties. High-profile cuts also include quarterbacks Will Grier from the Eagles and Ben DiNucci from the Bills, running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings). Other notable releases feature 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).
As the drama unfolds, fans and analysts alike are turning to the CUTS TRACKER and live blogs to keep up with the unfolding developments in real-time.
High-Profile Trades and Speculations
Rosters aren't just being slimmed but also reshaped by trades. The Packers have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick. With all eyes on the Broncos, there's speculation that wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine could either be traded or released.
Several players are attracting interest from other teams. Texans running back Dameon Pierce is suggested as a potential target for the Browns, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore may find a new home with the Commanders. Furthermore, Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is reportedly on the Cowboys' radar.
Major Contracts and Future Focus
While many players face uncertainty, others are securing their futures with lucrative deals. The Dallas Cowboys have extended wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a massive four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus. This significant investment in Lamb's future highlights the team's commitment to maintaining their offensive firepower. The Cowboys are now turning their attention to negotiating new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons.
"The Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been completed earlier in the offseason," noted a league insider. This revelation underscores the financial tightrope teams walk when managing player contracts.
Coaching Challenges and Player Injuries
Coaching records and performance are always under scrutiny. Jets coach Robert Saleh holds an 18-33 record over three seasons, casting a shadow over his tenure. "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," remarked sports analyst Jordan Dajani. This pointed commentary highlights the high stakes involved in the Jets' heavy investment in quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott is also under the microscope. His team has only reached the AFC Championship once. "We view McDermott's Buffalo Bills as perennial contenders due to the talented Josh Allen," Dajani observed. "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."
Player injuries remain a critical issue for teams. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Additionally, linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Other Notable Developments
As the NFL continues to evolve, off-field business moves and media ventures are also making headlines. The Kelce brothers have secured a deal worth at least $100 million for full rights to their "New Heights" podcast, signaling the growing intersections between professional sports and media.
In another significant development, NFL owners are anticipated to vote in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership. This potential shift could have far-reaching implications for the league's financial landscape.
Changing stadium names is also part of the NFL news cycle, with the Commanders' stadium being renamed to Northwest Stadium.
As the roster cuts deadline looms, the football world watches with bated breath, keeping tabs on the evolving landscape of player movements, trades, and the ever-complex web of professional football. The hope for many is that they find a place within the competitive realm of the NFL, while fans eagerly anticipate how these changes will shape the upcoming season.