As the 2024 NFL season approaches with palpable excitement, teams across the league are making crucial roster adjustments. It’s a tense, transformative period as squads whittle down their rosters from a hefty 90 players to the streamlined 53 mandated by the league. The final week before kickoff has seen a flurry of significant trades, waivers, and releases, with some notable moves changing the landscape of several teams.
Dallas Cowboys Trade Peyton Hendershot
Among the highlighted transactions, the Dallas Cowboys made waves by trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, Dallas received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is anticipated to compete for a backup position behind star tight end Travis Kelce, potentially fortifying a Chiefs lineup aiming for yet another deep playoff run.
Kansas City Chiefs Acquire Cameron Thomas
In another strategic move, the Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their defense by acquiring linebacker Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals. Thomas, a third-round pick in the 2022 draft, joins the Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. This acquisition is likely aimed at enhancing the Chiefs' defensive depth, which could prove pivotal as they contend with top-tier offenses in the upcoming season.
Cardinals and Titans Swap Linebackers
Adding to the Cardinals' active trading front, standout linebacker Ernest Jones was sent to the Tennessee Titans. In exchange, the Titans provided a 2025 fifth-round pick, with the Rams including a 2026 sixth-round pick in the deal. Jones has been instrumental as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, bringing leadership and skill to a Titans' defense that aims to dominate its division.
Malik Willis Heads to Green Bay
One of the more surprising moves involved quarterback Malik Willis, who was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Green Bay Packers. The deal, which includes a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup to Jordan Love. This move led to the Packers releasing fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, showing confidence in their new addition to reinforce their quarterback depth.
Seattle Seahawks Boost Their Defense
The Seattle Seahawks took steps to reinforce their defensive front by trading for Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive lineman Trevis Gipson in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes at a critical time, with edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu sidelined by a sprained MCL. Gipson's integration into the team aims to fill the void left by Nwosu’s injury and strengthen the Seahawks' defensive line.
Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears Make a Deal
In a trade aimed at tweaking their rosters, the Cleveland Browns sent defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, accompanied by a seventh-round pick, was traded for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, now has the opportunity to prove his worth on the Bears' defensive front.
Darrell Taylor to the Bears
The Chicago Bears continued their roster reconstruction by acquiring Darrell Taylor from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor brings his talents to a Bears team looking to sharpen its edge rushing capabilities, potentially adding a formidable presence to their defensive lineup.
Brandon Codrington Moves to Buffalo
Lastly, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026, a move that augments the Bills' special teams and secondary depth. Codrington’s versatility as a return specialist provides an immediate boost to Buffalo's special teams unit.
As teams settle into their final rosters, these moves underscore the strategic decisions being made in anticipation of a fiercely competitive NFL season. Each trade, waiver, and release marks a calculated effort to strengthen lineups, enhance depth, and address critical needs identified throughout preseason evaluations. With kickoff imminent, fans eagerly await to see how these changes will shape the performance and fortunes of their favorite teams. The NFL landscape remains ever-dynamic, and these roster adjustments illustrate the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines this beloved sport.