Amid the NFL's annual roster cutdown day, nearly 1,200 players are set to lose their jobs as teams pare down from a bloated 90-player roster to the regular-season limit of 53. The deadline, set for 4 p.m. ET, marks a day of tough decisions and potential career pivots for many athletes.
Notable Cuts and Surprises
Some names have already emerged as surprising cuts. Noteworthy among the releases are quarterbacks Will Grier, let go by the Eagles, and Ben DiNucci, cut by the Bills. Running backs Matt Breida from the 49ers and Phillip Dorsett from the Broncos also find themselves unexpectedly on the free-agent market. Myles Gaskin, recently of the Vikings, and Allen Robinson from the Giants add to the list of surprising names now without a team.
Defensive players were not spared. Cornerbacks C.J. Henderson and Tre Flowers, safeties Terrell Edmunds and Kareem Jackson, and kicker Matthew Wright from the Steelers were also cut. Some of these players may find a new home quickly, but for others, this could mark an uncertain next chapter.
Trades Shake Up the Landscape
The cutdown period isn't solely about releasing players; trades also play a significant role. The Packers have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. In a similar move, the Chiefs have sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for the same compensation — a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Rumors and Speculations
Speculation hovers over a few players who might either be traded or face release. Among them, Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are rumored to be on the brink. Texans running back Dameon Pierce is suggested to be a potential target for the Browns, an intriguing prospect that could shake up team dynamics. Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find himself relocating to the Commanders, while Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones has attracted the Cowboys' interest.
Major Contract Extensions
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have made headlines by extending wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract. Lamb's new four-year, $136 million deal includes a $38 million signing bonus. This extension, however lucrative, has shifted the Cowboys' focus to securing new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive standout Micah Parsons.
The urgency around Lamb’s contract was palpable; a delay in finalizing the deal potentially cost the Cowboys nearly $10 million. With Lamb locked in, attention now turns to reinforcing other key positions, ensuring the roster's competitive edge remains sharp.
Coaching Pressure Mounts
The investments and roster changes aren't limited to players. Coaching staff too are under the microscope. Jets coach Robert Saleh, holding an 18-33 record over three seasons, faces increasing pressure. "Imagine if this Aaron Rodgers investment does not work out," remarks analyst Jordan Dajani. "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 Aaron Rodgers underscores the team's win-now mentality, making the upcoming season pivotal for Saleh's tenure.
Elsewhere, Bills coach Sean McDermott is also in the spotlight. Despite perennial contention status, largely thanks to star quarterback Josh Allen, the team has reached the AFC Championship only once. Dajani observes, "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."
Injury News
Aside from roster moves, injuries continue to be a major concern. T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. Uchenna Nwosu will miss between two to six weeks due to a knee injury, dealing a blow to his team's defensive plans.
Off-Field Developments
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a blockbuster deal valued at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. Moreover, NFL owners are anticipated to vote in Minneapolis on potentially allowing private equity in team ownership, a monumental change that could reshape the league's financial landscape.
In a rebranding move, the Commanders’ stadium has been renamed Northwest Stadium, signaling a new era for the franchise.
The NFL's cutdown day, trades, rumors, and off-field developments collectively set the stage for a highly engaging season ahead. Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close watch as teams finalize their rosters and strategize for the upcoming challenges.