The countdown to the 2024 NFL season has officially hit its final week, and the roster shuffles have transformed the landscape across the league. As teams whittled down their squads from an extensive 90-man roster to the definitive 53-player roster, notable trades, waivers, and releases marked the final day of adjustments.
Key Trades Shape Contenders
The Dallas Cowboys set the tone by sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who has shown promise, is slated to compete for a backup role behind the Chiefs' standout tight end, Travis Kelce. This move indicates the Chiefs' readiness to solidify their depth at the tight end position as they aim for another championship run.
The Kansas City Chiefs were also active on the defensive front, acquiring linebacker Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, adds depth to the Chiefs' linebacker unit. This acquisition reflects Kansas City's strategy of bolstering their defense with young and versatile players.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals continued their roster reconfiguration by trading linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The deal saw the Rams include a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, a key figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, is expected to bring leadership and experience to the Titans' defensive lineup.
Quarterback Carousel: Willis to Packers
In a surprising quarterback shuffle, Malik Willis was traded by the Tennessee Titans to the Green Bay Packers. The deal, which also includes a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup to Jordan Love. This transaction signifies a fresh start for Willis in Green Bay, especially as the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford.
The Packers' decision underscores their confidence in Willis' potential as a reliable second-string quarterback, an essential component in the team's contingency planning for the season. Given Jordan Love's relatively untested status as an NFL starter, the acquisition of Willis provides additional insurance for the Packers under center.
Seahawks Bolster Defensive Line Amid Injury
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a decisive move by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade comes at a crucial time for the Seahawks as their edge rusher, Uchenna Nwosu, is currently sidelined due to a sprained MCL. Integrating Gipson into the defensive line provides the Seahawks with a necessary boost as they seek to maintain a formidable defensive front.
Strategic Moves Across the League
The Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears also reached an agreement, with defensive lineman Chris Williams heading to Chicago along with a seventh-round pick. In return, the Browns received a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent the previous season on the practice squad, now has an opportunity to prove his worth on the Bears' active roster.
In another transaction, the Seattle Seahawks sent Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move aligns with both teams' strategies to restructure and reinforce their respective squads ahead of the season opener.
The New York Jets, not to be left out, traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In exchange, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington’s versatility as a return specialist adds a dynamic element to the Bills' special teams unit, potentially giving them a competitive edge in close games.
As the NFL teams finalize their rosters and align their strategies, these trades reflect a concerted effort by franchises to address immediate needs and plan for future success. The excitement and anticipation for the 2024 season have never been higher, with fans eagerly awaiting kickoff, and teams hoping their carefully calculated moves pay off on the field.