Quarterback Carousel Spins as NFL Teams Finalize Rosters Ahead of 2024 Season
As the 2024 NFL season looms, all 32 teams are deep in the throes of finalizing their rosters, making tough decisions on last-minute cuts and trades. Among the most challenging moves are those involving quarterbacks, with several notable names becoming cutdown casualties.
Detroit Lions' Changes
The Detroit Lions released a former Indiana product standing at 6-6 and 230 pounds. He had studied under the tutelage of coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Yet, despite his impressive build and coaching background, his journey with the Lions has ended.
Hendon Hooker has secured the backup role to Jared Goff, a decision stemming from the Lions' desire to solidify their quarterback depth chart heading into the new season. The released player had thrown a mere 14 passes over the past six seasons, making it a calculated, albeit difficult, decision for Detroit.
Chicago Bears' Quarterback Battle
A similar scenario played out in Chicago, where the Bears released quarterback Brett Rypien. Rypien had a solid preseason debut, showcasing his downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson. However, despite his promising start, Tyson Bagent ultimately outshined him for the backup spot behind Caleb Williams.
Rypien began his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos, where he compiled a 2-1 record as a starter. Though his tenure with the Bears was short, his resilience and play style demonstrated his potential value to other teams in need of quarterback depth.
Changes in Arizona and New England
The Arizona Cardinals also made significant adjustments, releasing Desmond Ridder, who was acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason. Clayton Tune secured the backup job behind Kyler Murray, leading to Ridder's release. Originally a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Ridder's journey in Arizona has been brief but notable.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots waived Bailey Zappe, a quarterback drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2022. Zappe had an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, tallying 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years. Despite his potential, the Patriots decided to move forward with their current roster of quarterbacks: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III.
Jacksonville Jaguars Adjustments
CJ Beathard's tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars also came to an end, concluding with an injury settlement. Beathard was originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. During the 2022 season, he threw six touchdowns and zero interceptions while filling in, showcasing his capability to perform under pressure.
The Jaguars acquired Mac Jones via trade, a move that undoubtedly impacted Beathard's position on the team. Over his three years in Jacksonville, Beathard made only one start, making the decision to part ways somewhat easier for the organization.
Constantly Evolving Rosters
Team rosters remain in constant flux, even after the initial cutdown to 53 players. Recent movements include the release of several early-round draft quarterbacks, highlighting the ever-present volatility and competitiveness within the league. As teams continue to adjust and refine their rosters, these decisions will reverberate through the season.
While each quarterback's journey has had its unique challenges and highlights, the current wave of releases and trades underscores the unforgiving nature of professional football. The teams' strategic moves seek to ensure that the best talent and fit are on the field when the 2024 season kicks off, leaving no room for indecision.
As the preseason dust settles, the coming weeks will reveal the true impact of these roster changes. Fans and analysts alike will keep a keen eye on how these quarterbacks adapt and potentially find new homes in the relentless march toward the new season.