Final Roster Adjustments Shape the 2024 NFL Season Kickoff
As the 2024 NFL season looms on the horizon, teams across the league have been making critical roster decisions, trimming down from 90 to the mandated 53 players. This past Tuesday witnessed a flurry of trades, waivers, and releases, significantly impacting several franchises.
Cowboys Trade Peyton Hendershot to Chiefs
The Dallas Cowboys made a notable move by trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who is expected to compete for a backup role behind the formidable Travis Kelce, adds depth to the Chiefs' already impressive roster. This acquisition could prove crucial for Kansas City as they look to solidify their passing game.
Cardinals Restructure Linebacker Corps
The Arizona Cardinals were active in the trade market, sending linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round selection from the 2022 draft, will seek to make an impact with his new team. In another move, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. This transaction saw the Rams include a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Known as a key figure and team captain, Jones' departure marks a significant change in Arizona's defensive lineup.
Malik Willis Moves to Green Bay
Quarterback Malik Willis was traded by the Tennessee Titans to the Green Bay Packers, a deal that also involved a seventh-round pick. Willis is poised to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, fortifying the Packers' quarterback depth chart. Concurrently, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, further streamlining their roster.
Jaguars and Seahawks Swap Defensive Linemen
In another significant move, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade comes as the Seahawks contend with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who is out with a sprained MCL. Gipson's addition aims to bolster the Seahawks' defensive front in Nwosu's absence.
Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears Exchange Picks
The Cleveland Browns decided to trade defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears, along with a seventh-round pick, in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams spent last season on the practice squad, and his transition to the Bears provides him with a new opportunity to carve out a niche in Chicago's defense.
Darrell Taylor Joins the Bears
The Seattle Seahawks also traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move, coupled with the acquisition of Chris Williams, indicates the Bears are heavily focused on rejuvenating their defensive line as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Jets Send Brandon Codrington to the Bills
Lastly, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. This deal involved a swap of late-round picks in 2026, offering Codrington a fresh start while reinforcing the Bills' special teams unit.
As these roster adjustments settle, teams are now poised for the start of the 2024 NFL season, each hoping their strategic moves will bring them one step closer to Super Bowl glory.