The countdown to the 2024 NFL season is on, with the final week before kickoff marked by significant roster shake-ups as teams trim their squads from as many as 90 players down to the mandatory 53. Among the slew of trades, waivers, and releases, several notable moves have reshaped line-ups and stirred anticipation for the upcoming season.
Key Trades and Acquisitions
In a bid to bolster their offensive depth, the Dallas Cowboys sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. Hendershot, who will vie for a backup role behind the formidable Travis Kelce, was exchanged for a conditional late-round draft pick. The Chiefs' acquisition of Hendershot underscores their strategy to enhance depth and versatility within the tight end position.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs were also active in securing linebacker Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round selection from the 2022 draft, is expected to inject fresh talent into the Chiefs' defensive lineup. This move highlights Kansas City's focus on fortifying their defense as they aim to maintain their competitive edge.
Shifting to the Arizona Cardinals, the front office executed another trade, sending linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. In exchange, the Rams received a 2025 fifth-round pick while parting with a 2026 sixth-round pick. Jones, a mainstay as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, brings his leadership and field presence to a Titans team looking to strengthen their defensive unit.
Surprising Moves
In a surprising turn of events, the Tennessee Titans traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. This trade, which involved a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup to Jordan Love. This move also precipitated the release of fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford by the Packers. The reshuffling in Green Bay's quarterback room signals a strategic shift as they prepare for a new era post-Aaron Rodgers.
The Jacksonville Jaguars also made headlines by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. With edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu currently sidelined due to a sprained MCL, Gipson's arrival comes at a critical juncture for the Seahawks. Gipson's presence is anticipated to provide much-needed reinforcement to Seattle's defensive line as they navigate early-season challenges.
Additional Transactions
The Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears engaged in a transaction involving defensive lineman Chris Williams. The Browns sent Williams, along with a seventh-round pick, to the Bears in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Having spent last season on the practice squad, Williams now has an opportunity to make an impact on Chicago's defensive front.
In another move to bolster their lineup, the Chicago Bears acquired Darrell Taylor from the Seattle Seahawks, with the Bears relinquishing a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor's inclusion aims to enhance the Bears' pass rush capabilities, making their defense more formidable.
The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills finalized a trade involving defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington. The Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026 in return for Codrington, who is expected to bring agility and versatility to Buffalo's special teams and defensive backfield.
As teams finalize their rosters with strategic trades and bold moves, the stage is set for an exhilarating 2024 NFL season. Each of these transactions not only fills immediate needs but also reflects broader strategies aimed at building cohesive and competitive teams ready to contend for the ultimate prize.