The final week before the 2024 NFL season is always a chaotic whirlwind, as teams rush to make critical roster adjustments. With the league mandate to cut down players from 90 to 53, significant trades, waivers, and releases have shaped the landscape of what promises to be an exhilarating season.
Big Moves Across the League
In a headline-grabbing move on Tuesday, 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 slot into a backup role behind the Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce, adding depth to an already formidable roster.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals made two notable trades that could have a lasting impact. They traded linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round selection in the 2022 draft, brings potential and a chance for further development under the Chiefs' system. Additionally, the Cardinals sent linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. In exchange, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, known for his starting inside linebacker position and role as team captain, will no doubt aim to be a key figure for the Titans.
Quarterback Shifts
Changes are also afoot for quarterbacks. The Tennessee Titans traded Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers, including a seventh-round pick in the deal. Willis is poised to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, providing insurance and competition at the QB position. Correspondingly, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, clearing the way for Willis to settle into his new role.
Defensive Line Changes
The Jacksonville Jaguars decided to trade defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The move comes at a crucial moment as the Seahawks are dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who is currently out with a sprained MCL. Gipson's arrival will provide much-needed reinforcement for Seattle's defense.
Not to be outdone, the Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. The Browns included a seventh-round pick and received a sixth-round pick in return. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, will have an opportunity to make a more significant impact in Chicago.
In another noteworthy move, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade adds further depth to the Bears' roster, potentially setting up a rejuvenated defensive line.
Special Teams Adjustments
The New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills also made a trade concerning special teams. The Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Bills. In return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington's versatility as a return specialist brings added value to the Bills’ special teams unit.
As teams continue to finalize their rosters, the trades and cuts made this week will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the unfolding narratives of the 2024 NFL season. With less than a week to go, fans can only wait and see how these last-minute adjustments will impact their favorite teams on the field.