Nearly 1,200 NFL players will find themselves unemployed by the end of today, as teams across the league finalize their 53-man rosters from the existing 90-player allotment. The 4 p.m. ET deadline prompts a mass exodus of talent, highlighting the sheer intensity and competitiveness of professional football.
Notable Releases
Among the most surprising cuts are Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. Other recognizable names set adrift include quarterbacks Will Grier (Eagles) and Ben DiNucci (Bills), running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings), wide receiver Allen Robinson (Giants), cornerbacks C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars), safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills), and Steelers kicker Matthew Wright.
Fans and analysts can keep up with all the roster moves through a CUTS TRACKER and a dedicated live blog, which provide real-time updates on all player transactions.
Trades and Speculations
The Packers have orchestrated a trade, sending quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Similarly, the Chiefs have traded linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a 2025 seventh-round pick. These moves demonstrate the fine line teams are walking as they balance roster needs and future draft capital.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds several players who might soon find themselves on the move. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are being discussed as potential trade or release candidates. Texans running back Dameon Pierce is reportedly on the Browns' radar, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore may find a place with the Commanders. Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones has also attracted interest from the Cowboys.
Big Contracts and Future Focus
In an offseason brimming with financial dealings, the Dallas Cowboys have made a headline-grabbing move by extending wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a lucrative four-year, $136 million deal, which includes a $38 million signing bonus. The Cowboys are now shifting their focus to securing new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive standout Micah Parsons. The timing of Lamb's extension is worth noting, as the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million had the deal been finalized earlier in the offseason.
Coaching Records Under Scrutiny
Jets head coach Robert Saleh enters the new season with an 18-33 record over three years. While his defense has been among the league's best, his offensively challenged squad has fallen short of expectations. As Jordan Dajani observes, "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."
The Jets' significant investment in quarterback Aaron Rodgers amplifies the stakes for Saleh and the franchise. Likewise, Bills head coach Sean McDermott finds himself under the microscope. Despite having one of the NFL's most talented quarterbacks in Josh Allen, McDermott's Bills have reached the AFC Championship only once. As Dajani notes, "We view McDermott's Buffalo Bills as perennial contenders due to the talented Josh Allen, 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."
Injuries and Media Ventures
Player health remains a perennial concern as the season approaches. Notably, tight end T.J. Hockenson will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and miss at least the first four games. Meanwhile, Uchenna Nwosu is expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a lucrative deal, reportedly worth at least $100 million, for the full rights to their podcast "New Heights."
Ownership and Stadium News
The NFL's business side is also buzzing with activity. There is an anticipated vote among NFL owners in Minneapolis regarding the potential allowance of private equity in team ownership—a significant shift in how teams could be financed in the future. Additionally, the Washington Commanders have renamed their stadium to Northwest Stadium, marking a new chapter in the team's branding efforts.