Nearly 1,200 NFL players are facing the grim reality of unemployment today as teams slash their rosters from 90 to 53 players. The 4 p.m. ET deadline for final cuts has kept front offices across the league bustling. Among those released are Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe.
Some of the more eye-opening releases include quarterbacks Will Grier from the Eagles and Ben DiNucci from the Bills. Notable running backs also left searching for new teams include Matt Breida of the 49ers, Phillip Dorsett from the Broncos, and Myles Gaskin from the Vikings. Wide receiver Allen Robinson of the Giants and cornerbacks C.J. Henderson from the Texans and Tre Flowers from the Jaguars are on the list as well. The Steelers’ kicker, Matthew Wright, and Jaguars safeties Terrell Edmunds and Kareem Jackson were also shown the door.
Transactions and Speculations
On the trade front, the Packers have sent quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Meanwhile, the Chiefs dealt linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-rounder. Rumors circulate around Broncos’ wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine as potential trade or release candidates.
There are whispers that the Browns might have their eyes set on Texans running back Dameon Pierce. Chief’s WR Skyy Moore may also be on the move, possibly finding a new home with the Commanders. Over in New England, Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is believed to be on the Cowboys’ radar.
Cowboys Extend Star Wide Receiver
In contract news, the Dallas Cowboys have locked in their star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with a four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus. Securing Lamb’s future is a significant win for the Cowboys, who are now shifting their focus to new contracts for pivotal players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons. Notably, the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million had Lamb’s deal been finalized earlier in the offseason.
Coaching Under the Microscope
The upcoming season puts several head coaches under intense scrutiny. Jets coach Robert Saleh, with an 18-33 record over three seasons, now has Aaron Rodgers under center. “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,” says Jordan Dajani.
Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott is also under pressure, despite his team's reputation as perennial contenders. “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,” Dajani adds.
Injuries and Business Off the Field
Injury-wise, bad news hits for a couple of key players as T.J. Hockenson remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. Uchenna Nwosu’s knee injury will keep him out for two to six weeks.
Meanwhile, outside the stadiums, the Kelce brothers have struck a deal securing at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. There is also an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis, considering allowing private equity in team ownership, a move that could significantly alter the financial landscape of the league.
Changes and Investments
The Commanders have announced a new name for their stadium, now known as Northwest Stadium. In New York, the Jets have made significant investments, most notably in quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as they look to turn around their fortunes.
As teams navigate these latest roster changes and the high stakes that accompany them, the NFL landscape prepares for yet another season filled with just as much action off the field as on it.