The 2024 NFL season is just around the corner, and all 32 teams are making the final tweaks to their rosters. These last-minute adjustments involve some difficult decisions, resulting in notable players becoming cutdown casualties, especially at the quarterback position.
A Changing Landscape for Quarterbacks
Recent roster movements have seen the release of several quarterbacks, some of whom were early-round draft picks. Among them is a former Indiana player, standing at an imposing 6-6 and weighing 230 pounds, who was let go by the Detroit Lions. This quarterback had learned under the tutelage of legendary coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Over the past six seasons, he has thrown just 14 passes, a clear indication of limited opportunities. With Hendon Hooker securing the backup role to Jared Goff, his stint with the Lions has come to an end.
In a somewhat unexpected move, the Chicago Bears released Brett Rypien. Known for his solid preseason debut, Rypien demonstrated noteworthy downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson. Despite his efforts, Tyson Bagent outperformed him to clinch the backup spot behind Caleb Williams. Rypien’s NFL journey, which began with the Denver Broncos, saw him compile a 2-1 record as a starter. However, his latest endeavor with the Bears has been short-lived.
Trade Winds and Waivers
Desmond Ridder is another casualty, having been released by the Arizona Cardinals. Ridder was acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason but failed to secure a permanent position. The Cardinals opted for Clayton Tune to back up Kyler Murray, leaving Ridder, originally a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, searching for a new opportunity.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots waived Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft. Zappe finished with an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, throwing 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two seasons. The Patriots' quarterback room, now featuring Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III, appears to be moving in a different direction.
CJ Beathard’s time with the Jacksonville Jaguars also concluded, albeit due to an injury settlement. Beathard, initially a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, had a notable stint in 2022, throwing six touchdowns and zero interceptions in a fill-in role. Despite his potential, he made just one start during his three years with the Jaguars. With the acquisition of Mac Jones via trade, the Jaguars now have a reshuffled quarterback lineup.
Unpredictable Futures
These roster changes underscore the NFL's ever-evolving nature, where players, even those with considerable talent and early-round draft pedigrees, can find their careers taking unexpected turns. The jostling for backup roles and the strategic trades highlight the depth of competition and the critical decisions teams must make as they strive for success in the upcoming season.
As the 2024 season approaches, the fluidity of team rosters will continue to be a focal point, with fans and analysts alike keenly observing who will seize their chance to shine and who will seek new beginnings elsewhere. For the quarterbacks released, the journey might be riddled with uncertainties, but in the world of the NFL, opportunities often arise when least expected.