Nearly 1,200 NFL players are facing unemployment as teams across the league trim their rosters from 90 players to the more manageable 53 before today's 4 p.m. ET deadline. The roster reduction is a harsh annual reality in the world of professional football, and this year’s cuts include several notable names.
Kicker Anders Carlson of the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Bailey Zappe of the New England Patriots have both been released. Other high-profile cuts spread throughout the league include quarterbacks Will Grier (Eagles) and Ben DiNucci (Bills), running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), Myles Gaskin (Vikings), and wide receiver Allen Robinson (Giants). On the defensive side, cornerbacks C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars), and safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills), along with kicker Matthew Wright (Steelers) have also found themselves unemployed.
For those eager to stay up-to-date, a CUTS TRACKER and a live blog provide real-time updates on all roster moves.
Trades and Speculation
While some players are being shown the door, others are finding new homes through trades. The Packers have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs have sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Arizona Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculation continues to swirl around other potential moves. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are considered potential trade or release candidates. Texans running back Dameon Pierce has been rumored to be a target for the Cleveland Browns, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find himself donning the Washington Commanders’ colors soon. Additionally, Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is reportedly on the Cowboys' radar for a possible acquisition.
Cowboys Make Financial Moves
In contract news, the Dallas Cowboys have extended wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s contract, offering him a four-year, $136 million deal that includes a $38 million signing bonus. The extension cements Lamb's position as a critical component of the Cowboys' offense as the team now turns its focus to securing new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons.
The timing of Lamb's extension, however, has been a point of financial scrutiny. The Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million had they completed this deal earlier in the offseason, a potentially costly oversight in a league where salary cap space is at a premium.
Pressure Mounting on Coaches
Amid these roster changes and financial moves, some coaches are feeling the heat. Jets coach Robert Saleh, who has a three-season record of 18-33, finds himself at a critical juncture. "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," observes Jordan Dajani.
Similarly, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is under pressure. His team has made it to the AFC Championship just once despite boasting a talented lineup led by Josh Allen. "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," Dajani notes.
Injuries and Beyond
In injury news, tight end T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will be missing at least the first four games of the season. Defensive end Uchenna Nwosu will also be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off the Field
In a lucrative deal off the gridiron, the Kelce brothers have secured a contract worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their "New Heights" podcast. This deal underscores the growing trend of athletes leveraging their fame for business ventures outside of sports.
Ownership and Stadia
The NFL is also abuzz with administrative news. An anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis could potentially allow private equity in team ownership, marking a significant shift in the financial landscape of the league.
Meanwhile, infrastructural changes are afoot, with the Washington Commanders' stadium being renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting a new chapter in the team's ongoing evolution.
As teams finalize their rosters and navigate trades, the next few days will undoubtedly bring more surprises, setting the stage for a season filled with both new opportunities and looming challenges.