As the 2024 NFL season draws near, the gridiron drama intensifies with each passing day. All 32 teams are deeply immersed in finalizing their rosters, making the heart-wrenching decisions necessary to trim down to the league-mandated 53-player limit. Among the flurry of moves, a handful of quarterbacks have found themselves on the wrong side of the cut line, leading to significant changes on several rosters.
Detroit Lions Make Tough Calls
Among the notable names released, the Detroit Lions parted ways with a former draft pick out of Indiana. Standing at 6-6 and 230 pounds, this quarterback had studied football under the guidance of prominent coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Despite his obvious physical talents and pedigree, opportunities on the field were scarce as he managed to throw just 14 passes over the past six seasons. In a competitive roster battle, Hendon Hooker emerged as the backup to Jared Goff, ultimately ending this player's journey in Detroit.
Chicago Bears Have a QB Shake-Up
The Chicago Bears also made headlines by releasing Brett Rypien. Rypien had showcased a strong preseason performance, notably exhibiting a solid downfield connection with wide receiver Collin Johnson. However, it was rookie sensation Tyson Bagent who stole the show, surpassing Rypien to secure the backup quarterback spot behind starter Caleb Williams. Rypien, who began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, leaves behind a brief yet notable track record, including a 2-1 record as a starter with the Broncos.
Arizona Cardinals Part Ways with Ridder
In Arizona, the Cardinals decided to release Desmond Ridder. Acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason, Ridder found himself unable to secure a lasting spot on the roster. The quarterback battle in Arizona saw Clayton Tune claim the backup position behind Kyler Murray. Ridder had initially entered the league as a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, but his tenure with the Cardinals was cut short, leaving him searching for a new opportunity.
New England Patriots Waive Bailey Zappe
The New England Patriots made a notable move by waiving Bailey Zappe. Drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2022, Zappe recorded an even 4-4 record as a starting replacement over his two years. During this period, he tallied 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, a performance that ultimately did not suffice to retain his spot on the team. The Patriots' current quarterback room boasts talents like Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III, crowding out Zappe from the roster.
CJ Beathard's Injurious Exit from Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Jaguars saw the end of CJ Beathard's tenure with the team, agreeing to an injury settlement. Originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard had shown flashes of promise, including a standout stint in the 2022 season where he threw six touchdowns with no interceptions. However, his time with Jacksonville saw limited action, culminating in just one start over three years. The Jaguars traded for Mac Jones, pushing Beathard out of the equation.
As the NFL landscape continues to shift, the ripple effects of these roster changes will be felt across the league. The finalization of team rosters is more than a matter of compliance; it's a refining process that reveals the athletes and combinations believed to offer the best chance for success in the grueling season ahead. While these quarterbacks take their next steps, whether in pursuit of new teams or different roles, the drama and excitement of the NFL remain undiminished, captivating fans and analysts alike.