The final week before the highly anticipated 2024 NFL season saw a flurry of player transactions as teams trimmed their rosters from a bloated 90-man list down to the mandated 53 players. Busy front offices executed trades, waivers, and releases to fine-tune their squads in preparation for the fierce competition ahead.
Cowboys and Chiefs Make Moves
Among Tuesday's significant moves, the Dallas Cowboys sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to compete for a backup role behind star tight end Travis Kelce, providing depth at a crucial position for the Chiefs. Kelce, an integral part of the Kansas City offense, is typically heavily relied upon, making the acquisition of Hendershot a strategic move.
Arizona Cardinals Shake Up Their Roster
The Arizona Cardinals were also active, trading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round selection in the 2022 draft, will look to solidify his position in Kansas City's defensive scheme. Additionally, the Cardinals sent linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans, along with a 2026 sixth-round pick, in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, who has been pivotal as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, will add veteran leadership and experience to Tennessee's defense.
Quarterback Shuffle
In a notable quarterback transaction, Malik Willis was traded by the Tennessee Titans to the Green Bay Packers. Willis, accompanied by a seventh-round pick, will step into a backup role behind Jordan Love. This move led the Packers to release fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford. The adjustment bolsters Green Bay's quarterback depth chart entering the new season.
Defensive Linemen Relocations
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes as the Seahawks manage the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who is currently sidelined with a sprained MCL.
In Cleveland, the Browns made a deal to send defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. The Browns included a seventh-round pick in the transaction, receiving a sixth-round pick in return. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, will have the opportunity to make an impact in Chicago's defensive rotation.
Seahawks & Bears Trade
Continuing with the Bears, they acquired defensive end Darrell Taylor from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor will join the Bears' defensive unit, which looks to improve its pass-rush capabilities.
Jets and Bills Exchange Special Teams Talent
To round off the roster moves, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in the 2026 draft. Codrington will augment Buffalo's special teams unit, possibly providing a spark in the return game.
These transactions epitomize the strategic maneuvering that takes place as NFL teams refine their rosters in the final days leading up to the season opener. Each move is designed to address specific team needs, ensuring that when the first whistle blows, the squads are optimized for success. As the dust settles on this round of trades and cuts, the NFL community eagerly awaits the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that the 2024 season is sure to deliver.