The buildup to the 2024 NFL season has reached a fever pitch as teams finalize their rosters, making crucial adjustments in preparation for the opener. With teams required to trim their squad from 90 to the mandated 53 players, the final week has seen a flurry of significant trades, waivers, and releases shaping the teams' landscapes.
Notable Trades and Roster Moves
In a noteworthy move, the Dallas Cowboys traded tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Cowboys will receive a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, a promising talent, is expected to compete for a backup role behind the Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce.
The Kansas City Chiefs also bolstered their defense with another transaction, acquiring linebacker Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, fetched the Cardinals a seventh-round pick in return. This trade underscores the Chiefs' commitment to strengthening their defensive lineup.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals orchestrated a trade involving linebacker Ernest Jones, sending him to the Tennessee Titans. In return, the Titans provided a 2025 fifth-round pick, while the Cardinals included a 2026 sixth-round pick to complete the deal. Jones, who has been a significant presence as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, will undoubtedly aim to make an impact in Tennessee.
Quarterback Moves
Quarterback Malik Willis was traded by the Tennessee Titans to the Green Bay Packers. This deal includes a seventh-round pick heading to Green Bay, where Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. The Packers' quarterback room saw further adjustments as they released Sean Clifford, another 2022 draft pick.
Defensive Changes
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a move to strengthen their defensive front by trading Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Gipson's arrival is timely, as the Seahawks' edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is currently sidelined with a sprained MCL, creating an urgent need for depth at the position.
In a similar defensive maneuver, the Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. The Bears received Williams and a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, will look to break into the Bears' active roster.
The Seahawks were also involved in another trade, sending Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move is part of a broader strategy as teams seek to solidify their defensive units ahead of the season.
Special Teams Impact
The New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. The return includes a swap of late-round picks in 2026, indicating the Jets' and Bills' strategic roster fine-tuning in areas that can often dictate the outcome of close games through field position and special teams play.
As the 2024 NFL season edges nearer, these roster decisions and trades will undeniably shape the competitive dynamics and strategies of the involved teams. Each move reflects tactical considerations and the continuous drive for improvement, setting the stage for an exhilarating season kickoff.