The NFL's roster cut deadline has arrived, leaving nearly 1,200 players without a job as teams reduce their rosters from 90 to the final 53 players. By 4 p.m. ET, the deadline for these decisions will have passed, marking a crucial moment for many careers.
Key Player Releases
The Packers made headlines by letting go of kicker Anders Carlson, while the Patriots released quarterback Bailey Zappe. Other notable cuts include several seasoned quarterbacks and running backs: Will Grier from the Eagles, Ben DiNucci from the Bills, and a surprising roster move by the 49ers, letting go of RB Matt Breida. Additionally, RB Phillip Dorsett from the Broncos, RB Myles Gaskin from the Vikings, and WR Allen Robinson from the Giants find themselves looking for new opportunities.
Veteran defensive players also faced the cut, with C.J. Henderson (Texans), Tre Flowers (Jaguars), and Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) among them. The Bills released S Kareem Jackson, and the Steelers let go of K Matthew Wright.
Trades Before The Deadline
Amidst these cuts, several trades have also taken place. The Packers have traded QB Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. In a similar move, the Chiefs sent LB Cam Thomas to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculations and Potential Moves
There is rampant speculation involving several big-name players. The Broncos might consider trading or releasing WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine, while the Texans’ RB Dameon Pierce is thought to be a target for the Browns. Furthermore, Chiefs WR Skyy Moore may end up with the Commanders, and Patriots DB Jonathan Jones is rumored to be on the Cowboys' radar.
Major Contract Extensions
The Dallas Cowboys have secured WR CeeDee Lamb with a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus. Despite the significant expenditure, questions loom regarding new contracts for QB Dak Prescott and LB Micah Parsons, who are now the team's primary focus.
The decision to extend Lamb's contract later in the offseason may have cost the Cowboys nearly $10 million, a point of contemplation for many fans and analysts alike.
Coaching Pressures and Injuries
The pressures facing NFL coaches are ever-present, and for some, growing. Jets coach Robert Saleh has a record of 18-33 over three seasons with the team, despite building one of the best defenses in the league. A significant investment has been made in Aaron Rodgers, and as Jordan Dajani puts it, "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."
Similarly, the Buffalo Bills and coach Sean McDermott find themselves in a critical situation. Dajani observes, "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."
Player injuries also complicate matters for teams aiming for a strong start to the season. T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games, and Uchenna Nwosu is expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
NFL Business Moves
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have struck a comprehensive deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their popular "New Heights" podcast. Additionally, there’s an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on introducing private equity in team ownership—a move that could significantly alter the business landscape of the league.
In another landmark change, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed Northwest Stadium, reflecting broader trends towards regional identity and sponsorship opportunities in professional sports.
As the dust settles on roster cuts, trades, and extensions, the NFL landscape continues to shift dynamically, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead.