It's that time of the year again in the NFL when dreams are both realized and shattered. By the end of today, nearly 1,200 NFL players will find themselves out of a job as teams trim their rosters from 90 players down to the mandated 53. With the deadline for roster cuts set at 4 p.m. ET, fans and players alike are on edge, waiting to see who will make the final cut.
Surprising Cuts and Trades
Among the more surprising early cuts were Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. The two players, once considered promising talents, now find themselves seeking new opportunities elsewhere. Notable releases also included quarterbacks Will Grier from the Eagles and Ben DiNucci from the Bills, along with several running backs: Matt Breida of the 49ers, Phillip Dorsett of the Broncos, and Myles Gaskin of the Vikings. Wide receiver Allen Robinson was let go by the Giants, while the Texans and Jaguars parted ways with cornerbacks C.J. Henderson and Tre Flowers, respectively, and safeties Terrell Edmunds and Kareem Jackson.
In addition to cuts, significant trades have taken place. The Packers traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick, and the Chiefs sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for another 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculations and Contract Extensions
Speculation is rampant surrounding potential trades and releases, with Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine being mentioned as possible candidates for either outcome. Similarly, Texans running back Dameon Pierce is suggested as a target for the Browns, and Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Commanders. Additionally, Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is reportedly on the Cowboys' radar.
Speaking of the Cowboys, they've made headlines by extending wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension that includes a $38 million signing bonus. This move shifts the team’s focus to securing new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive end Micah Parsons. It's worth noting that the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been completed earlier in the offseason.
Coaching Pressures and Player Injuries
Coaching pressures continue to build as the new season approaches. Jets coach Robert Saleh, with an 18-33 record over three seasons, is feeling the heat. "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 sports analyst Jordan Dajani. The Jets have made a significant investment in Aaron Rodgers, and all eyes will be on Saleh to see if he can turn the team's fortunes around.
In Buffalo, Bills coach Sean McDermott is also under scrutiny. "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," notes Dajani. The Bills' faithful will be hoping their team can live up to the expectations this season.
Player injuries heading into the season also pose significant challenges. T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. Additionally, Uchenna Nwosu will be out for two to six weeks due to a knee injury. These absences could impact their respective teams’ dynamics and performance early on.
Changes in the Arena: Business and Brand Moves
Off the field, the business side of the NFL continues to evolve. The Kelce brothers have secured an impressive deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. Additionally, NFL owners are anticipated to vote in Minneapolis on allowing private equity in team ownership, a move that could significantly alter the financial landscape of the league.
Meanwhile, the Commanders have announced a rebranding of their stadium, which will now be called Northwest Stadium. This change is part of a broader effort to revitalize the team's image and connection with fans.
As the clock ticks down to the roster cut deadline, all these developments remind us of the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of professional football. From roster adjustments and high-stakes trades to coaching pressures and business ventures, the lead-up to the new season is proving as dramatic as ever.